The Smiley Smile Message Board

TMZ says Stamos is part of reunion...Please don't kill the messenger :o :o :o

I'd rather see Stamos than Jeffrey Foskett.

 :ninja

Not overly surprising really - as long as he doesn't do the awful power-ballad version of "Forever," I don't think his participation will be as bad as many think.

I don't have any beef with Stamos, it would be a neat addition. But please. PLEASE. Absolutely NO Stamos versions of "Forever". Though, in all reality, I really couldn't see Brian encouraging something like that for this tour (I know it's not totally his call).

So Billy Hinsche rapping and girls with pom poms also?  ;D

Only way I'd tolerate it if was if Brian just threw passive aggressive zings across the stage at him whilst checking his watch, or something. But there was always going to be a high chance of Stamos, sadly.

Good.

Fraud

Potato Salad.

Freud

John Stamos is not a Beach Boy or BW band member.

Really?  I love Jeff Foskett.  I think it's amazing how he can hit those high notes despite his age.  Stamos on the other hand... well, I mean, I liked him on ER but I really don't want to see him as a Beach Boy. 

The Good: This will possibly increase attention for the reunion and drum up publicity.

The Bad: This may worse the BB's 'cheesy' image in the eyes of the general public (i.e. the non-die hards)

The Ugly:  If that happens, I'm gonna have to do this...

(http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/50316_2261065276_8673_n.jpg)

Foskett was in the touring band for the BB before he joined Brian's band, so as much as I don't care for his falsetto that much, he belongs.

Doesnt anybody like the way Stamos plays the drums.?.Ive allways enjoyed his drum playing. But his guitar+vocal skills are just ok .

What a tragedy

F Stamos

Mike and Stamos are going to ham up the reunion. John Stamos is not a fucking Beach Boy! >:(

I feel like killing the messenger.

He also brings so many awful associations with him..

Full House, Kokomo, Pink tank tops, bongos, The Olsen Twins, FULL HOUSE!  

 :'(

I hate that guy

Luther - I second it! John Stamos brings that missing element since Dennis' passing...

The "screaming girls" dynamic has been AWOL and frankly, I find it awesome to have that excitement back in the Beach Boys shows! That new generation of BB fans!

And, some solid assurance, that the music (our music) will carry on...Whether you like him or not, he has that "star quality" that Dennis had, and you see with the New Kids on the Block and some of the other "boy bands."  

Star power and screaming females!   ;)

Stamos is like 50 now, who's screaming for him?

Its an Insult to the memory of Dennis Wilson to compare him to John Stamos. :angry John Stamos has spent his whole life trying to be Dennis and has failed miserably.

This

Once more, what a shame

This reeks of Myke Luhv-JS is his "good buddy". Just another episode in demeaning the legend. Pickin' up vibes that there's gonna be a trashy side to all of this. Sad.

About time you showed up to comment about this travesty. Think I will join you in trashing Stamos and Mike if they ham it up at the reunion.

Oh for f***'s sake, let's melodramatize the situation a little more: Dennis was the only sex symbol in the history of pop music and anyone else who is, was, or ever might be good looking is more or less Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein's love child.

People, it's pop music. John Stamos is a good looking guy who is modestly talented--enough that he can sit in with the band--and has been a long-time champion of the band, including when they weren't especially popular. If you'd prefer Dennis, or Carl, or some other dead person to be on the stage this year, you're someone who cannot be pleased. Get over it. You know, I'd like for the reunion to include a Brian who is about 24, who isn't more or less catatonic, and who can sing in the long-gone angelic voice. I'd like Carl Wilson not only to be there singing, but preferably in a green satin jacket. I'd like Al Jardine to be more than three-foot-six. Ideally, their brilliance would be above the pop audience level so that only someone as in-tune with the true nature of Brian Wilson as myself would even understand. Hell, I wish there were no audience but me. Ideally, it would be just me. Nobody else is smart enough. Yes, the band circa 1966--miraculously getting along and all in tune not only with Brian but more importantly with my ideal of what a Brian could be--should perform for me alone.

This is what should happen. If Stamos shows his not-ugly face, well, it's ruined.

It's pop music, people. The key characters are old, diminished, and in a few cases dead. If a famous, handsome guy is lending a hand, good.

Well, when was the last time you have seen the Touring Band?  Both with and without Stamos?

For starters, when Stamos is not there, because of a prior commitment, as at the
Westbury show last summer, there were girls who just kept calling out "Where is John Stamos?"

Second, he is on his 2nd generation of Full House fans, who come just to see him! How many millions have seen the
Boys on his show, still running on several networks?

He might be late 40's but has unique visibility in high female viewership markets...

Frankly, I had seen him with the old band (Carl's ) and did not know how I felt, until I saw him interact with a lot of the special needs people who just love the Beach Boys music.  He is one of the kindest public figures I have ever seen.  Kinder than many teachers I worked with. And, he is a team player. JMHO

I'm one of those fans who would love to forget the Kokomo/ Full House/ Home Improvement era the Boys went through, I was hoping the reunion would forget that too.

I bet Stamos is a good guy but you can't deny he's no more than a novelty on stage, I see where the reunion is heading, can't say I like it but I will be there

Meh...not sure how this has effectively ruined anything.  It's not like they've deleted any members of the cast to make room for him...it's just one more person up there who will probably be drowned out by all the others around him.  I've said before that I was expecting Stamos to join and I still expect him to be part of the show but my guess is that it will be on a very small level.  Maybe appearing at the second half of the show/end of the show, I would guess that he's only popping up on certain shows and not on the entire tour.  In the video, it's clear he's a big fan, wanting to give them the entire spotlight so I would expect him to be be respectful of the occasion.

Exactly.

Well this is annoying......can't say I'm surprised though. Not gonna affect me going to a show or anything, but annoying nonetheless. I can deal with him in the band...but he shouldn't be in the front row and the spotlight with a guitar  (I'm not sure his guitar is even plugged in anyway ) and definitely should not be singing a lead because he's not a BB and this is about the BB reuniting.
Playing some percussion is appropriate.
I can already hear Mike's BTTYS joke about his Mom. :-\

That all depends on what people expect when they go...if they expect to see a bunch of guys who look and sound as they did, in the  60's and 70's, they are sure to be disappointed. Life goes on; even Stevie Nicks says, " I'm getting older, too" on Landslide.  

Just for example, I saw hunky Steve Stills this fall.  He was "earthy" to say the least, whipped out his hearing aids, pointed to his teleprompters, and rocked out like the wild man he was in his earlier days.  His fire for the music made the crowd nuts!  Isn't that what it's about "For What it's Worth? " (I could not resist!)

On Full House, the guys were in their 40's and 50's.  TV keeps people in that time warp.  Now, not only are they older; so are we.  Just the fact that Brian, outlived his whole family, for better or worse, and was able to salvage his life, is a miracle.  To see the bands, all working separately, pull it together and do more recording together, I think is phenomenal.  

We'll just have to wait and see...

QUOTE:

John Stamos wasn't even born when the Beach Boys first got together ... but the actor tells TMZ ... he's been invited to play with the band on their upcoming 50th Anniversary Reunion tour.

Seems he was celebrating last night ... 'cause a boozy Stamos (but not boozy in a bad way) was hangin' at the Comedy Store on Sunset Blvd. when he revealed, "[The Beach Boys] asked me to be a part of the show ... I feel very honored."

The former "Full House" star performed with the band on a pretty regular basis during the '90s ... and participated in a few gigs in the past couple of years.

The band is reportedly set to kick things off at the Grammys next month ... followed by a 50-date tour.

UNQUOTE.

Watch the video here, and notice the music being played:

http://www.tmz.com/2012/01/12/john-stamos-beach-boys-reunion-jesus/ (http://www.tmz.com/2012/01/12/john-stamos-beach-boys-reunion-jesus/)

It is phenomenal, it's about "The Beach Boys" getting together and doing it, literally, one last time..

Like people said when the reunion was announced, no need for palm trees, dancing cheerleaders and Stamos..

It's about the Wilson, Love, Jardine, Marks and Johnston, the guys that made all that brilliant music..

To be honest though, if the guys want Stamos there, so be it, I'm officially giving up on any hope of hearing "Leaving this town"  ;D

Notice he says they asked him to do "….something."  So, maybe he'll just be part of some shows?  For only 1 or 2 songs?

WOnder if these'll be US-only appearances? Stamos is practically unheard of in the UK and will pull no more audience in than if they announced cheerleaders.

Evidence once again of the UK fans getting preferential treatment over US fans ;)

Slim Shady - I know just what you mean about "Leaving This Town."  That is exactly my favorite era.  It was serious consciousness raising music.  When you look  at 50 years, you just can't keep wearing the striped shirts; you gotta move on...and you are right, those guys are all brilliant and made the music brilliant, period, end of story. But you gotta change things up, from time to time and bring new blood in...Carl brought in new people...no one complained... And.I loved the scenery where the stage was set up like a sailboat, with clever use of the lighting.  

People expect to see fresh ideas. At some shows, there is a real or virtual American Flag, and people seem to like that.  I prefer that, to the palm fronds, because I can't see all the guys from all directions.  And every venue has its own regulations, some with curfews.  

My guess is that people won't be disappointed.  I think the setlist will be thoughtfully crafted.  Again, I have never been disappointed and always have a great time.  My mother always said that if you don't have a good time, it's your own fault, and that advice has stood me well...consider it an adventure!  You'll have a blast!  ;)

I'm guessing Stamos will be there just for some shows, but not all of them. I'd still rather see Matt Jardine and Billy Hinsche joining Jeff in the backup band, because they add something musically to the act.

No cheerleaders, PLEASE! I have no interest in seeing dancers onstage in any show -- they're boring, imho.

Holy sh*t...didn't expect to hear my 2nd favorite BB song played.

Whomever guesses my first favorite wins a cookie :D

It took Stamos 5 minutes to explain in 5 different ways that he's going to join the band for the 50th.

Just what I want to hear during the show -  a buncha girls squealing for Jesse. What an effing hamburger he is. A big distraction. What's he gonna do, play dueling drums with Cowsill? Let him stand at the back of the stage with a tamborine. Same ol' drum solo schtick.  Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen...........budadumdadumbadaboom!

I like the guy's comment under the article:

"Stay away from Brian Wilson you douche, you're not fit to shine his shoes".

Ah Ha Ha Ha Ha!!

"Ladies and Gentlemen,step right up to the Beach Boys Circus"

Sign the petition to keep John Stamos out of the 50th Anniversary Celebration!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/no_john_stamos


that's right... just do it.

Me too. Along with Bobby Fig. Just like the old days.

 :lol

this is no laughing matter

 >:(

You'd be fine even if you removed the snarky second paragraph in that petition.  It's not like you need any more emphasis to display your disapproval of Stamos---you already have a petition asking him to stay out of the reunion! 

i tried to keep the snark factor to a minimum... easier said than done i suppose.

That petition is kinda cruel.  And I thought my negative post above was bad!  :o

cruel? really??!!!

i tried my best to keep it respectful... could have been a LOT worse!

Is it "Please Let Me Wonder"?

gee thanks... ??? ???

I hate Stamos's version of "Forever" just as much as everybody here. But, you have to admit that he has been around since, what, 1984? Yes, he's annoying and cheesy, but this 50th reunion is supposed to be a big celebration for the group, right? So why wouldn't they invite their long time friend? He belongs there just a much as Billy Hinsche, Bobby Figuroa, Eddie Carter, Matt Jardine, Kowalski(apologies for forgetting his first name lol), Jeff Foskett, etc. Heck, I'd even invite Charles Lloyd(is he still living?).

Ummmm...if Stamos is involved in the reunion, then *of course* he's going to perform "Forever"!!!  Why the hell would he even be involved if he didn't play that song?

Jay, Mike Kawalski.  And I saw all those guys play and would love to see then on stage again, but it's not to be. Carter and Kawalski played with them since '68 - probably the longest of all the supporting musicians. Hinsche put in quite a bit of time with them - 20 plus years. Kowalski faded pretty bad at the end - his timing was off at times and he stayed a little longer than.........well, those guys were in surf bands before The Beach Boys too. They know the Beach Boys music very well.

You know I'm kiddin', Jimmy!  You da man.  :)

What happened to Mike Kawalski? I mean, does he have health problems that affect his playing? Or is it just general old age wearing him down? Hmm...that might have come out sounding a little meaner than I intended.

