NY Observer: 'Beyond the Life of Brian: The Myth of the ‘Lesser’ Beach Boys'

[GhostyTMRS]

Who knew this thread would get us hungry?

[guitarfool2002]

Looks like I'm not the only one!

[guitarfool2002]

Getting back to the article, you're either writing an opinion piece or publishing an interview. That column knows exactly what it wants to do but must think the readership expecting an interview rather than a soapbox session won't notice.

Again, the question to ask: Have any opinions been changed, have any minds been changed? Anything new or interesting come out? So far, looks like no on all counts.

[Kurosawa]

The biggest issue I have with this article is calling 1967-1973 a "Brian-less" period and including albums such as Sunflower in that mix.  Brian is credited as sole writer on one track (This Whole World) and co-writer on 6 other tracks on that album.  Also, Brian is all over Wild Honey. 

The article suffers from a lot of hyperbole and it appears that the writer was trying to unnecessarily create an issue and stir the pot.  To their credit, it sounds like Mike and Bruce didn't bite.

Yeah, I really feel that the failure of Sunflower is what really did it for Brian. Much like Mike, Brian loves success and when that album was so good and so right for it's time period-filled with songs that sounded like they could have been hits at that time-and it failed, I think Brian really gave up then. If that album would have been a big hit, the entire history of the band would have been different. I think it's inexplicable failure-because it had the songs and the promotion-is what signaled the Beach Boys had really fallen out of favor and would have a hard time getting it back.

I do think if the Endless Summer and Brian's Back eras hadn't happened and they had continued on with Blondie and Ricky, they might have eventually had a second era where they were more of a rock band, but that wasn't to be and we did get Love You as a result.

[Peter Reum]

Mike may simply not want to relive a very  painful memory. He lived it once, why ask him to relive a very scary  time. First and foremost, Mike is family, and he and Brian grew up together with good times and memories. If Brian  and Melinda found the film emotionally  jarring enough to drive alone for two hours, how would Mike react. If I were him, I would be so bothered at a visceral level  that I would not know what to say to Brian when I next saw him. I would be afraid to see my cousin and fearful of saying something that would hurt him.

[guitarfool2002]

I'd offer the opinion of some fans who thought it was a little odd that when asked directly this spring what Mike thought of Brian's new single The Right Time, he said he hadn't heard it but hoped there wasn't Autotune on it. Knowing Brian his whole life, being a blood relative no less, and also knowing that Brian genuinely cares about reactions to his music and what people think of his songs (and that he likes to make people happy through his music, put smiles on their faces, etc) that Mike could have spared three minutes of his day and listened to the song instead of giving it the brush-off publicly and inserting what some would read as a passive-aggressive dig into the comment on top of that. It was so simple, and basic courtesy between musicians and family: Take a listen to your cousin's new single, if it didn't appeal to him just say "I heard the song and I'm happy to hear my cousin making new music, I wish him the best" or anything along those lines. That's something you might say publicly if you were concerned about not hurting feelings. Instead, we have what looks like Mike not bothering to take 3 minutes to listen to the song but still taking a chance to get in a dig inserted into a public interview.

Or maybe my perspective is just royally f***ed up at this point. 

[CenturyDeprived]

I'd offer the opinion of some fans who thought it was a little odd that when asked directly this spring what Mike thought of Brian's new single The Right Time, he said he hadn't heard it but hoped there wasn't Autotune on it. Knowing Brian his whole life, being a blood relative no less, and also knowing that Brian genuinely cares about reactions to his music and what people think of his songs (and that he likes to make people happy through his music, put smiles on their faces, etc) that Mike could have spared three minutes of his day and listened to the song instead of giving it the brush-off publicly and inserting what some would read as a passive-aggressive dig into the comment on top of that. It was so simple, and basic courtesy between musicians and family: Take a listen to your cousin's new single, if it didn't appeal to him just say "I heard the song and I'm happy to hear my cousin making new music, I wish him the best" or anything along those lines. That's something you might say publicly if you were concerned about not hurting feelings. Instead, we have what looks like Mike not bothering to take 3 minutes to listen to the song but still taking a chance to get in a dig inserted into a public interview.

Or maybe my perspective is just royally f***ed up at this point.  

