The Smiley Smile Message Board

Setlist/pics/videos in this thread.

Do It Again
Catch A Wave
Hawaii
Don't Back Down
Surfin' Safari
Surfer Girl
Please Let Me Wonder
You're So Good to Me
Wendy
Then I Kissed Her
The Little Girl I Once Knew
Why Do Fools Fall in Love?
When I Grow Up
Cotton Fields
Disney Girls
Don't Worry Baby
Little Honda
Be True to Your School
Little Deuce Coupe
409
Shut Down
I Get Around

Intermission

California Dreaming
Sloop John B
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Forever
Sail On Sailor
Heroes & Villains
In My Room
All This is That
This Whole World
I Just Wasn't Made for These Times
God Only Knows
That's Why God Made the Radio
California Girls
All Summer Long
Help Me, Rhonda
Rock and Roll Music
Do You Wanna Dance
Barbara Ann
Surfin' USA

Encore

Kokomo
Good Vibrations
Fun Fun Fun

I'll be there! I'm super excited. don't count on smartphone info from me though, I spilled water on it last month and since then it has become quite unreliable!

I'd be super excited about these shows if I hadn't FINALLY MOVED BACK TO LOS ANGELES AND BOUGHT TICKETS FOR MOST SHOWS WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE! AIEIIEIEIEIEI!! Wait, sorry. As you were. Beacon Theatre. Good venue. I wonder if it'll prompt more of this setlist tinkering Mr. Love was supposed to be doing... lay some Vega-Tables on 'em, Al!

I'll be there and I have a smart phone. I'll try my best to get any new info to you guys. Surprise appearances, different song on the set list, etc. I'm really stoked for this performance.

That would be too cool !!

Have a great time everyone, should be a special show..

The beautiful Beacon

I'll be there, can't wait! Great venue. Saw Brian and Al there some years back.

This is going to be a big one.

why is everyone so confident about this show's awesomeness? because it's in a theater and not a casino or outdoor venue?

It's New York! There will no doubt be a lot of media scribblers in the crowd gathering material for the next few months of Beach Boys stories and blurbs. They'll want to put on a good show!

The Beacon Theater seems like a much more intimate venue than any of the other shows they've played so far on this tour (I may be wrong). If anything changes in the setlists, it's usually in the smaller venues. And I'm just plain excited.  :)

Have a blast my fellow Noo Yawkers -- I cannot go due to work but hope to catch them in NJ in June.  But the Beacon will always be special -- that's where I saw Brian on his first tour.  What a night that was.

I'm jealous of anyone who's going to this show at this most perfect of venues. Damn my job!

Just saw the Allman Bros. there in March. Gregg Allman... A drug casualty who's really showing his age now. Still plays a mean B3 though.

Benedum theater Pittsburg PA, 2800 seat art center Friday May 11th.  I hear there are some seats available.

What is the Beacon's capacity?

Hey all. I'm here and checking in. I've got balcony seats and I'm about five min to show time, but there were a lot of people still waiting to come in, so it'll probably start the concert usual ten min late. You can really feel the energy in the room. Also, there were a lot of people outside asking for extra tickets.

This is really a good indicator of how many different age ranges follow these guys. Almost every age range represented close to equally here. Okay. More later. And if I can figure out how to load pics from my phone to here I'll do it.

I am waiting for the show to start. Gonna be a good one...

Thanks!  ;D We appreciate it!

Have fun!

(https://is0.4sqi.net/pix/nPh3HnEaLwmH9mLP3-c2ly3qIKVnsyace6vN9JGHhVo.jpg)

Stamos is here. He played drums on way too many songs.

No...no...this cannot be true.

At intermission. We got a Stamos introduction, then he came on to close out the last few songs. All the songs are normal set list so far. Everyone sounds amazing! This is some good stuff. They do a cool musical stop in Do It Again which really added to the song, and Brian sounds great. It is so nice to see him smiling over there by the piano. He still just stares every now and then, but he has had an abundance of smiles. Bruce was great on Disney Girls and of course Al was great on his tunes. Mike is on point. Oh yea, Bruce did this jump thing in I Get Around which cracked me up. Nothing crazy yet, but I'm hoping for some cool guest. We'll see.

Show is excellent so far. Minor quibble with Stamos on drums, compared to Cowsill. They sound amazing.

Okay, now I have to mention this too. Someone is smoking some grass up in here. I'm hoping they have a prescription or else they're in trouble. lol

Just under 3,000, IIRC.

 :hat Yeah man! Oh, and I guess the Stamos introduction and him playing on a few songs ain't that bad at all, much more tasteful than the entire concert at least.

Totally. I agree with that one statement. Coswell is nuts. He's bringing this great edge to each song he's on. Plus he gets so into it. Helps the dynamic of the group

So does Stamos actually replace Cowsill or does he just hit the bongos or something?

Maybe he does this?

(http://media.gosanangelo.com/media/img/photos/2011/10/01/420110930230423001_t607.JPG)

:lol

That takes some balls  :lol

So the video didn't work on Forever and Stamos came out and finished it. I videoed I Just Wasn't Made For These Times. Great addition to the show and very necessary. Rest of the show was great. Nothing out of the ordinary other than Forever.

Cellphone video is going to appear of Stamos hiding behind an amplifier, unplugging the projector. Cunning little bastard, he is.

No offense John, glad you got to be a part of it but PLEASE stay in NYC  and DO NOT make the trip to Mohegan Sun this weekend...PLEASE.  Him finishing Forever is like a bad dream. Um David Marks anyone...?

Overall, there are many songs they didn't play that I'd love to hear, but one they usually do that I found myself missing was Darlin'. This time was a solo venture but I hope to catch another show soon. Maybe one of the outdoor venues. So darn good tonight.

 :lol :lol

I understand where you're coming from, but in the moment it was a good save. Yes, I am sure David would have loved to sing that one too; his mic wasn't loud enough to be heard at that time. Stamos walked over to Mike's mic after a few lines because that was cranked louder. He did a good job and salvaged that song.

Great show! I do hope they perform together again after this tour, even if it's a couple of shows once in a while! It really is beautiful to hear those guys harmonies along with a fantastic group of musicians backing them.

Couldn't David Marks have gone over to Mike's mike?  What, is he glued to the spot?  I bet the Uncle Jesse moment was planned. 

I don't think it was planned, as much as people want to make a villain out of him. You could see almost everyone one stage looking around like "what's going on?" It would have been nice to have David do it, but I think they were all freaking out and the only one who did anything was Stamos, so he saved the show. I mean, there's video of Brian singing it as well, so he could have done it too. I think they should work on contingencies as to who will cover if the video goes again.

How about they stop, fix it and give Dennis his due.

Failing that, take your pick - David or Brian.

AGREED. But the thing is, a lot of people that were there were absofuckinglutely thrilled to see John Stamos perform that song live in person and "save the day". I'm sure the Stamos loving nuts at the shows outnumber the hardkore "let a real Beach Boy sing it if the Dennis tribute malfunctions."

I think the best tribute to Dennis and Carl would be to let their last surviving brother handle the lead vocals on their "signature songs" but if Brian's not up for that, then yeah, audio/video tribute is the next best thing.

Don't see what the big deal is.  Stamos jumped in when they needed a hand.  Glad he did.  Prevented it from being a real awkward moment.  Have mercy!

Don't forget that John is also a star of the stage in NYC, having been in "Nine" and "Cabaret."  I'm sure they enjoyed him.