They'd better have a reinforced stage big enough to hold all these people being listed if they decide to go that route... :) Don't forget they need to save some room for the dancing cheerleaders and surfer girls.

I can honestly say I don't really care if John Stamos is there or not, one way or the other. It's not like the whole show is going to be centered around him or anything.

If you ever saw - or heard - him at the early 2000s shows, you'd understand why he had to go. In London in 2004, he lost the beat halfway through the first song. Which was "Do It Again", as straight a 4-4 as you can get.

Oh, and it's Kowalski.

Let's wait and see - we only have this from Stamos himself at the moment and he was mildly steaming* when he blurted it out. Could be a case of wishful thinking.

I won't believe it until Al Jardine says it's true. ;)

* allegedly (back down, lawyers!)

And then denies it two days later.

Does that mean he was a bit toasted?  :-D

I got the same impression, although I was unsure as my connection was a bit jittery.

Could mean he's in training for the tour

Is anybody going to blame Brian Wilson for Stamos joining the tour?

'Cause even if it's true that his inclusion is Mike's idea, which everybody seems to asume, he couln't force this upon the other guys. Specially Brian, who -I'm sure- has to give his approval for nearly everything.

Besides, I remember well that Brian sang on Kokomo (!) in a Full House episode, along with Carl. Both overruled by mean ol' Mike, I suppose.

See, everyone blames Mike Love for the group's embarrassing Tv appearances, as if all those ideas were his (were they?), and as if he pushed the other guys in front of the camera. Time to grow up.

Stamos will sing Forever, no doubt.

Did Stamos ever play a show outside of the US with the boys ? Since I'm going to Berlin, I hope he won't be there. It's not against him as a person or drummer, but like others said he represents all that cheesiness and that should be forgotten. Every time he is part of a show they act like it's the biggest thing in the world but let's be honest, even he is a somewhat "part of a time long gone" and nothing more but a novelty.
And I wouldn't want him to do "Forever" when there's Brian and David on stage. Don't let this last chande the Beach Boys will ever have become such a cheesy, freaky show. Before adding some non-Beach Boy, get Blondie and Ricky

If having John Stamos demeans the legend because he participates in a concert, then that doesn't say too much for the legend before his arrival. This is a Celebration folks, they should have whoever they want on stage with them.

His drumming was equally poor at the 2004 Glasgow gig. It's Mike drumming at Live Aid too isn't it? That was kinda static sounding I think, they're better off with Cowsill these days.

I couldn't care less if Stamos joins them for a few shows. As it's meant to be a celebration it would be nice if a whole host of former associates could guest with them as they tour the world. Obviously Blondie, Ricky and Glen Campbell would be top of the list but I would hope that Carnie, Wendy, Matt, Billy, Eddie Carter, Mike Kowalski (if only on percussion for a song or two) etc. could all put in an appearance.

I wouldn't even care if Adrian Baker was allowed on stage for a while when the tour moves to the U.K.

I'm terribly against this.  I mean, really, have Blondie or Ricky up there before Stamos, This is already turning into something I didn't want to see...why can't they just do one classy tour for one damn time.

here's some footage of a recent Stamos appearance. the guy's an embarrassment.

http://www.silive.com/northshore/index.ssf/2011/12/beach_boys_rock_st_george_thea.html


(http://media.silive.com/advance/photo/2011/12/10322613-standard.jpg)

the Beach Boys are better than this.

People who should be there by right before Stamos:

Ricky
Blondie
Matt Jardine
Billy Hinsche
Eddie Carter
Bobby Figueroa
Mike Kowalski
Daryl Dragon (yeah, I know but I'm making a point)

Stamos was never a regular touring member. Not a Beach Boy. Never was, never will be. Dennis wannabe, and that's what irks me about him. Thus far, the C50 shows have been tolerably well handled, at least as regards the makeup of the band. This would be a huge misstep, and FWIW I've told someone as much.

I was about to say, is there ANY way AGD that you have any say in this! I mean, seriously, anyone who is anyone who can make a difference PLEASE try, this is ridiculous.  This is really a shame...

Here I am trying to convince my friends this is a legitimate reunion, and a guy like Stamos is now part of it.  What a joke.

Brian should walk off the stage if he does sing forever.

I'm sure Stamos is a nice guy, but this rather dilutes things. Along with what looks to be another Sounds of Summer re-issue, I wonder if we're seeing the first signs of a hash.  Hope not.

Bossaroo - With all due respect, to people's opinions, I was at that show in Staten Island, and John just torched the place with his presence.  You might be philosophically opposed, and that is fine, but if you don't see the Boys in concert, and I have no knowledge if you do or not, you might soften in your perspective,  I think he adds a whole generation of new fans, who are eager to see the old Beach Boys, because they associate a connection with someone closer to an identity of theirs.  

And, I'm flattered that my poor BB brainwashed kids have any interest. Stamos helped cultivate that. He made them cool again for young people! And, I was dee-lighted, when my 4 year olds came into my Kindergarten class in the late 1980's singing "Aruba, Jamaica..." Thank you, Uncle Jesse. Thank you, Bay Watch.  Thank you, Home Improvement, and any other goofy sitcoms, that gave the Boys and The Music another look.  These shows are still viewed all over the world.

Frankly, I know everyone does not agree...most, more learned than I. Scholarly, even. We can disagree without being disagreeable or hostile.  One would hope.  I would imagine, that people might keep an open mind, and be patient, while this all develops...I'd love to see Billy Hinsche get the call, Matt and Nelson, and Tim and Randell.  The last two, Tim and Randell, in particular, because they have probably done several thousand shows.  Not a couple of hundred.  

It ain't my call.  Maybe as the rehearsals progress, a certain desired "skill set" that seems missing will change the scene.  

It is not our vision for this reunion; it is theirs! We are all back seat drivers!  ;)

I completely, unequivocally, and unabashedly agree.

I think it was just age. Maybe just the hectic touring schedule caught up with him. Never heard of any drinking/drug issues, so I guess it was age. Towards the end I remember reading a lot of complaints about the drumming.....

I understand he had back problems for some time: even so, he was employed as a drummer and failing increasingly badly in that role.

Yeah, it's too bad. I didn't see any of the BB shows since Carl passed away, but remember reading you guys' reviews about his performance during the concerts. This was well before he was let go, so it's not like he wasn't given a chance. Maybe his back was getting to him then - or the meds.......he sure had a long ride with the band though.

Anything beyond the above mentioned players and the whole thing startes to get nicely watered down and then you start to wonder just what the point really is here. They do not need Stamos to embellish the band nor sell tickets. Let him be entirely associated with the M&B band and leave it at that. PLEASE.

If that does , unfortunately, happen, it would be an opportune time for a pee break. :p

'Xactly. Beginning to look like business as usual at BRI: you can visualise them sitting around the table and thinking, "how can we really f*** this up before a note is played ?", looking at each other and saying as one "Stamos !"

:facepalm

I have not seen Mike and Bruce's Beach Boys Band play live...with or without John Stamos.  I have a question for those guitarists/musicians who have seen the show with him in the line-up.  I have read that Stamos' guitar was not plugged in or that it was not turned up in the mix.  I have seen YouTube videos of the band, and it looked to me like he wasn't playing anything matching what the band was playing.  The photo above shows a cable plugged into the guitar, and the chord he is playing could be a G or maybe a Gmaj7, but it's hard to tell.  Does anyone know for sure if he is actually playing anything when he is posing (as he is in the photo), or if he is just up front pretending to be a rock star?  

Bullseye.  >:(

Stamos can indeed play and I like that fact that he is a beach boys fan but c'mon man, just be a fan and let the band do it themselves.

Not that I want to see him up there, but if you would have a chance to play with the reunited Beach Boys, would you turn it down just because some diehard fans don't want you up there?

Then, consistent, with that logic, is Stamos pretending to play the drums, while Cowsill is out front singing Rhonda?  

Philadelphia July 4, 1995...Stamos was playing drums and guitar (he was plugged in and audible), but the regular drummer was losing the beat. Watching the concert, I even remember thinking Stamos was better on drums and was holding a tighter groove than their regular drummer. I can't speak for anything in recent years because I haven't seen him with the band other than on YouTube.

Suuuuure they are.

(http://www.jaisunphoto.com/BeachBoys.jpg)

When does the 2nd picture date from?

1976, I believe. My point really is, that this classy, ultra-tasteful Beach Boys that exists in the minds of the Pet Sounds/Smile fan elite has not, and will never, exist. There has always been cheesy, goofball, poseur-type elements to their live show. In fact, it is an essential component of the band, it reminds everyone not to take the whole thing so damn seriously.

Great post, Spaceman

As far as I'm concerned, Stamos's presence is a deal-breaker. That brief time that I thought this concert might actually be fun has now passed.

TMZ doesn't lie:

"Seems he was celebrating last night ... 'cause a boozy Stamos was hangin' at the Comedy Store on Sunset Blvd."

By rights only, Blondie & Ricky and maybe Matt fall under that monicker. Everyone else is an invite only. The Beach Boys should be able to put on stage anyone they want.

Valid point but can anyone confirm the current working/personal relationship these individuals have with either Mike, Bruce, Al or Brian?  Are they still in contact?  Have they worked with any of these people recently (within the last 3 or 4 years)?  We all want these people from the past to join the tour but I"m wondering  A) if some of these relationships have been permanently severed which would make them coming back not an option or B) just how interested Mike is in bringing all these old cast members back at all?

I would even add Dean Torrence before Stamos

Stamos wouldn't bother me so much if he wasn't such a big ham.  He loves to get attention from the screaming girls.

Saw a Youtube clip of him recently where he was on drums and throughout the entire song he was messing with some girl who was standing next to him. Not really concentrating, just talking and carrying on with this chick standing next to him, not even focused on the show.

The success of the Pet Sounds and Smile sessions box sets, in relation to sales numbers of similar 4+ disc box set deluxe editions, might suggest there is a large number of fans who like that part of the Beach Boys history, and some would even say it was because the music on those sets contains a level of sophistication and innovation which continues to amaze and win over new fans, and which would belie the age of the people who made that music in 1966-67. If some of those fans prefer that recorded legacy over the legacy and image of the live shows from the past 4 decades or so, that's their choice. And if some prefer the live act through the years, with the costumes, humor, stage banter, nostalgia trips, good music, live vocals...that's a great thing too, and the Beach Boys live band has regularly been a big draw at various venues. I think they can and do co-exist.

I really don't think there is such a divide between the various camps as might be suggested, although it isn't hard to see why some fans who are more into the 60's era might not enjoy some of the live antics or even the live shows in general as much, especially viewed from afar. And vice-versa.

I'm not taking sides either way, but how was that different from Mike Love's stage act? Or for that matter, any number of male musicians who play live rock and roll? :)

You are balanced in your thinking...and, it is hard to rip ourselves from that funky time in the late 1960's and early 1970's...

Dennis loved the adulation of the ladies, tossing drumsticks out to the crowd!  That's Entertainment!

( Little fyi - there is an exhibit of Cyrus Dallin's work in Arlington, Mass.)

The Beach Boys are now, to a greater extent, a "family" event, in venues other than casinos where there are age limitations...in the late 1980's, it became very apparent, we had to learn to share them!

At least, we could get a beer or glass of wine, legally, later in the game...No more paper bags with Boone's Farm.  ;)

I want the Beach Boys to just perform the music, not some over the top show with cheesiness. The 1985-1995 live period of the band was already cheesy enough with Stamos, cheerleaders, and too many early era songs in an ironclad setlist.  Only now is the group recovering from the crap because people discovered their progressive material they made from 1966-1973.

http://www.examiner.com/beach-boys-in-national/john-stamos-set-to-join-the-beach-boys-for-50th-tour

I'm sorry but I just completely disagree with this.  John has no right to be playing in this reunion. It's pointless and completely unnecessary.

The short answer to much of the list is yes.

Ricky -- drummer for Bonnie Raitt, who has a new album coming out and is likely to tour behind it

Blondie -- will probably be out touring with the Rolling Stones this year

Matt Jardine -- part of Al Jardine's solo band (which put on an excellent show in NC last year), also works with the Surf City AllStars with Al and David, showed up at the Reagan celebration mini-reunion last year

Billy Hinsche -- Al Jardine's musical director and has toured with Brian and Mike & Bruce as well
 
Eddie Carter & Bobby Figueroa -- also with Al's band


As for the main topic of this thread, I've got nothing against Stamos personally, but he is not a selling point for me when it comes to going to see the guys in concert. (Neither are orchestras or other distractions.) I'm paying to see Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, David Marks, Mike Love, and Bruce Johnston perform. That's what I'm interested in seeing (along with some of my favorite supporting band members).