No, I wouldn't say your perspective is jacked. I'd say that your post above is basically 110% on point. The autotune comment coupled with the non-listen is just plain mean-spirited, and shows he has less than zero f*cks to give about any art that Brian does if it was created without utilizing Mike's self-proclaimed brilliant abilities, and he can barely hide it. Mike's version of Rotten Tomatoes reviews = autotune comments and oh-so-incredibly-tasteful mimed suicide gunshots... and again, all directed toward a known sensitive person who has a history of crippling emotional issues. It's kind of insane for someone to repeatedly publicly make comments like that and then scratch their head wondering why people don't seem to like them. But yeah... of course, it's everyone else's fault. Sorry, I forgot.

I would honestly like to know how someone who says stuff like that would quantify bad taste and lack of tact in others, seeing as he thinks he's just misunderstood. Would someone have to say "that f*cking sucks and is a giant piece of horse manure" for it to be an inappropriate review to a sensitive bandmate, and anything less harsh than that is A-ok?

I can't wait to hear how he verbalized and/or pantomimed his film reviews at that film festival, directed at content-creating artists who *aren't* his family. Then again, he hasn't had bitter and jealous feelings for decades directed at the filmmakers at that festival, so he probably went easy on their art.

[John Manning]

It would seem at least fair to see the movie or eat that burger before casting doubts on it based on what others have said. Maybe those opinions and biases were already in place before the film even got a final edit. That would be a damn shame. Sort of the equivalent of saying "I haven't been to the restaurant to try the burger yet, but I heard they're made from low-grade processed beef and I hope they don't use frozen patties instead of fresh ingredients!" Boom.

Or maybe Mike remembers how making those esoteric burgers was accompanied by Brian gradually getting sicker and sicker, as the pungent fumes in the kitchen exacerbated existing intolerances to some of the ingredients. Maybe Mike doesn't need to be reminded just yet of the unhealthy mess left on the food preparation surfaces. Mike remembers the simpler burgers he and his cousin used to prepare together. He remembers also serving the esoteric burgers to customers but also regrets the yucky bits of bacteria that were left in the mix…

[CenturyDeprived]

Mike may simply not want to relive a very  painful memory. He lived it once, why ask him to relive a very scary  time. First and foremost, Mike is family, and he and Brian grew up together with good times and memories. If Brian  and Melinda found the film emotionally  jarring enough to drive alone for two hours, how would Mike react. If I were him, I would be so bothered at a visceral level  that I would not know what to say to Brian when I next saw him. I would be afraid to see my cousin and fearful of saying something that would hurt him.

If that were true (and it may be, in part), I'd be surprised if he didn't specifically say something to that effect.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Truly, this is one poorly researched, and even more badly written article, the original premise of which would likely be regarded as trolling here, viz. what is the most contentious Beach Boys topic I can contrive. If l penned something this dire, I'd expect the sub to inform me at some length exactly why it wasn't going to be printed. And rightly so.

As for Mike not yet seeing the movie - and unlike everyone's favorite ubiquitous bass player, this has prevented him from commenting on specifics - yes, there's a gap in the first half of June. However, the distribution then was patchy: was it playing in Reno, or Incline Village ?  Here's another scenario for consideration, and l fully understand that coming from someone not only on Mike's payroll but also contributing significantly to his forthcoming memoir* this carries little (if any) weight, but were I the cousin and band mate of the subject of such a movie, I'd really not want to see it for the first time in public. I'd politely ask for either a private screening or failing that, a DVD. What's  to say this wasn't the case ?

[* hey, if that's what some folk here believe (bless...), then let's go along with the gag and keep 'em happy]

[Cam Mott]

I'd offer the opinion of some fans who thought it was a little odd that when asked directly this spring what Mike thought of Brian's new single The Right Time, he said he hadn't heard it but hoped there wasn't Autotune on it. Knowing Brian his whole life, being a blood relative no less, and also knowing that Brian genuinely cares about reactions to his music and what people think of his songs (and that he likes to make people happy through his music, put smiles on their faces, etc) that Mike could have spared three minutes of his day and listened to the song instead of giving it the brush-off publicly and inserting what some would read as a passive-aggressive dig into the comment on top of that. It was so simple, and basic courtesy between musicians and family: Take a listen to your cousin's new single, if it didn't appeal to him just say "I heard the song and I'm happy to hear my cousin making new music, I wish him the best" or anything along those lines. That's something you might say publicly if you were concerned about not hurting feelings. Instead, we have what looks like Mike not bothering to take 3 minutes to listen to the song but still taking a chance to get in a dig inserted into a public interview.

Or maybe my perspective is just royally f***ed up at this point. 