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B_UQDiFfWWs/SBpwG6LH7LI/AAAAAAAAAd0/9Jtj9k2JYb8/s400/Cabaret+-+John+Stamos+as+The+Emcee.jpg)

Lol ew.  :hat

I let out a really angry "Boo!" when Stamos came on during Forever. I really don't like his drumming. I don't think John Cowsill likes it either. Stamos was really bashing the kit obnoxiously at the end of a song and Cowsill, who was sitting next to him playing tambourine, started yelling at him. The next song Stamos played a lot more conservatively and Cowsill gave him a thumbs-up.

I would have had no problem at all if they just stopped the song and started it again. It may not look the best, but oh well. That's life and technology. But also having Brian sing those songs would be a great tribute. We know he sings both of them, so it's not out of the realm of possibility. I will give it to Stamos though, on that song. He didn't come right to the center mic at first. He just hopped on Jeffery's mic at the side, and then eventually got center, but I didn't see if he was motioned to go there or not. I did find it funny when he did his solo drum thing at the start of Be True to Your School, you could see Brian look over to him with a real "what is he doing?" look on his face.

Stamos needs to go.

He should never be allowed onstage for another Beach Boys show.

This is an embarrassing travesty, and an insult to the band, Denny, and the fans. Full stop.

If he were a fan he would fucking stay off the stage.

Oh get over it already.  Stamos has a history with the band.  He's a friend of the band as well as a huge fan.  Since he has some musical ability, I don't see the problem with him appearing on stage with them occasionally. 

yeah I feel like the Beach Boys don't really owe Stamos anything anymore for the publicity they got from full house. its been like what, 20 years? this could be (and probably is) their last tour. He should respect that and let them close it down themselves without taking the spotlight.

What if the band invited him along?  Hey, it's their tour.  If they're cool with Uncle Jesse being there, why can't we?

Does anybody have an official setlist?

^
This , I really hope this is his last show with them.

I noticed this. I love Cowsill's drumming, and while Stamos is adequate, he simply cannot hold a candle to Cowsill. It looked like Jeff was a bit annoyed when Stamos started singing "Forever" into his microphone, and then Stamos went over to Mike's mic instead. Still, it was a moment that Stamos seized. I was expecting David to start singing lead, but at least someone did. It was cool essentially watching the band play the song's backing track live for the first verse.

Stamos taking the last few songs of the first set brought the level of quality down a bit, as he rushes somewhat and doesn't play "inside the music" like Cowsill does.

The sound at The Beacon was excellent, although at the beginning, some mics were not turned up loud enough - mainly Michael's and David's.

All told, the concert was unbelievably great. Every Beach Boy and every member of the backing band was really on-point. Brian killed it on "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" and "This Whole World," Al destroyed on "Cottonfields" - his voice sounds incredible - and Bruce busted out a gorgeous "Disney Girls." I was glad to see David shredding on guitar. Mike's presence, after years of seeing Brian solo tours, brings home the importance of a frontman who really knows how to work the crowd.

Scott Bennet, Darian, Paul Mertens, Nelson, Probyn, Scott Totten, and the rest were at the top of their game. The harmonies were out of this world. I noticed that on some songs ("Surfer Girl") the seven dudes in front (Brian, Jeff, David, Mike, Al, Scott Totten, and Bruce) were the only singers, and the blend was just fantastic.

I think it was on the superb "All This is That" that Darian took a major vocal part and he hit it out of the park.

I will post more thoughts tomorrow, but suffice it to say that this was one of the best concerts I have seen in my life. If you have a chance to see The Beach Boys on this tour, don't miss them.

I'll miss that one too if they don't do it!!

That's funny.  :-D

I don't care.

There are lots of huge fans of the band. They don't do skits. They don't do crap jobs on the drum parts. They enjoy the band from the audience.

Stamos is a black mark on the band and its legacy. The sooner they cut him out, regardless the scarring, the better.


That's fucking obnoxious. No fan would treat his band or their music that way.

noticed a typo, that should be "the end of a song", not "the end of the song", carry on.

Hi Jay, I don't have the setlist available, so this is all from memory, but it was very similar to the most recent setlist they played - the first half was mostly older, popular, and more high-energy tunes, with "You're So Good To Me," "Hawaii" and "The Little Girl I Once Knew" sprinkled in there. I seem to remember that "Cotton Fields" and "Disney Girls" were the only late-60's songs in the first set aside from "Do It Again," which they opened with. They also did "Don't Worry Baby," Catch A Wave" and "Please Let Me Wonder," and the end of the first set was a bunch of car songs - "409," "Shut Down," "I Get Around," and one more, with Stamos drumming.

The second set featured "Forever," "This Whole World," "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times," "Wouldn't It Be Nice," "All This is That," "Heroes and Villains," "Barbara Ann," "That's Why God Made the Radio," "Sail on Sailor," "Fun Fun Fun," "Kokomo" and "Good Vibrations," among others.

While I'd love to see more variation in their setlists, and some more obscure set pieces for Brian like "'Til I Die" and "Surf's Up," I must admit that they are using a superb setlist for this tour. It is expertly crafted to bring the audience on a ride through the group's considerable catalogue.

"I Just Wasn't Made for These Times" blew me out. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen! That's Why God Made The Radio" was beautiful and vital-sounding, much better than last night's appearance on Jimmy Fallon, which Mike made a reference to, something along the lines of "it could have been better."

Sure it was obnoxious.  I was laughing at the way Cowsill repremanded him.

Yeah, I started laughing pretty hard too.


Something I don't remember anyone mentioning on the board is that Cowsill and Mike D'amico split drum duties, with D'amico typically playing on songs that Brian's band has played before but Mike & Bruce's haven't. D'amico played bass when Cowsill was on drums, and Probyn Gregory played bass when D'amico was on drums.

One of the exceptions to this I noticed (aside from when Stamos was drumming) was during I Just Wasn't Made for These Times, which I don't think Mike & Bruce have ever played before, but Cowsill stayed on drums and D'amico stayed on bass because Probyn was playing the tannerin.

It is a bit much. My friend who also attended the concert likened Stamos to a three-year-old at a wedding who is running around stealing focus from the newly married couple. It's hard to fault the guy for his enthusiasm, but he should be reined in a bit. He seemed to rankle a few people onstage. Towards the end of the show, Brian strapped on a bass for "Barbara Ann," and everyone was very excited... and then Stamos ran out onstage with a guitar! He is a very enthusiastic gentleman.

Brian was "on" tonight in terms of vocals and stage presence. He was superb vocally, reaching almost-1966 levels of excellence on "Heroes and Villains" and delivering a heart-rending "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times." Even for some songs like "California Girls," while Brian wasn't contributing a lot vocally, he kind of basked in the glow of the crowd's adulation and seemed to enjoy the music washing over him. For "Kokomo," though, he was stiff as a board.

Kokomo was about 3/4 over. Stamos was  in the middle of the stage, having adopted a comically wide stance for playing Congas. Brian was still sitting at his piano, stone-faced, not playing or singing... and then, for about three seconds, he snapped into action, and sung along with the lyrics to the chorus, making hand motions with a huge exaggerated smile on his face. Then, just as abruptly, he switched back to "stone-faced Brian" as the song continued. A vintage Brian moment.

I wonder what happened to Brett Simons  since D,Amico is doing the Bass parts. Hopefully, not what happened to Taylor and the Tasty Brothers..

