Why do you hate Mike Love?

[Magic Transistor Radio]

I bet if Dennis cleaned up his act and were alive today, he would defend Mike Love against all the hatred! Maybe I'm crazy!

[ontor pertawst]

That and probably a few lawsuits, it's a family tradition. It's how they bond and reconnect.

[CenturyDeprived]

I bet if Dennis cleaned up his act and were alive today, he would defend Mike Love against all the hatred! Maybe I'm crazy!

That's quite possible... but if that were the case, Mike would also be kept more in check, and would keep his trap shut more about saying anti-Brian things that get people so pissed off to begin with.

A less-empowered Mike (politically and sh*t-talkingly speaking) is the best possible scenario for this band, which is what happens the more Wilsons are standing.

[guitarfool2002]

He says he has so much respect for Brian's musical abilities but didn't take two minutes and 54 seconds of his life to listen to 'The Right Time' when he was asked to give his opinion about it

Round it off to three minutes. It can take longer than that to shave. Put it on and listen while shaving, simple as that. Then at least it got heard. The duck-and-dodge routine doesn't pass in the age of instant media.

[Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard]

  So SGT PEPPER isn't Keith's favorite Beatles' album? Has it really come to the point where saying anything remotely negative about The Beatles is akin to swearing in church? Are they that much of a sacred cow? Come on. SGT PEPPER is a dated, gooey mess. It pales in comparison to SMiLE and many other albums that were actually fully realized in 1967. IMO, it pales in comparison to the earlier Beatles albums, and some of the later ones. Trite is the word that comes to mind. "I Am the Walrus" obliterates SGT PEPPER in 4:35.

Will you marry me?  

[Cyncie]

He says he has so much respect for Brian's musical abilities but didn't take two minutes and 54 seconds of his life to listen to 'The Right Time' when he was asked to give his opinion about it

Round it off to three minutes. It can take longer than that to shave. Put it on and listen while shaving, simple as that. Then at least it got heard. The duck-and-dodge routine doesn't pass in the age of instant media.

He did make time to enjoy the Fallon sketch.

[guitarfool2002]

He says he has so much respect for Brian's musical abilities but didn't take two minutes and 54 seconds of his life to listen to 'The Right Time' when he was asked to give his opinion about it

Round it off to three minutes. It can take longer than that to shave. Put it on and listen while shaving, simple as that. Then at least it got heard. The duck-and-dodge routine doesn't pass in the age of instant media.

He did make time to enjoy the Fallon sketch.

And to watch over a dozen indie films for the Lower East Side Film Fest. 

[rogerlancelot]

Just jumping in here to say (off-topic) that Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is a shining example of pop art while on the other hand, Their Satanic Majesty's Request is a dated, gooey mess and SMiLE is unfulfilled genius potential. These are just my opinions of course... But overall I really love that era of music!

[DonnyL]

I bet if Dennis cleaned up his act and were alive today, he would defend Mike Love against all the hatred! Maybe I'm crazy!

I don't know about that, but I do believe that if Dennis were alive, he'd still be in The Beach Boys, regardless of who else were there. I think that's one area where he and Mike were similar ... both seem to believe in the music/legacy of the group as an entity in and of itself. I remember one Dennis quote where the interviewer asked him how long they'd be at it, and he responded with something like, "We'll be going on stage in wheelchairs!"

[elnombre]

Love it or hate it, Mike Love's one of rock n roll's less loveable artists.

I'm assuming the title of the OP's article is tongue in cheek (given that he's trying garner support for a vinyl release of Unleash the Love), but nevertheless the question does get to the very heart of Mike's essence really. Why does the guy ruffle so many feathers?

Because he doesn't play an instrument, isn't the greatest looking guy in the world, doesn't have a huge vocal range, stands at the front and dares to have opinions. I think that's about it.

[Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard]

Love it or hate it, Mike Love's one of rock n roll's less loveable artists.

I'm assuming the title of the OP's article is tongue in cheek (given that he's trying garner support for a vinyl release of Unleash the Love), but nevertheless the question does get to the very heart of Mike's essence really. Why does the guy ruffle so many feathers?

Because he doesn't play an instrument, isn't the greatest looking guy in the world, doesn't have a huge vocal range, stands at the front and dares to have opinions. I think that's about it.

Because he hasn't written a good song since 1970, comes off like a jerk in interviews, won't admit he has flaws or regrets and is bald, kicked Al out of his own band, sued Brian in 2004, played the biggest role in ending the reunion and dares to call himself Mr Positivity. I think that's more accurate.

[elnombre]

Love it or hate it, Mike Love's one of rock n roll's less loveable artists.

I'm assuming the title of the OP's article is tongue in cheek (given that he's trying garner support for a vinyl release of Unleash the Love), but nevertheless the question does get to the very heart of Mike's essence really. Why does the guy ruffle so many feathers?

Because he doesn't play an instrument, isn't the greatest looking guy in the world, doesn't have a huge vocal range, stands at the front and dares to have opinions. I think that's about it.

