Brian Wilson / Al Jardine / Blondie Chaplin Fall 2015 Tour Thread

[GoofyJeff]

Setlist from last night's show in Appleton. This was a last minute thing for me, thanks to a friend who got an extra ticket.

Our Prayer
Heroes and Villains
California Girls
This Whole World (Darian)
Dance, Dance, Dance
I Get Around
Shut Down (Al)
Little Deuce Coupe (Al)
Girl Don't Tell Me
Then I Kissed Her (Al)
California Saga (Al)
In My Room
Surfer Girl
Don't Worry Baby (Matt)
One Kind of Love
Marcella
(intermission)
Darlin (Darian)
She Knows Me Too Well (Matt)
Surf's Up (Brian with Matt)
The Right Time (Al)
Wouldn't It Be Nice (Matt)
Sloop John B (Al)
God Only Knows
Good Vibrations
(Encore)
All Summer Long
Help Me Rhonda (Al)
Barbara Ann
Surfin USA
Fun Fun Fun
Love and Mercy

[HeyJude]

Setlist from last night's show in Appleton. This was a last minute thing for me, thanks to a friend who got an extra ticket.

Our Prayer
Heroes and Villains
California Girls
This Whole World (Darian)
Dance, Dance, Dance
I Get Around
Shut Down (Al)
Little Deuce Coupe (Al)
Girl Don't Tell Me
Then I Kissed Her (Al)
California Saga (Al)
In My Room
Surfer Girl
Don't Worry Baby (Matt)
One Kind of Love
Marcella
(intermission)
Darlin (Darian)
She Knows Me Too Well (Matt)
Surf's Up (Brian with Matt)
The Right Time (Al)
Wouldn't It Be Nice (Matt)
Sloop John B (Al)
God Only Knows
Good Vibrations
(Encore)
All Summer Long
Help Me Rhonda (Al)
Barbara Ann
Surfin USA
Fun Fun Fun
Love and Mercy

Thanks for taking down the setlist. Nothing out of the ordinary, though "Girl Don't Tell Me" has only been performed a few times this year back during the summer, and other than the one May show in NJ, they haven't don't "Marcella" this year.

I guess they have to fill a few holes in the setlist for Blondie's temporary absence. I was kind of surprised they didn't keep "Marcella" in the setlist this year with Blondie, as he played on the song (what with the CATP connection and whatnot) at the PBS taping late last year.

It was a somewhat rare truly insightful piece of intel a little while back where Brian gave the interview saying he doesn't like to perform "Busy Doin' Nothin'" (my sense was not that he doesn't like the song, but rather that he finds it kind of tiring or tedious to rattle off all the lyrics), and sure enough, the two-song "Friends" section hasn't been heard from since the one September show in SF.

[baseball95]

Setlist from last night's show in Appleton. This was a last minute thing for me, thanks to a friend who got an extra ticket.

Our Prayer
Heroes and Villains
California Girls
This Whole World (Darian)
Dance, Dance, Dance
I Get Around
Shut Down (Al)
Little Deuce Coupe (Al)
Girl Don't Tell Me
Then I Kissed Her (Al)
California Saga (Al)
In My Room
Surfer Girl
Don't Worry Baby (Matt)
One Kind of Love
Marcella
(intermission)
Darlin (Darian)
She Knows Me Too Well (Matt)
Surf's Up (Brian with Matt)
The Right Time (Al)
Wouldn't It Be Nice (Matt)
Sloop John B (Al)
God Only Knows
Good Vibrations
(Encore)
All Summer Long
Help Me Rhonda (Al)
Barbara Ann
Surfin USA
Fun Fun Fun
Love and Mercy

Thanks for taking down the setlist. Nothing out of the ordinary, though "Girl Don't Tell Me" has only been performed a few times this year back during the summer, and other than the one May show in NJ, they haven't don't "Marcella" this year.

I guess they have to fill a few holes in the setlist for Blondie's temporary absence. I was kind of surprised they didn't keep "Marcella" in the setlist this year with Blondie, as he played on the song (what with the CATP connection and whatnot) at the PBS taping late last year.