Didn't Mike also say in the same breath that he was sure The Right Time would be great and later wished his cousin the best in all of his professional endeavors?

[Autotune]

I'd offer the opinion of some fans who thought it was a little odd that when asked directly this spring what Mike thought of Brian's new single The Right Time, he said he hadn't heard it but hoped there wasn't Autotune on it. Knowing Brian his whole life, being a blood relative no less, and also knowing that Brian genuinely cares about reactions to his music and what people think of his songs (and that he likes to make people happy through his music, put smiles on their faces, etc) that Mike could have spared three minutes of his day and listened to the song instead of giving it the brush-off publicly and inserting what some would read as a passive-aggressive dig into the comment on top of that. It was so simple, and basic courtesy between musicians and family: Take a listen to your cousin's new single, if it didn't appeal to him just say "I heard the song and I'm happy to hear my cousin making new music, I wish him the best" or anything along those lines. That's something you might say publicly if you were concerned about not hurting feelings. Instead, we have what looks like Mike not bothering to take 3 minutes to listen to the song but still taking a chance to get in a dig inserted into a public interview.

Or maybe my perspective is just royally f***ed up at this point.  

It's a lose-lose situation. If he said he heard it and then offered some criticism, he would have gotten backslashed just the same. Likewise for the movie; if he said "I saw it, here's my review" he'd get destroyed anyway.

[Ang Jones]

I'd offer the opinion of some fans who thought it was a little odd that when asked directly this spring what Mike thought of Brian's new single The Right Time, he said he hadn't heard it but hoped there wasn't Autotune on it. Knowing Brian his whole life, being a blood relative no less, and also knowing that Brian genuinely cares about reactions to his music and what people think of his songs (and that he likes to make people happy through his music, put smiles on their faces, etc) that Mike could have spared three minutes of his day and listened to the song instead of giving it the brush-off publicly and inserting what some would read as a passive-aggressive dig into the comment on top of that. It was so simple, and basic courtesy between musicians and family: Take a listen to your cousin's new single, if it didn't appeal to him just say "I heard the song and I'm happy to hear my cousin making new music, I wish him the best" or anything along those lines. That's something you might say publicly if you were concerned about not hurting feelings. Instead, we have what looks like Mike not bothering to take 3 minutes to listen to the song but still taking a chance to get in a dig inserted into a public interview.

Or maybe my perspective is just royally f***ed up at this point.  

It's a lose-lose situation. If he said he heard it and then offered some criticism, he would have gotten backslashed just the same. Likewise for the movie; if he said "I saw it, here's my review" he'd get destroyed anyway.

What about the words guitarfool suggested?  "I heard the song and I'm happy to hear my cousin making new music, I wish him the best." He could easily have commented on Love and Mercy without saying anything controversial too had he seen it. He could have said something like "Cusack and Dano were very convincing' or "It brought back some painful memories  but I hope it does well. Some excellent acting.." It's easy to word these things diplomatically if you want to.  He could easily have said "I've only seen it once - I really need to see it again to take it all on board" as well which would have given him a let-out clause if he later decided there was soemthing to which he should have taken exception.

[rab2591]

I'd offer the opinion of some fans who thought it was a little odd that when asked directly this spring what Mike thought of Brian's new single The Right Time, he said he hadn't heard it but hoped there wasn't Autotune on it. Knowing Brian his whole life, being a blood relative no less, and also knowing that Brian genuinely cares about reactions to his music and what people think of his songs (and that he likes to make people happy through his music, put smiles on their faces, etc) that Mike could have spared three minutes of his day and listened to the song instead of giving it the brush-off publicly and inserting what some would read as a passive-aggressive dig into the comment on top of that. It was so simple, and basic courtesy between musicians and family: Take a listen to your cousin's new single, if it didn't appeal to him just say "I heard the song and I'm happy to hear my cousin making new music, I wish him the best" or anything along those lines. That's something you might say publicly if you were concerned about not hurting feelings. Instead, we have what looks like Mike not bothering to take 3 minutes to listen to the song but still taking a chance to get in a dig inserted into a public interview.

Or maybe my perspective is just royally f***ed up at this point. 

Didn't Mike also say in the same breath that he was sure The Right Time would be great and later wished his cousin the best in all of his professional endeavors?

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=backhanded+compliment&defid=1958408

[Cam Mott]

What about the words guitarfool suggested?  "I heard the song and I'm happy to hear my cousin making new music, I wish him the best."