John Stamos is a leach on the BBs

Well the lesson here (aside from Stamos) is to have a plan B if the GOK's/ Forever videos go down again. Going by reports it looks like the problem had not been considered. As mentioned, Dave would be ideal for Forever but I doubt Brian could jump in if GOK's stops. Maybe Jeff will have to be on standby and if possible, Brian can join in. I did see Jeff do just that in a BWPS concert.


Like here. Live 8.  Great catch by Jeff!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MBSR0boJpg

I don't know if that is a fair assessment. Stamos seems to be a big fan of the group, like you and I, the difference being that he is also a friend to the group, which affords him these sorts of opportunities.

I wish he would be more proprietous with these opportunities, and I could have dealt with less Stamos flavor in my Beach Boys stew, but a leech on the Beach Boys? I can think of many others much more deserving of the title... and to be fair, it should be the group who tells Stamos to cool his heels; ultimately, it is their call.

I just mean he doesn't do much these days as an actor, and then joins a band onstage when he really shouldn't. I have no problem with him doing intros to the shows, its just I feel like he is feeding off their fame these days.

Setlist from the bloo



BEACH BOYS - history was made tonight (now last night) in New York City!

(posted by Michael F. Becher on May 8, 2012 at 10:06 pm)

Message:

. . . as it has been in every venue during this tour so far. The concert at the Beacon Theater was great, and there is so much to talk about. For this post, I will simply give the set list since I had already completed the post once and lost the whole thing before I could send it.

John Stamos came out to introduce the Beach Boys discussing their influence on his life and career.

Do It Again
Catch A Wave
Hawaii
Don't Back Down
Surfin' Safari (David Marks sang the lead and played it as well)
Surfer Girl
Please Let Me Wonder (Brian lead)
You're So Good to Me
Wendy
Then I Kissed Her (Al lead, of course)
The Little Girl I Once Knew
Why Do Fools Fall in Love?
When I Grow Up
Cotton Fields (Al)
Disney Girls (Bruce)

Mike introduced Stamos as he sat in on the drums for the first of several times during the evening

Don't Worry Baby
Little Honda
Be True to Your School
Little Deuce Coupe
409
Shut Down
I Get Around

Intermission

California Dreaming
Sloop John B
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Forever (Dennis sang the lead on a video, but see comment below)
Sail On Sailor (Brian)
Heroes & Villains (Brian)
In My Room
All This is That
This Whole World
I Just Wasn't Made for These Times
God Only Knows (Carl on the video)
That's Why God Made the Radio
California Girls
All Summer Long
Help Me, Rhonda
Rock and Roll Music
Do You Wanna Dance (Brian)
Barbara Ann (Brian stood up and strapped on the bass)
Surfin' USA (Stamos took a guitar on this one as well)

Encore

Kokomo
Good Vibrations
Fun Fun Fun

The video started out with Dennis singing the lead to "Forever" and the band playing and singing backups live. However, shortly into the song, the video did not function properly, and all we heard for about a verse was the instrumentation and the backup vocals. Then Stamos came out and took the lead singing the rest of the song. I did not make up my mind for awhile as to whether the malfunction was intentional to get Stamos out there since he in fact has covered the song himself. However, unless someone tells me otherwise, I'm guessing that it truly was not intentional, and "Stamos to the rescue" was for real.

More comments in a separate post.

Peace to all,
Mike

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Can I report the abuse of drumming privileges?

hen Brian puts on the bass, does he really play it? I mean, is he making a serious effort to hit the right notes? Or is it just a few strums here and there? Is there a second bass player doing most of the "real" playing?

Brian just plays the root note. During Barbara Ann it was very obvious being Mike D'amico was playing the walking blues bassline and Brian hands were barely moving.

just found a Kokomo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY-FjiPLvx4&feature=plcp

Whether or not he's actually trying to play bass, I think it's safe to assume that it isn't plugged in.  :-)

He's always had a second bass player -- dating back to 2000, when he had Lizik doing it behind him. But he has tended to be plugged in. Best bit: during the 01 tribute, he played bass during FFF -- he never does usually -- and he got so distracted by it that he didn't sing chunks of the song! Looked cool, though.

Stamos being there does hurt the integrity quite a bit. I hope he does not become a permanent additional band member for the rest of the tour.

Stamos rigged the video!  ;D
I hope he's not coming to Chicago.

But...but..."this tour is for the fans" (Al)

You guys need to respect Stamos. He's been touring with the group since the 80s - over twenty years! He sounds great, and sometimes sounds just like Dennis! I don't know why people complain. He's an important part of Beach Boys history, and if you make fun of him, you're just jealous.

People will like Stamos better after they see him live.

Give him a chance. Those that've seen him aren't that harsh on him

IIFC, David Marks sang lead on Hawaii and not Surfin' Safari. Bruce sang lead on Wendy.

You guys crack me up with the Stamos envy. I doubt anybody owes anyone anything. He is there because one or more of them want him there. Also, someone further up in the thread mentioned Cowsill being irritated with Stamos. Far from the truth according to Cowsill, himself. It amazes me how much sh*t you guys make up because you don't like him.

Believe me, I have better things to do with my life than envying John Stamos. This about respecting and honoring things that we love, and not acting like a spoiled child in the presence of legends.

Good Vibes (apparently this guy has the whole show...but wants you to BUY it. That ain't legal.)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY-FjiPLvx4&feature=plcp

No, we don't. Stamos has been playing the odd gig with the band since 1985, not touring. He is by no stretch of even the most retarded imagination an "important part of Beach Boys history". He's a DW wannabe, is all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1EhNnCZ9kw - Good Vibrations just popped up

I'm almost certain the autotune's gone!

What is with the negativity of some of these people on here. The Beach Boys are about positivity and having fun, fun, fun. I'm getting really turned off by some of the remarks on here especially about John Stamos. John has been the greatest ambassador of the boys. Do you know how many younger people wouldn't even know them without their appearances on Full House? He is very gracious and really just a huge fan. Im just shocked the way some people speak on here.

Can you stretch a retarded imagination? In some parts of Florida maybe...

Satire is alive and well.

I can't hear it either on this one.

Seems like a knowing, fair and certainly appreciative review by Jon Parales in the NY Times, including the aforementioned antics of the Stamos...

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/10/arts/music/beach-boys-beacon-theater-music-review.html?hp

"Yet while the technical splendor of Mr. Wilson’s songwriting was one of the Beach Boys’ lasting achievements — one that echoes down through generations of tuneful studio experimenters — this wasn’t a concert to get too technical about. It was a show of youthful exuberance and inspiration battling the effects of time.

Mr. Love was the lead singer for most songs, and memory filled out his thinning voice. Mr. Jardine, who sang lead on “Help Me Rhonda” but few other Beach Boys hits, was the heartiest among the band’s original singers. The set list was more egalitarian than need be; Mr. Jardine sang “Help Me Rhonda” — along with most of the audience — but also got “And Then I Kissed Her” and “Cotton Fields” when there could have been more Beach Boys originals. (Meanwhile, John Stamos, the actor who introduced the band, grew intrusive in return visits to the stage, sitting in on drums and clowning on guitar.) The Beach Boys also accompanied video clips of the late Wilson brothers, Dennis (whose video clip malfunctioned) and Carl, who was heard in “God Only Knows.”