It was a somewhat rare truly insightful piece of intel a little while back where Brian gave the interview saying he doesn't like to perform "Busy Doin' Nothin'" (my sense was not that he doesn't like the song, but rather that he finds it kind of tiring or tedious to rattle off all the lyrics), and sure enough, the two-song "Friends" section hasn't been heard from since the one September show in SF.

It's a shame I really loved Wake the World, Busy I could take it or leave it. Wish they'd add back Please Let Me Wonder though. Great to see Surf's Up, This Whole World and She Knows Me still in there though and Girl Don't Tell Me is much better than You're So Good To Me

[beatle608]

I was talking with Darian and he said Brian doesn't like doing Surf's Up and Busy Doin' Nothin' because they're too wordy. I was glad they pulled out Surf's Up last night, because quite honestly I didn't think Brian would sing it again.

[LostArt]

It was a great show last night.  I got the feeling that the sports bar across the street had a somewhat older crowd than usual before the show, and it was great to meet Brian Wilson fans from Madison, Manitowoc, and Minneapolis.  I don't get a chance to talk Beach Boys with too many people around here, so that was great.  If one of you was there, I was the big guy with the grey ponytail (in honor of Al Jardine).

My girlfriend and I crossed the street to the venue fairly early, and I was surprised to see many fellow musicians (including a guy from the band I play with, who was lucky enough to get last minute tickets...comped).  Everyone seemed to be in a great mood as we mingled in the lobby before the show.  Lots of grey hair around, but a few younger folks as well.

Finally it was time to go find our seats, about 11 rows from the stage, off to stage left (Al's side) a bit.  We chatted with the Camera Cop, who explained that if it were up to him....yeah, I know.  The PA was playing a nice mix of tunes, including "My World Fell Down", which is a favorite of mine.  Then an announcement regarding camera use and cell phones, and soon after that Brian walked out, followed by rest of the band, to cheers.  The crowd was small...there were empty seats all around us...but we were very enthusiastic.

They jumped right into Our Prayer followed by Heroes and Villains with a different transition (no Gee).  Brian was in good voice all night, but not very animated.  His introductions were short, with no joking around.  After Surf's Up, the crowd was just in awe, and Brian just went right to introducing Al for the next tune.  Al tried to say something about how great Surf's Up is, but the band went right into The Right Time.  Speaking of Al, that guy is great.  His voice was strong and clean and, well, Jardiney.  And Matt, wow.  He received a standing ovation after he came out front from his perch in the back and sang an incredible Don't Worry Baby.  His vocal on that and She Knows Me Too Well gave me chills.  I know people have said this before, but his voice just blends so much better than their other long time falsetto dude.  The band's harmonies were spot on all night, and I can't describe how awesome it is hearing those unbelievable harmonies on songs like Wouldn't It Be Nice and All Summer Long and...well...pretty much everything.  And when Brian sang God Only Knows, my girlfriend and I held each other, and I think I shed a couple tears as those gorgeous vocals at the end just enveloped me and filled me with Joy.  Spiritual.

I don't know if I'll get another opportunity to see Brian perform again.  I still can't believe that he came to Appleton, which saved me a trip to Waukegan, but I am so glad that he did.  I hope David1964, beatle608, GoofyJeff, and everyone else had as wonderful of a time as we did.  Still smiling 12 hours later.   

[LostArt]

Some additional thoughts as I think about the show...my girlfriend cracked up when near the end of Marcella, Brian just got up and split.  At one point Brian called Darian a great keyboard player, great singer and a good boy.  Darian muttered something about the good boy comment.  I think Brian called somebody else a good boy, Matt maybe?  Funny.  At one point Nelson took his cowbell and began running around the stage while banging the thing.  As he approached Al, he slowed his steps and played the cowbell softer with each step until he was standing right next to Al, hardly hitting the thing.  They both shared a smile, apparently an inside joke.  Good times.

[MyDrKnowsItKeepsMeCalm]

And when Brian sang God Only Knows, my girlfriend and I held each other, and I think I shed a couple tears as those gorgeous vocals at the end just enveloped me and filled me with Joy.  Spiritual.