Mike literally said he was sure the song is great and wished Brian all the best in all of his professional endeavors. All of your concerns were already satisfied.

[HeyJude]

We already went over that diatribe (a.k.a. "interview") Mike gave to David Beard several months back. His comment on "The Right Time" was a near-perfect textbook definition of "backhanded compliment", and his reference to "Autotune" reeked of having sought out (or having been fed) negative criticism of Brian's new single/album, which is particularly distressing considering he couldn't be bothered to listen to the track.

As I said back then, it would also be a backhanded compliment if Brian or Al or whomever was asked about a new Mike single and responded, "I haven't heard it. But, assuming Mike doesn't make call-back references to old Beach Boys titles or make his millionth reference to surf and sand, I'm sure it'll be great."

[HeyJude]

It’s also worth noting, in reference to the “blame the interviewer, not Mike” idea, that Mike has chosen to link to this article on his Facebook page. So that’s a pretty strong tacit endorsement of it. If Mike went into the thing with good intentions but felt the author had taken the story/interview in a less agreeable direction, he certainly could have avoided linking to it. And no, I’m not suggesting one has to agree with every sentence of a piece in order to recommend it. But again, if there were any significant misgivings about it, he could have or would have not offered the link this his thousands of Facebook followers.

[filledeplage]

We already went over that diatribe (a.k.a. "interview") Mike gave to David Beard several months back. His comment on "The Right Time" was a near-perfect textbook definition of "backhanded compliment", and his reference to "Autotune" reeked of having sought out (or having been fed) negative criticism of Brian's new single/album, which is particularly distressing considering he couldn't be bothered to listen to the track.

As I said back then, it would also be a backhanded compliment if Brian or Al or whomever was asked about a new Mike single and responded, "I haven't heard it. But, assuming Mike doesn't make call-back references to old Beach Boys titles or make his millionth reference to surf and sand, I'm sure it'll be great."

Little review here...there was a huge backlash over the C50 concert Autotune CD, which was widely considered inferior compared to the amateur YouTube videos taken during C50.  And an inference of "backhanded" appears to be more of a projection of those who have no use for the touring band and who continue to dysfunctionally remain stuck in the three year old mire of the expiration of C50. I have never heard a bad word uttered about Brian by Mike since 1967.  Why should he start now? It would be inconsistent. 

[KDS]

1.  Brian Wilson just put out a really good album in April.

2.  A really good movie about Brian Wilson was released, and will soon be available for purchase.

3.  Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, and Blondie Chaplin just completed a really good tour.  

4.  There are two bands out there with five (sometimes six) Beach Boys between them putting on shows full of classic songs.  

5.  There are Brian Wilson and Mike Love autobiographies on the horizon.

So many positive things going on.  And yet......here we are again.  

[rab2591]

What about the words guitarfool suggested?  "I heard the song and I'm happy to hear my cousin making new music, I wish him the best."

Mike literally said he was sure the song is great and wished Brian all the best in all of his professional endeavors. All of your concerns were already satisfied.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=backhanded+compliment&defid=1958408

[filledeplage]

I'd offer the opinion of some fans who thought it was a little odd that when asked directly this spring what Mike thought of Brian's new single The Right Time, he said he hadn't heard it but hoped there wasn't Autotune on it. Knowing Brian his whole life, being a blood relative no less, and also knowing that Brian genuinely cares about reactions to his music and what people think of his songs (and that he likes to make people happy through his music, put smiles on their faces, etc) that Mike could have spared three minutes of his day and listened to the song instead of giving it the brush-off publicly and inserting what some would read as a passive-aggressive dig into the comment on top of that. It was so simple, and basic courtesy between musicians and family: Take a listen to your cousin's new single, if it didn't appeal to him just say "I heard the song and I'm happy to hear my cousin making new music, I wish him the best" or anything along those lines. That's something you might say publicly if you were concerned about not hurting feelings. Instead, we have what looks like Mike not bothering to take 3 minutes to listen to the song but still taking a chance to get in a dig inserted into a public interview.

Or maybe my perspective is just royally f***ed up at this point.  

It's a lose-lose situation. If he said he heard it and then offered some criticism, he would have gotten backslashed just the same. Likewise for the movie; if he said "I saw it, here's my review" he'd get destroyed anyway.

