M & B Tour 2013

[schiaffino]

On the other hand, the not-so-cool moments were:

• God Only Knows. Bruce didnt sing it with the same fluidity and strength as Brian. To be honest, Bruce didnt sound good, sounded tired and his voice was not strong. Most of the time he was just clapping, adjusting his mic stand but not singing. It was sad, 'cause I really liked 'Disney Girls live last year...

Thanks for the review.  Bruce was sick at the show I saw on friday.  The few leads he sang were pretty weak and they shuffled the set list around midway through the show since they had to drop Disney Girls at the last minute (it was in the set, and Mike made a comment to Bruce about doing Disney Girls at another show, unfortunately.  Always a highlight of the show.)  Bruce usually sounds good on God Only Knows, so I'm guessing his voice wasn't back yet for your show.

Thanks for the comments! And ok, that would explain why Bruce sounded so 'short-of-air'. He sang GOK in phrases, you know, not a continuous flow like Carl did but like when you're running out of air and you need to stop to breathe after every sentence.

He did Disney Girls really well last year in Montreal. For me it was one of the highlights of the concert. 

[schiaffino]

What a dump!

...so I said it. Lock me up.

Not the nicest venue ever, but not sure I'd call it a dump. I mean, I felt weird there, specially since I saw them in all their glory at the Bell Center in Montreal last year. But there was a cool feeling of intimacy going on too...and to be honest, sound was very good and Mike sounded top form.

Only think that really, really sucked (aside from Kokomo) was the cheap fake palm trees 

[donald]

Central Park > Washington Monument > Baseball stadiums > concert halls/auditoriums > ampitheatres > county fairs > wineries > casinos > restaurants.

When are they going to play supermarket and car dealership grand openings?

The mountain winery in Saratoga is great venue, beautiful spot for  a show under the stars.  Saw the band there twice and it was  a delight each time.

That restaurant pictured above, on the other hand, looks depressing.

[HeyJude]

Posted in wrong thread.

[schiaffino]

On the other hand, the not-so-cool moments were:

God Only Knows. Bruce didnt sing it with the same fluidity and strength as Brian. To be honest, Bruce didnt sound good, sounded tired and his voice was not strong. Most of the time he was just clapping, adjusting his mic stand but not singing. It was sad, 'cause I really liked 'Disney Girls live last year...

He was just like that during the C50 last year. Nothing has changed. Disney Girls sounded good on the CD, Wendy did not. His voice is pretty much shot, except for doing a few nice background vocals here and there.

Good Vibrations. Not sure who sang it (Christian?) but it came out flat...aside from Mike's verses, what an amazing bass voice. But that song needs Brian! Missed his weird hand movements, even his harmonizing with Foskett.

Christian Love sometimes does sound flat. And easygoing blase. Not much expression. He's not a belter. Can't project. Sounds like Carl sometimes but without feeling. He's boring, really.  

Overall it was a good show, they did the old surf & cars songs very competently. Mike sang very well and he was a strong frontman. Bruce was completely irrelevant.

Bruce Johnston is irrelevant. He's a figurehead. He's there because Mike needs him there as an "original" Beach Boy to complete "The Beach Boys" requirement on paper. Going through the motions. Walking across the stage smiling, clapping, waving, and constantly adjusting his mic. Bruce should throw in the towel and retire to Montecito to knock back Pacifico's, contribute articles to Right Wing political web sites, give surf reports, and keep track of who comes over to Opera's house across the steet.

Hi Mikie, thanks for commenting. I can understand how you feel, I do agree with the majority of your comments. But I have to acknowledge that I did enjoy the show. Not that I'm a Mike-believer now, but they do know how to give a crowd their money's worth and at 70+, he's very energetic and fun as a frontman.

Bruce unfortunately didnt do it for me. I have respect for his music skills, some of the work he did for the band back in the 70s and for his overall commitment to continue toruing at his age - even if I know he does it for the money (as he told Peter Carlin in Catch a Wave). He's a professional, does his thing as good as he can (even when sick like last weekend as the Sheriff clarified) and then gets payed. A reliable employee I would say.

But to be honest with you and all board members, after this show I ratify my 'Brianista' condition. Brian may be awkward onstage, sometimes flat in his singing, not engaging and literally dull. But he has a mystique that goes pass whats visible, literally moving vibrations that touch your heart in a deep place. Something unexplainable, that can only be felt once he opens his mouth and sings a melody. The 2 times I saw him solo, I literally cried of joy during the concert. With M&B I cried of sickness when they played Kokomo.