Here's a photo I took at last month's Flushing, NY concert as Brian sang and played God Only Knows with the spotlight on him. I too found it very moving.



 

[Marty Castillo]

I just arrived in New Buffalo for the show tonight. I will be going to soundcheck and wanted to give myself plenty of time to get here. I should have time between soundcheck and the show to post a quick update and maybe video.

I already saw Matt Jardine walking to the food court and Mike D'Amico and Paul Von Mertens in the sports bar having lunch. It should be a great day/night!   

[RubberSoul13]

The intermission they've put back in totally boggles my mind. It's not even close to being a 50/50 Set 1 vs. Set 2 balance. It worries me a bit that they feel the need for an intermission that only leaves 8 songs...makes me think it's needed for health concerns or something similar.

"This Whole World" is hands down my favorite Beach Boys song, but I kind of don't want to hear it. They surprised me with it on C50 when I saw them and Brian did a really great job singing it. I just don't need to hear someone else sing it, while Brian sits there...not singing it. I dunno.

Glad to see "Girl Don't Tell Me" and "She Knows Me..." back in there, as well as "Marcella"!

[baseball95]

I was talking with Darian and he said Brian doesn't like doing Surf's Up and Busy Doin' Nothin' because they're too wordy. I was glad they pulled out Surf's Up last night, because quite honestly I didn't think Brian would sing it again.

That's totally understandable they almost read more as poems than songs.

[baseball95]

The intermission they've put back in totally boggles my mind. It's not even close to being a 50/50 Set 1 vs. Set 2 balance. It worries me a bit that they feel the need for an intermission that only leaves 8 songs...makes me think it's needed for health concerns or something similar.

"This Whole World" is hands down my favorite Beach Boys song, but I kind of don't want to hear it. They surprised me with it on C50 when I saw them and Brian did a really great job singing it. I just don't need to hear someone else sing it, while Brian sits there...not singing it. I dunno.

Glad to see "Girl Don't Tell Me" and "She Knows Me..." back in there, as well as "Marcella"!

I feel like it might be a venue requirement or something because they've only done it at 2 shows the entire tour.

[HeyJude]

I would say *if* they're inclined to do an intermission, they spot at which they did it makes sense. It looks like they did around 29 songs and took the intermission after 15.

I do think they could stand to make the shows a little longer, even if it meant just adding a few more Al songs.

I know Brian is slowing down these days, but back in, say, 2004, they usually did around 20-23 songs *before* the intermission, after which they'd come back and do the entire Smile album. I'm not saying they have to go back to that, but adding a few more songs, even some instrumentals and Al leads that don't tax Brian further, would be nice. Even when they have Blondie at the show, they only give Blondie two lead vocals plus the opening lines to "Sail Away."

[baseball95]

I would say *if* they're inclined to do an intermission, they spot at which they did it makes sense. It looks like they did around 29 songs and took the intermission after 15.

I do think they could stand to make the shows a little longer, even if it meant just adding a few more Al songs.

I know Brian is slowing down these days, but back in, say, 2004, they usually did around 20-23 songs *before* the intermission, after which they'd come back and do the entire Smile album. I'm not saying they have to go back to that, but adding a few more songs, even some instrumentals and Al leads that don't tax Brian further, would be nice. Even when they have Blondie at the show, they only give Blondie two lead vocals plus the opening lines to "Sail Away."

Couldn't agree more add Pet Sounds in and let Al do Cottonfields and Cal Saga instead of one or the other. And then maybe Lookin at Tomorrow or Honkin Down the Highway even Come Go With Me. I know they haven't done those but it might be easy to learn. Also by no means am i complaining i'm just happy to be able to see Brian tour with Al and Blondie.