Because he hasn't written a good song since 1970, comes off like a jerk in interviews, won't admit he has flaws or regrets and is bald, kicked Al out of his own band, sued Brian in 2004, played the biggest role in ending the reunion and dares to call himself Mr Positivity. I think that's more accurate.

Fair points to some degree but how many good songs have Al and Bruce written since 1970? I don't see them getting much sh*t for it. And Mike did at leasr co-write most of the material the band's success was founded on. Bald? Yeah, but I'm reasonably sure he is aware that we know. If he was trying to pull the wool over our eyes I'm guessing he'd have gone for a toupee decades ago rather than a hat to stop the spotlights bouncing off his head. Kicked Al out of his own band....as opposed to what, kicking him out of a band he wasn't a part of? "Hey up yours Al, you're not in The Shangri-Las anymore". But yeah, granted, dick move as was the 2004 suit. Does/has Mike ever actually referred to himself as Mr Positivity? Not sure of the history on that one.

[CenturyDeprived]

Love it or hate it, Mike Love's one of rock n roll's less loveable artists.

I'm assuming the title of the OP's article is tongue in cheek (given that he's trying garner support for a vinyl release of Unleash the Love), but nevertheless the question does get to the very heart of Mike's essence really. Why does the guy ruffle so many feathers?

Because he doesn't play an instrument, isn't the greatest looking guy in the world, doesn't have a huge vocal range, stands at the front and dares to have opinions. I think that's about it.

Because he hasn't written a good song since 1970, comes off like a jerk in interviews, won't admit he has flaws or regrets and is bald, kicked Al out of his own band, sued Brian in 2004, played the biggest role in ending the reunion and dares to call himself Mr Positivity. I think that's more accurate.

At least Mike did ditch the cap on some occasions, so I can't go along with that part.

If anyone should be called Mr. Positivity in the BBs, it's Bruce! He's one guy who always seems to be in a good mood, and despite shamelessly cow-towing to Mike since '98, Bruce really says great things about most everyone without coming off like he's slipping in backhanded insults (maybe except occasionally, and inexplicably, to David). Nobody necessarily needs that Mr. Positivity moniker, but if it's gonna be applied to someone, Mike (other than his "positive" lyrics) seems quite ill-suited to have that name in the band.

[CenturyDeprived]

Love it or hate it, Mike Love's one of rock n roll's less loveable artists.

I'm assuming the title of the OP's article is tongue in cheek (given that he's trying garner support for a vinyl release of Unleash the Love), but nevertheless the question does get to the very heart of Mike's essence really. Why does the guy ruffle so many feathers?

Because he doesn't play an instrument, isn't the greatest looking guy in the world, doesn't have a huge vocal range, stands at the front and dares to have opinions. I think that's about it.

Because he hasn't written a good song since 1970, comes off like a jerk in interviews, won't admit he has flaws or regrets and is bald, kicked Al out of his own band, sued Brian in 2004, played the biggest role in ending the reunion and dares to call himself Mr Positivity. I think that's more accurate.

Fair points to some degree but how many good songs have Al and Bruce written since 1970? I don't see them getting much sh*t for it. And Mike did at leasr co-write most of the material the band's success was founded on. Bald? Yeah, but I'm reasonably sure he is aware that we know. If he was trying to pull the wool over our eyes I'm guessing he'd have gone for a toupee decades ago rather than a hat to stop the spotlights bouncing off his head. Kicked Al out of his own band....as opposed to what, kicking him out of a band he wasn't a part of? "Hey up yours Al, you're not in The Shangri-Las anymore". But yeah, granted, dick move as was the 2004 suit. Does/has Mike ever actually referred to himself as Mr Positivity? Not sure of the history on that one.

I, for one, pretty much totally dig all the post 1970 Bruce compositions on BB albums (not that there are many).  And other than PT Cruiser, I haven't heard many cringeworthy Al duds myself.

[DonnyL]

Love it or hate it, Mike Love's one of rock n roll's less loveable artists.

I'm assuming the title of the OP's article is tongue in cheek (given that he's trying garner support for a vinyl release of Unleash the Love), but nevertheless the question does get to the very heart of Mike's essence really. Why does the guy ruffle so many feathers?

Because he doesn't play an instrument, isn't the greatest looking guy in the world, doesn't have a huge vocal range, stands at the front and dares to have opinions. I think that's about it.

Because he hasn't written a good song since 1970, comes off like a jerk in interviews, won't admit he has flaws or regrets and is bald, kicked Al out of his own band, sued Brian in 2004, played the biggest role in ending the reunion and dares to call himself Mr Positivity. I think that's more accurate.

Mike's written or co-written tons of good songs since 1970! "Let Us Go On This Way" and "Goin' On" spring to mind ... "Pacific Ocean Blues" ... On his own, I think "Everyone's In Love With You" is pretty.

The hall of fame speech was cool because he was basically saying "f you" to the lame rock n roll establishment.