So first thing I did Sunday morning? Got my tickets for Brian in Toronto 

[gfac22]

Just out of curiosity, about how many people would you say that place held?

[schiaffino]

Just out of curiosity, about how many people would you say that place held?

500-700? There were seats, maybe full GA could hold 1000+

[Mikie]

The mountain winery in Saratoga is great venue, beautiful spot for  a show under the stars.  Saw the band there twice and it was  a delight each time.

It really is, Don. I've seen Brian and the band twice now (along with a couple of other bands) at the Mountain Winery, and it's a nice intimate setting with good acoustics. As long as you don't drink too much beer or wine and then try to negotiate all those curves coming off the hill, you'll be in good shape!  

[Mikie]

So first thing I did Sunday morning? Got my tickets for Brian in Toronto 

Good man!  And good review, Schiaffino.  I'll take that red Camaro in the picture!   

[schiaffino]

So first thing I did Sunday morning? Got my tickets for Brian in Toronto 

Good man!  And good review, Schiaffino.  I'll take that red Camaro in the picture!   

 

[donald]

The mountain winery in Saratoga is great venue, beautiful spot for  a show under the stars.  Saw the band there twice and it was  a delight each time.

It really is, Don. I've seen Brian and the band twice now (along with a couple of other bands) at the Mountain Winery, and it's a nice intimate setting with good acoustics. As long as you don't drink too much beer or wine and then try to negotiate all those curves coming off the hill, you'll be in good shape!  

Coming off of that hill is a real test of sustained attention.  There are two exits, one that comes out at the main entrance on the mountain road back to Santa Cruz and the other out on the highway on the way back to San Jose. The first time I was dumped out on that highway back to San Jose I had NO idea where I was.  I took a wild guess and turned right and wound up back in Saratoga.   Anyhow, the Winery is a great venue.  Apparently they are a part of a group of venues that rotate many of the same acts over the course of the concert season.  We get brochures from several performing arts venues and they often include many of the same acts over the course of a few months.  Pretty amazing how all of that is coordinated.

[J.G. Dev]

Went to see Mike Love's Historical Travelling Beach Boys last night in Hampton Beach, NH. First off, this was my first M&B show. I stopped going to shows after Carl died (although I did see Brian solo). Like a lot of people, I had a problem with Mike calling his outfit the Beach Boys, but after last year's shows, and all that's gone on, I figured I should at least check them out, as they aren't going to be around forever. I will say that I was very impressed. I think last night's show was as good, if not better than many shows I saw in the 80's and 90's. Mike was in good form, and Bruce was too, although he didn't sing too many leads. Bruce was prancing around so much that at one point my wife asked me if he was gay. I said, no, he's Republican.
During the intro of Be True to Your School, Mike went on about how the song came out in 1963, 50 years ago, and that "Uncle Jesse" would be turning 50 in a few months. I will tell you that as soon as he mentioned Stamos' name the place erupted, and if he would have walked out on stage at that point the roof would have come of the place. Very strange.
I didn't quite take to Christian Love immediately, but he started to (almost) win me over by the end of the night. I didn't write down the set list but from previous ones I've seen listed, some differences were that they dd Good Timin' and Warmth of the Sun last night. I had not heard the BB's ever do Summertime Blues and I thought that was especially good. I was hoping for Wild Honey in the encore and they did. That number was absolutely scorching! Cowsill also knocked it out of the park on Darlin'.
I would tell you that if you've stayed away from M&B because they bill themselves as the BB's, you should consider changing your mind and going to see them. They put on a great show. As good as last year? No, but very good.

[Nicko1234]

Went to see Mike Love's Historical Travelling Beach Boys last night in Hampton Beach, NH. First off, this was my first M&B show. I stopped going to shows after Carl died (although I did see Brian solo). Like a lot of people, I had a problem with Mike calling his outfit the Beach Boys, but after last year's shows, and all that's gone on, I figured I should at least check them out, as they aren't going to be around forever. I will say that I was very impressed. I think last night's show was as good, if not better than many shows I saw in the 80's and 90's. Mike was in good form, and Bruce was too, although he didn't sing too many leads. Bruce was prancing around so much that at one point my wife asked me if he was gay. I said, no, he's Republican.
During the intro of Be True to Your School, Mike went on about how the song came out in 1963, 50 years ago, and that "Uncle Jesse" would be turning 50 in a few months. I will tell you that as soon as he mentioned Stamos' name the place erupted, and if he would have walked out on stage at that point the roof would have come of the place. Very strange.
I didn't quite take to Christian Love immediately, but he started to (almost) win me over by the end of the night. I didn't write down the set list but from previous ones I've seen listed, some differences were that they dd Good Timin' and Warmth of the Sun last night. I had not heard the BB's ever do Summertime Blues and I thought that was especially good. I was hoping for Wild Honey in the encore and they did. That number was absolutely scorching! Cowsill also knocked it out of the park on Darlin'.
I would tell you that if you've stayed away from M&B because they bill themselves as the BB's, you should consider changing your mind and going to see them. They put on a great show. As good as last year? No, but very good.