The Blondie leads are really tricky because we all want to see Trader and Funk Pretty stuff like that but idk how well that would go over if they did three of those songs. I still wanna hear Hold On Dear Brother again, but honestly i don't think Blondie can sing it anymore even at the Vegas show Nate from Fun sang 95% of it with Blondie backing and maybe doubling him at certain parts. The one thing i REALLY want to see is Blondie play the whole show, he's there and he's a fantastic guitarist why keep him hiding in the back for 3/4 of the show? The couple times i've seen them this year it looked like he wanted to be out there as he was lurking behind the band the whole time  

[Marty Castillo]

Well, since I last checked-in, I had a chance to talk to Darian. I was at the bar in the Hard Rock Cafe and he came in to order some take out. I didn't bother him until he was about to leave and just told him it was great to have him back on tour. We talked for a good 4 or 5 minutes. Nothing earth shattering, but he talked a bit about the extensive touring of Pet Sounds next year--Australia, UK and across the US. I said I hope you come back through either Detroit or Chicago (I live in West Michigan--halfway between) and he said absolutely.

Soon after that, I went to the venue and stood around for the start of the soundcheck and meet and greet. I struck up a conversation with a father and daughter, the daughter won the instagram contest. They found out Sunday and it didn't seem like they had all the details on how the soundcheck and meet and greet would be run. They brought nothing to get signed. I mentioned I had brought extra items in the hopes of running into Al or Brian casually, as the rules for the meet and greet are one autograph per person. I offered my Today! LP already signed by Mike, if one of them got my Surfer Girl LP signed. They were ecstatic.

As for the soundcheck, I recorded almost all the songs until my phone got full. From memory they ran through I Get Around, Don't Worry Baby, Wouldn't It Be Nice, Pet Sounds and Heroes and Villans (this is when I ran out of memory on my phone). May be missing a song or two. Brian seemed very engaged and in charge, though he was very concerned with the time about 25 minutes after were let in.

After the soundcheck, we were brought backstage, I was one of the last 5 or 6 people through the line. I would say, if you are looking for a conversation, good luck. It is very much an assembly line process. My photo with Brian and Al turned out well. And I was able to get the following items signed:

Pickguard off my Squier Jaguar (had it taken off my guitar due to the small item restriction--will get it put back on soon)


Surfer Girl LP already signed by Mike and David (would have preferred blue sharpie, but they had already started signing by the time the father daughter got to the table, oh well)


Love & Mercy sheet music


Overall, I was very pleased with the experience (I had tempered my expectations from other reports on here) and would say it is well worth the money.

I will upload the videos from the soundcheck later, they are too big to mess around with on the casino wifi.

I'll try to give a full report of the show tomorrow.

[NickandthePassions]

I won the Brian Wilson VIP contest for Durham, NC. Debating on what I should bring to get signed. Should I wear my radiant radish T-shirt?

[Marty Castillo]

Some quick thoughts from the show last night:

- Matt Jardine sounded great, but he might be fighting a cold or something. During soundcheck they referenced battling through or trying his best.
- California Saga was soundchecked and Paul was to do a short flute solo before Brian started singing. Brian started early in soundcheck and did the same thing during the show. Big smiles and chuckling from the band.
- Marcella - Scott Bennett came from behind his keyboards to grab a Fender Jaguar. Brian introduced the song and said Scott was going to sing it. Scott stepped up to the mic and said, "No, Brian, you're singing it." The song started as normal with the "Hey yeah Marcella", when it came to "Mystic maiden's..." no one took the lead. Paul or Scott gave Brian a nod and I think he finally came in on the second or third line. Not a huge deal, but considering the pre-song banter, it was kind of funny.
- Prior to one of Matt's leads (I think DWB, but could have been WIBN) Brian introduced him as the "handsome guy" or "handsome Matt Jardine". Matt quipped he would be hearing that on the bus later. Probably a good 15-20 seconds ribbing/laughing ensued. Brian looked fairly oblivious and a little annoyed that there was a delay starting the show.
- I wore my "Keep It Clean With Al Jardine" t-shirt. I got some smiles from Scott and Darian during the show and Al finally saw it during "Help Me Rhonda" (when the crowd was finally standing), pointed at my shirt and gave me a thumbs up. ***I swear this wasn't a Mike Love point and smile, where everyone is convinced he was connecting with them*** I got a lot of compliments and smiles before and after the show from fans.