But I always thought it was unsavory to tour "The Beach Boys" without Al. I never went to see the group after Carl died, until the 2012 reunion. If Al and Dave were in the group, I would.

[phirnis]

...
The hall of fame speech was cool because he was basically saying "f you" to the lame rock n roll establishment.
...

I agree! Embarrassing? Awkward? Maybe so, but at the very least he was doing something daring and funny.

[Pacific Ocean Blue]

I don't really mind Mike in all honesty, he's a bit of a dick but his voice in the earlier Beach Boy stuff is great. 

[Mujan, 8@$+@Rc| of a Blue Wizard]

...
The hall of fame speech was cool because he was basically saying "f you" to the lame rock n roll establishment.
...

I agree! Embarrassing? Awkward? Maybe so, but at the very least he was doing something daring and funny.

Perhaps. Tho if we're looking at it from that angle I'd still agree with those who say Mike is part of that establishment and thus, a hypocrite once again to do so. But I'm not even sure that was his intention, to be honest. I don't even think he knew what he was trying to say. It was just pure gibberish with kernels of insult directed at other musicians for no particular reason. Ok, so Paul wasn't there and the Stones don't tour as much as you. Who cares? Why is that your business? Who are you to publicly wag your finger at them? I'm not even sure what he was getting at tho. Something about harmony or something. Who knows.

[elnombre]

...
The hall of fame speech was cool because he was basically saying "f you" to the lame rock n roll establishment.
...

I agree! Embarrassing? Awkward? Maybe so, but at the very least he was doing something daring and funny.

Perhaps. Tho if we're looking at it from that angle I'd still agree with those who say Mike is part of that establishment and thus, a hypocrite once again to do so. But I'm not even sure that was his intention, to be honest. I don't even think he knew what he was trying to say. It was just pure gibberish with kernels of insult directed at other musicians for no particular reason. Ok, so Paul wasn't there and the Stones don't tour as much as you. Who cares? Why is that your business? Who are you to publicly wag your finger at them? I'm not even sure what he was getting at tho. Something about harmony or something. Who knows.

Exactly. I don't think the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame is exactly the ideal location to rail against rock icons either. A bit like giving a speech at a retirement party about how old people are useless, doddering burdens on society who should be ashamed of themselves. The fact that Mike's meltdown followed Brian's earnest and gracious speech made it even worse.

[Ang Jones]

I'd say Brian would have the best reason to hate him and yet he doesn't.  If Brian doesn't hate him, I don't think we should either. After all, most of us haven't even met the guy or know him on a personal basis.

Exactly!

Brian is his cousin. People make allowances for those with whom they have a relationship that they wouldn't make for strangers.

[Ang Jones]

He says he has so much respect for Brian's musical abilities but didn't take two minutes and 54 seconds of his life to listen to 'The Right Time' when he was asked to give his opinion about it

Round it off to three minutes. It can take longer than that to shave. Put it on and listen while shaving, simple as that. Then at least it got heard. The duck-and-dodge routine doesn't pass in the age of instant media.

He did make time to enjoy the Fallon sketch.

Oh yes - he can make time when it references Mike Love but when it is a song done by his cousin he's too busy.

[Cam Mott]

It seems Mike's speech doesn't even register on lists of "best"/"worst"/"awkward" Rock and Roll Hall of Fame moments, so maybe there is a little unjustified hand wringing over it by just a few of us fans as a supposed embarrassment.   The only embarrassment was Mike's struggle to pronounce "internecine" which would rank very low in the list of public embarrassments by a Beach Boy I would think.

Pretty rock and roll to stick it to the industry's elite establishment right in their face on national TV imo.

[Autotune]

I understand that people will never forgive him for trying to get his daughters to snort cocaine with him.


Oh wait... Nevermind.


Not watching a movie is an evil deed anyway.

[SurfRiderHawaii]

It seems Mike's speech doesn't even register on lists of "best"/"worst"/"awkward" Rock and Roll Hall of Fame moments, so maybe there is a little unjustified hand wringing over it by just a few of us fans as a supposed embarrassment.   The only embarrassment was Mike's struggle to pronounce "internecine" which would rank very low in the list of public embarrassments by a Beach Boy I would think.

Pretty rock and roll to stick it to the industry's elite establishment right in their face on national TV imo.

Really? A quick google popped up quite a few. This one had Mike at number 2:

http://www.etcanada.com/music/photos/most_awkward_rock_and_roll_hall_of_fame_moments.aspx#!516dc39b761521b43b59ce6e78f0dc7a

And this Billboard article on the subject leads off with Mr. Love

http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/6091860/shut-up-and-play-a-brief-history-of-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction

Rolling Stone ran a auricle about it in 2014.

[KDS]

Just jumping in here to say (off-topic) that Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is a shining example of pop art while on the other hand, Their Satanic Majesty's Request is a dated, gooey mess and SMiLE is unfulfilled genius potential. These are just my opinions of course... But overall I really love that era of music!

I think all three albums here are a bit overrated.  The Boys, Beatles, and Stones are released better albums before and after said albums.