How is Stamos on stage going to prevent that?  Regardless of how much Stamos is in the show--which is yet to be seen---I'm not sure how why people are this bothered? With all the people on stage....we're barely going to even HEAR Stamos (except for him probably doing "Forever") at all!  But if people are bothered with just his presence on stage...sheesh.  

Perhaps someone should start a petition to cancel the entire tour now, eh?

I want the music to stand for itself, instead of the cheesy stage shows done in the past that distract from the music.

Where have you been? Stage shows have been cheesy since the mid-70s. When I go to a concert, I am there for the music no matter what the stage show consists of. As for Stamos, he will neither add nor substract anything from the music.

You're exactly right! I DON'T want him on stage. I don't care if I can hear him or not! I don't want him to be associated with the Beach Boys AT ALL.  He's a fan. Leave it at that.  You would think the people behind this reunion would freakin realize that there is some serious opposition to this decision, and do something about it.

I was born in 1991. ;D  I just want to go back to the pre-endless summer mindset of the band.

While I usually enjoy joining in these communal Beach Boys freakouts, I'm holding my fire on this one.

There are some distinctions we should make here.

1.) Stamos joining for a handful of encores in the LA area is unfortunate, perhaps, and would lead to come some cringing from those of us who know and care about the band.

2.) Stamos joining for the entire 50-show tour, and being present for the entire show (and actually performing songs) is a very different matter. It would be a f*cking travesty.

However, I see no evidence that 2.) is what the group actually plans to do. Once I do, I will find a pitchfork and join you all at the gates of Castle Lovenstein.

They haven't done that since, well.... pre-Endless Summer. ;)

Thanks.  

And another short answer to the issue is that it's easier to add Stamos to the mix than any of these other guys.  He has had a consistent "friendship" with Mike Love for years now and has constantly joined them on stage.  Mike and Brian are making the calls here.  They need to make Brian feel comfortable...the backing band is made up of 95% Brian's guys.  The 5% go to Mike's guys: Cowsill, Totten and apparently Stamos.   How do you merge Ricky, Figueroa, Carter into the band without disrupting the entire group?  It would turn into a different band...not Brian's anymore.  So, this "hostage situation" idea of "we can only get Stamos if we get these other guys" just doesn't really work.  To Mike, Stamos is a guy he knows and has worked with recently...all these other guys are Al's guys that he himself hasn't worked with in a while that cannot join the group because there is no room for them.
Creating the band for this tour should have been the easiest task for Mike and Brian--- and it's very obvious that they definitely took that route.


+ 1
 
If Stamos was taking the place of say, a Brian Wilson or Al Jardine...fine...let's have ourselves an uproar.  But as it is...the five main principles have not been disturbed.  Those voices will still blend wonderfully on "California Girls"...so I could care less if Stamos comes along or not.

How is it a travesty? Even the shows that he has done over the past few years, he mostly stays in the background. He generally doesn't come front until the home stretch and/or the encore. You guys are making way too much of his presence. Remember, it is all about the music. It always has and always will.

That's what I've been saying for a while now.  And I agree with you that I doubt Stamos will be playing all 50 dates.    But geez...it could possibly lead to "come cringing"....yikes!  Is there a pill for that??  ;D

Er -- "some cringing," I should say.


If it were all about the music, Stamos wouldn't be there in any form.

Let me ask once more: did Stamos ever tour with them outside the U.S. ? If not, I couldimagine he's just on it for the states or maybe even just for the Grammies or New Orleans show.
There's a problem for me with Stamos being treated like the biggest star in the show. The way Mike uses to make such a big thing out of it is putting the whole thing down. Look at the Reagan birthday party (and that was not the worst). There shouldn't be no guests, the only focus should be on the Beach Boys and their music.
It would be acceptable if Stamos was there for just a few appearances but not the whole tour. Cowsill's the much better drummer anyway.  

Right now I have to imagine that party with Stamos and a drunk, knife-fiddling Dennis....

A shame, guess I need to break out my Vinyl copy of "In concert" when it was all about the music.

i'm not interested in anyone "torching the place" with their TV beefcake persona or whatever his appeal is. the guy is a clown and his presence does detract from the festivities in my opinion. my kids love The Beach Boys too, and you know what? it didn't take a TV show like Full House or Baywatch to make it happen. I just played the CDs a lot... go figure.

I'm well aware that Mike has been cheezin' it up since the beginning. cheerleaders and palm trees and beach balls and Stamos for years now. I just hoped with a reunion of this magnitude and Brian Wilson back on board (and Al. and Dave.) that all those gimmicks would be downplayed or downright unnecessary.

I would much rather see Carnie and Wendy, Justyn and Jonah, and anyone with the last name Jardine or Love up there before John freaking Stamos.

Has this been posted yet:  http://www.tmz.com/2012/01/12/john-stamos-beach-boys-reunion-jesus/

It is always about the music. By the way, he doesn't just stand up there. He plays, along with the rest of the band members. I've seen the Beach Boys many times between 1969-2007. Blondie & Ricky made a difference. John Stamos, not so much.

Mike Love, 1973.

(http://sp8.fotolog.com/photo/40/30/87/beachboysproject/1317203248603_f.jpg)

It is still about the music.  Stamos isn't even replacing--as far as we know---any of the core band members.  It's not like they've taken on Stamos in place of the other guitar players or of Cowsill. 
To me, his addition to the proceedings shows just how little Mike thinks of Stamos' musical/vocal value.  "Sure whatever...come on board we got other guys in the band that can actually sing and play."

I'll start to get upset once I see cheerleaders on stage.

I don't care what he wears as long as the show rocks and is not a cheesefest. Mike has been goofy from day one and I accept that.

Justin - As recently as this past September when I got a last minute chance to see Al's awesome band, in Newport, RI, Bobby Figueroa, who sang Sail On Sailor, Ed Carter, and Richie Cannata, were BB backup for a long time and played with Al, whose band I know less well than the other two. They do a great job.  Billy Hinsche is their Musical Director, also, long term BB guy with his own impressive credentials.  It is a hard pick.  Five core guys are still on deck!  
They have all grown in their own businesses and composition.  They could never be the same.  

Fair enough, see you at the reunion concert drbeachboy. :)

I've put up with Mike's on-stage "act"; all his repetitive schticks, dumb wardrobes, hats, prancing around like Jagger, endless bantering ("anti-Democrat - vote Republican") and ("Brian is home sitting on his ass while we're here working hard") since 1973. Many years! I know he's calmed down a little with old age, but one distraction is enough. It's really about the music, isn't it?

Indeed, and hopefully at more than one. As dates & locations are added, we should all get together before and after the shows. We may bicker and have differences of opinion, but we are the core of Beach Boys' fandom.

One of these days, someone should write a book about The Beach Boys' "hardcore fans". It should bear the name "Sense Of Entitlement".

Do Mike and Bruce's tours feature the gimmicky bulls**t from the 80s-90s tours?

There's no doubt that all these guys are talented, professional musicians----it is indeed a shame they won't be able to participate in the show.  Unfortuantely, there are just too many moving pieces for it to work out.  Mike and Brian both probably made sacrifices when negotiating for this tour that I don't know if the drama about how many past band members/sidemen to also bring on board is something they want to entertain.

Just for old times sake, I think I'll bring a J to the show and pass it down the row.  ;D

Hey, I use to enjoy watching the beach balls bouncing around the crowd, especially in the stadiums.  Sometimes there were frisbees. One hit Dennis once on stage and he got real pissed! Not the 'drunk' kinda pissed either - the mad kind!!

It seems that lately when Stamos graces the Beach Boys with his presence he usually plays (or holds) a guitar on the front line. He drums for a song or two, but his main presence is up front with a guitar. Consider this...with David and Al, plus Scott Totten,Nick ,Probyn, and Jeff...if you add Stamos you might have as many as SEVEN guitarists on stage.

I believe they have the car-sounds for I Get Around, etc. I hope they won't use them. Don't know about the other stuff

I wonder what Stamos would think if he read this (so far six page) tribute to him?  Should we give him a break and let him off the hook or no?  I mean, the guy lost his wife, now he's got....................................about 10 chicks chasing him. Poor guy.

I would assume on this tour he will mainly be a percussionist, but I'm sure he'll be up front for a few numbers.

Six guitarists, seven people holding guitars.

According to David Beard's article, he is well aware of how most male Beach Boys fans feel about him. He wouldn't be surprised in the least.

I really hope they are not putting him in Nelson Bragg's position. Assuming Nelson is part of the tour.

:lol

Why - there'll be two drummers plus Nelson. Don't need another any more than they need another guitarist. Hopefully he'll only 'play' a very few gigs. Less than one would suit me just fine.

I've heard nothing regarding Nelson being included in the Reunion Tour. Besides, one can never have too many percussionists... more cowbell, anyone? ;)

With most of Brians band I don't think there would be room.

We're all aware that you don't like him or want him included, but if Mike wants him, he'll have him shake a tamborine. Whether he's there or not there, makes no difference to me. I'll go, enjoy the show and not worry about who is on stage as band members.

Now I'm under the impression that there was some animosity between Brian and Stamos at some point, I take it that's all been sorted now? else I picture Brian ramming the headstock of his bass into Stamos' ribs during one of the hammed up guitar posing sessions songs he plays guitar on

Assuming Brian will be playing Bass that is, hope so, I would pay to see that  :lol

i'll take cheerleaders over Stamos anytime, anywhere.

Nothing against Stamos but I can't see his appearance is selling more tickets, it's not like he is Tom Cruise. He was one of the main actors of a cheesy 80s sitcom which I liked as a 5 year old and therefore is really more like a sitcom for children. As someone pointed out at Facebook: It's like the Stones touring with Hasselhoff. I liked John's version of "Forever", especially at Uncle Jesse's wedding but this just doesn't seem right. Do they really need him to sale tickets? This tour shouldn't really be about the money, it should be a celebration of the music.

And btw he performed outside of the US, Wembley 1993. I think they even recorded the SIP video there.

Don't fool yourself, it is always about the money. Even Brian said as much.

This must be a real kick in the balls for Ricky and Blondie.

And the Beach Boys always have been some of the most money-grubbing sons-of-a-gun you can find

I became a fan in the late 80's as a kid and Stamos or Full House had nothing to do with it! Granted I'm male but I've never actually heard anyone say they became interested in the Beach Boys because of Stamos and Full House! Maybe they enjoyed seeing them on there, but having that as a reason to go to a concert....I'm not so sure

Again, I'm not thrilled about him being there. It's not gonna make me not go. The problem is I can't just see him playing percussion which would be appropriate.  He'll be next to Mike with a guitar and Mike's gonna make him a center of attention and reference him on BTTYS and that's gonna cause any televised performance to focus on him!

Andrew -- Has it actually been confirmed that all of Brian's band is coming on these shows? My assumption, and that's all it was, has been that a couple of members of the BW band wouldn't be included. In other words, Mikey would be subbed out by Cowsill. And it doesn't seem like Darian's scene, does it?

Would be thrilled to be wrong, but it would lead to some redundancy, no?

I'll probably never understand that.

It's called "Stamos Envy". ;)

I'm a tad confused - my initial reading of the reports was Brian's band plus Scott T & John C... but now I'm not so sure. I think I need to ask the legendary "someone who would know".  :)

I thought it was pretty much all of the guys in the Do It Again video and Dave Marks doing the 50th shows.

I can see that for the studio album, but does that equate to the touring band? The touring band could be whole other animal.

I just now saw this and cracked up!!  

"'Xactly. Beginning to look like business as usual at BRI: you can visualise them sitting around the table and thinking, "How can we really f*ck this up before a note is played?", then looking at each other and saying as one, "Stamos !"

Good 'un, Mr. Doe!     Ah Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!   ;D

The full-on Stamos would make me reconsider going to a reunion show. Seriously.

The inclusion of this guy suggests an approach to the reunion that's more commercial than artistic, more crowd-pleasing than ear-pleasing, and more about Mike's vision of the band than Brian's.