Memory also heard the best in Mr. Wilson’s voice after his years of struggle with mental illness. He sat at a white grand piano, looking impassive but participating, until near the end of the set, when he stepped forward and strapped on a bass. (The backup band’s bass player continued to play.) And he took his share of lead vocals, determined but faltering, in songs like “Sail on Sailor,” “Sloop John B.,” “This Whole World” and the gorgeously timid 1965 album track and B-side “Please Let Me Wonder.”

As a young man, Mr. Wilson was already thinking about how fleeting time is, and the reunited Beach Boys seized on songs like “All Summer Long,” “When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)” and the inevitable set-starter for a reunited band, “Do It Again.”

In the concert’s most touching moment, Mr. Wilson sang “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times,” a song from “Pet Sounds” about being an innovator who’s universally misunderstood: “Every time I get the inspiration to go change things around,” he sang, “No one wants to help me look for places where new things might be found.” The chords and melody climbed, lingered, fell back; Mr. Wilson stayed with them, fighting his limitations, as the Beach Boys sang harmony. It was an aching memory and a heartbreaking vindication."

You have considerable courage, but, I'm sending you a virtual flak jacket!  You are gonna need it!  Back in the late 1980's - while still teaching 4 and 5 year olds, I got one of the biggest shocks of my life, with my little students coming into class singing, "Aruba, Jamaica..." and quickly discovered that not only were the kids of course watching Uncle Jesse, not unlike my own kids, but, they were getting their parents to buy the music!  

These were parents who were NOT in the generation of Beach Boys fans, but whose parents, (their grandparents) were the fans.  It was the most extraordinary dynamic.  Uncle Jesse had brought a new generation of fans into the BB network.  These kids were into the New Kids on the Block.

John Stamos does bring voltage to the table.  And if anyone cares to check out the Forever Youtubes that he has done, one is inching up towards a million hits.  It became a Disney video, which was added exposure of Beach Boy work, and the TV appearances, worked synergystically to re-energize and re-invent the band.    

It took a while to process all the different band configurations, which emerged post Carl's passing, and, personally, I saw each band whenever possible because it is all about the music.
Stamos has a viable, palpable connection to this younger generation and that is incontrovertable.  

It is regrettable that people waste so much draining energy bashing someone who has for the greater extent only been a great auxilliary band member.  

Thank you for the responsed filled. It's really heart warming to know there are some appreciative positive fans out there. It makes absolutely no sense to me the level of negativity/hatrid/envy whatever it is. I'm 27 and most of my friends only know The Beach Boys because of Full House. I mean what more can Uncle Jesse do to praise Dennis. He loves the guy! Have a great day :)

It's because it cheapens the whole thing like the cheerleaders did. Full House was a make believe show. There is no Uncle Jessie and serious fans don't need any pretend Beach Boys. We have David Marks (a true Beach Boy) there for real this time around, and a huge fantastic backing band. That should be more than enough to please any crowd.

The age bracket you are in, was the same as in Pre-Kindergarten, in 1988-9!  Those kids were about 4-5, as one of my sons who is also 27.  I found some very easy sheet music and I got paid to sing Kokomo with the kids!  [Truth be told, I always found subversive ways to sneak in little sections of their stuff all the time.]

What I like about Stamos is that in Stamos' liking/promoting Dennis, he is looking to see only the good things, and promote them.  Dennis was a controversial "bad-boy" type, who could have just as easily had his reputation completely trashed.  People like John, (and Billy Hinsche) have chosen to find and promote a positive legacy.  That is to be honored, not reviled, in my humble, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera...

filledeplage        

That's a really great performance! Everyone nailed it!

It cheapens it in your own mind. Many fans who attend (paying most of the money) these shows have no isuues whatsoever with Stamos on stage. Also, as much as I agree with Andrew on most things here, I do not understand his stand on Stamos. As an historian of the band, you of all people should understand the marketing & advertising reasons for including Stamos these past 25 years or so. For people who don't like him, that's fine, don't like him. As their history shows, The Beach Boys do what they want, when they want, and very rarely stray from what works in their concert setting. For most fans who attend these shows, John Stamos is an added attraction that helps keep future fannies in the seats. I know one thing hanging around this place; hardcore fans are never happy. There always has to be something to bitch about; Stamos. Autotune, holograms (stuff that never happened), Brian too far side stage, etc.. I love coming here and learning, sharing the love of the music, reading these concert reviews, but the constant bemoaning of the same topics in thread after thread, after thread really wears thin. I'm done ranting, sorry I steered off-track. I'm glad those of you who attended the show had a great time. Awaiting my turn in another week and a half.

Brian was really close to filling in for Dennis' missed vocal during "Forever."  When it was clear the video was failing, Jeff turned to Brian and mouthed "Sing! Sing!"  Brian did not respond, either it was his way of saying no or him just not getting what Jeff meant when he was asked to sing.  It was a tough choice....they were hoping the video would correct itself and get the song back on track but it never happened.  I'm sure David would have taken the lead (but for whatever reason, didn't) but Stamos came in and saved the song before it became an absolute lost cause. 

It cheapens it in EVERY sense of the word, since the whole @#$'n point of this tour is the reintroduction of Brian, Al and Dave into the fold, and momentarily turning back time. John reminds me of a former band member of mine, who simply couldn't shut up during intros and would jump into harmonies when he didn't have a part to sing. Basically, an over enthusiastic puppy. If you want to be enthusiastic on stage John, save it for next year's standard issue 'air guitar/woo woo country fair Mike and Bruce tour'.

And I'm as envious of John Stamos as I am of Scott Baio...two of our nation's most cherished thespians  :lol

Hopefully the powers that be will recognize that Cowsill deserves maximum stage time, and not playing tambourine while this giddy asshat pounds away at the drums.

Amen.

Most shows, are "make-believe" ~ even most literary forms...

Point is, Stamos used the shows he starred in, as a vehicle for BB promotion...

People often have strong opinions...and in my view, ought to be respected, as long as it does not become personnalized attacking.  I don't always agree with Andrew's position on various topics, but I have great respect for his scholarly research.  Great debate is an ancient artform, especially with great subject matter such as this music.  

This board has some really informed, pros, in their respective fields.  That is the attraction. I have learned a lot!  But, no one should be afraid to join the discussion for fear of being attacked for their viewpoint.  And there are plenty would love to jump in but fear losing a limb!  :lol

p.s. Someone here, mentioned John Cowsill being "inside the music." Excellent characterization.  And ditto for Nelson Bragg.  He was magnificent with SMiLE.  We're blessed that they are onboard the vessel!  ;)

Amusing thread.

Like we did with Autotune, instead of bringing up the same thing in every single concert thread, we opened an Autotune Hating thread to discuss the matter. I have no objections with doing the same with Stamos. People can bitch about him until the cows come home and anybody who wants to read it and post can do so till their heart's content.

1) Brian sounded good, real good, at the Beacon show.  :3d
2) Stamos is 'oh-kay', let him be.

Foskett's shirt reminds me of some of Carl's suits from the 70s


(http://www.corbisimages.com/images/Corbis-DZ004272.jpg%3Fsize%3D67%26uid%3Db975d274-f6fc-41b8-951f-a2a35e74cf7d)

(http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2012/05/10/arts/music/10beach2/10beach2-articleLarge.jpg)

Source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/10/arts/music/beach-boys-beacon-theater-music-review.html?ref=music (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/10/arts/music/beach-boys-beacon-theater-music-review.html?ref=music)

Thanks for the reference - great stuff!

