Melinda?

[Shady]

The BRIAN WILSON ON TOUR DVD was edited to show Brian at his most enthusiastic; it would not be representative of his overall behavior/attitude during that time period.

It's been pointed out a number of times, but Brian won't really go along with something he is dead-set against. I'm sure there are still aspects of touring he enjoys, but ultimately he is just doing his job, a job he knows will keep him active. Like for any of us, a job can become a drudgery, but it's something we stick with because it keeps us busy and keeps money coming in. In Brian's case, the money is not so much an issue, but keeping busy is. Unlike most other performers (who will fib about how life on the road is always fantastic), Brian has been vocal about what a drag it can be. That doesn't mean he is being forced against his will to perform. When you go to see him in concert, he's doing his job for you; sometimes, nothing more. I've seen him "do his job" as a solo artist seven times now and thought he put forth a decent effort each time. Your job as an audience member is to enjoy the performance as much as you can.

Yeah, that makes sense and I definitely hope you're right and that is the case. I saw him last year and I'm going to see him  again in a month's time and I know I'll love it and have a great time, I'm really looking forward to it!  I just like to know that he's happy and ok (as happy and ok as he can be)!

I doubt Brian is happy 70% of the time on stage, the watch checking is a sure sign of that.

I do feel that a little bit of the time he's digging it

[urbanite]

Who really calls the shots?  Does Brian have a manager or is he a figurehead?

[MBE]

I'm sure AGD could tell us a lot more, if it doesn't involve indiscretions....

Well... let me phrase it this way - I'm currently requested not to post on the Bloo, partly because I was needlessly profane towards an admittedly antagonistic poster (who some think was a plant designed purely to wind me up - entirely successful, I have to say), but also partly because I was stating some unpalatable (to the management) truths concerning some of Brian's songs (i.e. the best track on the 2005 Xmas album was recorded nine years previously in collaboration with Joe Thomas... and Scott, not Brian, wrote the intro/outro to "Midnight"). I've heard much about Melinda, good and bad, from many reliable sources. I've drawn my own conclusions from various managemental decisions 1998-2009. I've met her several time, when she's been variously charming, aloof and icy. Managing Brian Wilson is a thankless and almost impossible task: that said, some of the decisions made by his people these last ten years seem hugely questionable.

Andrew which song on the Xmas album was recorded in 1996?

[MBE]

Melinda and Leaf are devils.  Everyone spoke highly of the Lovester until these two evil fucks came along.  Look through all the literature on the BB in the 60s; look through all the literature on Dennis. Nothing.  Everyone loves the Lovester. If it wasn't for Melinda and Leaf (and that equally evil money-grubbing dissenter Al Jardine) we'd have The Beach Boys again.  Well, okay, Carl and Dennis are no longer with us, but you know what I mean. Of course, she can't run a tour and BW doesn't seem to have the last say about what he does... Maybe they mean that?

This post cracked me up. I assume it was meant as humor because its so far from reality. Mike started getting bad press in 1966/67, especially due to his banter in-between songs at concerts, and because of the nasal quality of his voice. By 76/77 he was getting nailed for much more than that. This stuff is all on the record and easy to access if you really want to know the truth. There were also plenty of positive things written about him through those years...but Mike was clearly the Beach Boy who had the most negative press long before David Leaf came along. I'm not a David Leaf fan, nor a Melinda fan...but your post was either great humor, or bad history, or maybe a satirical hybrid which blew my mind.

Jon is right that Mike Love got bad press before 1978, some of it deserved,  but Leaf was the most damaging. First nobody had gone so far with the anti-Beach Boys or Mike Love thing before. Second until the mid nineties most seemed to buy into the Leaf theories.  Once the extent of his songwriting in the early days was revealed things Mike and the others got reevaluated. Leaf had once even said that Mike was a bad choice to write with Brian because they never had done much in the first place. We know that is completely false and so did Leaf. Brian said numerous times that he wrote with Mike extensively.

Even Dennis in his radio interviews said that the whole band was in awe of Brian even when coaxed to say otherwise. I think both in the Fornatelle and the "haircut" interviews this is brought up.  He once said Mike was a lyric man so it may have taken him slightly longer to understand the musical changes. He didn't say this with anything but understanding. Honestly don't you think Dennis would have made Mike look bad if Leaf's views were actually true?

[The Heartical Don]

I know nothing about the inner workings of Brian's management. Never met Melinda. Saw Brian three times in concert (2002/2004). So that makes me either an ignoramus, or someone who can speak out naïvely, or both.