And that's okay! I don't begrudge anyone enjoying that sort of thing. I might even enjoy it if I'm in the right mood. But it's certainly not what I would have hoped for from the reunion shows. And it's therefore my right -- and everyone else's -- to not go if it seems like something we'll hate.

I want a concert band when I attend a concert. Except for the Smile Tour, I could have stayed home and listened to the records instead of hearing Brian's band.

If Stamos is there the whole time, might as well have the bamd wear the striped shirts and khaki pants. ;D

NOTHING will stop me from going to one (or two) reunion shows. NOTHING. Unless I'm shot on a street corner, get in a bad car wreck on the way to the gig, I'm laid out on my death bed dying from cancer, or Brian, Al, and David cancel out and are no-shows.

Well, the music from that era will be 80% of the show, so why not?

Stamos has to wear the white suits from 1968 or Mike's 1970s stagewear. :p

I wanna see the Turban, baby! ;)

Hey, didn't you forget someone, or some-two…  :lol

Stamos was present when I saw The Beach Boys play at Olympic Park, Melbourne, Australia in 1992. Referring to my contemporaneous notes, I noted that he was an unwelcome distraction and that Carl seemed to get increasingly annoyed by him as the concert progressed.

I have to say, this doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Why see any music live, then? Why would you go see a symphony orchestra, when there are so many CDs of the music played perfectly? It's not like most conductors or orchestras actually dance around or shoot confetti cannons.

The point is, live music is its own justification. Some people like it with a lot of showmanship, some don't. I mean, I've enjoyed the Flaming Lips shows I've attended, but they've made that showmanship an integral part of their shows. Brian's band performs in the orchestral tradition -- it's not about onstage tomfoolery, it's about making cool vibrations in the air. It makes its own case.

Adding John Stamos -- a wanna-be rock star and washed-up actor -- to the entirety of a tour does not count as showmanship. It's not creating a touring band. It's simply dumb.

Did Carl give him "That Look"? That was always the best way to tell with Carl.

Here's a thought - what if Stamos is up there on Feb 12, receiving the honorary Grammy with Brian, Mike, Al, Dave & Bruce?

Just a thought!  :o

No I didn't!   No Mike and Bruce shows for me!   It's all or nuthin', baby!  :)

Because rock concerts are supposed to rock and have energy. Brian's band is too clean. They sound almost as good as the record. They are almost too good. I don't care about Stamos. His presence will not be the difference whether it is a good show or not.

Now that would be just wrong. That ain't happening, no way.

obviously Mike is to blame for the inclusion of John Stamos. it's a great honor to be asked and it would be hard to say no.

but wouldn't it be nice if Stamos gracefully and graciously declined the offer? that would earn him heaps of respect in my book.



well aside from being a heterosexual male... there's no danger of a cheerleader strapping on a guitar and trying really hard to be a rock star in a band where she simply doesn't belong. but i'd still prefer that to Stamos doing it.

I like the idea of the striped shirts.  That would be totally boss!

Or... I could see Dave in a Pendleton, Bruce in a white suit, Brian in striped shirt and khakis, Mike in one of his Captain or Turban get ups, and Al in overalls and cowboy hat.

I just want them all to be in good voice and have a blast. They'll wear what they wear.

I'll be happy to see them.

That's definitely a part of it.  Stamos, to me, is harmless.  I doubt any fan who's attending the shows are going to walk away saying...."Eh, the songs were alright...but man, John Stamos really rocked!!"  His highest moments will be when he walks out on stage and when he steps up to sing "Forever."  Hardly earth-shattering stuff, here.  

To me, the cheerleaders represent straight up Vegas cheese act, girls with pom-poms, ponytails, looking like they stepped out of a 50's magazine, chanting school songs...bleh.  How something like this could be viewed as less harmful than Stamos on stage...I don't get.

There are a bundle of false premises there.

1.) That a "rock concert" is supposed to be any one thing. There are lots of forms for rock shows, some of which are laid-back, and some of which are punk. So what?

2.) That Brian's concerts lack energy. You've already stated that you only attended one. I've been to several, and I have never experienced a lack of energy on any front.

3.) That the BBs or BW are "rock" to begin with.

I'd hope they think about what Dennis might prefer...and allow his old buddy David to sing Forever...as he did in 2008 with the BB's here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsZ5NSatN8A

David has done a fine job with the song and I would definitely prefer him having a go at it.  Knowing Mike though, he might go with the more obvious and easy route and have Uncle Jesse John Stamos sing it...after all Stamos has had more public exposure with the song than David has.

Stamos is straight up cheesy in every instance I've seen him performing with the Boys.

a cheerleader is at least more pleasing to the eye, and not trying to play or sing with my favorite band. a cheerleader knows her place on that stage.

I would have much less of a problem with Stamos as a cheerleader, come to think of it.
(http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/cheerleader_wideweb__470x311,2.jpg)

What if they got the girls from Full House to be part of the cheerleader troupe?  Now there's your show...

or how about no cheerleaders and no Full House cast members? there's my show.

What a wet blanket.

Works for me.

Jon, that's gotta be a done deal right there.  Dave has to do that song on the 50th tour.  That whole band did all the parts wonderfully.  I don't dislike Stamo's version, he did it fine, but I think Dave has this one in the bag.

The main thing is that 'Forever' be included in the set.  Top shelf Dennis Wilson material right there.

I think you are getting too technical here. My point is that I saw the Boys' close to 30 times between 69 to 97 and except for maybe the 93 Box set tour, those shows rocked and had energy. Most of the performances did not sound like their studio versions. Brian's shows on the other hand, sound musically, almost identical to the studio versions. I guess it is just something that you feel when you are there while it is happening. Just my preference, I suppose. Btw, I used the Smile Tour as an example, not as the only show that I attended. I have seen Brian live 6 times.

And to think they weren't initially going to invite this guy.

Give the man a medal!

I asked because of Mike's quote to Rolling Stone --


That makes me wonder if the DiA lineup might end up being the touring lineup.

Is it so much to ask?

Agreed, Mike Love has always had a weird concept of what makes the Beach Boys popular. Its Brian's music(with some lyrics by Mike), not any other tacky distractions in the live show.

I like Mike, a genius in my book.

But the man is corny, always has been, always will be. Actually I think he's more insane than Brian..

I've seen interviews where he's asked "what can the fans expect" and he answers with his cheesy "some 'fun, fun, fun' and some 'good vibrations'.

Could the guy be any more uncool, he's one of the living legends, he should act like one

Couldn't tell as he was wearing sunnies but he seemed less than impressed.

A legend in who's mind? His? Your's? Your book? Better check your Funk & Wagnel's-Genius-"Extraordinary intelligence surpassing that of most intellectually superior individuals...". Not in this life.

Wait, two drummers, D'Amico's involved?

Who are you guys kidding?  Stamos will be there, AND Cheerleaders will be there.  There is no one or the other.  Also Beach Balls.  Also most of the songs will NOT be from Smile or Pet Sounds.  Also Mike will be the focus, not Brian.  Mike's the frontman. 

If you want to see the artsy fartsy genius music that only you fully understand because we're all too stupid, go see Brian's show.   He and his band (god bless them) are all too eager to give you what you're looking for.

If you want to go see THE BEACH BOYS, though, you're going to get stupid sh*t like John Stamos, Cheerleaders, songs about surfing, beach balls, hawaian shirts and a bunch of corny jokes from Mike Love, who will be standing front and center the enitre tour. 

Can't Wait, personally!

See...I REALLY don't think this will be the case.  I have no real reasons to believe this, other than pure intuition. But I REALLY don't think so.

(http://www.gifsoup.com/webroot/animatedgifs/160909_o.gif)

RON...You are right..!If ya wanna see hear rarities go see a BW show..This is gonna be 2 hours of BB music..With BW + ML as front men..PEOPLE.This will be the last time Any of us see + hear any form of BB..This is it.Please.Lets ..DO IT AGAIN.One more time..STOP COMPLAINING..I suspect I wont see these shows or ever get a tss BOX SET .THESE are limited edition items..The US recession has taken most of what i own.That and bad choices ive made with women.My fault..Those of you that have the box + Tickets go + rejoice in the moment.!.BB are LEGENDS..The greatest R+R band from the USA...The memories from that nite.No matter how old you are will live with you FOREVER..I have my memories from 70"s + 80"s..No one can take that from me.. Just go and R+R...If they live beyond that its a plus.And please dont criticize my post.Ive read it over + over.My education is beyond a 6th grade education.Get it. GOD bless..Paul

Since Do It Again is such a big part of this reunion, has Bill Jackson been consulted?

It seems they were always talking over each other between songs too. ;D

Sounds utterly boss to me.

My thoughts exactly!

It would make sense and as Stamos probably won't be involved in that many shows, it wouldn't be that big of a deal.

Not sure why people are making such a fuss about this. Including Stamos on a few shows doesn't exactly mean that Ricky, Blondie et al can't appear too. And as Stamos has appeared with the band on numerous occasions and sang lead vocal on one of their albums it's not a huge issue.

Since it's the Beach Boys we all had our feares but right up to this it all seemed fine. I hope Stamos will be the only put down.

And I agree with what someone said, Mike's vision of the band is absolute cheesy, flat and perfunctory. Look at all those 80s things, at Stars & Stripes, just at his liner notes to SIP. Everywhere he uses puns that really might have been funny in some late 70s TV show. But to mee it looked like his shows thankfully didn't show that anymore that heavy. Beach Boys shows from the 80s and 90s were full of that and probably wouldn't be regarded that good if it wasn't for Carl. Let's hope the people in the know and making will realize that we love the band - probably more than the boys themselves - and just want something classy. It hasn't to be the biggest cultural event in the world but please something we fans won't have to be ashamed of.
I hope AGD and all the others who read this and have contacts, will make sure that we'll get heard.

Remember what I've been saying for several years - all the major BB/BW and related boards are monitored on a very regular basis. Our disquiet will have been noted by now, irrespective of any words in private ears. Whether or not it'll make a jot of difference is of course something else entirely. My stance is very simple: there are at least half-a-dozen other former associates who deserve to be considered before him. Granted it looks like Ricky & Blondie will be otherwise occupied, but Billy & Eddie deserve a shout.

The situation with Billy and Eddie is very different though surely. I would be surprised if they didn't pop up somewhere, even if only for an encore, but Stamos is much more suited to a cameo appearance or 3.

Of course I've been following what you said about it and it makes for a good feeling that they at least look at the fan's reactions. I'm still not sure though how seriously BRI (or whoever) takes the fans.

BTW I'm sure that Billy, Ed Carter and of course Matt Jardine will appear at one point or another. I guess the last concert will be a big thing, maybe filmed with thoughts of a DVD release. At that show - probably in California - they certainly will show up. Now for the whole tour I don't think they are needed in the band, no matter how good they are (and we know that). But Brian's band plus Cowsill and Totten makes for a great combo and it might get to full on stage with so many people. As long as the band is great I don't care about who is not there.
But anyhow I'd rather have a fully loaded stage with good backup musicians than Stamos standing in the spotlight and singing "Forever" instead of David/Brian


Thorugh a mutual friend I wrote Blondie just to let him know we as fans still think of him and Ricky and that they are not forgotten. I hope they'll find some happiness in there if they aren't invited

There are a lot of posts in this thread that sum up how I feel, but this is probably the most accurate. The "Do It Again" video made it seem like the reunion was going to be classy, and befitting of one of the greatest bands of all time. However, the inclusion of Stamos (with no ill will personally meant towards him), seems to jeopardize that. It is not merely him being there, it's what that signifies- that this tour is a wacky, fun, "bring your kids" affair. And as Wirestone said, that's perfectly fine. But it makes it clear that there should be no illusion that this tour will be the final artistic redemption of the band that some people wanted it to be.

Oh, perish the thought!!! That would have absolutely nothing to do with what the band's career actually has been over the decades, right?
The Beach Boys never needed an artistic "redemption". All the wonderful music they have put out over the years is more than enough to garner them their place among the heaviest hitters. Nothing they could do on this tour could significantly alter that, for positive or negative.
I swear, it is like you folks expect The Beach Boys to lead some uber-serious "recital" of everything ya'll deem to be "worthy" of your hard-won attention.
If ya'll are looking for a band like that, The Beach Boys just aren't for you, really. Go check out Sigur Ros or something similarly boring and one-dimensional.
If people from the official organisations are indeed monitoring this and other boards, I hope they then do the opposite of the snob-consensus, just to piss people off. Because what the band really is, in all its uncool, boorish, rah-rah, school-and-Hawaii-lovin' glory (AS WELL AS serious highlights ala Pet Sounds etc.), is pretty damn boss, and needs no redemption or approval from the Net Set.