Question:

For those of you who went to this show (or any other....)

If you're sitting reasonably close to the stage (within 10 rows), but you're ALL the way to the right (like, where Bruce is), how hard is it to see Brian?

Wow......

There should appear a book, dedicated to the reunion. It's more than worth it, folks.

Great idea. Book (concert reviews, interviews, photos, etc.) + DVD of concert footage (also available separately) + bonus CD of selected concert performances (or the reunion LP).

The "Forever" glitch last night was a travesty. It should be noted that some people on the stage weren't even aware of the problem until it was too late. It should have been wrapped up immediately and returned to later in the show. As far as Stamos, who's been at both shows I've caught thus far, it wouldn't be so grating if he wasn't such a distraction -- and it is EVERY TIME. There are two fantastic drummers trading off onstage and -- bar none -- every time Stamos gets behind the kit he's the worst of them. It makes the music worse. Playing standing up, the superfluous cymbal crashes, not listening, playing ahead of the beat, the endless hogging and hamming -- it's all SCHTICK. Any other musician would do their best, Stamos doesn't. It's a big goof. It wouldn't be so bad if his appearance was relegated to "Be True To Your School" and "Kokomo" -- if at all. But a whole mini-set on drums, then the faux guitar playing and the need to share a mic with EVERYONE -- it's tedious and frankly, poor showmanship 101. I can't begrudge him taking over the "Forever" vocal because the band was carrying on with NO ONE singing, but as my wife asked, "So, does he just come onstage and do whatever he wants???" I told her, "Yes."

Ugh, I hope he doesn't show up at my show. He adds nothing to them. John Trolololo can go elsewhere.

A friend of mine and I are making a fan-DVD collecting all the various videos and audio interviews, etc. 

Am I the only one who misses the "gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations happening with YOU" part in GV? I loved that bit so much, as a part of the band connecting directly with the audience back in the Carl Wilson era.

That is a Brian thing; staying too close to the original versions in concert. I've only been to one Mike & Bruce show and I don't remember if they do that or not?

Too close? It's one if the best records of all time.

The last thing it needs is a lame audience participation segment. There's a difference between connecting with fans and condescending to them.

What a snob! Emdeeh, there is your answer. We are longer allowed to have fun or participate in the celebration.

To those who cite the long history John Stamos has with the Beach Boys, he has NO connection to the recorded history of their music that's being celebrated and lovingly presented on this reunion tour. He's less talented musically than any back-line musician on this tour. When he's playing drums he makes the music worse...thanks Howie. He's honoring Dennis? Please. Dennis would have no patience for him. He is a distraction to the soul and depth of the Beach Boys greatness. Now if he dialed it back a bit, became the guy who comes out and gives them a big warm announcement as they take the stage, and maybe sat in on Kokomo because he was in that video...then yeah, that would be tasteful. The rest is just dreadful. Please John, if you love the Beach Boys, do the right thing. Show up, announce them with the enthusiasm of the fan you are...play congas on Kokomo to make a few of the girls happy. Stay out of the music.

I noticed that when they were projecting the album covers behind the band, including live albums and compilations, they left out Summer In Paradise.

The only problem I have with Stamos is he comes off as irritatingly narcissistic.

Stamos is a good guy. I didn't mind him out there. Overall, great show - some setlist.  From the lower balcony, I had trouble hearing the vocals. Did they have Mike and Brian down low?  They really got to turn those guys up. 
See you in White Plains!

Unfortunately, that's not entirely true...

(http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/91ae3d808f5ca218fadd79185f79e1f4/222727.jpg)

I didn't mind John Stamos until last night. The last time I saw Mike & Bruce and he sat in with them, there were two kits, Cowsill on one and Stamos on the other. The only time Stamos was the only drummer when was Cowsill would go up to the front to sing a lead vocal. and that was at an outdoor show on the beach where the sound wasn't that good.

but watching the fine-tuned machine that is the Beach Boys 50th band in a good theater and then having to hear Stamos on drums, you can tell he's significantly less talented. there's a reason he's not a professional drummer.

and I really wish Brian or David had picked up the lead on Forever when the video went down.

Can I be your new best friend?

Yes, Mike and Bruce are doing the record-version too nowadays. No "...happenin' with you". I like that they trying to replicate the studio version as good as they can






I haven't said it'll be any good  ;)  But I'll let you know when we're done (sometime after the reunion and celebration is over) or you just remind me.

What I wrote is entirely true.

Stamos is an added attraction for most people who attend these shows??????? Really MOST people.

FYI, Stamos came along during the dark ages of the touring Beach Boys(IMO), when they were phoning it in and putting out crap like SIP. A time when many lifelong fans like myself became disillusioned, Denny was gone and it appeared Brian would never really be back. They had cheerleaders spoiling the songs and then Stamos. He added nothing then and he adds even less now. He is no "added attraction" of any sort and has never been a marketing help. How did his appearance in the Summer of Love video help that monstrosity? If you actually think a lot of women are going to attend a 50th year celebration of one of the greatest bands ever because a third rate actor who was cute on a show 20 years ago might show up and pound on the drums then.........................

Isn't Dennis and his music celebrated at this tour?  ??? Stamos once recorded a Dennis song, so obviously "he has NO connection" is not a true statement.  ;)

We've often been told that "people" are "watching" this board, so let's hope that if there is any thought being given to making this Stamos thing a regular thing (which we have no evidence it is; it may just be a NY thing), those "watching" us will note that we in large part don't like it. It's less about Stamos being annoying at this point and more about mucking up what appears to be a surprisingly dignified full reunion tour where they are keeping the spectacle to a minimum, and doing some relatively rare cuts, and are passing the lead vocals around, and giving us over 40 songs and two hours per night.

Maybe if the backing band was actually at all annoyed by Stamos, they may be able to politely say to management that Stamos can stick to bongos on "Kokomo" and serve an actual good function, which is a big fan.

GEEZ, this sounds disgusting.  WTF is this, John Stamos featuring the Beach Boys?!?!??!?  This is a SICK JOKE?

NY Times: "John Stamos, the actor, who introduced the band, grew intrusive in return visits to the stage, sitting in on drums and clowning on guitar"

Return visits to the stage?  Yikes!

I'm not talking about an audience participation thing; they could use any lyrics for a singalong.

I'm talking about an emotional connection thing. When the BBs changed that one word in concert, GV wasn't about some abstract woman anymore -- it became a song for all of us in the audience. From abstract to personal, between the band and us. Maybe it was just something the long-gone Denny and Carl cooked up (feels like them) -- I have no idea where it originated -- but I miss it!

Well Stamos was responsible for one good thing last night - this picture

(http://distilleryimage0.instagram.com/9447a822996e11e180d51231380fcd7e_7.jpg)

John Stamos is washed up and leeching off the success of the reunion tour at this point.

I don't have an opinion about the "Forever" thing (If he really did step in to finish the song it was a good save) but I saw him at the Al Jardine Roxy show and he played like a formerly decent drummer who was really out of practice, and it did affect the performance of the song I thought.  I agree that if you're going to sit in on something like drums, you really have to take it seriously.  A crappy drum performance destroys the song for everybody.

I hope he doesn't show up for my concerts.

My cash would be all over that

The Stamos effect is in full force because it is distracting from an otherwise great show.

Don't forget he was "Blackie Parrish" on "General Hospital" as well, which endeared him to boomer women more than "Full House" did. But yeah, he pretty much sucks as a musician.  He's tolerable on yogurt commercials and looks good for his age, but they might as well put Fabio on drums as Stamos.