What about the words guitarfool suggested?  "I heard the song and I'm happy to hear my cousin making new music, I wish him the best." He could easily have commented on Love and Mercy without saying anything controversial too had he seen it. He could have said something like "Cusack and Dano were very convincing' or "It brought back some painful memories  but I hope it does well. Some excellent acting.." It's easy to word these things diplomatically if you want to.  He could easily have said "I've only seen it once - I really need to see it again to take it all on board" as well which would have given him a let-out clause if he later decided there was soemthing to which he should have taken exception.

So maybe you should be Mike's spokesperson, putting words in his mouth? Seriously.  Telling him what he should say?  

This film was not easy to watch.  And might be even more so for a family member...and you are going to give him an "escape clause?"  

Why is it not possible for this person to make a statement that is not twisted and modified to align with your position. You don't like him.  Say that.  It is just easier. 

[HeyJude]

Little review here...there was a huge backlash over the C50 concert Autotune CD, which was widely considered inferior compared to the amateur YouTube videos taken during C50.  And an inference of "backhanded" appears to be more of a projection of those who have no use for the touring band and who continue to dysfunctionally remain stuck in the three year old mire of the expiration of C50. I have never heard a bad word uttered about Brian by Mike since 1967.  Why should he start now? It would be inconsistent. 

Nah, I think Mike’s comment about “The Right Time” was a backhanded compliment because of the content of Mike’s comment. I don’t think anyone has brought Mike’s touring band into that particular discussion. His touring band has nothing to do with his comments about a Brian single.

As for having “never heard a bad word uttered about Brian by Mike since 1967”, I’ll let others if they so choose produce a myriad of quotes that, unless one has a very loose definition of a “bad word”, would indicate that pretty much all of the guys in the band have offered a “bad word” about each other at some point over the years, post-1967 (and does the comment above then suggest Mike *was* offering bad words about Brian pre-1967?). I was just reading a 1979 Bruce interview where he talks about how awful he thinks Mike’s “Brian’s Back” song is. Al has referred to Mike’s band as “imposters.” Dennis has that quote about the MIU Album f***ing up Mike’s karma. Brian has downplayed the original BB band in relation to praising his own band in past years. Mike has made negative references to Brian being “medicated” (in just the last few years). Carl, well, I suppose I’d have to think a while longer on that one. He usually stayed above the fray. Even Dave mentioned in his book with Stebbins that Bruce was kind of weirding him out at various points.

Point is, it’s beyond hyperbolic to suggest Mike has never said a bad word about Brian. And that’s okay, as a general rule that is. Nobody is not allowed to have a bad word about someone at some point. Sometimes it’s deserved, and/or constructive. And sometimes not deserved, or justified.

[Ang Jones]

I'd offer the opinion of some fans who thought it was a little odd that when asked directly this spring what Mike thought of Brian's new single The Right Time, he said he hadn't heard it but hoped there wasn't Autotune on it. Knowing Brian his whole life, being a blood relative no less, and also knowing that Brian genuinely cares about reactions to his music and what people think of his songs (and that he likes to make people happy through his music, put smiles on their faces, etc) that Mike could have spared three minutes of his day and listened to the song instead of giving it the brush-off publicly and inserting what some would read as a passive-aggressive dig into the comment on top of that. It was so simple, and basic courtesy between musicians and family: Take a listen to your cousin's new single, if it didn't appeal to him just say "I heard the song and I'm happy to hear my cousin making new music, I wish him the best" or anything along those lines. That's something you might say publicly if you were concerned about not hurting feelings. Instead, we have what looks like Mike not bothering to take 3 minutes to listen to the song but still taking a chance to get in a dig inserted into a public interview.

Or maybe my perspective is just royally f***ed up at this point.  

It's a lose-lose situation. If he said he heard it and then offered some criticism, he would have gotten backslashed just the same. Likewise for the movie; if he said "I saw it, here's my review" he'd get destroyed anyway.

What about the words guitarfool suggested?  "I heard the song and I'm happy to hear my cousin making new music, I wish him the best." He could easily have commented on Love and Mercy without saying anything controversial too had he seen it. He could have said something like "Cusack and Dano were very convincing' or "It brought back some painful memories  but I hope it does well. Some excellent acting.." It's easy to word these things diplomatically if you want to.  He could easily have said "I've only seen it once - I really need to see it again to take it all on board" as well which would have given him a let-out clause if he later decided there was soemthing to which he should have taken exception.

So maybe you should be Mike's spokesperson, putting words in his mouth? Seriously.  Telling him what he should say?  

This film was not easy to watch.  And might be even more so for a family member...and you are going to give him an "escape clause?"  

