The Smiley Smile Message Board

Cali Hall of Fame tonight. Picture No 8.

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/12/08/4110718/2011-california-hall-of-fame-inductees.html?mi_rss=Photo%20Galleries

Nice one!

Aside from the fact they don't mention David.

That's at least the 2nd recent sighting of Dave with Mike.  It seems that whatever differences they had are now in the past, which is great!  Glad to see Al hanging out with both of them too.  "Let's be friends!"

Shame someone's missing.

Bruce?  :-D

Blondie Chaplin?  :lol

Seriously, Brian's people need to wake up and realise that this isn't making him look at all good.

It might look like he's missing the boat but I bet they've got something up their sleeve...

Yes they do.

Brian was in SF less than 48 hours ago - just book a room for the night, turn up for however long it takes... sh*t, if I can think of that it ain't brain surgery.

Anything up the sleeve better be pretty good. Reagan centennial - no Brian... Grammy noms... no anyone... Cal HOF... no Brian. Anyone taking bets on either 12/31/11 or 2/12/12 ?

They didn't at first...just looked at it again, and someone must have told them of their error...

Because of people on this site, David Marks got to meet Buzz Aldrin. Unless they've met before. Pretty cool. Too bad Brian wasn't there. TOO BAD.

(http://media.sacbee.com/smedia/2011/12/09/00/18/1ho3YT.St.4.jpg)

"Whatchoo need Buzz? I got some good sh!t"  8)  :p

They do - third photo: "Al Jardine, left, Mike Love, second from left, and David Marks of the Beach Boys are interviewed as they make their way up the red carpet at the California Hall of Fame Induction."

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/12/08/4110718/2011-california-hall-of-fame-inductees.html?mi_rss=Photo%20Galleries#ixzz1g1xmRsZ3

Notice how the original post says photo number 8?  That's what number 3 used to be, and the only names mentioned were Mike Love and Bruce Johnston.

It's so good to see David there (and very cool to see Beach Boys standing next to a real-life moonwalker). Without Brian, who represented Carl and Dennis?

Yea, come on, Bri, get in gear!

In all seriousness where was Bruce?

Yeah, the only thing Brian needs to do is to continue to stay away from the fray-far drom the maddening crowd. He already has his legacy locked, while others plod on trying to pin theirs down.

You should really be posting on the bloo board, the people there are more likely to agree with you.

Mike Love was interviewed on TV last night at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Al was standing next to him smiling. Mike said that the Auditorium was where the first live album was recorded (Beach Boys in Concert). Mike and Al looked like old pals together. Funny how the two have been appearing at various events together in the past few years representing The Beach Boys, but not on stage together for longer than a few songs? Is Al a Beach Boy or not?? Get Al's ass back on stage with The Beach Boys where he belongs! And Dave too!

There's no doubt that Brian Wilson should have been there. I was at a SMiLE signing event with him in San Francisco last Tuesday night, so I know he's in California and not far away!!  

I think the old dude is right in this case, actually. Brian's legacy is secure. He hasn't been absent from BB business or anything -- he did most of TSS promotion, after all. I think the chances of his non appearance in "reunion" activities making him look bad are very small. Enhancing his legacy as the aloof genius staying at home, yes. Making the other guys look bad, possibly! Remember, this is Mr. Passive Agressive we're talking about here.

C'mon guys, this is crying out for a caption contest.

Mike: "So I said to Neil, 'what you need is a punchier catchline, y'know - one small step for dudes, one cool step for mankind'."

Don't really care  who does or doesn't-is that what everyone is supposed to do in SS land?  How boring. ::)

Myke-"So Neil, have you seen my group, The Beach Boys, play? You know, I wrote most of the songs."

(http://media.sacbee.com/smedia/2011/12/09/00/18/1ho3YT.St.4.jpg)

Yesterday, Mike Love "unleashed the love" to pleased bandmates and press at the California Hall of Fame, remarking to Buzz Aldrin, "How's this for a rocket?"

^ :lol that's perfect lol

Unleashing The Love :lol

(http://media.sacbee.com/smedia/2011/12/09/00/18/1ho3YT.St.4.jpg)

Mike: "For your space song to be a hit, Buzz – catchy name by the way – you need something along the lines of:

"'Well, the Martian girls are green but their planet's really lacking air,
"And Venusian girls, with the way they jest, they rib me 'bout my lack of hair.
"I've flown all round this great big world then I landed on the moo-hoo-hooon
"But my cousin Brian, when he just don't show, that says he still thinks I'm a goon…"

Brilliant –  looks like Dave thinks so too!

Right?

"Hey Buzz, ever seen one as small as this before?"

The California Hall of Fame only wanted to induct the original, founding members of the band. Even tho he's not a founder, Bruce should have been inducted -- he's a Californian too.

"You ever see chest hair like this?"

LBWL=Looking Back With Love

It's a once in a career event. I will be me more than just disappointed if he does not participate with the others.   The original and long time members of this band need to show some spirit and create some good will.  Can't they just put down their surfboards, spouses and lawyers and just cooperate? For a few months? Surely, Vocal Group harmony is needed here.

"Look into my chest porthole,LOOK INTO MY CHEST PORTHOLE!!!!! YOU ARE GETTING SLEEPY, YOU ARE GETTING SLEEPY, I AM A GENUIS I AM A GENIUS!!!Now bark like a dog"

Why did that ceremony end with a performance by a Blues Brothers tribute band? That doesn't make any damn sense.

Also, David Marks has it pretty sweet. Think about it. He joins the band, sticks around long enough to be remembered, leaves, and now forty years later he gets all sorts of accolades for his five seconds in the group.

YEAH...pretty sweet. He records all those hit songs, and plays on those hit albums, and then gets screwed out of millions of dollars by Murry and Capitol. Boy does he have it made!!

Bingo. "Still cruisin'" is not a phrase that applies to him.

No, Brian and his so-called people were being asses in this case.  He is a Californian and should be proud of the honor.  If those other famous folks could show up to collect (including other famous entertainers and an astronaut), then he should have been, too.

And he STILL probably has more dough than the rest of us will ever see...

Doesn't matter if they were or weren't being asses. I was responding to AGD's dubious assertion:


I don't think that -- outside a couple of dozen people on this very message board -- Brian skipping an awards banquet will affect his image in the minds of the music public or the general pop music fan in the slightest.