Nonsense. I've been under the impression that he is in fact working nonstop. And didn't he have a succesful Broadway show not long ago? He's joining the BBs as a fan, not to capitalise on the reunion. Which wouldn't make much sense anyway, since his name appears virtually nowhere in context with the individual shows (it's not that they're billed as "The Beach Boys featuring special guest John Stamos" - now that would be "leeching").

I would have less of a problem with him if it was 1985-1998 BBs that were super cheesy, but with Brian on the 50th tour should be respectful to the legacy and have minimum cheese.

Do they show the Smile cover or are they using just the regular classic albums ?





BRIAN SING BACKUP VOCALS     ;D

Few more clips online: http://www.youtube.com/user/badboyview

And there he is. In all his glory  ;D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g62aMmgzyjk&list=UURcS7TRPpmtExGQSAQCQR3Q&index=3&feature=plcp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g62aMmgzyjk&list=UURcS7TRPpmtExGQSAQCQR3Q&index=3&feature=plcp)

Wow Brian sounds great.

Oh how nice. He is charging $25 shipped if you want a copy of the whole show.

You can always flag his videos as spam/advertising.  Then again, if successful that will result in the videos being pulled.

Be true to your school really brought the house down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01zridytckk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01zridytckk)

Also "This whole world" is up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIdijSZRzLw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIdijSZRzLw)

I exchanged a few e-mails with him, asking primarily for IJWMFTT. He said he'd wait for the 2nd show, then.. "maybe". In the meantime I'm happy about any clip that surfaces.

I just love, love, love the fact that whenever Brian takes the bridge on Surfer Girl, the crowd goes wild. Warms the old cockles, it does.  ;D

Yes. Yes, it does.

Brian is Back!  8)

Brian sounds very good on TWW



Here's Forever:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUkxNVV-QJI&feature=channel&list=UL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUkxNVV-QJI&feature=channel&list=UL)

A few days ago someone posted the truth that most of the audience were really happy to see Stamos there. As The Beach Boys have agreed that they collectively want him onstage and the audience does too then it makes sense for him to be there.

He has been important to the group for decades and increased their popularity in many countries. He`s also been used by the touring group to attract concertgoers for years.
The idea that he is leeching off the band now is ludicrous as he has always been there and if anything Mike and Bruce have leeched off him in the past.

Yes, you are absolutely correct!  Carl used to get the audience really cooking for GV...

Can't that be heard on Knebworth as well?  

My best guess is that they are just finding their way, touring together, and synching the musicians in the respective bands...No small feat.  

That's a stretch. I recorded a Dennis song, and I wrote a book about him too. You want me on stage? Like I said, me, Stamos, (and you) have no meaningful connection to the music that's being celebrated on this tour. Its about the original surviving Beach Boys and their great body of work. John makes a good announcer/emcee...let him do that. ;D

Woohoohoo Brian sounds tremendous on TWW! Right up there with the Roxy version!

We're in the same camp, I just like to argue about stuff like that.  ;) You originally said that there was "no connection", meaning at all, but now you rephrased it as "no meaningful connection" - and that's what I meant. That there is some connection any knowledgable fan couldn't deny.  :-\

Yes, it is ludicrous.  It was not easy to build up a band from scratch.  Each of the three bands, had growing pains of a sort.  Branching out, drawing a fanbase, building a musical team.  It is hard.  And John Stamos did plug the band, and play when he was free.  I just watched the Be True To Your School, and it is not far afield from his performance with the Touring Band.  From the video, the audience appears more than happy with his performance.

People have clamored for this reunion.  But may not have been involved, supporting the individual bands, with the defense that, "Ït is not the real  Beach Boys."

And, he is a little enthusiastic. It might just be his nature.  But, he stayed and performed when times were leaner than they are now, with the reunion.  Your real friends in life, are there when the "thin" times are there.  And there is little press to announce your arrival.  I don't think that he was exploited by the Touring Band.  

Overall, despite critics, I find him a pretty decent guy, observing him pulling up a lot of special needs people to the stage to give them the thrill of their lives. I taught with people who would not allow any body contact with special needs kids, as though they might "catch something" from them.  And they just love that their "hero" Uncle Jesse pays special attention to them.  

People have strong positions on him, but may not have supported the band, when they were keeping the brand name out there.  And putting on a great show.  Yes, he stood on the drum stool with the Touring Band, and it was made part of "the act." People loved it.  So, this guy does the same thing that he has done with the touring band and goes to " the woodshed?"        

People have short memories.   ;)

Don't get me wrong, Stamos is the epitome of cheese. Buuuut, that was pretty cool on his part. It harkens me back to those unpleasant and even awkward feelings I have every time I listen to SIP. I think Stamos doing it live is better than the Dennis thing. I don't know why but the Dennis and Carl video performances always sounded lame. If I have to pay hundreds of dollars for a ticket(s) then I want to see Brian sing GOK or at least see Dave do Forever.

This Stamos thing has got to be the most stupid thing on this board next to the autotune debate. It's the Beach Boys' show and they can invite whoever the hell they want to play on stage with them. It is only a concert for crying out loud. It is not like going to the symphony or opera. It's a friggin' rock concert where people party and have fun. Sit home and listen to the recordings if you don't want the distractions that performing to a live audience entails. Heaven forbid if the audience should sing along with the songs too. ;)

Okay, don't skin me, but I'd like to see Stamos, he IS part of their history, so sorry to all of you who won't accept that :/

I don't think I'd mind *seeing* Stamos at a show. That might be kind of amusing, and maybe even slightly nostalgic in terms of their late 80's era. But it's been established from a number of sources, both professional musicians all the way through to regular ol' fans, that Stamos is a mediocre musician. As several have mentioned, have him emcee the show and if he wants to play some percussion on a song or two, okay. But he shouldn't be doing his schtick of mediocre drumming and rock star posing. It would be annoying regardless of Stamos' celebrity status, and regardless of the band in question.

Also, even if we accept that he is "part" of their history, he doesn't seem to be joining in at a show because of history. If that were the case, they'd be calling in Billy Hinsche and Blondie Chaplin, etc. (And no, I haven't even been advocating for Chaplin/Fataar to be part of the tour). Stamos seems to be buddies with Mike Love, and they seem to have him play more because they're friends.

I can say that's annoying often when any band invites their "friends" to play for any sort of extended period on stage.

People are paying good ticket prices and don't want the show messed up with bad playing by John Stamos.  They already have two drummers.  I'm sure Coswill and Bragg get steamed having to relinquish the throne to that character.  If they want him to intro the band or sing back-up on an encore, that's okay, but he shouldn't be playing any instruments. His fans can go to a John Stamos concert at some county fair if they want to support his musical career.

I'd like to see them invite Van Dyke Parks onstage sometime and play keyboards for a song or two if they want to get into people somehow connected to the Beach Boys' career.  I know he doesn't approve of the reunion, but it would be cool.  At least the man can actually play an instrument. 

Mike invites Stamos, Brian invites Dyke Parks, simple enough.

Heaven forbid if they should express an opinion.

He's a part of their history the same way the syphilis is part of Scott Joplin's.

My, how times have changed. Rock concerts aren't about having fun anymore? You guys beat a dead horse with Stamos. Tell Dave to kick his ass out. You have influence with him. Listen, if this was a new issue, no problem, but it is not. You can go to many threads in here and read the same complaints. He is a fact of life in Beach Boys world. Just accept that he is going to be there.