Why is it not possible for this person to make a statement that is not twisted and modified to align with your position. You don't like him.  Say that.  It is just easier.  

Of course I'm not telling Mike what he should say. I'm suggesting what he could say if he wished to be polite to his cousin. I'm not even suggesting it to him - I'm suggesting it to a group of fans who are trying to defend Mike's reticence about his cousin's recent album and the film Love and Mercy. Mike's words about NPP have been described as mean spirited. I'd go along with that.

My comment about an escape clause was sim;ly because Mike might be reluctant to comment on this film in case some of it was later decided to be inaccurate. It is more complicated for those who were actually involved in the story. Whether Mike would find the film upsetting or not I have no way of knowing but if he is so sensitive on his cousin's behalf, it does  make me wonder why Mike so often makes comments in interviews that are less than considerate, like the continued reminders of Brian having taken drugs. I am not twisting his words. I just think he could have selected better ones.

My opinion of Mike? In the beginning, no doubt there were good times. Mike wrote some nice lyrics and contributed to those  BVs. He had a distinctive voice.  It soured somewhat when Brian took on other collaborators and particularly when Brian wanted to progress musically whilst Mike was more concerned with following a successful formula. I started as a Beach Boys' fan. My opinion of Mike is based on observing behaviour over many years, not just on an irrational dislike. It is some of that behaviour to which I take exception.

[filledeplage]

Little review here...there was a huge backlash over the C50 concert Autotune CD, which was widely considered inferior compared to the amateur YouTube videos taken during C50.  And an inference of "backhanded" appears to be more of a projection of those who have no use for the touring band and who continue to dysfunctionally remain stuck in the three year old mire of the expiration of C50. I have never heard a bad word uttered about Brian by Mike since 1967.  Why should he start now? It would be inconsistent. 

Nah, I think Mike’s comment about “The Right Time” was a backhanded compliment because of the content of Mike’s comment. I don’t think anyone has brought Mike’s touring band into that particular discussion. His touring band has nothing to do with his comments about a Brian single.

As for having “never heard a bad word uttered about Brian by Mike since 1967”, I’ll let others if they so choose produce a myriad of quotes that, unless one has a very loose definition of a “bad word”, would indicate that pretty much all of the guys in the band have offered a “bad word” about each other at some point over the years, post-1967 (and does the comment above then suggest Mike *was* offering bad words about Brian pre-1967?). I was just reading a 1979 Bruce interview where he talks about how awful he thinks Mike’s “Brian’s Back” song is. Al has referred to Mike’s band as “imposters.” Dennis has that quote about the MIU Album f***ing up Mike’s karma. Brian has downplayed the original BB band in relation to praising his own band in past years. Mike has made negative references to Brian being “medicated” (in just the last few years). Carl, well, I suppose I’d have to think a while longer on that one. He usually stayed above the fray. Even Dave mentioned in his book with Stebbins that Bruce was kind of weirding him out at various points.

Point is, it’s beyond hyperbolic to suggest Mike has never said a bad word about Brian. And that’s okay, as a general rule that is. Nobody is not allowed to have a bad word about someone at some point. Sometimes it’s deserved, and/or constructive. And sometimes not deserved, or justified.

Hyperbole is not necessary. Having seen them well over 100 times, in whatever lineup, since 1967, that is my experience. I'm speaking about the public forum of a concert.  I don't mean interviews, or other "armchair" analysis.

[HeyJude]

The problem with all of these theories about why L&M would be too difficult for Mike to watch is that Mike hasn’t offered anything close to that as an explanation. He doesn’t owe anybody an explanation, but if he chooses to give an interview and mention he hasn’t seen the film, while still commenting on aspects of it anyway, while either implying he’s too busy to see it (and/or allowing Bruce to offer the explanation that they’re too busy touring), readers and fans can’t be faulted for coming away with that impression. In turn, it then opens them up to observers calling BS on it just like the million other times someone in life claims they’re “too busy” even though they usually do have time, they would just rather be doing something else.

This has been a pattern now, as Mike has also in the past mentioned that he didn’t listen to Brian’s “Smile” album, and didn’t listen to “The Right Time.” I’d love to think Mike’s not listening to this stuff to avoid any possible room for criticism, sort of like the unspoken “rule” where ex-Presidents don’t criticize a sitting President. But in each of these three cases of having not seen or heard the item in question, he doesn’t simply then demur and move onto another topic. He continues to pontificate on those topics either directly or tangentially.