What's more, it's likely that Brian's nonappearance at these events will add to his legacy, as the fact that the "founding genius" refuses to attend will deprive them of legitimacy and add to the reclusive burnout myth. No one (outside of BB fans) cares about Dave Marks or Al Jardine or Bruce Johnston. Precious few cared about Carl, and Dennis is dead. Mike is the voice on the biggest hits, and Brian is the writer and producer behind those hits. If Brian isn't there, the band isn't reunited.

Is there anyone now who wonders how he actually feels about his old band?

^Yes, Brian not showing up will add to the "reclusive burnout" image. Which uh... Don't really at all go in hand with "founding genius."

Are you familiar at all with the life of Brian Wilson?

I don't think that's Buzz Aldrin. Face looks wrong.

The thing is, Brian's legacy with The Beach Boys should be just has important to him as is his own personal legacy. Much of Brian's legacy, personal or group was during his time as a Beach Boy. Nothing Brian has done on his own will ever reach what was accomplished with The Beach Boys. To me, it would be in his own best interest to embrace The Beach Boys now, while interest is hot. Solidifying all his bases can do nothing but enhance his standing further in the music world.

That is Chuck Yeager.

OSD is right. Brian has neither anything to gain nor lose by not appearing at such things, therefore why not just stay home?

Yes, I am aware that Brian spent a lot of time in his room in the 1970s.

No, I do not think somebody that tours, releases albums as regularly as he has been AND does regular promotion & interviews for said albums is trying to portray any sort of "reclusive burnout" image.

Sure, Brian's brain is "burned" from the decades of drugs, but reclusive? Nah.

I'm sure his fans would have appreciated it. We already lost 2 of the 3 Wilson brothers. Would be cool to see Mike & Brian bury the hatchet one last time even if it's just for some shitty awards show.

Is it Ed Asner?

Mike has Ed Asner in his jacket pocket

you are right. buzz is shown in some of the other photos though. wearing different outfit. and he has more hair.

Late, but still: 

Who is the great interviewer for the BBs? 
Was Santana's wife one of his granddaughters friends? 
Did Al borrow his jacket from the set of "Big" ?

he ought to ask seen any UFO"s lately..??  He is one that actually talks about it.....!!!..he says they are real..   if you laugh at\ this post you are uninformed.. bw doesn't need to be there..nice 2 see every one else there tho.

I wasn't talking about facts -- I was just talking about image. And BW has, for better or worse, this damaged genius image that includes the heights of Pet Sounds and the depths of 20 years spent in his bedroom. (Never mind that he did better music and didn't stay in bed for years on end.) Not showing up burnishes that image -- even though he's probably just being a d--k.


I actually mostly agree with this. But I'm also not exactly sure that "interest is hot." Something has to happen for there to be interest.

Anyone else disappointed that this wasn't in reference to Dave Lee Roth, Mike Anthony, and Al(ex) Van Halen?

?????? Read Jon's book! I'll bet you and I had more than $10 in our pocket the day Dave spent his last on parking to go bat for Mike!

Well, thanks for ruining my otherwise spectacular caption, AGD

The caption on the Sac. Bee website now says it's Chuck Yeager, not Buzz Aldrin.

Already have - both, I'll swap my job for his job and rates of pay. I wouldn't choose to leave a no. 1 band leaving behind fame & fortune...

First you have to move across the street from the Hawthorne house now

Who are you to judge what Murry was putting David, who for just a kid at the time, through? Or his parents' decision to take him out of the group because Murry was fucking him out of a fair amount of money?

If someone is royally fucking you over, I wouldn't just accept that. But then I know most people would and do, albeit likely not on the scale that David went through.

What a shame Brian didn't show..

I'd guess he was Busy Doin' Nothin

Hot, as in the releases of ITKOD, Smile, 50th Anniversary of the band, and possible new solo/band album in the works for next year. These are near term items that put him and the band in the spotlight. Including the 2 movies in the works, I'd say that is pretty hot.

David never seems to complain about how he got screwed by Murry.  He seemingly, suffered in silence. 

Unlike Mike who always seemed to be whining how he wrote this and that and didn't get a writing credit.  I imagine, back in the day, David came up with an original lick or two but would never make a claim against Brian over songwriting credits.

There are certain ways of handling things in life and David always seems to take the high road.

David never seems to complain about how he got screwed by Murry.  He seemingly, suffered in silence.  

Unlike Mike who always seemed to be whining how he wrote this and that and didn't get a writing credit.  I imagine, back in the day, David came up with an original lick or two but would never make a claim against Brian over songwriting credits.

There are certain ways of handling things in life and David always seems to take the high road.
[/quote]

Songs are like real estate; they are properties with attached ownership and rights that can be traded, sold, or assigned . The creator of a musical composition is the sole owner of those rights, from the moment of composition's inception, until he sells them or assigns them to another entity.

Claiming what's yours is taking the high road.

Chuck.  "I havn't seen anything this loud since I broke the sound barrier!"

How slick does Mike look, the man looks great..

Dave and Al too

I know! That jacket is BOSS!

David could easily make a claim for songwritng credit on something like Surf Jam, which isn't really a song but as the title says, its a spontaneous jam...David's riff starts the song but Carl gets the sole writer's credit. Another one is Stoked! Brian gets that credit...I believe Dave thought of the title....and again its just a jam. Maybe a group credit would have been nice. None of this is really songwriting...but a credit or two on a million selling LP like Surfin USA would have put some significant money in his pocket. He did submit his own Kustom Kar Show for the Little Deuce Coupe LP which was rejected, that would have been his music and lyrics....but that show didn't go. Dave and Carl wrote an instrumental titled Blue City which the Beach Boys played live but never recorded. Part of this is why Dave left the group without asking for a contract settlement which the court most certainly would have upheld for a minor, he was in a hurry to get his own stuff out there. He was 15, not thinking about money, and the adults that were supposed to protect his interests did not. That's how you lose 20% of the Beach Boys franchise.

Myke's jacket-Salvation Army, hat-Hat City-Looks like a pimp whose taste is in his derriere. :angel:

This stuff doesn't matter, turning up for an award ceremony? Really? I think Brian's image is better served by making good music and he has made plenty of that since leaving the Beach Boys.

Songs are like real estate; they are properties with attached ownership and rights that can be traded, sold, or assigned . The creator of a musical composition is the sole owner of those rights, from the moment of composition's inception, until he sells them or assigns them to another entity.