Not a popular thing to state on this board.

I agree with your comments about the touring group. Not as good as last year but very good nevertheless.

[JohnMill]

Bruce was prancing around so much that at one point my wife asked me if he was gay. I said, no, he's Republican.

Ah another post of the year candidate here my friend.

[drbeachboy]

Bruce was prancing around so much that at one point my wife asked me if he was gay. I said, no, he's Republican.

Ah another post of the year candidate here my friend.

That is a great quote.

[JohnMill]

Went to see Mike Love's Historical Travelling Beach Boys last night in Hampton Beach, NH. First off, this was my first M&B show. I stopped going to shows after Carl died (although I did see Brian solo). Like a lot of people, I had a problem with Mike calling his outfit the Beach Boys, but after last year's shows, and all that's gone on, I figured I should at least check them out, as they aren't going to be around forever. I will say that I was very impressed. I think last night's show was as good, if not better than many shows I saw in the 80's and 90's. Mike was in good form, and Bruce was too, although he didn't sing too many leads. Bruce was prancing around so much that at one point my wife asked me if he was gay. I said, no, he's Republican.
During the intro of Be True to Your School, Mike went on about how the song came out in 1963, 50 years ago, and that "Uncle Jesse" would be turning 50 in a few months. I will tell you that as soon as he mentioned Stamos' name the place erupted, and if he would have walked out on stage at that point the roof would have come of the place. Very strange.
I didn't quite take to Christian Love immediately, but he started to (almost) win me over by the end of the night. I didn't write down the set list but from previous ones I've seen listed, some differences were that they dd Good Timin' and Warmth of the Sun last night. I had not heard the BB's ever do Summertime Blues and I thought that was especially good. I was hoping for Wild Honey in the encore and they did. That number was absolutely scorching! Cowsill also knocked it out of the park on Darlin'.
I would tell you that if you've stayed away from M&B because they bill themselves as the BB's, you should consider changing your mind and going to see them. They put on a great show. As good as last year? No, but very good.

Not a popular thing to state on this board.

I think it would be more widely accepted if after throwing bouquets in the direction of John Stamos, that Mike Love would actually bring him out on stage.  But he doesn't because obviously Stamos isn't at any of these gigs where Mike Love is tossing him bouquet after bouquet.  So it takes the scenario from throwing a bouquet towards someone who you are about to introduce to the crowd and bring out on stage (which almost every performer does) to using the name of someone arguably more recognizable than you yourself to elicit a positive response from the crowd.  

So yes I can see how that could irk a number (the majority?) of fans on this forum who thinks that it should be beneath a "Beach Boy" especially at this stage of their career (legendary sixties band, rock and roll hall of famers and all that) to continually use the name of a pop culture figure in order to elicit a response from the crowd.  

[Nicko1234]

I think it would be more widely accepted if after throwing bouquets in the direction of John Stamos, that Mike Love would actually bring him out on stage.  But he doesn't because obviously Stamos isn't at any of these gigs where Mike Love is tossing him bouquet after bouquet.  So it takes the scenario from throwing a bouquet towards someone who you are about to introduce to the crowd and bring out on stage (which almost every performer does) to using the name of someone arguably more recognizable than you yourself to elicit a positive response from the crowd.  

So yes I can see how that could irk a number (the majority?) of fans on this forum who thinks that it should be beneath a "Beach Boy" especially at this stage of their career (legendary sixties band, rock and roll hall of famers and all that) to continually use the name of a pop culture figure in order to elicit a response from the crowd.  

That's not what I was referring to. I was referring to the fact that according to some posters on here Stamos is long forgotten and nobody wants to see him on stage with the group. The reaction from the crowd at this show indicates otherwise.

[leggo of my ego]

Bruce was prancing around so much that at one point my wife asked me if he was gay. I said, no, he's Republican.

Ah another post of the year candidate here my friend.

Never miss an opportunity to ridicule your opposition, its the Alinsky way eh?

[Jim V.]