I'd say Brian 'needs' some prodding. He has, like many depressed persons, a strong tendency to retreat, to be passive. That is the start of a vicious circle, because precisely the brain areas involved in depression 'go with the flow', i.e. become less active and begin to show less functional connections under the microscope. Which increases the feelings of being depressed. Which makes the tendency to retreat even more grave. And so on. The only ways to counteract these developments, apart from medication, are activity, and an enriched environment, that is: an environment with new stimulating things in it. Touring offers these opportunities to combat depression.

But: like others here, I really wondered a couple of times about BW's tour schedules, the venues he played, and especially his all too quick returns to cities he visited just before. Now, of course I want every fan to be able to see him. But is it really necessary to do a greatest hits show in a town where one was not too long ago, with SMiLE in its entirety and a truckload of greatest hits before and after the presentation of that album?

[Chris Brown]

I'm sure AGD could tell us a lot more, if it doesn't involve indiscretions....

Well... let me phrase it this way - I'm currently requested not to post on the Bloo, partly because I was needlessly profane towards an admittedly antagonistic poster (who some think was a plant designed purely to wind me up - entirely successful, I have to say), but also partly because I was stating some unpalatable (to the management) truths concerning some of Brian's songs (i.e. the best track on the 2005 Xmas album was recorded nine years previously in collaboration with Joe Thomas... and Scott, not Brian, wrote the intro/outro to "Midnight"). I've heard much about Melinda, good and bad, from many reliable sources. I've drawn my own conclusions from various managemental decisions 1998-2009. I've met her several time, when she's been variously charming, aloof and icy. Managing Brian Wilson is a thankless and almost impossible task: that said, some of the decisions made by his people these last ten years seem hugely questionable.

Andrew which song on the Xmas album was recorded in 1996?

I believe he's referring to "Joy to the World."  Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong AGD.

[shelter]

One thing I think is pretty common knowledge - he hates the meet & greets.

Yeah, who's the brains behind those, I won't point the finger at Melinda but I sure hope she's not.

Brian doesn't like to do meet & greets or interviews, and obviously he's not very good at doing these things either. Wouldn't it have been much better (for him personally but certainly also for his image) if they just never had made him do anything like that?

Imagine how it would be if Brian would never have done any interviews or meet & greets since the late 60s... That ever since 1967, he would just get on stage every once in a while, do his thing, leave and not talk to anyone he doesn't want to talk to. Ever. I'm sure he'd be much happier. And combined with his background and his story, that would've given him the coolest, most mysterious image of anyone in pop music. He'd be almost mythical. And not some goofy old guy who dozes off in front of interviewers.

[shelter]

I believe he's referring to "Joy to the World."  Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong AGD.

Yes:

10/97   UAV Entertainment
  18832   Christmas Spirit (various)
   includes "Joy To The World" [BW]

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

Imagine how it would be if Brian would never have done any interviews or meet & greets since the late 60s... That ever since 1967, he would just get on stage every once in a while, do his thing, leave and not talk to anyone he doesn't want to talk to. Ever. I'm sure he'd be much happier. And combined with his background and his story, that would've given him the coolest, most mysterious image of anyone in pop music. He'd be almost mythical. And not some goofy old guy who dozes off in front of interviewers.

Agreed x 1000.

[LostArt]

I doubt Brian is happy 70% of the time on stage, the watch checking is a sure sign of that.

I wouldn't be so sure about the watch checking thing.  It could be a nervous habit.  Or he may simply want to know what time it is.  It's not like the time dictates when he gets to leave the stage, anyway.  He plays through all of the tunes that are on his set list, regardless of what time it is.  If he was having a bad time on stage, he'd be checking his set list to see how many songs were left...'Man, I just have to do Barbara Ann, Fun Fun Fun, and Love and Mercy, and then I can split!!' 

Oh, and Billy C., your avatar is hilarious.

[Amy B.]

Imagine how it would be if Brian would never have done any interviews or meet & greets since the late 60s... That ever since 1967, he would just get on stage every once in a while, do his thing, leave and not talk to anyone he doesn't want to talk to. Ever. I'm sure he'd be much happier. And combined with his background and his story, that would've given him the coolest, most mysterious image of anyone in pop music. He'd be almost mythical. And not some goofy old guy who dozes off in front of interviewers.

Not so sure about that. Back when I was an extremely casual BBs fan, I was under the impression that Brian had gone to bed in 1967 and then emerged and was completely incoherent. It wasn't until I saw the interviews with him in the IJWMFTT doc that I realized that he can think for himself and can be quite coherent at times. Does that mean he should do tons of interviews? Probably not. But keeping him under wraps might not be such a good idea either, from the perspective of the general public.