Claiming what's yours is taking the high road.
[/quote]
Be a great book to write Jon - call it "Apple Scruffs" or something.  All the rockers who got totally ripped off by their managers, etc.  Like Pete Hamm, Beatles losing their publishing, Noel Redding.....

"Reunion"? What reunion? There is no reunion without Dennis and Carl. Do you really think a real person would ever say something like:

"You know, that Brian Wilson seems very talented, but how could he deprive us of seeing him on stage again with Mike Love and Al Jardine? Maybe I was wrong about him".

I suggest we start another thread lamenting that Paul and Ringo aren't doing a "reunion" tour. Don't they care about the fans?

Mmh ok, I say it is a reunion. Now what?

Quick question regarding Reunion for you. Was my family reunion invalidated because my father, who passed away in 1977, was not there to attend? Should a family, ex-school mates, band members not get together because some members die or don't care to attend? The Beach Boys have a lot to celebrate and they should get together if they choose to want to. Dennis and Carl will be celebrated, because they too were brothers, cousins and friends.

+1 for rational thoughts.

He did get to meet Buzz Aldrin, but that picture is actually of Chuck Yeager, an equally bad-ass american hero. 

First man with the balls to fly through the turbulence created by the sound barrier. 

What a surreal event the hall of fame must have been.  It's like half my heroes were there.  Buzz Aldrin, Chuck Yeager, Clint Eastwood, Magic Johnson, The Beach Boys, Carlos Santana, and even Rob Lowe.

lol.. 

BTW, somebody must have not told Brian who was going to be there.  Surely he would have went if he knew it was a legit, big time production with legends attending.  I mean this is a respectable event and he no shows?  Tacky.  If Magic Johnson can show up, Brian could have showed up. 

My take: Award ceremonies are for the young anyhow.  "Young Hollywood" or whatever they call it these days.  I understand that the California Hall Of Fame is a different scene all together as it skews an older crowd but generally speaking I was kind of happy that The Beach Boys didn't show up at the Grammy announcement show.  I mean Lady GaGa and whomever else they had up there as their headliners, it would have been embarrassing to have a band the stature and significance of The Beach Boys show up and be garnish on the plate to a bunch of acts who quite frankly aren't and would never be in their league.  

As far as how Brian Wilson looks by not appearing at these events?  I don't think it matters.  Brian Wilson is sixty-nine years old, a member of the rock and roll hall of fame, arguably the greatest talent of his generation.  Does it really matter whether or not he turns up at a given awards ceremony in 2011?  The music industry has always been dominated by youth whether it be youthful artists or youthful consumers.  I doubt if the majority of the current music buying public really give a stuff about Brian Wilson or The Beach Boys for that matter and believe it or not outside of Beach Boys fans I doubt many people spend much time worrying about what Brian's non-appearance says about his public image or state of mind.  Most of them probably either think he's a sixty-nine year old rock star who couldn't be bothered to show up at an awards show or if they are a bit more informed about his life view him as a recluse.  Both of which are true.

For me The Beach Boys have already had their reunion and recognition moment post Carl and Dennis passing and it happened several years ago on the rooftop of Capitol Records for the "Sounds Of Summer" double platinum certification.  For me that was a heck of a lot more significant and classy than either of these events had the potential to be with the group being recognized atop the record company which they helped establish into a genuine sixties powerhouse.  

The Beach Boys as a band are going to get their props over the next year, whether Brian chooses to attend events or not. The band has a very long history of Brian not participating in live events. None of this surprises me even a little bit. As has been discussed numerous times here on this board, the Boys have a way of always choosing the worst possible option when making band decisions. Why should the Reunion stuff be any different? In my opinion, Brian's management leaves a lot to be desired.

It's not about how he appears to the record buying public for me, I'm just saying they put on a big event with a lot of classy people there to honor what he's accomplished as a californian and he can't be bothered to show up.  He showed up for the record event, but that was because he was making money doing it.  If Carlos Santana wants to give me a thank you award, Im gonna show up.  just sayin.  If they're honoring Clint Eastwood, and ask me to be honored too, i'm going to show up out of respect for them and also Clint Eastwood.  ALL HE HAD TO DO WAS DRIVE TO SAN FRANCISCO.  It's not even a long drive.  

Sacramento. That would be a little more than an hour past San Fransicko. Besides, he doesn't drive that far from L.A.

It's not about physical distance.  The man is a recluse period.  I don't know if you saw the recent SMiLE record signing that was posted on YouTube but to me Brian Wilson looked extremely uncomfortable doing a public appearance.  Now maybe I'm 100% wrong on that but that is just based upon what my eyes told me.  Now you might also factor in that this particular awards ceremony involved The Beach Boys, a topic which Brian has been prickly about putting in the present tense since the passing of his brothers and well I personally wasn't surprised he was a no show.

Recluse? Brian? Nah, that's a bit of an exaggeration.

And the YouTube video of Brian at the Smile signing. Are you talking about Long Beach? 'Cause no cameras were allowed at the S.F. signing, unless somebody pulled a cell phone out on the sly....

I'm speaking of the one that took place the day of the record's release.  I stand by my statement that Brian's a recluse.  He's not Greta Garbo by any means but to me he still falls into that general category.  Not that that is a bad thing mind you.

The November 1 Smile release day signing event with Brian Wilson was at Fingerprints Records in Long Beach. He hung in there like a trooper, just like he did in S.F. He was happier than hell when it was over, yes. But who else is going to help promote and increase the sales of the Smile release? Mike? Maybe. Al? Maybe. But it's essentially Brian's record and he's the one who will draw a crowd and sell more records.

If you were to call Brian a recluse in the early 70's, I'd agree with you. Last I heard, he gets out and runs around the park and visits the deli just about every day when he's at home. He drives around in his own car. His wife doesn't let him sit on his ass for very long from what I hear - playing with kids and dogs will do that to you. When he's on the road he goes out wih Jeff and the boys.

The event in Sacratomato that this thread is all about. Mike has a home in Santa Barbara and a home 2 hours away from Sacramento in Tahoe, so it's easier for him to be there. For Al, it's a two hour drive - no big deal. He made the Berkeley signing last April in 1 1/2 hours. Brian would have to fly in. I give credit to Dave for flying into Cali - pretty far from Connecticut! Maybe he was invited up to Mike's house for reunion talk or something.  ;D  Like I said above, Brian coulda/shoulda made it, unless he had a prior engagement. My gut feeling is that he's not real comfortable around Mike and Al, but I could be wrong there. I hope I am.