I think it would be more widely accepted if after throwing bouquets in the direction of John Stamos, that Mike Love would actually bring him out on stage.  But he doesn't because obviously Stamos isn't at any of these gigs where Mike Love is tossing him bouquet after bouquet.  So it takes the scenario from throwing a bouquet towards someone who you are about to introduce to the crowd and bring out on stage (which almost every performer does) to using the name of someone arguably more recognizable than you yourself to elicit a positive response from the crowd.  

So yes I can see how that could irk a number (the majority?) of fans on this forum who thinks that it should be beneath a "Beach Boy" especially at this stage of their career (legendary sixties band, rock and roll hall of famers and all that) to continually use the name of a pop culture figure in order to elicit a response from the crowd.  

That's not what I was referring to. I was referring to the fact that according to some posters on here Stamos is long forgotten and nobody wants to see him on stage with the group. The reaction from the crowd at this show indicates otherwise.

Yeah but here's the thing....Paul McCartney doesn't go onstage and say, "hey did you know I knew Michael Jackson?!" or "you guys are aware that I had Natalie Portman in one of my music videos, right?", while Pete Townshend doesn't announce at Who gigs, "you guys know Eddie Vedder? Well I'm friends with him!"

It just makes Mike (and The Beach Boys) look pathetic. He had to introduce "Forever" at the C50 show I saw by mentioning something about how "Uncle Jessie sang this one on Full House." Be proud of your own accomplishments Mike.

[RubberSoul13]

I think it would be more widely accepted if after throwing bouquets in the direction of John Stamos, that Mike Love would actually bring him out on stage.  But he doesn't because obviously Stamos isn't at any of these gigs where Mike Love is tossing him bouquet after bouquet.  So it takes the scenario from throwing a bouquet towards someone who you are about to introduce to the crowd and bring out on stage (which almost every performer does) to using the name of someone arguably more recognizable than you yourself to elicit a positive response from the crowd.  

So yes I can see how that could irk a number (the majority?) of fans on this forum who thinks that it should be beneath a "Beach Boy" especially at this stage of their career (legendary sixties band, rock and roll hall of famers and all that) to continually use the name of a pop culture figure in order to elicit a response from the crowd.  

That's not what I was referring to. I was referring to the fact that according to some posters on here Stamos is long forgotten and nobody wants to see him on stage with the group. The reaction from the crowd at this show indicates otherwise.

Yeah but here's the thing....Paul McCartney doesn't go onstage and say, "hey did you know I knew Michael Jackson?!" or "you guys are aware that I had Natalie Portman in one of my music videos, right?", while Pete Townshend doesn't announce at Who gigs, "you guys know Eddie Vedder? Well I'm friends with him!"

It just makes Mike (and The Beach Boys) look pathetic. He had to introduce "Forever" at the C50 show I saw by mentioning something about how "Uncle Jessie sang this one on Full House." Be proud of your own accomplishments Mike.

Actually, Paul McCartney uses the "My Valentine" video featuring Natalie Portman AND Johnny Depp on his screen during "My Valentine"...

[SMiLE Brian]

*sigh* M&B are going to be near my area in couple weeks.

[Jim V.]

Bruce was prancing around so much that at one point my wife asked me if he was gay. I said, no, he's Republican.

Ah another post of the year candidate here my friend.

Never miss an opportunity to ridicule your opposition, its the Alinsky way eh?

Gag me. I haven't a clue what you're even talking about, but seeing as you mentioned Saul Alinsky it's probably fair to assume you're the kind of person that takes Newt Gingrich seriously.

[leggo of my ego]

Really? well the anti-repub posts on this board havent escaped me. Politics need to be kept out. My post was to point it out so go ahead and gag till your purple if you like

[Jason]

Take the politics to the Sandbox, people.

[Jim V.]

Really? well the anti-repub posts on this board havent escaped me. Politics need to be kept out. My post was to point it out so go ahead and gag till your purple if you like

I agree they should be kept out. But mentioning Saul Alisnky cuz somebody made a joke about him being a Republican, and therefore not being gay.

In Bruce's defense, however, and I'm no fan of his politics, he actually has spoken up against homophobia in rock 'n roll. When he was doing an interview and talking about "Here Comes The Night", I remember he spoke of how he thinks the record didn't do well because to many in the "rock 'n roll" community disco was considered a "gay" thing, and therefore many rock 'n rollers wanted nothing to do with it. So at least Bruce came to the defense of gay people in rock music (especially at a time where even Elton John and Freddie Mercury hadn't come out as fully homosexual).