The show clocked in at just over 90 minutes. No intermission and only a brief encore break. I was front row, right by Brian. The couple next to me was comped tickets by Four Winds Casino and they said they got a short meet and greet just before the show. The venue was a large ballroom that didn't have a slanted floor. If you were in the back, it would have been a tough view, if not for the screens. I think this contributed to people not standing during the show until the encore. Kind of a respectful/dead crowd. The band kind of encouraged people to stand after GOK and stay standing during Good Vibrations (that lasted all of 30 seconds).

I can't tell you how much Blondie was missed. I saw him in Detroit earlier this summer and he provides a huge spark and added energy during the set. I hope he is part of the Pet Sounds tour.

This setlist has now been confirmed by secondary sources.

Our Prayer
Heroes and Villains
California Girls
I Get Around
Shut Down
Little Deuce Coupe
Girl Don't Tell Me
Then I Kissed Her
California Saga
In My Room
Surfer Girl
Don't Worry Baby
One Kind of Love
Marcella
Darlin
The Right Time
Pet Sounds (James Bond intro)
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Sloop John B
God Only Knows
Good Vibrations
(Encore)
All Summer Long
Help Me Rhonda
Barbara Ann
Surfin USA
Fun Fun Fun
Love and Mercy

Here are all the videos I recorded at the soundcheck:

I Get Around https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw8cd2vDA5k

Don't Worry Baby https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXEB8MGGvMY

California Saga https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFwagmeuzTU

Wouldn't It Be Nice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq2D-7afbnc

[SMiLE Brian]

Keep it clean Marty!

[Pet Sounder]

I did the soundcheck and meet and greet at the New Buffalo show last night.  It was a better experience than the one I did for the 50th Anniversary show (and almost 2/3 the cost).  This soundcheck, we were able to sit in the very front rows.  During the 50th, we had to sit like 20 rows back.  Brian checked his watch a couple of times, but at other times rocked back and forth during the songs, apparently enjoying himself.  As we walked in to the soundcheck, Brian gave us one of his long stares.  But he also smiled at us a few times during the soundcheck.  Al laughed at one point when the "you're under arrest" line was being sung and discussed. 

The meet and greet was also better, considering that we actually got to stand in front of the guys and get something signed, as opposed to only standing behind them for a photo during the 50th.  I told Al how much I loved "At My Window", and he gave me a big smile and short chuckle and commented on what a beautiful a song it was.  Before I had a chance to say something to Brian, I was told to get behind them for the photo.  After the photo, I was asked to move on, but there was no way I was leaving without talking with Brian, no matter how brief.  He didn't seem like he would initiate anything, which came as no surprise, so I extended my left hand (he was holding a sharpie with his right) and told him what a pleasure it was to meet him.  He made eye contact with me briefly, shook my hand, nodded and said something along the lines of "Ok, yeah".  Not very enthusiastically, but not dismissively or cold either - somewhere in between.  I definitely saw a glimmer of 60's Brian in his face and heard it in the softer, conversational tone of his voice.  It was worth the money to me and overall a pleasant experience. 

Also, later on while we were waiting for the doors to open for the show, Al walked through pushing someone in a wheelchair (someone next to me said it was someone he'd known for years).  Al looked at us and asked which way the theatre was.  We pointed him in the right direction.  A few people went up for autographs and he had maybe a minute long conversation with them.

[Marty Castillo]

All soundcheck videos linked on my original post. Watch the California Saga clip to see what I meant about Brian coming in early on Paul's flute into. You can see Darian kind of laugh when this happens.

[The Cincinnati Kid]

If anyone wants my extra ticket for tonight, it's yours for free.  Check the last page for where the seats are.

[The Cincinnati Kid]

Just got back from a great show!  Brian was in top form and really seemed into it the whole night.  At one point he seemed bothered by something on his shirt, so much so that he tried to lick it off his cuff lol.    The Brianism of the night was him saying "Now we're going to played a 60s Beach Boys song!"  This right after nothing but 60s songs had been played so far.  The crowd was kind of bumming me out for a while.  Only a couple people standing and singing along.  But once Scott told everyone to get up, the energy really picked up in the crowd and almost everyone was standing and singing the rest of the show.  There were a lot of people under 40 there, more than I expected and more than when Mike and Bruce came to town in August.  