Nah, a recluse would not have done what Brian has done over these many years. Shy, feel awkward in the limelight, have stage fright, yes. Definitely not your typical rock star personality.

Who am I? I'm a fan like everybody else on this board who's read enough about the BBs to form an opinion on the subject. If he felt he'd been pushed out and screwed then his parents should've stepped in.

Yeah David may not of got as much $ as he may have done but I bet he's earn't more than most here.

David's doesn't seem bitter about it - so why are you? Are you gonna get menstrual over the fact that Al was on a flat wage for years next?

Family get-togethers and artistic/performance related endeavors are two completely different kettles of fish. So, to clarify, I am not invalidating the idea of any old friends ever meeting each other again for any reason.  ::)

I'm willing to bet the farm, the college fund, several major organs, my mortal soul* and my first-born that if, say, Brian, David & Alan had turned up, Mike would have been crucified for a no-show. Anyone who says any different is lying, because we all know that's exactly what would have happened. Brian was in the area less than two days previously. Get a suite, stay over. It looks bad, period.

[* - this is a lie, as we all know I don't have one  ;D]

Funny sort of recluse that's played nearly 450 concerts in four continents over he last 10 years. Sure, Brian's a homebody, but a recluse he ain't - eats breakfast at a local diner, walks in a local park. Suggest you look up the meaning of the word.

Reunions are reunions. All I can tell you is if they do reunite, don't go and don't buy it. I have been a fan for 48 years and I would welcome it.

Totally agree.  It's time for Brian to cement his legacy.  This doesn't help.  Maybe some people in the general public might think, "Oh, Brian wasn't there.  Wasn't he the one who went mental and did all those drugs".

On the other hand, if they are planning a reunion, they may not want them all together until the big announcement.

Was nice to see Mike and Al talking.  Wonder how that went.

I know what a recluse is and in fact have several of them as intimate members of my family.  So we'll leave it at that.  As far as Mike being crucified if he no-showed while the others turned up, I would have to agree with you.  Mike Love is often vilified for things great and small by the Beach Boys fan community and Joe Public at large (check the YT channel lately?).   Brian on the other hand often gets a free pass for a lot of different reasons which I'm sure have been listed many times over by this point.

Well when you write lyrics for major hits like "California Girls" and not get any songwriting credit, I imagine you'd be a little sour about it too. 

Sure, Murry screwed Mike too.  But ALL those interviews by Mike.  But he also made claims for songs he had little to do with - ie: Pet Sounds album.  Taking the high road is not suing for a song credit you suggest two words for.

My point is, unlike Mike and Pete Best, David didn't take to the press to wage a campaign of whining.  And Lord knows David did a million times more than Pete Best.
And as Jon points out, David could have sued Brian for some credits and didn't.

But yes, certainly Mike deserves his "California Girls" credit.  But the guy was suing over everything.  Even Brian recording Smile.

What strikes me about this photo is the contrast between David and Mike.  Mike is bald and can't go anywhere without a hat and a wild outfit. David is dressed with dignity and doesn't need a hat.

Just sayin.

Ah Mike's hats loom large in his legend.  Outside of Hedda Hopper I don't know who has rocked more snazzy headgear in their professional life.  John Phillips maybe? 

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz(get over it-no one cares)zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Brian probably gets invited to events like this once or twice a week. You guys are seriously overestimating the importance of this event in relation to both the general public and Brian's legacy. It seems like you're all burnt out a bit on the Smile set and need something new to discuss. I seriously doubt that Brian is considered to be in "poor form" to anyone outside the confines of this thread.

4 or more pages of people that care!! I care

Brian opted to stay home and watch this all night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOrc37wNUqU&list=FLqaEGrmuIWnZMMEivpsoy9g&feature=mh_lolz (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOrc37wNUqU&list=FLqaEGrmuIWnZMMEivpsoy9g&feature=mh_lolz)

Igualmente.

true speak, that man is a bad ass. Reading The Right Stuff  completely defined a version of Americana for me, as an British dude, y'know?

Well, good for you and the other 11 people here and in the world that do, but quite honestly, I think Brother Bri will be ok in spite of the extreme concern for his future. ::)

The grammys talks breaking down now this no show..

Things must not be good with the guys  :-\

I'm from California, and I care.  This is not just another awards ceremony.  It's a bigger deal than the Hathorne monument and he showed up for that, at least.  Why did those other people besides the Beach Boys show up for it?  I'm sure the people who offered the honor considered it poor form, too.  To quote Murry, "What's a matter, buddy, make too much money?  I'm a genius, too."  Brian would not have gotten anywhere without the Beach Boys. 

Lol

Brianistas sometimes annoy me.  I say that as a former Brianista.  You really think Brian would have been a worldwide success without the Beach Boys?  I don't think so.  I think John Lennon or Paul McCartney may have had a chance of being big stars without the Beatles having happened (but not sure things by any means), but  I don't think Brian could have done it on his own for a variety of reasons. 

You are most likely correct in your assessment. Brian needed that group dynamic to achieve success. Plus, his outside productions came nowhere near the success he had with The Beach Boys. Brian needed the Beach Boys and the Beach Boys needed him.

Precisely.

I agree, oldsurferdude. Does this guy have some sort of unhealthy fixation with Mike Love or something?

You guys seen this!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrSQ5tZMWhU

Yeah, I seen it!

Oh, come on, that interview is old.  Posted recently, but old. It has nothing at all to do with the topic of thsi thread.

Brian can either put his big boy panties on and claim his part of the Beach Boys legacy or not.  Mike won the other day by showing up in Sacto. with both Al Jardine and David Marks by his side.  While the guy who molded the California sound was nowhere to be seen.  You know if they inducted Brian by himself, he would have been there.  Brian was there for the Hawthorne dedication and the Capitol rooftop reunion some years ago.  Why he and his "people" are being so churlish and hypocritical now in regards to both the California Hall of Fame and the Grammy reunion is a mystery and just looks kinda bad.  People can put down Mike all they want, but Brian has his own flaws.

I don't think he has anything to claim. The legacy belongs to him.

I guess Carlos Santana and those astronauts should have stayed home, too, since the California Hall of Fame is apparently such a piddling award.  I also don't think large segments of the general public are aware the Beach Boys legacy belongs to Brian Wilson.  They just know the Beach Boys name.