BOOM Roasted!

Well said. They are what they are and we should be happy with it. Rock concerts are about having fun and going crazy. These guys have been doing shows for 50 years. Concerts are their bread and butter and they know what works and what doesn't. I have rarely heard a concert goer ever say that a show sucked in any era of the shows that I attended between 1969-2007.

Different people like different things. Speaking for myself, that image of the band has never been why I'm a fan, and has been my least favorite aspect of the BBs. It's why, to me, Brian's shows have been the most satisfying presentation of the music -- not that BW is the most charismatic live performer -- but that they don't traffic in that kind of tacky nonsense.

There's no reason it can't be both. I don't want to see Stamos, and I would like to see Blondie and Ricky, but fundamentally it's the five principals' choice who they bring on stage with them. And I think that no matter what, the show can be both artistically valid and classy while still being fun for everyone. The 2008 UK tour proved that - the majority of the audience for the show I saw were clearly there just to have a fun sing-along of the hits they knew, and knew nothing about who was or wasn't on stage, and they enjoyed the banter from Mike that I could literally speak along with him ("Now we're going to have an intermission... (beat, beat) followed by a nap!").
But in those shows, and playing for those audiences, they still managed to do performances of Kiss Me Baby, Let Him Run Wild, Sail On Sailor, You Still Believe In Me, Til I Die, All This Is That and a dozen other of the 'artier' songs, and do them tastefully, and without losing the audience.

To my mind having Stamos on stage will (if it happens) be on about a level with the bit in MIke & Bruce's show where they pull some girl out of the audience during Barbara Ann and have her pose holding a guitar while Scott Totten actually plays it from behind her. Tacky and unnecessary, but not enough to devalue the rest of the show.

See, the thing is while it may or seem tacky to us, the audience eats that stuff up. As for the girls brought up on stage, that will be a thrill that lasts them all of their lives. These are things that connect the band to the audience and vice versa. Believe me, if you were chosen to go there and stand behind a microphone and sing Barbara Ann, you would do it in a heart beat. Just about all of us would. Along with the music, these are the things that leave people smiling at the end of the show.

"Row, Row, Row Your Boat", cigarette lighter joke, and "I'm a Little Teapot" as examples. Brian's done his share of 'nonsense' too.

Oh, but it's cute when Brian does it. ;)

I can put up with Stamos and cheerleaders if it means seeing 5 original 60's members of the Beach Boys on-stage, one of them a Wilson.

They can have Justin Bieber on-stage singing Surfer Girl, I'll still be there.

And I say that as more of an "art-house" BB fan.

I was not expecting this tour. To me this is once-in-a-lifetime.

There is a difference between genuinely bonkers BW-led things and cringeworthy Mike stuff that perpetuates the myth of the BBs being a sun-and-fun, girls-girls-girls group. They are cousins, though, and neither is a paragon of coolness, I'll grant you that.

Difference is somebody wrote those bad jokes for Brian while Mike's been writing his own bad jokes for 50 years

Yes, Dr., I agree 100% - but, what I have seen with other bands, such as Chicago, represents a trend, where the lucky one (ones) who have this on stage "opportunity" may also be tied to a charity event, where there is a silent auction, or raffle for some local or commuity charity or health research cause, such as one Chicago did with Breast Cancer, still on their website.  Or, a radio station, sponsoring the event could offer the "onstage opportunity" prize as a marketing strategy, which fits in with the event or venue.  It seems as though this is a factor for many artists these days.

For a lot of those special needs people, as well as others, it is the thrill of their lives...It's only one song!

So, in all instances, it may not just be what has been denigrated as "cheesy" and classless.  But rooted in the behind-the -scenes production end, as having a charity purpose.  ;)

No difference whatsoever. Bad jokes are bad jokes. If you go on stage tell them, it's on you as much as the writer. Mike has said many times that he tells these types of jokes and such, on purpose. He knows the reaction that he is going to get. Probably the same with Brian, as well.

At the last Brian show I was at one of his daughters and her friend got on stage to up the chessiness to dance to Barbara Ann. Man was it awful.

More than a few friends first reaction to me when discovering The Beach Boys were doing something was "Oh great, is John Stamos going to be there too?"
Not in the most reverential manner either.....

The question is not if Stamos is there or not, it's what his presence signals (apart from bad jokes between him and Mike). The Beach Boys trying doggedly to hold onto the success of Full House to be succesful themselves from it. It looks like they have no believing in their own and therefor need Stamos to be a success. What people don't seem to realize is that Full House nowadays is often considered as one of the most terrible sitcoms of the 80s and that Stamos to at least as many people is a joke. Again, I have nothing against him as a person, he might e a really cool guy but what he brings to the Beach Boys is more damaging than it is helpful.
And of course everyone should have a lot of fun at concerts. But there was a time when many people had fun yet the quality of the performance was terrible and not worthy. A show like this has to be both, entertaining and high quality.

John Stamos will neither increase or degrade the quality of the music or the performance of the music. From what I am hearing here in this thread is that The Boys' are already uncool and unhip. So, if Stamos is looked at that way too, what the hell is the difference whether he is with them or not? Both Brian and The Beach Boys shows have been of pretty high quality, so I don't expect that to change with this tour. I think these shows will be nothing short of a joyful celebration of the band and the music.

:thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

His presence signals the fact that they'd like a friend of theirs, who like it or not, is a part of their history even if minor and relatively insignificant, to take a minor part in a celebration of their history. That's all. They've given you a lot of great music over the years, let them have this one little indulgence. Cool? Cool.

RIGHT ON RIGHT ON PREACH IT BROTHAAAA

So... to keep this little CHARADE up in your mind, do you just ignore all the stuff Brian did in the 70's, 80's, 90's, and off and on for the last decade as well?  When you hear a story, like, say, of someone seeing Brian out to dinner in Hawaii, and he's putting butter on his bread and sticking it to the side of his face, do you just ignore that?

Do you just ignore that Brian has an entire house of kids and dogs and he's actually pretty happy, not the perpetually depressed person he was on the smile album?  Do you just ignore all the videos in the 80's where Brian's singing somewhere, wildly off key in a hawaiian shirt (like that cool one with Ray Charles)?  Do you just ignore the video for "Getcha Back" even though Brian's right there at the end of it, looking sane as can be but participating in the cheeziest thing they ever did?

To keep this charade up in your mind, do you just ignore that Brian wrote ANY surf songs?  Do you just ignore it when he does an interview and says he would tour if they paid him enough? LOL 

The dorkiness of the band *STEMS* from Brian, not from Mike.  There's nothing wrong with it.  It takes a big c*ck to admit you like a band THAT dorky, you haven't gotten there yet. 

When I tell somebody I like the Beach Boys, and they give me a funny look, I say "Hell yeah! They're the greatest ever.  You don't like Surfin' USA?"  Then let them try to explain exactly what's wrong with Surfin' USA. 

Don't get why the band thinks Stamos is still a relevant pop culture icon that fans would want see. His claim to fame, full house, was on TV so long ago.

... but the Beach Boys *ARE a sun-and-fun, girls-girls-girls group.  Did you not see Brian play the festivals the last few years?  The people went crazy, and it wasn't because the harmony was in the right key.  It was because he showed up with sunshine, man!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yMR53VcUSk&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL19E4BEE9A1AF1BD1

LOOK AT THAT FUCKING CROWD!  

Maybe your'e unaware: John Stamos is a cast member of "Glee", so he's pretty relevant. 

Did you ever think that he might have been invited because they all like him as a person. From the John Cowsill interview last month, he says Stamos is well liked by the band.

I'm going to go ahead and put it out there: If I ever I do a gig somewhere, I want John Stamos to show up. 

I was unaware of that. He is resourceful. The guy seems to always find a job. I guess we can all look forward to a Beach Boys Glee episode. ;)

He can chill backstage with the band then or barely appear during Barbara Ann.

Now, this is getting ridiculous. I guess from this point forward we will be  :deadhorse

Ah, we were already there.  This whole topic was beat to death 10 or 15 years ago. 

We agree to disagree about Stamos. :)

Sheesh.

I don't think I -- or anyone talking about the reunion -- is saying that the Beach Boys or Brian didn't write or perform surf songs. Or that those songs aren't a vital part of their history and success. It's like saying puppies are cute -- it's self evidently true.

It's just that there are tasteful, cool ways of acknowledging that, and performing those songs, and there are less tasteful ways. There are ways of presenting those songs that acknowledge that they are part of _a body of work_ that goes deeper and further, both in terms of musical and lyrical content. Brian's band has always -- to me -- done an admirable job of presenting just such a balanced perspective. Yes, there are good times and surf songs in the encore -- as there should be.

But guess what? Brian also generally performed "Love and Mercy" as a second encore. You see how that balances things out?

And Mike's group, in recent years, has done this balancing act exceptionally well too, especially in their overseas shows. There are plenty of hits, but a good share of more obscure tunes and some crack musicianship. Mike has -- to his enormous credit -- embraced obscurities just as much as the BW outfit (and in recent years probably outpaced him on that front).

So I was certainly hoping the best for this reunion in terms of presentation. The Stamos issue, unfortunately, calls some of this into question. It suggests that both sides -- while willing and able to present respectful retrospectives on their own -- when united are making more dubious calls. I hope that isn't the case, and any Stamos is relegated to an encore, where he can be respectfully skipped by heading to the car early.

That's all.

"She got her daddies car, and she drove to the hamburger stand... NOW!
Seems she forgot all about the library like she told her old man... Now!
And with the radio blastin goes cruisin' just as fast as she can ... Now!
And she'll have FUn Fun Fun till her daddy takes her t-bird away"

What's the tastefull way to do that?  It's a song.  It's about a chick.  It's no big stretch to have chicks dancing on stage to it. 

"When some loud bragger tries to put me down, and says his school is great
I tell him right away, well what's amatter buddy, ain't you heard of my school?
It's number one in the state! So Be True To Your School!
Just like you would to your girls! Guys! 
Be True to your school.
Let your colors fly.   Be true to your school"

(all the while with the Beach boys going RAh RAh Rah RAh, Sis Boom Rah!" in the background.)

What's the classy way to present that in your mind?  If there's no cheerleader dancing on stage, do you just forget the lyrics have cheerleader parts?  Is it annoying to you that Brian dated a cheerleader and wrote that about a cheerleader?

I'm just struggling to understand how you don't like it when a band that is by all measures one of the dorkiest, un hip, corniest bands to ever exist... does something dorky, corny, or unhip.  IT's what they do.  It's who they are. 

The reason they are great isn't because they were hip, or cool, it's because they weren't and triumphed in spite of it.  Little Weezy's hip.  Justin Biebers cool.  They will be forgotten long before the Beach Boys.


You're saying the surf songs should be relegated to a medly at the encore, although the surf songs are 90% of their success.  When the band changed from surf/car songs, they lost their audience. 

You are going to be SO dissapointed by this tour.  Save yourself the trouble, and don't go , because you clearly don't understand the boys or their music.  You think you do, but you completely do not. 

That girl who got her Daddy's car is a spitfire! 

She is as timeless and powerful as any Godess!

That suitor is timeless as well...

The rebellious nature of this lady is as free sprited and liberated as they come! 

And the suitor is in "hot pursuit" just to keep up with her.  It's the "chase" of the hunter-gatherer male!

Her father can't keep up with her! And she has him wrapped around her little finger!   

It is a metaphor of the unchanging nature of youth, predictable rebellion, and young relationships.

The kids can identify with this image. It is not dorky!

And, kids still exhibit fierce loyalty for their alma maters!

Since when has "classic" become "dorky?"

"Classic" endures - "trendy" (dorky) comes and goes!   ;)

Yeah, it's obvious you're struggling alright. Had enough Rebel Yell yet? What I'm wonderin big, boss brotha is if they lost their entire audience after the surf/car era, how did they manage to fill auditoriums between 71 all the way to the 80 or 90's? Weren't you still in junior high tryin to get through English?

