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The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Topic: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks (Read 4217 times)
CenturyDeprived
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The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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July 17, 2015, 03:05:11 PM »
At the peak of their fame, how often would the BBs (when on tour, as well as just day to day) just go out to ordinary places, use the bathroom at Denny’s (restaurant), wait in line at Sears and Roebuck, etc? It seems that Mike flies coach often these days, and just mingles with ordinary folk, and of course, Brian is known for just popping into his regular restaurant haunts.
Was there ever a time where this band was ever in such a bubble of celebrity that it was ever a shock to see them at ordinary, non-fancy establishments, the way it seems to be with superstar celebs these days who make news when they are seen at ordinary places? Or did the band never really (or only very briefly) achieve such superstardom? It seems they are more down to earth than most other bands of their level of fame.
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harrisonjon
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Reply #1 on:
July 17, 2015, 03:46:17 PM »
Dennis seems to have pretty much slummed it his whole life, at least up to the Manson era.
Brian and Carl I can imagine being more shy and restricting themselves to celeb parties.
Mike, I dunno, but he must have been doing some mingling to meet all the mothers of his kids.
Furthermore, after 1968 there was probably a good chance that a BB could walk around public places without being recognized, as they were not a major charting act most of the time.
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CenturyDeprived
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Reply #2 on:
July 17, 2015, 04:50:21 PM »
Quote from: harrisonjon on July 17, 2015, 03:46:17 PM
Dennis seems to have pretty much slummed it his whole life, at least up to the Manson era.
Brian and Carl I can imagine being more shy and restricting themselves to celeb parties.
Mike, I dunno, but he must have been doing some mingling to meet all the mothers of his kids.
Furthermore, after 1968 there was probably a good chance that a BB could walk around public places without being recognized, as they were not a major charting act most of the time.
All very good points...
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Magic Transistor Radio
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Reply #3 on:
July 17, 2015, 08:02:35 PM »
I recall starting a topic on here awhile back. I asked the question if the Beach Boys were the biggest band that aren't celebrities. Meaning they could go around in public largely undisturbed. The Beates couldn't. Could the Stones? Dylan? The Byds? Mamas and Papas?
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"Over the years, I've been accused of not supporting our new music from this era (67-73) and just wanting to play our hits. That's complete b.s......I was also, as the front man, the one promoting these songs onstage and have the scars to show for it."
Mike Love autobiography (pg 242-243)
Misterlou
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Reply #4 on:
July 17, 2015, 08:28:46 PM »
Quote from: Magic Transistor Radio on July 17, 2015, 08:02:35 PM
I recall starting a topic on here awhile back. I asked the question if the Beach Boys were the biggest band that aren't celebrities. Meaning they could go around in public largely undisturbed. The Beates couldn't. Could the Stones? Dylan? The Byds? Mamas and Papas?
I don't think the Stones or Dylan could. The Byrds and the Mamas and the Papas? Probably, but they weren't as big as the Beach Boys (in terms of commercial success). I think the Beach Boys had relative anonymity in public for a number of reasons, primarily because they were not very well known individually, outside of the band. This fact is on display in L&M, when Brian is introduced to Melinda, and she acts like she has never heard of him, until Landy adds "of the Beach Boys."
Chris Davidson wrote an interesting piece a few years back entitled "Forever Changeless: The Beach Boys, The Smile Sessions," in which he describes what he perceives as some differences between the Beach Boys and the Beatles that may illuminate this issue a little bit. Here's an excerpt:
"In the end, the difference between Sgt. Pepper’s and Smile, between the Beatles and the Beach Boys, is that the Beatles were actors. That’s not a judgment any more than it’s a judgment on Meryl Streep or Marlon Brando. It doesn’t matter to “Good Morning Good Morning” that John never punched a clock, nor does it matter to “Lovely Rita” that Paul never dated a meter maid. You get the sense that, with the Beatles, the song was the thing—no more, no less.
But the Beach Boys, even if they never really surfed, meant what they sang. Wilson revered Phil Spector for his “Wall of Sound” because he saw that conveying the crushing emotions of youth required an edifice of commensurate force. This is why the tensions of Smile make for such a strangely compelling listen. Amid the baroque arrangements, Parks’ arcane, pun-filled lyrics are sung with such sincerity! Young, talented, beautiful, and (in the studio at least) guileless, the Beach Boys didn’t know any other way."
The Beatles, as I've noted in a previous thread, were very skilled at marketing their brand, "actors" that had the world's stage; the Beach Boys, not so much. Just my 2 cents.
P.S. Here's the link to his article:
http://therumpus.net/2012/04/forever-changeless-the-beach-boys-the-smile-sessions/
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Last Edit: July 17, 2015, 08:44:33 PM by Misterlou
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Sheriff John Stone
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Reply #5 on:
July 17, 2015, 09:19:22 PM »
Quote from: Magic Transistor Radio on July 17, 2015, 08:02:35 PM
I recall starting a topic on here awhile back. I asked the question if the Beach Boys were the biggest band that aren't celebrities. Meaning they could go around in public largely undisturbed.