The legacy belongs to The Beach Boys too. Including Carl, and Dennis who I dare anyone to accuse of not deserving it. Say what you will about Mike.

These guys, formed the band with Brian, went to bat for the band, showed up for the damn gigs, sang like angels, played their instruments, wrote songs for the band/lyrics, sang wonderful leads with each member's personality and voice being distinct with the public. How in hell does this belong to Brian and Brian only! How come you never hear anyone yelling and screaming that The Rolling Stones are JUST Mick and Keith. How come Charlie, Bill, Mick Taylor, Ron Wood all get back slapped with great acclaim, yet Dennis, Carl, Dave, Bruce, Mike, Al are accused of being coattail riders to the guy who's barely shown his face onstage for the band's entire damn career? It sickens me! Some people just can't deal when the word genius is tossed around! YES YES YES Brian IS A  F*ck#ng GENIUS! Get over it! Move on! Brian was a freaking genius IN A BAND!!!!! A band that could survive and thrive with or without him, not to mention!!!! Sure is an easy thing for a bunch of no-talents to manage, right?

Ok, where's my bottle of scotch?

Beatles fans sometimes annoy me. I say that as not a former Beatles fan. You really think that two people who needed major help sequencing, arranging, producing and mixing their records would have been a worldwide success without George Martin? I don't think so.

Yeah, that George Martin has a lot to answer for - creating Beatlemania and making a legacy that's lasted 50 years...  ::)

Well to put it quite simply, to Joe Public (and their opinion in the long run is the only one that truly matters) The Beach Boys never reached the heights of success they did once Brian Wilson abandoned the head of the ship so to speak.  The band had it's greatest run of success when Brian Wilson was at the helm and varying degrees of success when he wasn't.  Therefore Brian Wilson is associated with the wide success of the band more than the other members of the group.  Is it fair?  Probably not but that is the way the cards have fallen.

Come on.  Mike's a frontman.  He comes from a long line of pompous guys who lead bands, and he's one of the best.  Also, like I fought for before, he's the longest serving front man alive.  Still kicking ass, STILL touring 50 years later, still wearing whatever he wants and making people want to hate him.  That.  Is Rock & Roll.

Brian has what, 4 kids at home?  15 dogs?  There's a picture floating around of him going to a WING SHOP about a year ago and a fan took pictures of him grinning in the parking lot with a bag of chicken.  He tours consistantly, has tons and tons and tons of friends in Hollywood.  He's not a recluse. 

I've never read the right stuff, but just so you know, when we were kids our teachers taught us about how bravely the british suffered and fought through World War II with the damn Natzis bombing london every day.  So not all heroes are American.  Chuck is though. 

I agree.  This was not a half-assed event, I think it was disrespectful to the other honorees as well.  The Murry comment is unfortunately dead on, lol.

However, in the end none of us are perfect, and Brian's not an asshole for missing this, but it would have been better if he showed up.  If he's afraid of Mike then he should have showed up with a band member who could fight with Mike all night for him while Brian sat there smiling. 

Pretty much, yes, him and Brian Epstein.

And equally there would have been no Beach Boys without Murry.

But I disagree that Lennon and McCartney would have had successful careers without The Beatles, and Brian would not have without the Beach Boys. We are talking about someone who heard in four-part harmony and was capable of seeing a song through from the piano to the mastering lathe. Out of all those mentioned, Brian would have undoubtedly had a career in music whatever had happened.

And Beatlemania had little to do with the song writing talent of  Lennon and McCartney, though that obviously guaranteed their longevity. IM educated O.

All three of them were part of 'bottled lightning'.  Careers like any of theirs can't be manufactured and all the talent in the world can't guarantee it either.  All three of them were certainly great at what they did, but they could have just as easily turned out to be a Townes Van Zandt or a Del Shannon or something and had a half-assed career and be half-ass forgotten by now.  No disrespect to Townes or Del. 

That is woefully incorrect. All of Brian's musical triumphs and legacy are through The Beach Boys. 99% percent of what he will be remembered for are the songs he wrote for and sang with the group.

Six pages of arguing and no one has mentioned this:  Perhaps Brian was planning to attend this event, but he wasn't feeling well that day.  The guy's almost 70 years old.  I'm not near 70 (yet), and I call in sick to work once in awhile.  Just sayin'.

Well, maybe his people could have put out a statement instead of being mum on the subject.

Hear hear… there's a lot of assumptions being made, along the lines of the man couldn't give a toss. Needs to be remembered that Brian's not only pushing 70 but also has his own health problems; that nipping to Sacramento from LA isn't like nipping to Lutterworth for the weekend.  Or maybe he was busy mixing his next platter and believes work is more important than play.  Who knows? No-one here, it seems.

Maybe they did. They probably didn't read out all the sick notes folk sent in.

Apparently that's what did happen to Bruce (strep throat), according to what he posted on the BBBritain mb.

If they did, someone in here would have known by now. Was anything posted about his no-show on his official site?

Seriously doubt it.

Hold on a sec.  Wirestone rightfully responded to the absurd comment that Brian needs to go out and claim the Beach Boys' legacy.  He doesn't.  He has nothing to prove to anyone at this stage in his career, no matter how many fans might desperately want to see this reunion.  Anyone who knows anything about the band knows that Brian was the driving creative force, the author of most of their best music and the architect of their sound.  This is certainly not to diminish the considerable contributions of the other members.  Yes, Brian needed the band to help realize his vision.  Those songs required the lovely, complex group harmonies to really flourish.  He needed a confident front man like Mike to go out there and sell it to the audience.  And of course, as Brian's personal problems caught up to him, the rest of the band had to pick up the slack--first in terms of their live performances and eventually in terms of the songwriting/arrangements too.  Still, the Beach Boys would not exist without Brian's vision.  

"Brian Wilson is the Beach Boys. He is the band. We're his fucking messengers. He is all of it. Period." --Dennis Wilson

Maybe he just doesn't want to do the reunion, doesn't feel that all of the stress and anxiety is worth the reward.  Maybe he feels like he can express himself better as a solo artist than he can within the complicated interpersonal/business constraints of the Beach Boys.  This isn't to say that he's somehow crapping on the Beach Boys legacy, just that the old band format doesn't work for him anymore.  Why try to force the old guy out for a nostalgia tour when his heart's clearly not in it?  Wouldn't that potentially do more harm to the legacy than sitting it out?  Why do some fans seem to think that Brian owes them something more than we've already been given?  

