Bruce Johnston talks reunion idea.

[the captain]

I don't think it's so easy to name the Wall-o-Brian as the obvious biggest flaw. First, I'd say that the decision to use all Brian is a production decision, so your "it's not just the production" isn't really true. But second, while I do dislike a bazillion Brians, I don't know that having the others would make up for the various other flaws in Brian's solo material more than fixing any of the other flaws. For you it might, but not for me. I'll agree that other voices help in every case where they were lacking. But not necessarily more than the horrible drum machines, cheesy nylon string guitar noodling, synth pad keys, etc.

[TdHabib]

I don't mean to go off topic here, but I'd like to add a little about the argument at hand. BW88 had harmonies that were sometimes shrill and uneven, and the production speaks for itself. Imagination, well that one had awful engineering and way too plastic production. For the most part I loved the vocals on that one on everything but "Let Him Run Wild," "Dream Angel," "Sunshine" and "Keep an Eye On Summer." On GIOMH production is too busy and vocals are horrible by and large (though "Fairy Tale" rules almost entirely)...

But I think a lot of the production and vocal problems were fixed on TLOS; the blend is much better since not only are bandmembers contributing, they have distinctive voices (i.e. Scott has some of Dennis' tones, Taylor has some beautiful moments) and Brian's vocals, while spotty in some cases, are clearer, more on the money and warmer than they have been in ages. Granted, I don't care for some of the material, but that's another story...

[the captain]

I agree with pretty much all of that. Well, depending on whether you meant the BW88 production speaks for itself in a good way or in a bad way.

[Sound of Free]

And would a reunion concert add something to that legacy?  I tend to think, only if it was a genuine reconciliation, more than just a revisiting.  Personally I'd love to see it if it just gave us something as sweet as that moment of Brian and Mike singing one of their favorite Everly Brothers songs on Hawthorne CA. 
[/quote]

How about this: After a full show, full of hits and album tracks, fast songs and slow songs and maybe some special guests (Ricky and Blondie, Glen Campbell, Darryl Dragon, Bill Hinsche), everyone ends the encore with a rollicking version of "Good Vibrations." As the crowd is going nuts thinking the show is over, everyone else leaves the stage, the lights are dimmed, pictures of Carl and Dennis are projected and Brian, Mike, Al, David and Bruce gather around a single microphone, and sing an a capella version of "Farwell My Friend" with the lyrics changed to "Farewell Our Friends."

That would be a nice way to retire the name "The Beach Boys."

[SloopJohnB]

That would be a nice way to retire the name "The Beach Boys."

The problem is, I don't think Mike would want to "retire the name". After this reunion concert/tour, Mike would most likely go on touring under the name "The Beach Boys"... And that is one of the reasons why you couldn't advertise such an event as being a "farewell" concert/tour.

[Smilin Ed H]

"although I find the "solo" years to be mediocre at best

You're being a little harsh.  You're the man who loves Matchpoint of Our Love.  Surely there's plenty of BW solo material better than that!  MAD, Rio Grande, Melt Away, Lay Down Burden, Cry, Don't Let Her Know... to name, perhaps, the most obvious examples.  Sure, the production (and arrangement in some cases) can be a problem, but the songs are way better.

[art rush]

That would be a nice way to retire the name "The Beach Boys."

The problem is, I don't think Mike would want to "retire the name". After this reunion concert/tour, Mike would most likely go on touring under the name "The Beach Boys"... And that is one of the reasons why you couldn't advertise such an event as being a "farewell" concert/tour.

This is also why I think it would be hard to market a reunion to Joe Public, because "The Beach Boys" never went away.

[Aegir]

Yeah, but Joe Public doesn't know "the Beach Boys" never went away. And besides, if it's just a one-off concert, I know that tons of hardcore fans from all around the world would be willing to travel to California to see the reunion.

[Dove Nested Towers]

I was prepared to cringe before watching the 2006 Capitol rooftop footage because I always
picture proximity to Mike as the one achilles heel in Brian's healing process (now clearly almost
complete) that could trigger old anxiety and unpleasant emotions, but he seemed comfortable and free from those reactions, although they could have been invisibly hiding beneath the surface.

It would be quite an event to have a single, ambitiously programmed concert incorporating
both hits, lesser-known or never performed live album tracks (She Knows Me Too Well etc.),
Unplugged or other SMiLE material, Dennis and Carl songs, some solo Brian material, and
just a generous gala overview of both the better-known and lesser-known or neglected gems from a cross-section of band and solo eras. Plus a comprehensive group of pivotal guests who would contribute a spine-tinglingly improbable aspect (a la Glen Campbell doing "Guess I'm
Dumb" or an onstage reconciliation and performance of "Cabinessence" with both Mike and Van Dyke Parks.)

It is probably true that fans want this as a capstone and to provide healing and closure to
them, which may be impossible for the principals involved, and, like John Lennon said about a
Beatles reunion, they have given enough of themselves in that previous incarnation, even without Carl
and Dennis' presence, that fans shouldn't expect them to give that much more and
should be satisfied with the memories they have already.

It's possible, however, that it could provide some closure to the surviving band members themselves that they may not even be able to anticipate or comprehend until it actually
alchemically takes place. On the other hand, it could turn into a nightmare, especially for Brian, if he is not sufficiently armored against the bad memories and disappointments of his past
with the band.