I once witnessed a Beach Boy - granted it was Bruce - go largely undisturbed in front of his own fans, at a concert!
In the early 1980's I saw The Beach Boys at the Allentown Fair. We were in our seats about an hour before the show began, sitting in the chairs on the floor in front of the stage. The venue was about a third full. All of a sudden, out from behind the stage comes Bruce Johnston. It caught me totally off guard and I said excitedly to my buddies, "Hey, look, it's Bruce Johnston!" He was wearing the typical white shorts, white sneakers and light polo shirt. And, he kept walking! He walked in front of the stage and right through the middle aisle of chairs. And, it appeared that hardly anyone recognized him. There were no "Bruce! Bruce!" calls. There were no high fives as he passed through. There was nobody approaching him with a pen and paper for an autograph. There wasn't even a smattering of applause. You could barely see any heads turn to look at him. It was as if Bruce was merely a stage hand or a spectator.
Well, eventually Bruce passed right by where we were sitting and I got out of my seat and started following him. Soon another three or four nuts like me were tagging along and it resembled a mini-Pied Piper scene. I have no idea why, but Bruce walked directly to the nearest concession stand and ordered a soda - like he couldn't get one back stage?! As he was standing there waiting for the soda, we started to (politely) pepper him with questions. The first guy asked Bruce how Brian was doing. I asked him if Brian was present for the show tonight. Bruce said, "I don't know. We never know until the last minute if he's going to show up." He didn't say it say it smart or sarcastic, but matter-of-factly. Actually, he was very nice and friendly. The little get together didn't last very long. Bruce got his soda and proceeded to walk right back to where he came from.
And that was that. But every time I think about that "meeting", I still can't believe how anonymous and unrecognizable Bruce - one of The Beach Boys - was, in front of his own fans.
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Lonely Summer
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Reply #6 on:
July 17, 2015, 10:04:31 PM »
The Beatles tv appearances in the 60's were major events, and they also starred in some very popular movies. Everyone knew the names of the guys individually. And the Monkees were seen weekly on prime time tv. I doubt the Beach Boys were ever that recognizable to the public. Maybe if they'd made a few more appearances on Full House....
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elnombre
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Reply #7 on:
July 17, 2015, 11:29:00 PM »
Quote from: Misterlou on July 17, 2015, 08:28:46 PM
Quote from: Magic Transistor Radio on July 17, 2015, 08:02:35 PM
I recall starting a topic on here awhile back. I asked the question if the Beach Boys were the biggest band that aren't celebrities. Meaning they could go around in public largely undisturbed. The Beates couldn't. Could the Stones? Dylan? The Byds? Mamas and Papas?
I don't think the Stones or Dylan could. The Byrds and the Mamas and the Papas? Probably, but they weren't as big as the Beach Boys (in terms of commercial success).
I highly doubt Mama Cass could go anywhere public without a fuss being made - she was an icon and also under intense media scrutiny. Of course eventually she just stopped giving a sh*t and did whatever the hell she fancied.
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Stephen W. Desper
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Reply #8 on:
July 18, 2015, 10:26:15 AM »
Quote from: CenturyDeprived on July 17, 2015, 03:05:11 PM
At the peak of their fame, how often would the BBs (when on tour, as well as just day to day) just go out to ordinary places, use the bathroom at Denny’s (restaurant), wait in line at Sears and Roebuck, etc? It seems that Mike flies coach often these days, and just mingles with ordinary folk, and of course, Brian is known for just popping into his regular restaurant haunts.
Was there ever a time where this band was ever in such a bubble of celebrity that it was ever a shock to see them at ordinary, non-fancy establishments, the way it seems to be with superstar celebs these days who make news when they are seen at ordinary places? Or did the band never really (or only very briefly) achieve such superstardom? It seems they are more down to earth than most other bands of their level of fame.
COMMENT:
This is an interesting question. I think I can answer your quest with some degree of knowledge having traveled and been with the Beach Boys for several years and observing their habits and interaction with us normal mortals.
Your last statement is more correct. “… they were more down to earth …” I have dinned, shopped, traveled with the group in many, many, many normal places, at airport cafes, hotel lobbies, restaurants, or shopping and for the most part it’s like we all experience when we do these things. Also, just like you and I, when nature calls, they find a restroom, no big deal. The Beach Boys have never requested or needed bodyguards or special consideration for any normal activity. Shopping, renting a car, passing through an airport, eating out, or any other normal daily activity was not anything more than what you or I would experience. The only exception would be in the concert setting. There, they would have their own dressing room facilities, but even at that, if someone used the public rest rooms it would not be a big thing. Of course, when visiting such things as an amusement park or a cinema, they would get special VIP treatment, that is, be seated before the general public would be admitted. But this is a courtesy extended to such celebrities to avoid a commotion that their presence of waiting in a line might engender. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had breakfast or dinner in a Holiday Inn or Marriott dining room with Bruce, Carl, Dennis or Alan (Mike like to eat in his room) together or separately, without any hassle. People recognize who it is, but most are cordial and just wave or look over for a moment. Some folks may stop by the table and say they saw the show the night before – how much they enjoyed it – and then leave you alone. Actually the opposite was true in the later part of the 60s in the south of the USA. When playing some smaller cities, it was not possible to get a meal in a restaurant and we (meaning the crew and the boys) would be told that “we don’t serve your kind here” because we had long hair. Korthof who had short hair would have to order meals to go for everyone and we would eat them in the bus or at the hotel. Sort of the reverse of the situation you ask about. The only real problems I’ve seen is close to the venue or at the stage door entrance where fans collect making it very hard to pass through the crowd. But get away from the theater or auditorium and things normalize. Even at an airport or on a plane, most people leave you along and respect your privacy – with only a curious glance now and then. I’ve been shopping with Carl who likes to visit jewelry stores – he had a watch collection. Window-shopping in NYC with Dennis did not cause any scene. I’ve also gone shopping with Brian looking at shirts and shoes, but even his notoriety was of little consequence. Shopping with Alan is frustrating since he can’t seem to decide what he wants, but his company and conversation make up for it. Hope that helps.