I think he meant record sales. Their popularity has really been sustained through constant touring, and many of those tours with John Stamos (had to throw that in). There was a time when touring the U.S. was no picnic, either.

If BRI is reading this thread they're probably laughing their asses off. A laugh which will get louder as the actual ticket sales numbers start rolling in... :lol

(including my hard-earned dollars, mind you, if the Boys and their mega-musician, 7-guitars-strong caravan come 'round these parts this year.)

Should there ever be a Full House reunion and the Beach Boys get invited I hope they can show some restraint and not get ideas above their station, don't behave like tools who have forgotten who the audience really want to see and do not try to dominate the camera or hog the lime light.

The above should apply to any reunion with  guests.

Just saying.

 ;)

Quick fact check: The number of charting hit songs specifically about surfing which the Beach Boys released in the 60's (and beyond) is *four*, and on almost every one of those four, the flip side was a song about cars. And four is generous because "Surfin" was more regional than national, unless you count "Do It Again" to make it an even four hits. Adding in a few other songs, like I Get Around, there were more car songs than surf songs. And the only hit about school spirit or which references cheerleading is one: "Be True To Your School".

Four songs which were hits in the span of about two years, that's it.

True.


But another quick fact check:


Their name is THE BEACH BOYS.
Therefore, any type of fun-in-sun material, from explicit surf and car tunes to more vague things such as most of the Summer Days album, Kokomo and Good Vibrations, will be the thing that defines them to the mainstream audience. A lot of the fault for that is the BAND NAME ITSELF. It is very tied to specific subject matter. I think Ron was referring more to the surf/car/fun era in general than surf-themed lyrics specifically.

A great point re eras - chart statistics won't explicity reflect the longevity of songs amongst domestic and international markets, or the plethora of "copy cat" surf/car/sun hits inspired and influenced by (and later attributed to) specific BB hits, albums or appearances.

The only years the Beach Boys had surfing songs as hits were their first real year of being a band, 1962, and 1963. The car songs were still there in '64, but dropped off after that. Not saying they weren't incredibly popular and great, classic singles which put the band on the map, but that's only one part of the history.

If there is a suggestion made that this band lost their audience after they stopped doing surf/car songs, yet this band continued to release top 40 singles into the next decade that had nothing to do with cars or surfing, I'd strongly disagree. And the band's discography would disagree as well. The history of the band was not written by them being a surf band or a car band. The bands that were those things didn't last, although they may have had a few great singles too.

Brian or Mike being corny and awkward is fine. It's who they are and it's what we've come to expect of them. They never disappoint in that regard. Inviting John Stamos aboard to be corny and awkward is overkill and entirely unnecessary.

Their history is mostly written-defined by being a fun-in-the-sun band, for better or worse. I'd say better (I think it is a large part of what makes them unique), others might say worse.

Hey Ron, you meant post-Party Beach Boys music, with the exception of Good Vibrations, right?

This is exactly what Ron said, if he meant to say something different I'm hoping he'll chime in and clarify it so the record is straight.

Ron, I don't understand what I'm triggering with you, but for pete's sake ... please relax. When you're not busy grossly misinterpreting what I have to say, you might find we're not that far apart in our opinions.


I'll leave the casual sexism to one side and say that yes, that is kind of a stretch. The group does not include a big swimming pool onstage, despite singing about waves. They don't drive cars across the stage, despite singing about them. As a matter of fact, a great many songs by male singers are about women -- but they don't, as a rule, include go-go dancers in their onstage performances.


See, I never thought the band, at least in the 60s and 70s, were particularly corny. They had their issues, sure, but you had such influence from Carl and Dennis -- neither of whom could be described as dorky. They were both pretty cool guys.


That is not what I said. I said John Stamos should be relegated to the encores (or preferably the audience). The surf and car songs will surely be a big part of the show, and they should be. They are an important part of the band's legacy.

My point in talking about that material at all is that I -- personally -- would love to see it in the broader context of a show that highlights the band's best music, regardless of period. I mean, Mike has performed "Til I Die!" He recognizes the group has amazing, non-hit tunes.

I'm posting this stuff just for the discussion at hand, but take a look at some of the Beach Boys' more famous or well-known live shows on Eric Aniversario's setlist archive website, and count up exactly how many of the surf/car/fun songs were featured at those shows. I wouldn't say that earlier material dominated their live shows, and they usually had a nice blend of all their styles and eras, which I think will still be the case today.

This is the July 4th '80 show from DC, one of the largest crowds they've played for:
SETLIST
1. California Girls
2. Sloop John B (Brian/Mike/Carl)
3. Darlin'
4. School Days
5. In My Room
6. Good Timin'
7. God Only Knows
8. Do It Again
9. Little Deuce Coupe
10. Catch a Wave
11. Hawaii
12. Merry Minuet
13. Santa Ana Winds
14. Some of Your Love
15. Keepin' the Summer Alive
16. Lady Lynda
17. Cottonfields
18. Heroes & Villains
19. I Write The Songs
20. Surfer Girl
21. Help Me Rhonda
22. Be True to Your School
23. Wouldn't It Be Nice
24. Rock & Roll Music
25. I Get Around
26. Surfin' USA
Encore:
27. Good Vibrations
28. Barbara Ann
29. Fun Fun Fun

I don't have a problem with the fun in the sun image, I think it makes for some great audiences and created some amazing music, but it's important to see how it played out factually as much as through the image of the band.

This July 4th setlist, I think, would hold up very well in 2012 and I think crowds would love a lineup like this as a reunion show with maybe a few substitutions and updates.

I would really love one like this:

National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England
April 11, 2008

Beach Boys present:
Mike Love
Bruce Johnston
David Marks

Backup band:
Scott Totten
Randell Kirsch
John Cowsill
Tim Bonhomme
Christian Love

SETLIST

1. Do It Again
2. Don't Back Down
3. Catch A Wave
4. Hawaii
5. Little Honda
6. Surf City
7. Surfin' Safari
8. Surfin' USA
9. Surfer Girl
10. When I Grow Up (To Be A Man)
11. Why Do Fools Fall In Love
12. Good Timin'
13. Good To My Baby
14 You're So Good To Me
15. Forever (David Marks)
16. Darlin'
17. The Warmth Of The Sun
18. Wendy
19. Kiss Me Baby
20. Let Him Run Wild
21. Then I Kissed Her
22. I Can Hear Music
23. Ballad Of Ole Betsy
24. Dont Worry Baby
25. Little Deuce Coupe
26. 409
27. Shut Down
28. I Get Around

INTERVAL

29. California Girls
30. California Dreamin'
31. Sloop John B
32. Sail On Sailor
33. 'Til I Die
34. Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring
35. In My Room
36. Cool Head, Warm Heart
37. Everyone's In Love With You
38. All This Is That
39. Disney Girls
40. God Only Knows
41. You Still Believe In Me
42. Here Today
43. Cottonfields
44. Kokomo
45. Help Me Rhonda
46. Dance Dance Dance
47. Do You Wanna Dance
48. Barbara Ann
49. Wouldn't It Be Nice

ENCORE:
50. Good Vibrations
51. Fun Fun Fun

This is a cool show not just because of things like Til I Die, but because it includes non-hit, but classic-era stuff like "Don't Back Down" and "Good to My Baby." I've always thought that was a very smart way for BW or the BBs to do lesser-known material, because it was created contemporaneously with the hits and has the same sound and spirit.

That's probably a good setlist I'm guessing to expect for the tour with a few minor tweaks  (Surf City out for something like California Saga let's say) and I'd be more than happy with that list! 50 songs for 50 years seems appropriate.

Yeah, I know what he said, Jack, and I already asked him to clarify (likely to merely confirm my own clarification of what he was saying, but if you need that to be able to proceed forth into fresh, exciting new territory, fine), but thanks.

If it's just that, then get Charles Manson on stage. Just an old friend who is part of their history. Like it or not, he totally fills out said role. There's nothing wrong with having an old friend there. But why on stage and in the spotlight ?

That'd be fine with me as well!

Was someone looking at an iTunes playlist on alphabetical order when putting together that setlist?

And although the people still know him only as "Uncle Jessie" and that's how Mike introduces him mostly.
Even if he was Neil Patrick Harris, he has nothing to do on that stage

I think the entire Full House gang should show up! Then the Smile ripoff "My World Fell Down" could be performed by the splinter project Saget-Tarius, Dave Coulier shows up to perform what else but "Coul Coul Water" and then the Olsen Twins are brought out as the cheerleaders for "Be True To Your School". Unfortunately, all their teeth and hair are gone as a result of their acute meth addiction. Uncle Jessie then stops the show cold to perform a heartfelt "Mary Kate And Ashley, No". The entire cast assembles for a tear-jerking finale medley of "Love And Mercy" and the ABC TGIF jingle.

OK, I'll stop now, and I apologize.

http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/News/beach-boys-stamos-0116-2012/

Stamos said he was perfectly willing to simply introduce the band at its concerts, but Mike Love, Brian Wilson and Co. have a little more in mind for the Full House star. They “asked me to be part of the show ... I feel very honored,” Stamos said.

..."a little more in mind" can mean a lit of things.  >:D

Any introduction would have been just fine...  ::)

I created a Twitter account just to tell John Stamos to please reconsider joining the Beach Boys this year. I invite you all to do the same.  ;)

Considering your avatar, that is not a very Friendly thing to do. Not me, no thanks. The band can invite whoever they want. It is none of my business.

Bossaroo - That action is inconsistent with a prior statement you made about Stamos' ability to play the "pita" in which  ( I paraphrase) that he {Stamos} should be among them, with the ability to play that instrument. 

Do you think Stamos will get there fast or will he take it slow?

Oh mylanta

Win.

Him giving a short introduction with an old friend of the band like Fred Vali wouldn't have been as much of a problem with me.

Same here.

I wasn't mean about it. I just asked him to let the 50th Anniversary be about The Beach Boys. Someone should... and who knows? maybe he'll listen.

I think Mike should pay attention to what the fans want sometimes. We're the ones (besides Brian Wilson) providing him with a career.

You're kind of a scumbag and The Beach Boys owe nothing to you or any others of your entitled ilk.

Well, while we are being truthful on the Internet and all to those we don't know!

you're kind of a dick but i wasn't gonna say anything. noticed you get pretty pissy when anyone disagrees with you. poor thing.

i happen to feel very strongly that John Stamos doesn't belong on stage during the Beach Boys 50th Anniversary. if that makes me a scumbag, oh f*cking well.

Niiiiiiiiiiice.

You got anything worthwhile to post here, Spacecase?  Been reading your posts lately and it seems like you're on this board just to start some sh!t here.  Why is that?

What is the issue with Stamos? If the band (even one or more of them) wants him there, why can't he be a part of the celebration? What does he do or not do that would make you want to do this Twitter posting thing? I've seen him with the band quite a few times and his appearances are pretty benign. Maybe you are just the person to articulate your point of view with a rational explanation/justification instead of all the smart-ass Uncle Jesse responses in this thread. Thanks.

I kind of like the old vs. new fan dynamic for introductions.
Fred Vali-1964/2012 fan who will introduce them at concerts.
John Stamos- 2012 fan who will introduce them at concerts.
Stamos can do something he has talents for, speaking using his acting skills.

Because he has an issue with the guy that started this board. Even though most of us don't even know who that guy is, and have never had any contact with that person. Most of us are just looking for a place on the internet to discuss The Beach Boys. But we're idiots.

Hopefully the poster in question will get over this and participate in a less sarcastic and bitter manner.

Wouldn't that be something to have Fred Vail MC a coupla shows?

And now..............from Hawthorne, California...........to entertain you tonight.........the FABulous...........BEACH BOYS!

it's really simple. he's not a Beach Boy. he's a sitcom actor and according to his Twitter account, a "wannabe rock'n'roll drummer." i don't see how that justifies his inclusion in a reunion this big. as myself and others have pointed out, there are at least a dozen others who should be considered before Stamos.

if Mike wants to have him participate in the Mike & Bruce Revue, so be it. Mike's been cheesing up the band's image since the beginning.

but this is the 50TH ANNIVERSARY. It's a huge deal. Brian Wilson is back in the band he basically put on the map in the first place. Al Jardine and David Marks are back in the fold. SMiLE was just released and the Beach Boys are headlining the New Orleans Jazz Fest. They are finally being taken seriously and getting some long-deserved respect and attention from the media and the masses.

adding John Stamos to the mix really goes against all of that, in my opinion. It still just reeks of Mike trying to latch onto someone who's "cool" and "current" but just coming off as clueless.