Stamos is an embarrassment. It has nothing to do with fun (which the BBs most certainly are). It has to do with respect. As he is unable to perform onstage competently, he disrespects the band. Plain and simple.

It infuriates me that this truly third-rate talent has attached himself, barnacle-like, to an American institution.

Wow, like the Beach Boys themselves have no involvement with him being there? Even a tick that attaches itself to a dog can be unattached if you really want it gone.

I'd much rather have the band invite Blondie Chapman or Ricky Fader to shows if they're going to invite anybody.

I don't see any problems with Stamos on drums! He's no Cowsill, but he DOES have a bit of that unpredictability behind the kit ala Dennis, which I find strangely works for The Beach Boys.

Besides, someone messes up on Rock N Roll Music and it's not Stamos! It's easy to wonder how anyone can mess up a Chuck Berry song, but as Chuck himself has found out countless times.... it is very possible!!

Great.

I'm dying to hear IJWMFTT, still nothing up yet?

Haha man this Stamos debate is hilarious. I personally don't care for the guy much & would prefer to not see him join in as much at shows, but bottom line is Stamos sells tickets. And after the music, that's what this tour is about. Selling tickets, selling meet & greet, selling soundtrack, selling merch, etc....if they have a celebrity fan/quasi-member who is willing to come play when he can (likely for free, or less than the rest of the guys are getting) it seems like simple business sense. Yeah this undermines the artistic integrity a bit, but I think if it was a heavy artistic trip we'd be seeing a few deeper cuts in the setlist, no? And to the naysayers who believe Stamos doesn't actually sell tickets.....well the Beach Boys recently announced a date in Calgary (my hometown) and I'd say 50% of the people I saw posting about the show on Facebook mentioned that they were "super excited Uncle Jesse was playing with them" or something to that effect. Yeah, they aren't hardcore fans, but they are a part of the audience at these shows. And good entertainers will put together an act that caters to all aspects of their audience

But . . . Stamos isn't touring with them.  He's appearing sporadically when the mood strikes him. Though anyone who buys a ticket expecting to get Stamos and doesn't get Stamos is getting exactly what they deserve. 

you can see at the end of this video, Cowsill yelling at Stamos.

Dat song sounds better now than it did in 1976.

The more the debate on this board intensifies about Stamos--the more he tries to withdraw from the proceedings.  Tonight, Stamos introduced the band again, played "Be True To Your Schoo"l on drums, came out later for 'Kokomo" and then took a very clear "final bow" and didn't return at all for any guitar work.  It's as if he wanted to make very clear..."Ok, I'm only out for a couple songs, don't throw tomatoes at me."  He was very respectful and gave the BB their space tonight....unlike last night where he sorta did take over a little.  A funny moment was Stamos playing guitar next to Brian during "Surfin' USA" Stamos made it clear to smile at Brian--Brian looked over and gave John the quickest "oh hello" smile ever.  It was hilarious...even Stamos laughed.

John Stamos looks like he learned everything he knows about drumming from watching Ringo Starr in early Beatles' clips.

The Stamos incident.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUkxNVV-QJI&feature=relmfu

I've never been crazy about the BBs doing this, but this must be their best version I've heard.

Can't hate the guy for this. Sorry folks.

He shouldn't be up there but he saved the day on this one. They do need to have some kind of contingency in place should these videos fail again though.

Yes, agreed, and I'm not seeing a problem, either.  Stamos often moves around the stage, sharing mics.  Check out some YouTubes.  It is no big deal for those who have seen the Touring Band for the last 10 years.  No big deal.  

Important is the photo tribute to handsome, hunky Denny.  Done beautifully and doing the chorus, really tastefully.  

Yeah, clearly not planned and Stamos jumped in somewhat unawares - He's fiddling with his monitor most of the time.

As for a contingency plan, I think David should be on standby. Or, failing that, Scott B. He'd do a good (slightly clean) Dennis.

BTW, in case you were wondering what the video tributes looked like, same guy filmed the Carl one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcmOQeKBoYg&feature=relmfu

Check this one out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55XBMJ_ZM58&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Hope I copied it correctly...

Ditto that. It was clear no one was going to step up and take the lead but it was also clear that they weren't going to do anything but forge forward through the song.

Aegir LOL John wasn't yelling at Stamos. They are friends. Check the comments John has made about Stamos. Very positive. COOL HEAD WARM HEART:)

I love this clip.  I wish Carl would have performed this more often. 

I can't believe my first post is defending John Stamos, but isn't it entirely possible that no one in the band knows the lyrics to "Forever" and that they're not on the prompter because it's usually a recorded track playing?

Stamos might have been the only one able to jump in.

It is so cool, on many levels...

Maybe there is some way of incorporating Carl's rendition to Dennis into the tribute section, with them singing along as well.  What I've seen on Youtube has been spectacular. [Even if verboten   ;) ]

What I like about it is I can hear the resemblance in the two brothers' voices, which I've never really noticed before. It's mostly at the beginning of the verses, where Carl's voice sounds like Dennis', although at the end of each phrase it's distinctly Carl's vibrato/perfect voice.

(http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2012/05/10/arts/BEACH/BEACH-articleLarge.jpg)


(http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2012/05/10/arts/jpbeach/jpbeach-popup.jpg)



Source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/10/arts/music/beach-boys-beacon-theater-music-review.html?_r=1 (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/10/arts/music/beach-boys-beacon-theater-music-review.html?_r=1)






From the same concert:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M85Fm21b5iY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M85Fm21b5iY)

I don't think the Beach Boys performed this song between '88 and this current tour

Rocker - I think I've heard Brian's band doing "This Whole World" - and so cool.  But, the setlist decisions are so "Solomon-like" with the dilemma of what to choose...There is just so much from which to choose.  So many little factions to make happy;  those 60-70 year olds  all the way to those in their 20's and younger and those in between.  And, they must be bombarded with things to do, interviews, promos, rehearsals, setlist modifications, just everything...   

Brian looked really happy when he was doing a section on some song, Surfer Girl, I think, which I saw on Youtube, and, really handsome. He has much of which to be very proud, as do the rest.   

  :)

uh no.  Ringo is a musician's drummer.  Not a wannabe fanboy.

Yeah, it's on the Roxy album. But I was talking about the Beach Boys.  ;)



I searched the web for some pictures via google. Please excuse if one or two were already posted.



(http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/13/07/54/2915076/3/628x471.jpg)

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(http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/13/07/54/2915084/3/628x471.jpg)

(http://www.nypost.com/rw/nypost/2012/05/10/pulse/web_photos/10.1e047.beachboys1.C--300x300.jpg)

(http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_982w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/05/09/Style/Images/2012-05-09T015732Z_01_LJC104_RTRIDSP_3_USA.jpg)

(http://img2.allvoices.com/thumbs/image/550/400/92269111-david-marks.jpg)

(http://media.kansascity.com/smedia/2012/05/09/11/00/iu3rP.St.81.jpg)

(http://media.kansascity.com/smedia/2012/05/09/11/01/2UKjE.St.81.jpg)


I didn't post any pictures of Stamos introducing them.

I'm talking about the way Stamos looks drumming, not how he sounds drumming. 