Pray, share with us this information you have that tells you Brian clearly wants no part of this reunion. I for one would dearly like to know of it, for several reasons.

BTW, stating in one sentence he "maybe" doesn't want to do something, then in a succeeding line saying he "clearly" doesn't want to is kinda... oh, can you say "contradictory" ? "Inconsistent" ?

This is very true.

It's also very true that this is a Beach Boys Forum. and we're liable to talk about any Beach Boys news, not just Smile.

From Rolling Stone in late September:

Not all the wounds have healed, though – in a recent interview, Wilson sounded ambivalent about a reunion. Asked if he's looking forward to the anniversary, he responds, "Not particularly," adding, "I don't really like working with the guys, but it all depends on how we feel and how much money's involved. Money's not the only reason I made rec­ords, but it does hold a place in our lives."

You're right, I shouldn't have said 'clearly', but to me, this doesn't sound like someone who's eager to go out and 'do it again'.  He's been extremely ambivalent on the topic all year.  I get the feeling that those around him want him to do it, but he's just not feeling it.  That's my impression.

This is very true.

it could have simply been a scheduling conflict for all we know.. I don't know what Brian did that day but maybe he had other priorities that he couldn't cancel..I know from the Monkees fiasco that happened a couple months ago that this type of thing happens from time to time..

Man, I love when we speak the truth. ;)

When stuff like that comes up, your people put out a press release. It stops all the guessing. Unless, we think they are lying. ;)

If Brian really doesn't want to do a full reunion with a tour or a recording, it would still be nice for  him to acknowledge the anniversary with a few joint public appearances such as this one or at the Grammys.  It just would look better and even if they don't put out a new album, some publicity for the anniversary could help back catalog sales or repackaging.

Exactly - there is a simple approach to every possible scenario, here, regardless of what Brian or anyone else wants or doesn't want.

Why, indeed. Brian, BTW, has been working very hard promoting the new box set release, which you wouldn't even know it existed if you recently attended one of Mike's shows. The "band" clearly wants to just keep doing what they're comfortable doing, so why shouldn't Brian? The other guys need Brian a lot more than he needs them nowadays.

  :thumbsup

The Beach Boys name will sell more than anything put out solo by any of the individuals. BWPS may be the one exceptiion in a 50 year career. Too, Brian makes a lot of money off what Mike comfortably does. It is done that way by agreement of which Brian is also a part of.

I don't buy the "Brian's vision" line either. Not as the whole story. How many times on this board has someone written something along the lines of (myself included) "Yes, Brian needed the band to help realize his vision.  Those songs required the lovely, complex group harmonies to really flourish.  He needed a confident front man like Mike to go out there and sell it to the audience.  And of course, as Brian's personal problems caught up to him, the rest of the band had to pick up the slack--first in terms of their live performances and eventually in terms of the songwriting/arrangements too"? ..... Just isolate that sentence and think about it for a moment. That line represents a sizable chunk of what the Beach Boys are and I don't see the logic of stating such and then going, yeah, yeah, well, sure, but, but.... it's all about Brian's vision! Hell, we all have visions and grand schemes and plans and great novels we'd love to write, great movies we'd love to direct, classic albums we'd like to write and produce, but we can't do it all on our own. Brian had vision but he also had a lot of motivation fostered upon him by the other Beach Boys. He had these guys who's voices blended so wonderfully, he had a Chuck Berry obsessed, guitar playing little brother, he had a cocky/confident lead singer in Mike who had the nerve to put himself out in front, he had Dennis who somehow managed to learn to bash the drums very well seemingly overnight. he had Al, not even a relation, but who somehow sounded liked he belonged in harmony with the others, he had Mike (and others) providing lyrics and the narrative/emotional identity for a great number of the songs: in other words he had a band! Give these guys their due.

I'm pretty sure POB outsold some late 70s BB releases of the time, at least by some measures. The "Beach Boys", BTW, haven't released an album of original new material in nearly two decades, so it's difficult to test your theory. I'm not so sure a Mike-led album of new "BB" material would outsell something like Lucky Old Sun, actually...

In reading this about attending awards ceremonies, I am recalling what George Harrison said to his wife toward the end of his life when she said he should go and accept a "very important" award;     "let them find another monkey"


maybe BW just wants everybody to find another monkey......

Exactly. Brian is higher profile to the record-buying public than the Beach Boys, at least right now.

I don't know Brian's numbers, but I doubt he sold all that much. At this point his music, except maybe BWPS,  is pretty much a niche market. To any single Brian solo album, I'll bet The Beach Boys TSS sold better. The point is, is that The Beach Boys name is a bigger market draw than Brian's name alone. Of course Brian will be a higher profile, as he is the only one releasing new material since 1998.

No but Dennis' 2008 POB Legacy reissue did outsell TLOS that year...and charted higher in the UK than any Brian solo release other than BWPS. It also (again) outsold the only BB's release within a year of it...Summer Love Songs. So Dennis as a solo artist outsold the BB's in '77/78 and again  in 2008/2009.

Let Brian try to play and sell out as many gigs as the Beach Boys do in a year. It won't happen.  Brian doesn't object to collecting the 20% of the tour royalties he gets while those guys go out there and work hard doing over 100 plus gigs a year that the public is happy to go see under the Beach Boys name.  While Brian once did a show a few years ago in a large theater where less than 20% of the house was filled.  I know, because I was there.

I say that knowing that the product that the touring Beach Boys puts out can vary widely in quality.  I saw them one time and the line up was not a good one, Mike had laryngitis, and they were pretty bad.  But the crowd loved them.  I've seen Brian shows that were really good and ones that were so-so, but they all were relatively small shows with Brian enthusiasts.  Neither the Beach Boys or Brian can sell based on material that's less than over 40 years old. 

I know some people think those of us who thought it would have been nice for Brian to show up to the California HOF are being ridiculous, but some of the people here are acting like those Beach Boys who did show up were somehow dishonoring Brian for doing so, or that they didn't deserve to be there.  It's good they were there even if Brian was not, for whatever his reasons were.  Maybe he's still thinking about the reunion and didn't want to let the cat out of the bag too soon or face press questions. 

A voice of sanity! One of precious few in this thread.