The Twitter thing is no big deal... seems like everyone has an account and it took about 10 seconds to create. It just seemed like the only way to communicate with John Stamos instantly and directly. I respect the guy and I think he should respect thousands of Beach Boy fans who think he needs to bow out.

He won't keep me from going to any concerts this year, and he won't keep me from crying tears of joy when I get to hear my favorite music played, but he will look and feel very out of place up there. that's all.

The thing is that none of this seems to be Stamos' fault.  I don't know anything about Stamos as a person, but he comes across as self-effacing and humble in that TMZ clip, and seems to be at great pains to make it clear that he had no desire to impose himself on the shows without being asked outright.  I think ill-will or twitter campaigns directed towards him are sort of misdirected, since the real problem is with whoever it could be within the Beach Boys camp who thought it was a good idea to ask him to be in the shows.  It's not John Stamos who's showing insufficient respect to the Beach Boys legacy here, is what I'm saying.

I'm not hounding or harrassing the guy. I started a petition that very few will actually see or sign, and I sent him one "tweet". that's it.

I realize it's not his fault. He was apparently asked to participate and of course it's a huge honor. I just think he should think about the magnitude of the occasion and consider the band's legacy and millions of fans and realize he really doesn't belong up there.

At the end of the day Stamos has contributed NOTHING to The Beach Boys..

Real fans have valid reasons to not want to see him on stage

What will Stamos do, exactly? On how many shows will he appear? Does anyone know? A cameo wouldn't hurt, a constant presence would, methinks.

I think a lot of the negative comments are the running around onstage looking like a wannabe. In other words....we are jealous! We want to be up there ourselves!!! ;D

The concertgoers are the ones who provide Mike with a career. And Mike does pay attention to them which is why he performs the hits at the concerts. He knows that those are the songs people want to hear.  And if they have a choice between David Marks (who many have never heard of) and John Stamos singing Forever then who do you think they would choose?  

Creating a Twitter account just to post a message to John Stamos indicates that you really need to get out more. Masturbation can only satiate for so long...

There is no such thing as a real fan, unless you literally mean fanatic, in which case it's really nothing to be proud of. A band is a band, and a person can like or dislike according to his or her tastes. There are so many ways to love music.

However, Stamos has contributed something: people enjoyed his presence (or, if not, their cheering was an odd form of demonstrating dislike). If it isn't something you, or some other group of fans, like, that's fine. Irrelevant, but fine. Most people who might attend these shows really just don't much care. If the self-proclaimed elite minority protest and don't attend, frankly, I can't imagine anyone would care. The tours will sell regardless. People will have fun regardless.

I mean this without judgment to Slim (whom I just quoted because it got me thinking enough to post) or anyone else, but I believe this: if something like this keeps you from enjoying this tour--if you're incapable of having a good time without the lineup, the program, et cetera, according to your own guidelines--I honestly feel sorry for you. I spent enough years as a snob, personally, and as I've opened myself more to music in recent years (and less about what this or that school of uber-fan approves of, promoted in some documentary, wrote about 40 years ago, or wrote but didn't release once and so it's gotta be good), I'm happier. A lot happier.

You'd be surprised.

And on that note, people, I'm calling it a night. Not for ... wait ... DAMMIT.

I got to see Fred introduce Brian and his band in Nashville a couple years back.  Very cool!

Yep, like I said earlier "Stamos Envy". ;) I've seen America, Jimmy Page, Ringo, Marshall Crenshall and a host of other guests up on stage with them, and what did they add to the career of The Beach Boys? Absolutely nothing! I see no difference with Stamos up there with them on stage. Thanks bossaroo for the explanation. I appreciate you taking the time to do that.

sounds like you speak from experience there, pal.

i think it's pretty funny in this day and age when most everyone belongs to Twitter and wants the world to know what they're doing and thinking at any given second, the only thing that possessed me to open an account was to tell John Stamos he doesn't belong in the Beach Boys reunion. i figured some here would appreciate that.

it's fine if Mike wants to play mostly greatest hits and pre-Pet Sounds material. it's fine if he wants to invite Stamos out to "rock out" and look a fool. I just think he should try and rise above his typical schtick for this one tour. Because Brian is involved. Because Al and Dave are back. Because it's the 50TH FREAKIN' ANNIVERSARY.

and just because a large percentage of the audience doesn't know David Marks, doesn't mean he has less of a right to sing "Forever"

and speaking of Dennis, how do you think HE would feel about the presence of John Stamos?

PS - everyone who thinks Stamos adds some kind of youth appeal or "now" factor. I have two kids in high school, hip kids. neither of them know who John Stamos is.

proud papa.  ;D

Jim - This is an Internet-based "community of interest" - no less significant, than any other groups discussing, art or law or politics.  We are not idiots.  Most here are keenly knowledgeable about the most important American music of at least the latter half of the 20th century.  I've learned a lot, from the "distinguished guests," who did the sound, lots of photography and stuff that has been shared with this community of interest.  And those who have shared stories of members who are no longer with us.

I only regret with this debate, that people have forgotten or ignored the rules of civilty for this board, hurling insults, at others.  And, I don't get it.  Most BB fans I know are awesome people.  When they were not considered cool, that well-credentialed movie star, helped turn that around.  He was invited and accepted the invite.  Anyway, that is my two cents.  

Smile sessions are released, part of the reason ( I think) for this board, and that should bring enormous pride that maybe, the discussion here, may have played a small role in that event.  The second is the Celebration Reunion.  50 "Last Dates" (pun intended ) are not enough.  

But then, I'd see them sing every week, if I could...and not care what anyone thought.   ;)

This is a year to party, not to be at each others throats.  

Filledplage, you do understand I was sticking up for the Smiley Smile community with my post, right? I was pointing out that certain others on other forums seem to long down upon us.

I disagree, A "real fan" is more relevant to The Beach Boys than any other band..

A "Real fan" knows they are more than just Surfin or Car songs, or in this context knows that over the years there have been more important players than Stamos in the band...

I have to say though Stamos joining the tour won't stop me from going, I'll go and I'll have a great time, I'll just feel it was a slight missed opportunity having him join and not The Flames for example

Jim - I do understand reading between the lines, however, even if one feels "dumped on" by another group, with another point of view, why can't people discuss intelligently without getting hostile and insulting to those who don't agree, whether from multiple fora or not.  Can't people keep some dignity?

Why would anyone worry about another forum?  It is hard enough to keep people and positions straight.  I suspect that  there are those who post here, with "multiple personalities."  And who sign on with one ID, post, re-sign under another persona.  That is cheating and extreme, even for the net...Is it that important? 

This is only a movie!  ;)

I don't get why casual fans would see the Beach Boys in concert. Tickets for Brian or Mike & Bruce cost like $90, I'm sure the reunion show will cost even more. Why would anyone want to pay that much money for a band they were not completely obsessed with?

I've never said that David Marks has no right to sing forever and if Stamos joins them for a few shows then it doesn't stop David singing it at the others. My point was that if concertgoers had the choice, they would prefer to see John Stamos singing it... in the main.

How do I think Dennis would feel about Stamos joining them for a few shows? Well Carl was apparently fully in support of Stamos's version of Forever. And if he joins this tour at all then it can only be with Brian's consent (considering the number of Brian's guys who are part of the band, it's obviously not like Mike is in complete control). If Carl and Brian aren't bothered then I would say that they know more about their brother than I or you do. To be honest, I think if Dennis had been told 30 years ago that one of his songs would be in the band's setlist in 2012 then I doubt he would have cared who was singing it.

I just don't get why people are so up in arms before they know the facts. The truth is that if Stamos were to visit Japan with the band, for example, it would definitely be the right move. He has helped the band to attract many fans there and Full House is still one of the most popular shows. If he were part of things then it would get the band and the song 'Forever' more attention. Not sure what the problem is with that.

I don't mind Stamos introducing and/or playing some drums for the band...

HOWEVER- I DO NOT WANT HIM TO SING ANY LEADS ON ANY SONGS, ESPECIALLY FOREVER!

With all due respect to Stamos, let Brian sing that song. That would be awesome.

I'm pretty sure The Beach Boys and Brian's music were very popular in Japan long before Full House came around.

and I don't buy the claim that the Beach Boys' audience "wants" to see or hear Stamos play or sing any of their songs.

As far as this tour goes, I guess it's because it's billed as an event. Seeing the legendary band's 50th anniversary.

The same can be said of some of the promotions for Brian's tours...see the legend on tour for the first time in decades, Pet Sounds performed in its entirety, the legendary lost Smile album. When Brian's tours haven't had something like that to hang it on, ticket sales have sometimes been slow.

And for Mike and Bruce it's because they want a good time singing along to the songs they know.

Of course The Beach Boys were popular in Japan before. But Stamos did help them to attract new fans. Indisputable and I've met Japanese people who have said this and claimed that Forever is their favourite song because of him.

If the audience don't want to hear Stamos play or sing then why do they cheer for him when he does?

Worst idea ever! There I said it.

they cheer because it's a concert and they're enjoying themselves and they will applaud the music after every song. it's what audiences do.

but no one really came there to hear John Stamos perform as a Beach Boy, and nobody prefers Stamos to an actual Beach Boy singing the songs. i don't buy that.

It goes against what so many people have said though. That at some shows many fans have said that they've gone there to see him specifically. And have screamed for him throughout.

Nothing against David but apart from the hardcore I doubt people would care if he didn't sing a note all evening.

But you can't tell people things they don't want to know as they say...

40% are over-age women who find him atractive, 7% are wasted, 3% refuse to cheer such bull-merda, and 50% are clapping because it is over.

Whoa there, pardner.  If anyone's been providing Mike with a career, it's not a few thousand die-hard fans, but the millions of surf-n-cars-loving Full-House-watching plebs who have kept paying his bills all these years.

Me, I think a proper Beach Boys reunion celebration thing should cover the whole range of the experience -- the edgy and the square.  This is a band which appeals to everybody from the mediocre-whitebread-sitcom audience to the terminally hip.  Only fair to acknowledge both.  Worst comes to worst?  If people come to cheer for Uncle Jesse and then get their socks knocked off by "You Still Believe In Me" or "Heroes And Villains"... well that's the same journey people took in the '60s, and I took in the '90s, from grooving on fun-fun-fun to realizing there's so much more there.

Cheers,
Jon Blum

Exactly.  :)

Nothing wrong with catering for over-age women. Some singers make a very good living from it.

 :lol

You're avatar is so hilarious

Debating over who's clapping for John Stamos and who's not is ridiculous.  He doesn't NEED to be there. He's not an integral part of their sound, their image, or any of their music.  He is unnecessary and unwanted (clearly) by a significant portion of the Beach Boys fanbase.  Why anyone would defend his being a part of this tour is beyond me.

On that note, I DO appreciate you, bossaroo, for being so kind as to respectfully tweet Mr. Stamos.  Perhaps, just perhaps, he will re-consider his invitation.  I have nothing against the guy, I just feel he has no place in touring with the band on a REUNION tour.

Because he seemingly is wanted by some pretty important people... The Beach Boys! No poster has said they are delighted that he's appearing but if they want him to be part of their CELEBRATION then fair enough. The tour will play to hundreds of thousands of people and I doubt many will lose sleep over John Stamos's possible inclusion.

I think the fact we are all fighting about Stamos being there / not being there is sad in itself a little. Not trying to offend, but some of you are never satisfied with anything the BBs do to begin with. Heck they put out freaking Smile sessions and we spent threads picking it to death!

If we didn't then who would?  ;D

ok. i'm willing to admit that some in the audience would rather hear Stamos more than Dave or even Brian. or at least watch Stamos shake his ass and play rockstar.

i'm also willing to say F*ck those people. they really shouldn't be there.

like someone else said, it would be like going to a Stones concert to hear David Hasselhoff. does not compute.

In what way? I concede that The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones are both viewed as vaguely ridiculous live acts by some people but i would still say that The Rolling Stones have a very different reputation.