About Melinda, I think it's much more complicated than, "Is she a good person or a bad person?" It's quite possible that she loves Brian and wants what's best for him and feels that he needs to be prodded, or he'll just be a lump. She has referred to the enthusiastic audiences, and the way Brian needs that approval to keep him going. It's very easy for Marilyn to sit there and say, "Let him do what he wants," but that approach hasn't really worked in the past, and she hasn't lived with Brian in decades. Melinda could be wrong, but that doesn't mean her heart isn't in the right place. The need to keep Brian going is probably what goes into the decision to keep him touring, because as has been pointed out, the tours don't make money. As far as the bad decision making goes, Melinda is probably just not a good business person. But that doesn't translate into "evil" or "manipulative." Even if she was friends with David Leaf, it's quite possible that she fell for his line of argument just as so many fans did. If she loves Brian, it would be quite easy for her to believe that her husband is the good guy and Mike Love is a bad guy who can hurt her husband.

[absinthe_boy]

I've only seen Brian once, that was from the 4th row of  a SMiLE tour concert. Can't draw many conclusions from that but he gave a great performance, clearly enjoyed himself and whenever I pointed my (large) camera at him he grinned and/or waved at me. That suggests a man at ease, and who scans his audience and who is aware of their reactions to the music...ie someone *involved*...and not merely going through the motions.

However you must remember that Brian suffers from depression. Even when treated, depression is a cruel illness which can leave the sufferrer unable to function in their home and work life without 'prodding' from a therapist or loved one. I do suspect that Melinda sometimes has to coax her husband into doing his thing. But we also know that if Brian's mind is really set against something, then nobody can make him do it. Touring may be an activity that he sometimes enjoys and probably on some days (especially when he's having a bad day or having those auditory hallucinations) he'd rather be tucked up in bed.

AGD would probably be the best source on this board, and he's clearly incurred a little wrath from Brian's camp for telling it like it is. Brian's people do sometimes seem to feel that any criticism, however constructive, is not to be tolerated.

My best guess is that Melinda does push Brian, because he has depression and anyone who's ever known a clinically depressed person knows they need pushing from time to time.

[Andrew G. Doe]

I'm sure AGD could tell us a lot more, if it doesn't involve indiscretions....

Well... let me phrase it this way - I'm currently requested not to post on the Bloo, partly because I was needlessly profane towards an admittedly antagonistic poster (who some think was a plant designed purely to wind me up - entirely successful, I have to say), but also partly because I was stating some unpalatable (to the management) truths concerning some of Brian's songs (i.e. the best track on the 2005 Xmas album was recorded nine years previously in collaboration with Joe Thomas... and Scott, not Brian, wrote the intro/outro to "Midnight"). I've heard much about Melinda, good and bad, from many reliable sources. I've drawn my own conclusions from various managemental decisions 1998-2009. I've met her several time, when she's been variously charming, aloof and icy. Managing Brian Wilson is a thankless and almost impossible task: that said, some of the decisions made by his people these last ten years seem hugely questionable.

Andrew which song on the Xmas album was recorded in 1996?

I believe he's referring to "Joy to the World."  Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong AGD.

No correction needed. 

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

Oh, and Billy C., your avatar is hilarious.

LOL...oddly enough, I just changed it recently from one that actually spoofed the whole "Brian checked his watch" thing.

However you must remember that Brian suffers from depression. Even when treated, depression is a cruel illness which can leave the sufferrer unable to function in their home and work life without 'prodding' from a therapist or loved one. I do suspect that Melinda sometimes has to coax her husband into doing his thing. But we also know that if Brian's mind is really set against something, then nobody can make him do it.

Not necessarily. He'll do it, but half-ass it.

[Roger Ryan]

Not necessarily. He'll do it, but half-ass it.

True, but the seven times I've seen him live since '99 I did not feel that he "half-assed" his performances. Therefore I believe he's not totally against doing the tour thing.

However, when I saw him in '78 with the Beach Boys and, five songs in, he walked off the stage in the middle of his own lead vocal and didn't return, well...that was truly "half-assed"!

[Nicole]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

I recall an interview with Melinda...audio or print I can't recall....where she discussed her advice/input to Brian on his career.  It was something to the effect of ;  "Brian, if your going to have a career, you can't do a studio album once every 10 years and then retreat.  You have to get out there and promote  and do interviews and tour."  Sounded like a wife givng her husband some strong wifely advice.      I suspect Brian is the kind of guy who needs a firm hand. 
Now, the question is, does Brian need to tour quite as much as he does?

I agree with this. It seems like she has good intentions, but maybe it just comes across as overbearing because of how often he's been touring.

