50th anniversary latest

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

I've been to several of BW's shows where he played bass for one or two songs, but it never sounded to me like I was actually hearing two bass guitars. If he was plugged in at all his bass must've been pretty low in the mix.

He was plugged in at the one concert I went to,an but the first note he hit he kinda flubbed...but it sounded cool. But mostly only a couple of notes then it was a prop...to the point where he acted like it was a rifle.  Going on 6 years now yet I remember that show clear as day.

[Paulos]

Why does Brian mostly just sit at his keyboard without touching it when performing? We all know that he can play very well, is it a confidence thing?

[Wirestone]

U.S. fall tour '09 he played -- audibly -- on almost every song.

Every tour before that, pretty much, he would have at least one or two songs (usually "In My Room" and the intro to "Marcella" or the break in "Wind Chimes") where he played, too.

The whole set-up is designed to give him the most breathing room possible to sing well -- the band doesn't really need another keyboardist. But if he wants to play, he can. And given that it gives his hands a place to rest if he likes -- well, that's fine too.

[Andrew G. Doe]

The whole set-up is designed to give him the most breathing room possible to sing well -- the band doesn't really need another keyboardist. But if he wants to play, he can. And given that it gives his hands a place to rest if he likes -- well, that's fine too.

Problem is... most of the time, he doesn't. I cherish an early UK tour review from NME (which was a rave, btw) which, when discussing "Surf's Up" stated "Wilson doesn't so much sing the song as semaphore it". 

[Wirestone]

Yes -- I remember when the hand signals started -- about a year(?) into the touring. And everyone was like: "What the heck?"

He's done a few shows/appearances just sitting on a stool, which were interesting. I always wondered why they didn't pursue that. (I guess the answer came last fall -- he might just decide to play the thing throughout the show.)

[Jim V.]

odds Brian plays bass for hypothetical concerts? wagers?  for most of show?

I was thinking about this (and I actually wanted keep this thread on the right topic). Anyways, what would they do with Brian for these reunion shows. Put him on the side of the stage with the grand piano? Put him on one side of Mike with a keyboard that doesn't get played, and Bruce on another side with another keyboard that doesn't get played? And then Al and Dave thrown in there somewhere? I honestly think Blondie and Ricky should be part of this thing too, but knowing the BBs, probably not. It doesn't really "fit in" cleanly with the whole BB thing, although neither does the whole David Marks situation either. And seeing that they will probably have played on everything minus "Kokomo" that will be played live, why not?

My preference would be to have Brian do the late 70s/early 80s thing and play the grand and do his vocals from there, and then "play" bass on a few songs just to it like the old videos we watch from the early 60s with Brian and Mike up front. And to really bring this thread back to the topic, who would you want there. Here's my take:

Brian Wilson: Vocals/Keys/Bass
Al Jardine: Guitar/Vocals
Mike Love: Vocals
David Marks: Guitar
Blondie Chaplin: Bass/Guitar
Ricky Fataar: Drums
Bruce Johnston: Cheerleader

backed by Brian and Al's bands, or a good mixture thereof.

[drbeachboy]

It doesn't really "fit in" cleanly with the whole BB thing, although neither does the whole David Marks situation either.

Would you please elaborate regarding David Marks? What situation are we talking here?

[Jim V.]

Just that he was there like originally, and played on classic records, and then was gone, and wasn't there for the "super-classic" era of Today/Pet Sounds/Smile Sessions. And that how his and Al's situation of who's original? It was just messy. Just like having two dudes in the early 70s play on some pretty cool but not very commercial records. You know, just not fitting in with the classic, Mike Love version of the Beach Boys.

[drbeachboy]

Al & David just played a show together in New York. They are in a band together right now. I know David has a personal issue with Mike at the moment, but he has always had a relationship with the band for their entire career. And, he was included on the monument in Hawthorne. David fits in just fine!

[GLarson432]

David Marks was as responsible for CREATING the "classic, Mike Love version of the Beach Boys" as Brian or Carl.  His guitar was/is unique on those early albums.  If you'd ever seen/heard him play live in any of the BB band incarnations going around you'd know the difference immediately.  You could be blindfolded and hear the difference between David and anyone else playing the same stuff.

I can't define it but I know when I hear it.  Go figure.

[Ron]

Mike said that Brian was going to be working with them on music and studio stuff, which Brian has basically said he'd do about 4 or 5 years ago.   So Mike's not really lying, he's just being a little deceitful. 


Big concert, Mike and Brian on stage singing together?  Never happen.

[Ron]

But mostly only a couple of notes then it was a prop...to the point where he acted like it was a rifle. 

You've got to ask yourself a question Fear 2 Stop.  Would you rather

A. go to a concert and see Brian play a bass well

or

B. go to a concert and see Brian aim his bass at people acting like it was a rifle.



....I think we all know that B is the best possible scenario here.  Wish I was there. 

[oldsurferdude]

Mike said that Brian was going to be working with them on music and studio stuff, which Brian has basically said he'd do about 4 or 5 years ago.   So Mike's not really lying, he's just being a little deceitful. 


Big concert, Mike and Brian on stage singing together?  Never happen.

And it shouldn't.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Mike said that Brian was going to be working with them on music and studio stuff, which Brian has basically said he'd do about 4 or 5 years ago.   So Mike's not really lying, he's just being a little deceitful. 


Big concert, Mike and Brian on stage singing together?  Never happen.

And it shouldn't.

Why not ?

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

But mostly only a couple of notes then it was a prop...to the point where he acted like it was a rifle. 