Sure.  Any of us could score dozens of top forty hits and come up with timeless, critically acclaimed works of art if we just had a talented band behind us to help make it happen.   ::)  If some give the rest of the Boys short shrift, it seems that others are intent on resentfully undercutting Brian's accomplishments.  As I stated, Brian got a lot of help over the years, not just from the band but also from his other songwriting collaborators and all of the talented session musicians involved--none of this should be lightly dismissed.  Obviously, he wasn't magically making it all happen by himself, but in my view, Brian's writing/arranging/producing talents were the one truly indispensable component in this equation and the notion that they could have even gotten off the ground, much less have thrived without him is ludicrous.  (And before you say "Kokomo", that hit never would have happened if they weren't already major stars selling the sound that Brian played such a large role in developing.)

The genius of Brian is that he combined the music he liked with the different styles of music his peers, and created a totally new sub-genre of rock/pop.

I'm not (nor does anyone else seem to be) trying to undercut Brian's accomplishments. Brian has been praised, honored, awarded to high heaven. His legacy is secure for all-time. However this legacy should NOT come at the expense and dismissal of the other Beach Boys. Record making is a collaboration whether Brianistas like it or not. And the Beach Boys certainly were a collaborative entity. YES, Brian was the main guy, but he was not the only guy.

Also, it's not necessary to point to the Beach Boys chart success (while shrugging off Kokomo) as the only point that matters. The Velvet Underground are in the R&R hall or fame and they had no chart success whatsoever in their existence. Lou Reed wrote all songs but no one insults Moe, John, Sterling, Doug and claims they don't deserve a shred of the band's legacy. Why the Beach Boys get this merda tossed at them truly boggles my mind.

25%. BRI is a 4-way split: Brian, Mike, Alan & Carl's estate.

What about Dennis' estate?

or maybe he mistankingly thought he was in the Monkees instead of the Beatles..I would get the two confused as well,especially if I was in one of them... :lol

I am sure this has been explained 100 times

Yeah, it's coming back to me slowly

Ha!!
It is Christmas!!

Lets roll it back a little bit so we can fight some more.

This isn't about the reunion... this is about the Beach Boys being honored at a pretty important event and us wondering why Brian couldn't be bothered to show up. 

Who said he could not be bothered?

He did not show up, so if that is bothered, what is not bothered? If he was supposed to show and something happened, they would have put out a release and said so.

No big deal Brian didn't show up. He's been under no obligation to show up at anything Beach Boys related since, what, 1965?

Maybe he's aware that he's the icing on this reunion cake. Al, Mike, Dave & Bruce can glam up for all the parties they care to attend but what'll really turn heads is when BW walls in the room and brings the whole thing together. So he's just biding his time - the reunion don't start until Brian says it's started.

I seem to remember Mike + Bruce didnt show up in Hawthorne for the ceremony..!!!!!!!!!!...Also a number of years ago there was a route 66 award presented to BB and Mike + Bruce were the only ones to show up for award in San Bernadino Ca..At this late date in their careers i dont think its required for all of them to show up unless its on TV..IMHO..

Yup, and THEN..... none of them show up, lol. 

Without Brian they are not the Beach Boys.

If they could get up onstage all over the world to ecstatic crowds and kick ass for most of the past 50 years as the Beach Boys minus Brian, they are indeed....... The Beach Boys!

"Brian Wilson is the Beach Boys, We are his messengers"-Dennis Wilson.

Brian thinks they're the Beach Boys.  He doesn't seem to have a problem cashing the checks "The Beach Boys" mail him after they go out and tour all the retirement homes.  You can't lump ownership on Brian when he himself shirks it. 

Pete Best sued Brian????   :o

Brian, wrote most of the songs arranged and produced them, he used session musicians for a lot of the tracks and singers (the Beach Boys) even then some of the best singing was Brian's. The Beach Boys grew as performers by what Brian pushed them to do. Whether Beach Boyistas like it or not Brian was as much or more a solo act than many solo acts. How many solo acts write, sing, arrange and produce? I agree music is nearly always collaborative. Did Henry Mancini play all the instruments on his albums? Did Burt Bacharach sing all of his songs? What would Beethoven have done without musicians? Of course the Beach Boys were needed and anyone with ears can tell that they could sing well and when Brian stepped back they made some pretty good music with and without Brian, they also went on to make some that I find really lacking in character, colour and originality.

"There is a war between the rich and poor,
a war between the man and the woman.
There is a war between the left and right,
a war between the black and white,
a war between the odd and the even.

Why don't you come on back to the war, pick up your tiny burden,
why don't you come on back to the war, let's all get even,
why don't you come on back to the war, can't you hear me speaking"

I think that the key here is that there is no 2011 beach boys reunion without Brian. Al Jardine rejoining the beach boys probably wouldn't cut it for the Grammy organisers or for the press

No, but he's been calling press conferences lately complaining about your lack of wit on this board  :p

I'm confused does this mean David Sued the Beatles? if so did Mike Love sue himself? and if so did he win? why did Pete Best sue Brian? was it because the beach boys released an album called "the best of the beach boys?" it's so confusing..Did a lady named Sue  sue Johnny cash for singing "A boy named sue"? I just don't understand..

 ???

Anybody want to guess a possible set-list? For instance, do you believe there might be some SMiLE material to help promote the recent box set?

Might be hard to not include Kokomo in any FULL concert set list… has Brian ever sung that with the BBs band?

 
Yes he has, but I can't remember when or where.

I don't take Dennis Wilson's quote as gospel.  Dennis was being too humble in terms of his own contribution, as an inspiration if nothing else.  Brian would have not made the magic of the Beach Boys without his brothers, cousin, and friends.  I thnk he'd say that himself.  It was being in the right place at the right time with the right people.

For all the dislike people have of "Kokomo," I recall Brian was very upset at the time that he wasn't able or allowed to sing on the original record.  He liked the song.

Yawn!

Brianista's simply are insatiable in their praise for the man. Deserved praise, of course, but it gets silly. All the praise and love in the world can get heaped on the guy but they still feel the need to sit back and remind everyone nonstop for eternity that it was all Brian, blah blah, it is so tiresome. Look, in rock and roll, who wrote what is NOT the only reason we like who/what we like. The Beatles have as much to do with the SOUND of those guys playing together, the creative little things Ringo did on the drums etc, just as much as Lennon/McCartney wrote everything! Yes, Brian wrote so much good stuff, arranged it, (I don't agree all the best singing was Brian) BUT I dare venture that most of why we love The Beach Boys has to do with the sound of their individual and joined voices, as much as their personalities, the drama, and what the songs are about: yes, the lyrics matter, and Mike wrote a lot of them, as did Brian and others. I also don't allow chart success to dictate what songs/era/band members are of importance. My favorite damn album is Holland, so label me a Boyista: go for it. I'm all the better for it. Brian is great and is a musical genius and is enshrined forever as such in the books. This sore winner thing is pathetic. Let's leave such merda for the scholars and music professors in stuffy classrooms.