The touring discussion is also an interesting one. I really want to see Brian in concert one day, and hopefully I'll be able to catch one before the end of the year. But I don't want to go to a concert where he isn't having a good time. From videos that I've seen on YouTube and everything, he looks a little bored, to be honest. Not that I would be disappointed, because I'm sure a Brian Wilson concert is an amazing experience, but I'd want him to be doing it for all of us, not because he feels like he HAS to.

But then again, I think he's always sort of been that way, right? I know being in front of a bunch of people isn't exactly "his thing."

[Jon Stebbins]

In his post above Absinthe Boy describes Brian as..."a man at ease"...whoa, that's gotta be a first.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

True, but the seven times I've seen him live since '99 I did not feel that he "half-assed" his performances. Therefore I believe he's not totally against doing the tour thing.

Oh yeah, no doubt. I mean, he f*cking blew the house down when I saw him. There's a difference though when he's not feeling like it.

[phirnis]

Not necessarily. He'll do it, but half-ass it.

True, but the seven times I've seen him live since '99 I did not feel that he "half-assed" his performances. Therefore I believe he's not totally against doing the tour thing.

However, when I saw him in '78 with the Beach Boys and, five songs in, he walked off the stage in the middle of his own lead vocal and didn't return, well...that was truly "half-assed"!

I wonder what his current band would do if something like that happened today. Play a Pet Sounds instrumental perhaps?

[hypehat]

Not necessarily. He'll do it, but half-ass it.

True, but the seven times I've seen him live since '99 I did not feel that he "half-assed" his performances. Therefore I believe he's not totally against doing the tour thing.

However, when I saw him in '78 with the Beach Boys and, five songs in, he walked off the stage in the middle of his own lead vocal and didn't return, well...that was truly "half-assed"!

I wonder what his current band would do if something like that happened today. Play a Pet Sounds instrumental perhaps?

During the BW On Tour doc, they say something along the lines of 'If he runs off, we'll just carry on playing as if nothing happened'.

[onkster]

My own opinions of Mike don't stem from Leaf or any of his journalistic descendents, but from things uttered from the mouth of Mike himself.  I'm sure he has some good qualities, but most or many of his own speeches do him incredible disservice.  The one time I met him, he said almost nothing, which was a blessed relief.

And as someone who has himself suffered from depression, I'm incredibly grateful for any of the prodding I received at the time.  Believe me, it is a fantastic help, and shows great caring.  Brian is likely very lucky to have such care around him.

[Nicole]

I wonder what his current band would do if something like that happened today. Play a Pet Sounds instrumental perhaps?

"Let's Go Away For Awhile," maybe?

[Shady]

I wonder what his current band would do if something like that happened today. Play a Pet Sounds instrumental perhaps?

"Let's Go Away For Awhile," maybe?

zing 

[the captain]

Not necessarily. He'll do it, but half-ass it.

True, but the seven times I've seen him live since '99 I did not feel that he "half-assed" his performances. Therefore I believe he's not totally against doing the tour thing.

However, when I saw him in '78 with the Beach Boys and, five songs in, he walked off the stage in the middle of his own lead vocal and didn't return, well...that was truly "half-assed"!

I wonder what his current band would do if something like that happened today. Play a Pet Sounds instrumental perhaps?

During the BW On Tour doc, they say something along the lines of 'If he runs off, we'll just carry on playing as if nothing happened'.

Yep. And let's not kid ourselves: there is no chance they don't have contingency plans for that happening, even now after all these years of him not bailing. Hell, even when he is there, somebody is almost always doubling him. If he bailed during a show, the primary change would be that the vocals would be in tune.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Not necessarily. He'll do it, but half-ass it.

True, but the seven times I've seen him live since '99 I did not feel that he "half-assed" his performances. Therefore I believe he's not totally against doing the tour thing.

However, when I saw him in '78 with the Beach Boys and, five songs in, he walked off the stage in the middle of his own lead vocal and didn't return, well...that was truly "half-assed"!

I wonder what his current band would do if something like that happened today. Play a Pet Sounds instrumental perhaps?

During the BW On Tour doc, they say something along the lines of 'If he runs off, we'll just carry on playing as if nothing happened'.

Yep. And let's not kid ourselves: there is no chance they don't have contingency plans for that happening, even now after all these years of him not bailing. Hell, even when he is there, somebody is almost always doubling him. If he bailed during a show, the primary change would be that the vocals would be in tune.

Post 2/20/04, I asked Darian if there was a plan B should Brian not come out after the interval: he grinned and said "yeah, we'd play it anyway, we figure at least 70% of the audience would realise what happened, and the other 30% probably wouldn't notice".

I think the latter part was a joke...