Over the years fans have had to witness the cheerleaders, Bruce in shorts (this would be worse than Stamos if repeated), Al's ponytail, Mike hitting on anyone and everyone, Brian unable to remember the words, Carl trying to dance, Dennis barely able to speak let alone sing etc. Plus you have 70 year-olds singing about growing up to be men and having fun, fun, fun with young girls. It's ludicrous whichever way you look at it.

Obviously I want the band to perform in as classy a way as possible but they are never going to be The Rolling Stones...

I think Mike & Bruce tickets cost significantly less than that. Certainly when they've played the UK it's been closer to about $70 for good seats and $50 for bad ones (converting to US currency). And they play lots of tiny, tiny gigs. My in-laws, who couldn't tell you the difference between the Beach Boys, Jan & Dean or Ronnie And The Daytonas, saw them at their local county fair last summer, in a town whose total population comes to less than the audience that saw them in Epsom a couple of months earlier.  They got to see them as part of the price of the ticket to the fair, which was about $20.

They loved it, incidentally.

Regarding


and



It woud be appreciated if the both of you would at least keep it civil (and it doesn't matter who started) . Sometimes I wonder why we have rules on this board at all...

I disagree. Many people on this board seem to think that to the public this is just another Beach Boys concert. They don't. If tickets really sell that fast in Germany as it seems, they go because of the reunion/celebration factor. That's why the newspapers and music magazines write about it, why radio stations mention it (and who is member of the Beach Boys) and raffle tickets. Not because it's a Beach Boys concert but because it's THE Beach Boys. And they'll know who is part of the band and who isn't. Even if just for this one time. Look at how many headlines an appearance by Mike & Bruce (with that legendary name) or Brian made in the last years. Not too many....

I really do hope they at least dress up for this tour.  I want to see "diginified, classy, well-dressed old dudes" be the look for the tour.  Even Mike has been looking almost sharp in his suit at some of the recent gala gig videos I've seen, so I know they can pull it off.  Just no more khakis and hawaiian shirts, please...

Here's some food for thought, you want this (Stamos singing "Forever" while David Marks has to shut up)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSLbu62ZFO0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSLbu62ZFO0)


or this (8:39) ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU8z3IuBuPM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU8z3IuBuPM)


I'd rather have the latter.......

Well, I guess you can chalk that up to the exchange rate being so extreme, or things being cheaper in England, or something. I've paid for Mike & Bruce tickets twice, and they were both about $90. Once in a "performing arts center" and once in a casino theater.

I agree that the reunion element is a big thing. But I think that Brian being part of things is 95% of that.

I guess there is a good chance that Jeff will sing Don't Worry Baby, John will sing I Can Hear Music etc. so having one other non-Beach Boy singing a tune wouldn't bother people. Plus people who do their research will obviously expect David to be there playing guitar but as he didn't originally sing leads on any of the songs that will be performed, they may well not expect him to sing on the night.

Thank you.

Rocker - interesting version you chose of Stamos doing Forever.  I saw that show in Staten Island, and heard all the laudatory commentary, including much attention from Mike Love, who described David as a "signatory" to the BB contract at 13.  

There is a version on YouTube which is nearing - a million hits...one version among several, that Stamos almost single handedly promoted while doing one of his many TV shows.  He is not a "one hit wonder."  944,000 hits to a song that was not that famous.  It was used as a separate video , and I think that he did a Forever video with the Disney cartoons and famous characters from Walt's artistry.  That is not on YouTube.  Likely a copyright issue.  He was promoting the Beach Boys work, for almost his whole career.  Slamming him, after all that promotion and his part in cultivating a new generation alongside other TV shows, is biased and unbalanced, in my view.  

Taking it out of context, so a reader could infer that David stood there twiddling his thumbs, is incendiary to the reader.   It was great to see David, whom I saw in 1971 at Symphony Hall, at a time when he was studying at Berklee, and Dennis saw him, in the lobby, inviting him onstage, to sing a song or two.  And, in 1997, when he filled in for Carl, when he was so sick.  He is a fabulous guitarist.  Really a talent.  In no way, was he marginalized by John Stamos.  If you had seen the entire concert, anyone would see that everyone had his time under the spotlight.  That clip does not fairly and adequately represent the show.

That song, Forever was the only "lead" that I remember John Stamos doing.  He just blended right in. Frankly, I'm happy to see him with the Boys, because John Cowsill gets out from behind his plexiglas screen to do Rhonda! His presence supports the others, like Cowsill who could not perform close to the audience.

Anytime I have seen Stamos, he has been appreciative of his luck in life, shown devotion to the BB music, and, very well received by the audience.  JMHO  

filledeplage:
my comment was meant a little sarcastic. I'm sure David did more than we can see in this video. But still there's some truth in it and there's no excuse to let Stamos sing that song instead of David imo. I mean Stamos is the guy who did produce (?) An American Family !!

The age of Stamos bringing new fans to the band has passed....

Rocker - that is what this is about? OK.

But, you did not put that on the table.  

That muddies the waters.  

It is really stupid to continue this thread. It seems no one is going to change the other's mind. The band is going to do want they want, as they should.

Hey, I shot the latter!  Neat! 

+1

Last thoughts, Stamos will be there in some form for better or worse, but I will be there as well rocking out to the Beach Boys.

I INTEND TO KEEP THIS THREAD GOING!  >:(

STAMOS =  >:D

We are not the ones keeping this alive...

The Beach Boys are. If I were John Stamos I would rock out too...but I'm not so I protest.  :police:

WTF. He's in so we may as well build a bridge. If he reads here, I hope he takes some comments on-board and just blends in.

I'll cut him some slack and let him rock out during the encore but the rest of the time please be heard and not seen!

Leave that 'jesus' guy at home and (cough) 'break a leg' John (cough)!  :rock

He's....just...so.....talented

(http://ohbriggsy.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/kokostamos311.gif)

Well said - we should move on.

This is a band which had Mr. T play drums for them at a high-profile gig.

You complainers don't know when you're well off...

:-),
Jon Blum

and Little Richard with Happy Endings :D

..............and Julio Iglesias and La Toya Jackson with Surfer Girl!

Mr. T playing drums is preferable to John Stamos strapping on a guitar and rocking out. Why? because who could possibly take Mr. T seriously? it's funny and he's in on the joke.

with Stamos, it's funny for the opposite reason. he's trying to be taken seriously as a musician and appear as their equal or peer... when most everyone knows he's not. it's a little pathetic which rubs off on the band to some degree.

I know he has a history with the band. mostly with Mike, but whatever. It's a little hard to forgive the American Family fiasco... Brian was clearly ticked off at the way they portrayed him and for damn good reason. but Stamos obviously loves the music. I watched the Hotel tape for the first time, and he calls "This Whole World" Brian's greatest song. I just hope he has enough sense and respect to keep his participation to a minimum, if not at all.

Bossaroo - I noticed that you have looked at the Hotel video. I also notice that you say that it is "hard to forgive" with regard the movie, which has been debated ad nauseum. If, for whatever reasons, differences have been put aside, and I am not singling you out, although I'm responding to what your wrote, whether people could consider, at least the possibility that the Band, as "having moved beyond it" and are looking ahead, instead of the rear view mirror.  

Twelve or thirteen years ago, everyone was in a very different place, both after Carl's death, (still shocking after all this time) and the fact that three different members have formed their own bands, and have done individual composition work and touring.  If any of them ever wondered if they could make it individually, they now have that answer. I'm really proud of Brian after not having seen him as a fan for 20 years.  Some of you guys are really lucky to have seen Brian live, early in your time as a fan.  

To err is human and to forgive is Divine...if they have ironed out their differences to the extent that, one, Smile Session are released, and two, a Celebration Tour is in gear, is it possible to just step back and let it evolve and follow "their" lead of "fence mending" and do the same?

That photo of Brian and Mike embracing says it all. There is real, family love there.  

Just a thought...  ;)

You don't get what I mean. Look at the bigger picture. In one of my first posts in this thread I said the problem is - besides he's no Beach Boy and musically just average - what he represents. It's not one single event but everything. You don't want David Leaf on stage, do you ? Or - if he'd still be alive - Landy ?
I'll keep it at that. We'll just wait what happens in the next months. I'm hopeful that Stamos won't be on the european leg of the tour

I doubt Stamos will be in Europe, I think he will just be at select high profile American shows.

Rocker - It is 50 years. In that time span, there are people who come in and out of your life, who might appear well meaning, and have an agenda. That happens to everyone. Sometimes things are not as they seem. I don't know/or knew either of those people you mention and have to rely on news accounts, or interviews, long after the fact. Smart people just write bad people off, dust themselves off, and move on. It seems that everyone is moving on.  That stuff is old.

Mostly, it is not our business. If you look at this all, not for the politics involved, but just for Music Appreciation, as if it was a subject, which it is, it frees you to enjoy the work. 

Here is the difference, for me.  If Stamos were to sing, (and he could, in theory) "You Are So Beautiful" and I'm not that familiar with his personal work, I "might" mind. If I knew he promoted it, to further the general knowledge base, of Dennis Wilson, I would not mind.  I hope he sings "Forever" because he put "sweat equity" into it.  And it is incontrovertible, that Stamos did promote the Beach Boys in the middle of hip hop and rap.  They didn't "need" him, but, that involvement got them more TV exposure than when I was a teen and dying to see them on TV.   

And, I'm in the back seat, with the rest of the fans.  After Dennis was dead, Stamos helped to keep Dennis' voice and music alive, in a time, when he was pretty down and out, at his passing. He looked beyond Dennis' addiction to  Dennis' music, looking at the positive. Others have done similar stuff, like Billy Hinsche and Jon Stebbins, whose books I have not read, yet.  I hope you have seen those films.  It is Beach Boys 101.

All I am saying, as the great John Lennon sang is "Give Peace a Chance."   ;)

I've probably seen about a dozen Beach Boys' concerts since John Stamos has been associated with the group.

I could not tell you how many (if any) times he participated. What I do know is,  if he did play, I didn't say to anybody at the office the next day "I saw John Stamos last night!"

I attend to see the Beach Boys and listen to the music. The only difference with this tour is that hopefully I can see one of these shows and see ALL of the Beach Boys, together one last time. While I certainly have my preferences for seeing certain people play with them, like everybody else... it really doesn't matter that much to me. I fully expect to enjoy the ride no matter what. 

David didn't sing Forever.  Stamos didn't sing Forever.  David was involved with the band for a year.  Stamos has been involved with the band for 20 years. 


:)

Yes but look at the albums David appeared on during that time, he's 50% of that original guitar sound and was a friend of Dennis from way back when in Hawthorne. Contrast that with Stamos who has achieved little or nothing in all the twenty odd years he's been hanging around the periphery of the band.

 :deadhorse

Perhaps someone can now create another petition to close this thread?

Stamos was just in a superbowl commercial.  Some chick headbutted him.  If you're still upset about how he's going to be singing all over the new album, touring all 50 dates, and shooting and producing the three planned music videos, you may want to find that commercial to get some SHADENFRUED in . 

Guess you're no expert on Beach Boys history...or math. Dave started playing guitars with Carl in 1958, and started learning Brian's songs around the same time. He recorded 4 hit albums and 5 hit singles with the Beach Boys, iconic songs that Stamos sits in on during encores. Dave left the BB's in late '63. But he didn't stop there...he played shows with them in '69, '71, '94, '95, '96...was IN the band from '97 to '99...and has played shows with them nearly every year during the 2000's including a full UK tour in ' 2008. So to you that adds up to Dave was involved with the band for a year, but Stamos gets credit for 20? Skewed is all i can say.

anyone who thinks Stamos has more right than David Marks to perform with The Beach Boys is seriously misinformed and downright dangerous.

I guess Ron was just making fun hence that smiley

If Stamos is onstage Sunday I think his number one aim should be to 'flip the bird' to the Grammy organization. :p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vuxq01NY-Ts&feature=related

Stamos said on twitter he won't be on stage at the Grammy's.

Thank god  :-D

I would rather 100 John Stamos' before Maroon 5... and that's saying something!

I agree..

I'm still waiting for Adam Levine to post on twitter he can't make it

I subscribe to his account if there were even a slim-to-none chance that this would happen.

Maybe there is a Victoria's Secret runway show somewhere in the world he'd like to be a part of this weekend... ;D

Actually, they're going to run the Superbowl ad where Stamos is trying to steal some of this gal's yogurt and she headbutts him onto the floor.  ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RQPM6y3ZnAo

Great acting by Stamos in that clip....  :lol