Stamos doesn't bring anything to TBB except scattered energy. Having seen about 20 concerts. half with and half without him, the ones without him are head and shoulders above the ones with him. Please, please, please don't have him perform in SoCal. I hope his career peaks later this month and he has prior commitments and won't be able to attend more BB shows.

I do actually like the guy and talked with him after a show. His first question was "Was I OK ?" He seemed to really be trying. However, TBB don't need any help to have a great show. I just want to see them.

Ah, yes, ha ha ha!.  You're right!

Cool pictures Rocker.

The one total group shot also caught Brian smiling to the audience. Good timing indeed!

I just don't get it. Stamos has been a touring member since the 80s, over 20 years - that's nearly 40 years! He sounds exactly like Dennis did in his prime! Real "soulful"! I don't know why anyone ever complains about him because he sounds great. These are the facts. John Stamos, who has been with the band since the 80s, should be on stage singing real loud and adjusting Mike's shirt when he's worried that someone in the crowd might think Mike's shirt isn't up to par with his shirts in the 60s. I think he sounds great, not at all like a bloated tub of awful well past its already unimpressive prime, thus he really sounds great. The Stamos hate is tiring and needs to end solely because I disagree with it. If you make fun of Stamos, you're just jealous and want to be him.

Notice Jeff air-nudging Brian to start singing after the Forever glitch, and how John straight up robs his mic rather than move towards it. When will the theories of Stamos cutting the audio to get his glory moment start to formulate?  :lol

I don't have much of a problem with him as a person, I liked him on Full House and he seems like a good dude. But if his presence compromises the quality of the music (lousy drumming) or creates an obvious visual nuisance by him jumping around, playing rock star and gracing everyone's mic with his pointless backups, then it goes without saying that the show would be better off without him. Some MC'ing and percussion on Kokomo would be just fine. Either way I'm glad he was nowhere to be found at the reunion gig I caught.

Yeah -- from the YouTube videos, Stamos' playing is incredibly poor, and while I can understand them wanting their friend along, it seems like an insult to the audience to have him playing. There are *four* people, at least, on the stage who are better drummers than Stamos (Cowsill, Bragg, D'Amico, Bennett) , and to have Stamos splashing about while there are actual musicians who could be doing the job seems also to be rather disrespectful to the people who can do their job, and to people who want to hear the music played well. Thank God he won't be coming with them to Europe.

If they want to feature Stamos, maybe they could add Good Timin' to the set, let him take that as a lead vocal, and have that be it? He's done that competently enough with Mike & Bruce before now, and if they didn't drop any other songs for it that would mean it would add to the shows rather than detract from them.

That said, from the sound of the YouTube videos, Stamos is immensely popular with at least part of the crowd. And he's playing better than Kowalski did in his last few years with Mike & Bruce, so it could be worse.

All this talk about Stamos has got me wondering -- can anyone point me to a clip of David Marks taking the lead on Forever?  The YouTube gremlins seem to have eaten it...

Cheers,
Jon Blum

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsZ5NSatN8A

Another review of the show:

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/05/beach_boys_at_the_beacon_theat.html (http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/05/beach_boys_at_the_beacon_theat.html)

(http://media.nj.com/entertainment_impact/photo/10996935-large.jpg)

(http://media.nj.com/entertainment_impact/photo/10996942-large.jpg)

(http://media.nj.com/entertainment_impact/photo/10996947-large.jpg)


Hey, it could have been worse. It could have been Bob Saget.

I think one time when I saw the Allman Brothers, Bruce Willis played harmonica on a song. that was weird.

At the Beacon? I was there too! (Unless it happened more than once). Must have been in 2005 or 2006. I didn't realize it was Willis at the time, I just thought it was a random bald guy. My friends swore to it, however, and I learned it was true online a few days later.

Yeah, aside from this year, I've seen the Allman Brothers every time they've been at the Beacon since '03 or '04.

This reminds me - has anyone seen the "Blues" episode of Eagleheart?

Some pics I took:

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KhoSmCD-Si4/T61GVux1WgI/AAAAAAAAI90/mnPKVskRh7g/s512/IMG_5032.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EDi6YzgM3TQ/T61P4tPfD0I/AAAAAAAAI-A/KWw3xxYe1YY/s640/IMG_5031.jpg)

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CQ3-Dn6Bwko/T61QH4xk_fI/AAAAAAAAI-M/FMZr_91zZPo/s640/IMG_5033.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p8J8PZgOWd0/T61Qi6YOYdI/AAAAAAAAI-g/kF5VR7oN6x4/s640/IMG_5035.jpg)

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dk9giQr-UdU/T61RU7EsAJI/AAAAAAAAI_I/NP-nf1SEsOg/s512/IMG_5039.jpg)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e8hXRbI5reo/T61Q8f9zmII/AAAAAAAAI-0/YSX2bBv146M/s640/IMG_5037.jpg)

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UQIe5BCTKXI/T61VZVxKRUI/AAAAAAAAJCY/fGjhTaDdFcM/s512/IMG_5066.jpg)

Great pics!!

Thanks boots!  Mike is always a fun person to aim a camera to.  More pictures from the second night will be posted in that thread shortly...

check it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2uIri17nQ8

Add some music!  8)

(apologies if this had already been posted, but I didn't see it anywhere in previous posts)

that's because it wasn't performed at this show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG3fACbc2lE&feature=youtu.be

One more video I took....Not much of a clip but some good Brian singing.  I was totally impressed by Brian's work on that night.  He was really working hard, hitting the high notes.  I could see him reaching for the notes deep down.  He even joined Bruce on the whistling part on "Disney Girls" I thought that was great.

Another great moment was during "When I Grow Up to Be A Man" during the end when the background vocals go "Twenty-six!  Twenty-seven...." as Brian sang that all the way up to thirty he laughed to himself and said "Thirty! Yeah!  Woohoo!"  and chuckled to himself--as if he himself realizing just how wild these background vocals were.  It was a real great thing to see.  The guy next to me saw it too and thought it was great.  Brian was really ON...so good to see it.

Or, it was the irony of a 69 year old man singing 30 like it was old. Even at 54, man, 30 sounds so young, yet when I was 20 it seemed so far off.

Well.....



(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/528547_10150780095416035_22975546034_10071685_1267925163_n.jpg)

Ok, after reading the Rolling Stone article again and especially looking at the part that says some band members called this show a "travesty" and "theater" at the aftershow party, I couldn't help but think about some voices that claimed in joke that the incident with Dennis' video was planned so that Stamos could take the stage. I never would really believe that it happened like that but that RS article and the reactions of the band members make me wonder.....

Yeah.. you'd think they'd have the technical stuff in check (and rehearsed) for such a performance.  ::) But.. it's the BBs. Anything is possible. Guess we'll never know.

I just rewatched this show the other night and you could see that Mike was visibly dissapointed that the video did not work properly.  I was in attendance at that show and was standing right in front of David and all the guys were looking at each other and looking at the screen wondering what went wrong with the video.  When it was becoming clear that Dennis' lead vocal wasn't coming on Jeff motioned over to Brian to sing the lead: he pointed to his mouth and said out loud: "Sing!" but Brian either did not hear him or ignored him.  If it was really planned none of the members would have blinked an eye that the video was "malfunctioning."  But they did.  It was an honest flubup and to assume it was planned is unncessary conspiracy talk.

2 years later and we might have confirmation. Nelson Bragg posted the following on his Facebook profile:





It's a shame, really..





EDIT: For future reference - check out this thread of 20+ pages of discussion on the 'case': http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,17981.0.html