Good Listening,
~Stephen W. Desper
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joe_blow
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Reply #9 on:
July 18, 2015, 11:10:37 AM »
Thanks Stephen, greatly appreciated post!
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cant wait
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Reply #10 on:
July 18, 2015, 11:14:06 AM »
nice insights, Stephen, thank you so much ! It is interesting that you mention amusement parks,
for it was there i bumped into Carl. It was the summer "Love You" was released, at the CNE, and
Brian was leading them and present. He was so nervous, he paced the stage for over an hour, pre-show.
I went out to the midway to go on the roller coaster and a buzz was going about that "Brian Wilson" was
in the line. It was Carl and (i think) Annie and i was a couple of patrons behind so i got to say hello, and
go on the ride with him a couple of cars behind !
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Misterlou
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Reply #11 on:
July 18, 2015, 11:15:58 AM »
Yes, thank you Stephen, that was very interesting. It's good to get an insider perspective. I also didn't know, being very young then, that discrimination extended to those with long hair... that's too bad.
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Last Edit: July 18, 2015, 11:17:58 AM by Misterlou
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mikeddonn
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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July 18, 2015, 12:06:14 PM »
Thank you Stephen for sharing things about your time with the band outside the studio. It's always good to hear the day-to-day stuff for those of us who don't know them personally. I like hearing about the more 'normal' stuff. We know so much about the other stuff from books (and some of it probably more personal than we need to know or they would want us to know).
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Stephen W. Desper
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Reply #13 on:
July 18, 2015, 04:30:23 PM »
Quote from: mikeddonn on July 18, 2015, 12:06:14 PM
Thank you Stephen for sharing things about your time with the band outside the studio. It's always good to hear the day-to-day stuff for those of us who don't know them personally. I like hearing about the more 'normal' stuff. We know so much about the other stuff from books (and some of it probably more personal than we need to know or they would want us to know).
Comment: Thanks to everyone for your kind words. I will take many secrets to my grave, but these threads, here on Smiley Smile, do cause me to recall little stories from time to time. You will be pleased to know that in the second part of my book,
Recording The Beach Boys
, I go into more of the personal stuff and expand on the outside-the-studio events I've been privileged to share with such a remarkable group of fellows
. ~swd
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CenturyDeprived
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Reply #14 on:
July 18, 2015, 04:43:14 PM »
Quote from: Stephen W. Desper on July 18, 2015, 04:30:23 PM
Quote from: mikeddonn on July 18, 2015, 12:06:14 PM
Thank you Stephen for sharing things about your time with the band outside the studio. It's always good to hear the day-to-day stuff for those of us who don't know them personally. I like hearing about the more 'normal' stuff. We know so much about the other stuff from books (and some of it probably more personal than we need to know or they would want us to know).
Comment: Thanks to everyone for your kind words. I will take many secrets to my grave, but these threads, here on Smiley Smile, do cause me to recall little stories from time to time. You will be pleased to know that in the second part of my book,
Recording The Beach Boys
, I go into more of the personal stuff and expand on the outside-the-studio events I've been privileged to share with such a remarkable group of fellows
. ~swd
Thanks Stephen for the thoughtful response to my question. Always a pleasure, and enriching to hear your point of view.
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Magic Transistor Radio
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Re: The BBs slumming it like ordinary folks
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Reply #15 on:
July 23, 2015, 04:01:55 PM »
Thanks Stephen! Interesting bit about the south not feeding their kind! Dirty hippies!
I do want to say that I think the Beatles were probably just as down to earth as the Beach Boys. They just got too popular to stray in the general public too long. Paul McCartney says he enjoys just being himself with a fan on a bus or whatever. He feels that the star on stage is someone else. But he prefers to be just his normal self. I still find it fascinating how relatively unknown the individual Beach Boys are. Even at their own concerts apparrently, as noted by Sherrif John Stone mentioned!
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"Over the years, I've been accused of not supporting our new music from this era (67-73) and just wanting to play our hits. That's complete b.s......I was also, as the front man, the one promoting these songs onstage and have the scars to show for it."
Mike Love autobiography (pg 242-243)
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