My apologies for taking so long, and for initiating such detailed speculation. Here is my report. Sorry I donʻt have more details on whatʻs on the box set.
1. The new Box set is called "50 Big Ones". All my info on the box set came from Al (so take that for what itʻs worth).
a. I got the distinct impression that there will only be 50 songs. I may be wrong on this but thatʻs what I came away thinking I heard.
b. They are recording new material for the box set. I got the impression it will be kinda like ʻlive in the studioʻ. Al said they were going to do a slowed down version of "Waves of Love"
c. No more solo albums for Al. He was pretty adamant about that. He mentioned he and David Marks had played some and an acoustic thing with Dave might be fun.
d. According to Al, "WIBNTLA" IS NOT GOING TO BE ON THE BOX SET. In fact, his reaction was he didnʻt know the song. He could have been pulling my leg but I donʻt think so. I told him it was
a Dennis song pulled from "Surfʻs Up" and he truly seemed baffled. He said "maybe itʻs one owned by Guercio". I told him the fans REALLY, REALLY want it released. He then repeated the
title back to me four times, so he would remember it he said, and said he would check it out. Shook my hand and then he boarded the tour bus.
2. Talked to David next. He was really nice. Looked great! He wasnʻt happy with the instrument mix for the show. We talked some guitar playing stuff. Great guy!
3. Talked to Stan Love and how he used to kick my ass when we played in the Redondo High summer gym pick-up games. Met his family.
4. Next, in search of my date; found Mr. Mike Love. Yes, the next Mike/Bruce tour is booked. Donʻt think Al is gonna be on it, nor Brian of course. It was an experience, interacting with Mr. Love, Iʻll never forget; and leave it at that.
5. Next, talked to Bruce about England (I did an USN/RN exchange there for 2 1/2 years in the 80ʻs). Bruce loves England. Talked about his son at Oxford. He is really proud of his kids. Talked surfing, beer/Pacifico (Bruce says he has two a year), his heart -1000%, talked surfing in Kona.
6. Brian - went straight from the stage to the tour bus - front seat by the driver. When I saw him his eyes were always closed. He seems tired to me.
Sorry I donʻt have more details. Well, I do but they are not music related.
I would bet AGD knows much, much more than I. But Al didnʻt swear me to secrecy so there ya go.
Original Post:
A little pressed for time right now but will follow up with full report (in transit back to Hawaii).
Somehow, I managed to get backstage and talk to the band members (and not because I played pick-up basketball back in the day against Stan Love - ironically, my seat was right behind him).
Anyway, talked to all the band members and got the lowdown on new recordings, the box set - the title is" ..........." teaser I know, future solo work by Al, WIBNTLA....... Even some juicy stuff/backstage hijinks I can't even post here (ever).
More to follow.
One tidbit - The Mike/Bruce show have their next tour booked and it sounds like they will be rolling early in the new year.
Ok, another. Brian looks pooped. No onstage banter with Mike or anyone. Al tried to talk to him once but he just sang and played like a pro. He looks 'over it'!
The Oregon bugs attacked his lighted teleprompter late in the show and that seemed to really deflate his energy. He didn't hang backstage - went right to the tour bus and sat in the front seat, next to the driver, and just closed his eyes.