Carnie and Wendy Wilson, Dean Torrance, Blondie and Ricky, Daryl Dragon and others could appear, and all the stops could be pulled out to make it the ultimate reunion. Whichever of Dennis' children is a drummer could be
enlisted, like Zak Starkey performing with the Who, Alan Boyd could do an absolutely definitive video tribute, and it would be absolutely wild!

 This is a pie-in-the-sky scenario and is based on my own wishful thinking
to see the Beach Boys long, strange trip have a triumphant and healing conclusion and is not
at all likely to happen in any form close to what I have described, but some form of reunion
event is seeming more likely of late.

I can't help it, I'm just a sentimental sap (to paraphrase Mike re: Brian is Back.)

[Doo Dah]

Could you imagine Cuddle Up (isolated Denny vocals - maybe a video montage) backed by the L.A. Philharmonic at the Bowl? Just think of that - wow. Add Forever to the mix, and that would be a powerful moment. A standing-O moment.

[tpesky]

I don't mind the guests, but dont have a recap of the 25th anniversary concert! Don't give the guests a lead vocal either, (unless they sang it originally)  no offense but its the Beach Boys reunion, I want to hear them not Dean Torrence or Carnie/Wendy sing lead vocals. The guests seem like a nice idea and then when you watch it 10 years later, you are like why the hell was this person here?

[Howie Edelson]

Gloria Loring should sing "He's A Bum."

[the captain]

The guests seem like a nice idea and then when you watch it 10 years later, you are like why the hell was this person here?

Yep. "This is for Rhonda ... any Rhondas in the house?" Ricky Martin. Ugh.

[Dove Nested Towers]

Maybe I went a little overboard about the guests. I was just picturing Dean on  "Barbara Ann", Wendy on her eponymous song, Daryl Dragon and Ricky or Blondie 
on the appropriate tunes (Sail on Sailor etc. I agree, Cuddle Up or Falling in Love would be fantastic.)

There are so many interesting possibilities.

[AMDG]

If there is a reunion I would be happy with Mike. Bruce and Al joining Brian's band.

Honor Carl by having a video of huim singing 'God Only Knows' to the music and background vocals of the live band.  Do the same for Dennis to 'Forever'.

My guess is that it would have to be a one shot thing - a tour would probably not be a much higher draw than the current Mike and Bruce show.

[Lady]

This is coming from someone who stood by Dennis on stage as he played the piano, and I’m conflicted on the reunion issue.  Half of the time I think that the bands should just retire and let the great moments in their history stand.  To me, there was nothing better than seeing the band in concert while Dennis and Carl were alive.  If you’ve ever seen a concert with them and then seen one without them, you’ll probably understand what I mean.

But then on the other hand, I wouldn’t want to deny fans today from hearing some of the nostalgia that their present concerts provide. Brian plus his band is an amazing show to witness, and although I strongly miss Al Jardine’s voice and presence, the ML BB band does a fine job, too.

All in all, seeing them all together (including David Marks, Blondie and Ricky) for ONE concert to celebrate their 50 year anniversary would be nice.

[Pretty Funky]

Nice post Lady and one I agree with.
For me the legacy of the band is a good one but a few points still disappoint. Al's departure, however the reason. The last official 'new' album (Nashville), Various and numerous court cases and the bad feelings between members, and Brian contributing more leads to Beach Boys songs now than anytime during his time in the band.

I am thinking of the last time members of Pink Floyd stood together onstage in 2006 after a fantastic set. Since then they have lost one of their band-mates. How special they could put their differences aside for just one night for both themselves and their fans.

If Brian, Mike, Al, Bruce and David are willing to work together well for a short project such as a one-off concert and played music that Carl and Dennis sang, contributed to and enjoyed during their career, then that would honor and be worthy of 'The Beach Boys' title.

[Pretty Funky]

Oh BTW Lady...If someone close to you happens to wear a Captain's hat, it would be nice to see you both involved in some way also.

[Lady]

 

[Lady]

Actually, "TheOther Anonymous,"  you make a great point.  The Captain & Tennille could be included in the show because, of course, the Captain, Darryl Dragon + Dennis = Rumbo... and Toni Tennille was, am I correct, the only Beach Girl ?

[Sheriff John Stone]

I was just watching highlights of some of the Obama Inauguration performances in front of the Lincoln Memorial. It was quite an impressive list of performers; all of them, of course, invited by Obama.

It must be impossible to say "no" to the President Of The United States when asked to perform. And why would you. It's quite an honor, it's historical, good publicity, and it's great for the career resume. Hypothetical question: What if John McCain would've been elected, and, what if he was a huge, life-long Beach Boys' fan; I mean a knowledgable Beach Boys' fan. And, what if he would've made some phone calls to the appropriate "people", and personally requested that The Beach Boys - Brian, Mike, Al, Bruce, and David - reunite for a set/mini-concert at his Inaugural Ball. Do you think they would've re-united for it?

[MBE]

Well Brian liked McCain so maybe. I think though that for any event like this there is too much to do. In other words there would be no time to expend the energy sorting the Beach Boys out.

[Jonathan Blum]

If Bill Clinton could get Fleetwood Mac back together for one show when they weren't speaking, anything's possible!

Cheers,
Jon Blum

[Pretty Funky]

President McCain would have to get it past the first lady first. Melinda may not be a republican.