This Day in BB History (Feb 7-16)...

Feb 8 1962-The BBs held a session at World Pacific Studios and recorded unreleased (at the time) versions of “Surfin Safari”, “Surfer Girl”, “Judy” and “Karate”. Al left the band soon after the session. To date no firm evidence exists for any concerts during this month…though there probably were at least a few. They definitely played at the Rainbow Gardens at some point around this time, but the date listed is conjecture. Feb 9 and 10 1963 the BBs performed at a custom car show in LA. They were in the midst of recording an album and a session was held for the “Ballad of Ol’ Betsy” on the 9th and for a number of songs, including “Stoked”, “The Noble Surfer” and “Surf Jam” on the 1lth and 12th. On Feb 15 they played the Valentine’s Day Dance at their alma-mater Hawthorne HS. Carl was still attending school there, though he’d soon switch to Hollywood Professional School. The next day they played a big KFWB event with starts like Ann Margaret. Feb 12 1964 it is quite possible that Brian’s marvelous vocal for “Don’t Worry Baby” was recorded on this day (the paperwork for most of the songs on this album are problematic) and he probably took part in the Jan and Dean session for “Ride the Wild Surf” on Feb 16 1964. Feb 12 1965 the BBs began an east coast tour-with Brian filling in for his replacement Glen Campbell. They played two shows in NYC the next day and held a big press conference. One of my favorite Brian quotes is from this conference. He was asked his opinion of NY and said “I don’t think I could live here…New York’s a lonely place when you’re the only surfer boy around.” There is a song with this title…perhaps influenced by this? They were in Newark on Sunday the 14 and by Feb 17 were in Rhode Island. Feb 10 1966-this is the likely date that the group flew to San Diego in the midst of the Pet Sounds sessions to shoot the cover photos. An article from the time by a reporter, who accompanied them, states that it was a Thursday, so Feb 15, stated in Keith Badman, is incorrect. Amusingly, Brian drove Marilyn (identified as a girlfriend since the BBs, including Brian, kept their marriages a secret till late 1966) the reporter, Dennis and Steve Korthof to the airport in his yellow Mark IV Jaguar at a speed of 98 mph. Sessions were held around this time for Don’t Talk (Feb 11), “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” (Feb 14) and “That’s Not Me” (Feb 15). At a mixing and rehearsal session on Feb 16, Bruce met Elvis who was recording nearby. Brian was too petrified to go with him. Feb 9 1967 Brian produced a session for Jasper Daly-probably a nice escape from the increasing frustration of Smile sessions. The BBs were on the road-playing in Miami, St Pete and Jacksonville on Feb 10-12 1967. They played in Murfreesboro in Tennessee on Feb 14. Feb 7-12 1969 the BBs were on a tour of Texas. In the Family court trial it was revealed that CM was asked by Dennis to be an opening act on this tour, but his parole violations prevented it-lucky for Texas. Instead a young Bob Seger opened the shows. Dennis took sick during the tour and left early. Back in LA he recorded “Got to Know the Woman” on Feb 13 and 14 1969. On Feb 16 1969 the BBs appeared on the Kraft Music Hall-the clip in Endless Harmony of them singing “California Girls” surrounded by California Girls is from this show (no doubt taped at an earlier date). Feb 3-14 1970 Little Richard was playing in LA-and the BBs allegedly attended a show and invited him to Brian’s house (the Gaines book has the slightly sordid story). Feb 14 1970 an episode of Something Else-taped in New Orleans-aired on TV. The Endless Harmony clip of “Cotton Fields” is from this app. Feb 14-16 1974 the BBs played shows in Montana and Utah- a rather obscure tour…at their low point in popularity. Feb 16 and 17 1978 the BBs played in Las Vegas at the Aladdin. Feb 11 1980 an AFM shows that “Can’t Wait Too Long” was worked on for possible inclusion on KTSA. Feb 12-16 1981 the BBs were on tour with Brian. This was the last tour before Carl quit for over year. Randy Meisner and the Silverados opened these shows. Feb 7 1996 the BBs appeared on the Des O’Connor TV show in England with Status Quo. Brian was there too. By Feb 13 1996 they were back in LA working on “Caroline No” for Stars and Stripes.

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