You've got to ask yourself a question Fear 2 Stop.  Would you rather

A. go to a concert and see Brian play a bass well

or

B. go to a concert and see Brian aim his bass at people acting like it was a rifle.



....I think we all know that B is the best possible scenario here.  Wish I was there. 

Oh, the latter! I wasn't putting Brian down...hell, that was one of my favorite parts of the show!

[Ron]

Oh I know, just having fun.

[oldsurferdude]

Mike said that Brian was going to be working with them on music and studio stuff, which Brian has basically said he'd do about 4 or 5 years ago.   So Mike's not really lying, he's just being a little deceitful. 


Big concert, Mike and Brian on stage singing together?  Never happen.

And it shouldn't.

Why not ?

Fair question-and I don't have a concise answer. Aside from the obvious ($$$$$), I just kinda think its pointless. And with the exception of the die hards, I don't think the average Joe really gives a sh*t. And empty seats would not be good . Seeing Brian on stage with  Mike seems like a hideous joke or nightmare that just is not going to mesh well at all. I know, I know, its well documented here that my regard for ML is that of a sewer rat-so  crucify me but I've got some company(go to mike love is a jerk .com). Suffice to say that the whole shebang , for me, would be an exercise in sheer hypocrisy.

[Ron]

Everybody is a hypocrite, it's unescapable.  I don't think it'll happen, but if it does something like they're talking about is something managers hash out, there won't be any Mike opressing Brian or anything.  It'll be "Mikes Manager and Brian's Manager agreed that they should do a show together" type stuff.  LOL

In the end it's much ado about nothing, we're talking about music.  I don't think it'll happen, but stranger things have happened regarding these folks. 

[Andrew G. Doe]

Mike said that Brian was going to be working with them on music and studio stuff, which Brian has basically said he'd do about 4 or 5 years ago.   So Mike's not really lying, he's just being a little deceitful. 


Big concert, Mike and Brian on stage singing together?  Never happen.

And it shouldn't.

Why not ?

Fair question-and I don't have a concise answer. Aside from the obvious ($$$$$), I just kinda think its pointless. And with the exception of the die hards, I don't think the average Joe really gives a sh*t. And empty seats would not be good . Seeing Brian on stage with  Mike seems like a hideous joke or nightmare that just is not going to mesh well at all. I know, I know, its well documented here that my regard for ML is that of a sewer rat-so  crucify me but I've got some company(go to mike love is a jerk .com). Suffice to say that the whole shebang , for me, would be an exercise in sheer hypocrisy.

Suppose Brian was cool with the notion. ?

[Awesoman]

Mike said that Brian was going to be working with them on music and studio stuff, which Brian has basically said he'd do about 4 or 5 years ago.   So Mike's not really lying, he's just being a little deceitful. 


Big concert, Mike and Brian on stage singing together?  Never happen.

And it shouldn't.

Why not ?

Fair question-and I don't have a concise answer. Aside from the obvious ($$$$$), I just kinda think its pointless. And with the exception of the die hards, I don't think the average Joe really gives a sh*t. And empty seats would not be good . Seeing Brian on stage with  Mike seems like a hideous joke or nightmare that just is not going to mesh well at all. I know, I know, its well documented here that my regard for ML is that of a sewer rat-so  crucify me but I've got some company(go to mike love is a jerk .com). Suffice to say that the whole shebang , for me, would be an exercise in sheer hypocrisy.

Suppose Brian was cool with the notion. ?

I'm honestly not sure that Brian's presence is really going to add much to the whole thing.  Would he even bother singing anything?  Sure, it would be cool if they all got together, but I just don't think this is the "mega-event" that fans want it to be.  These guys are all pushing 70, they don't really get along that well with each other, and their best singer has long since passed away.  I would be much more interested in a new box set of some sort being released; maybe something similar to the Endless Harmony and Hawthorne, CA compilations.

[hypehat]

Everybody is a hypocrite, it's unescapable.  I don't think it'll happen, but if it does something like they're talking about is something managers hash out, there won't be any Mike opressing Brian or anything.  It'll be "Mikes Manager and Brian's Manager agreed that they should do a show together" type stuff.  LOL

In the end it's much ado about nothing, we're talking about music.  I don't think it'll happen, but stranger things have happened regarding these folks. 

I can see the interviews now...

Mike: "Well, it was the 50th, and my wife and managers thought it was a great idea...."

Brian: "Hey, that's my line!"

 

Not so wild about the idea of the reunion. So much could go so ridiculously wrong it's kind of scary to think about.

[Don_Zabu]

Everybody is a hypocrite, it's unescapable.

Inescapable! That's just inbelieveable.

[Ron]

Everybody is a hypocrite, it's unescapable.

Inescapable! That's just inbelieveable.

PLEASE tell me you're not the kind of butthole who calls people out on spelling errors on a messageboard.  

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/unescapable

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/inbelieveable

[Don_Zabu]

Everybody is a hypocrite, it's unescapable.

Inescapable! That's just inbelieveable.

PLEASE tell me you're not the kind of butthole who calls people out on spelling errors on a messageboard.  

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/unescapable

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/inbelieveable

I'm makin' a joke man, about hypocrisy, chastising your spelling error while having one of my own.

[Jay]

Regarding Brian playing piano/keyboard or bass and singing, can he still mentally sing and play simultaniously? I'm not trying to belittle or insult the man. Landy's "medicine" did some very real, permanent damage. Does Brian still have the concentration to both play and sing at the same time? For an extended period, I mean. Several songs in a row. I'm sure Brian could probably handle a part of a song, or even a complete song.