Here is roughly what the setlist was, not completely sure if the order is correct.

Our Prayer
Heroes and Villains
California Girls
I Get Around
Shut Down
Little Deuce Coupe
Girl Don't Tell Me - Awesome song that Brian really did great on.  He even hit falsetto, but it was pretty much drowned out by everyone else.
Then I Kissed Her
Cotton Fields -  This was a bit disappointing.  It was slowed down and the key was lowered, but Al still had trouble hitting the higher notes.  This happened on a few songs.  Maybe his voice was wasn't feeling well (fourth show in a row) or maybe old age is finally catching up to his voice.  Still enjoyed it, though.

In My Room
Surfer Girl
Don't Worry Baby
One Kind of Love
Darlin'
Sail on, Sailor - Scott knocked this out of the park!  It really rocks in a live setting.  It would have been great if Blondie was at the show, but I really prefer Scott singing it, now.

Surf's Up- Really glad this was played!  First time I've heard it live and it sounded great.
The Right Time
Pet Sounds - I think this was played at C50, but hearing it tonight was awesome!  
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Sloop John B
God Only Knows
Good Vibrations

Encore
All Summer Long
Help Me Rhonda
Barbara Ann
Surfin USA
Fun Fun Fun
Love and Mercy


Also, nice to Meet you, Matt H!  If you weren't with your family I would have suggested we go get something to eat or whatever. (no bars since I'm not 21 yet  ). Would have been great to talk Beach Boys with a fellow fan.  Maybe next time!

[Musketeer]

California Saga was not performed last night to my knowledge.
Do you mean Cottonfields?

[The Cincinnati Kid]

Yes, I did. Always get them mixed up for some reason.

[Marty Castillo]

Here are some photos from the New Buffalo show on 11/13/15












Also, here is page two of the stage used setlist



Beach Boys memorabilia at the Hard Rock Cafe (neither were stage used, just signed)

[Matt H]

Just got back from a great show!  Brian was in top form and really seemed into it the whole night.  At one point he seemed bothered by something on his shirt, so much so that he tried to lick it off his cuff lol.    The Brianism of the night was him saying "Now we're going to played a 60s Beach Boys song!"  This right after nothing but 60s songs had been played so far.  The crowd was kind of bumming me out for a while.  Only a couple people standing and singing along.  But once Scott told everyone to get up, the energy really picked up in the crowd and almost everyone was standing and singing the rest of the show.  There were a lot of people under 40 there, more than I expected and more than when Mike and Bruce came to town in August.  

Here is roughly what the setlist was, not completely sure if the order is correct.

Our Prayer
Heroes and Villains
California Girls
I Get Around
Shut Down
Little Deuce Coupe
Girl Don't Tell Me - Awesome song that Brian really did great on.  He even hit falsetto, but it was pretty much drowned out by everyone else.
Then I Kissed Her
Cotton Fields -  This was a bit disappointing.  It was slowed down and the key was lowered, but Al still had trouble hitting the higher notes.  This happened on a few songs.  Maybe his voice was wasn't feeling well (fourth show in a row) or maybe old age is finally catching up to his voice.  Still enjoyed it, though.

In My Room
Surfer Girl
Don't Worry Baby
One Kind of Love
Darlin'
Sail on, Sailor - Scott knocked this out of the park!  It really rocks in a live setting.  It would have been great if Blondie was at the show, but I really prefer Scott singing it, now.

Surf's Up- Really glad this was played!  First time I've heard it live and it sounded great.
The Right Time
Pet Sounds - I think this was played at C50, but hearing it tonight was awesome!  
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Sloop John B
God Only Knows
Good Vibrations

Encore
All Summer Long
Help Me Rhonda
Barbara Ann
Surfin USA
Fun Fun Fun
Love and Mercy


Also, nice to Meet you, Matt H!  If you weren't with your family I would have suggested we go get something to eat or whatever. (no bars since I'm not 21 yet  ). Would have been great to talk Beach Boys with a fellow fan.  Maybe next time!

It was nice meeting you too.  I really enjoyed the show, and thought from the beginning that Brian was in a good mood.