It sounds like he's singing it on the Hallmark live cd that came out a few years ago.  Either Brian's singing, or somebody with a shrill, out of key voice is singing in the harmony the entire time. 

OOOOHHH I WANNA TAKE YA!!!!!!

It's amazing the degree of reading comprehension problems some exhibit on this board.  Let me help - Go back to Jon's post on songs David could have claimed a writer's credit on and start over.  Read s-l-o-w-l-y.

If you' and Awesoman are still confused, email me and I'll spell it out for you in great detail.  Apparently this simple analogy contrasting famous rock 'whiners' and those who conduct themselves with dignity is too difficult  a concept for you two.

The real question is are you guys in some 'bald men who always wear hats club' and worship Mike Love as your leader?  :hat

Yes..he is our leader from the mother ship..we have been sent to warn people of the  plan to take over the world by Donald Trumps hair ..BALD MEN UNITE!!!!

It doesn't take a "Brianista" to come to the conclusion that y'all are making a mountain out of a molehill here. Mike and David, etc seem to be having a good time in those pics and are getting plenty of recognition regardless of whether Brian is there. I could turn around and start a thread complaining about the fact that a huge box set has been released under the Beach Boys name, yet the "band" touring with that name is doing nothing to promote it in their concert appearances. Can anyone confirm that it has even been mentioned on stage since 11/1/11? Maybe before performing Good Vibrations? We could spend all day getting our feathers ruffled about this perceived slight or that perceived slight, but what's the point? They all seem to be OK doing what they're doing, and saving the excitement of a "reunion" for the right moment.

That's a very good point, but then what are we all supposed to talk about here on SS?  :p

But Mike, Al, Bruce are all over the promotional vids for Smile. That's at least something, BUT it would be pretty cool for them to maybe be playing something live at least.

Al doesn't tour enough to do Smile material and what songs on Smile do Mike & Bruce sing lead on? They do sing Good Vibrations. ;) This to any of our friends in the U.K. and the rest of Europe: Do Mike & Bruce play Heroes and Villains when they tour there?

They do. Or at least they did this year.

Hmmmmmm, they could at least do Mrs. O' Leary's Cow!  :lol

Included due to the (then) forthcoming box, I understand.

A shrewd move on their part. But pleasant nonetheless.

Still trying to sort all this out, but I do know that in December 1970 Dirk sued Stig and Nasty, Barry sued Dirk, Nasty sued Stig and Barry, and Stig sued himself accidentally!

For the type of show that they do, besides the two songs I mentioned there is only maybe two songs that they could add; Wonderful and Vega-Tables. The rest would kind of be out of place.

Of course Brian's sung it, he played with the touring band a handful of times between the song's release and Carl's death. He's also on the Spanish language studio recording.

Of course Brian's sung it, he played with the touring band a handful of times between the song's release and Carl's death. He's also on the Spanish language studio recording.
[/quote]

I have always wondered how Brian was allowed to be a part of Kokomo on the Spanish version. Was Landy allowed to be  a co/writer or producer as Mike claimed he demanded on the Endless Harmony documentary?

 :lol
I knew it   :lol

Yawn!

Disagree with what i say rather than what you think I say. The fact that i don't think so highly of a lot of the Beach Boys lyrics and my favourite album is definitely not Holland might have something to do with our different perspectives.

My apologies for misreading that part of your reply.

We can agree that it is all about perspective. From our individual perspectives, where we are coming from makes sense. The fact that Brian wrote so much of their classic stuff and sang so many great leads from that era, does not in and of itself dictate that myself nor anyone else must feel that he is deserving of The Beach Boys legacy over the other members hands-down, no argument! For someone like myself, who's favorite albums are Holland, and who loves MIU, LA, Kokomo: there is a slightly different perspective at work. I think it pays to understand and consider that there are fans who share other perspectives than yours (or better yet, share both perspectives) and it is easy to see how the rattling off of Brian's accomplishments as proof against a conflicting perspective can be tiresome.

Did someone say the Olympic Games??

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/dec/14/beach-boys-reunion-rumours-resurface?newsfeed=true

Next up, Al Jardine reveals that The Beach Boys may reunite for a concert on the moon.

In transit as we speak.. to Mars

Ground control to Major mike

Been there, done that. LA 84 for the athletes gig. Spoke to one years ago who was there and said it was great.

London? Sorry Al. I'll eat Mikes hat if it happens.

What I like about it, is that Al does think in big terms. Not just county fairs or something but really big events. That would be fitting for the Beach Boys. If it will happen is another thing

Why does Al feel the need to jump the gun..

It seems the whole thing is in very early stages yet he's out there yapping to Rolling Stone

Maybe there's an agenda we're not aware of.

In 2006 Al said that they would play the Pet Sounds album in it's entirety. Of course no one knew about that but after the rooftop reunion at least Al got to join Brian for the Pet Sounds tour. So, maybe there actually is an agenda

Al reminds me of a lot of modern day rappers.  They're constantly stating all these projects they're working on, they've got this album coming out, they're in the studio with so and so, and then nothing ever comes out.  In rap, it happens constantly.  Dr. Dre's been working on 1 album for 10 years now.  He's been saying for 10 years this album is coming out.  So on and so on.

It's fascinating, I think they probably talk about a lot of ideas and come up with a lot of creative stuff, but don't get into the business and money details of it, so it never happens.

So perhaps, Al just repeats what's been knocked around a little bit, before any of the business or money details have been hammered out.  He's said in the past you know they're going to do do 50 dates or even more, there's no way in HELL Brian is going to get on stage with those guys more than a handful of times, it's just not going to happen. 

Care to lay a small wager ?  :)

Now I have faith something is going to happen

Sounds even more like The Beach Boys than those rappers  ;)

I'd be game, how many dates are we talking and what would the wager be?  Essentially I'd be betting against something cool happening though, that might not be a good idea. 

And yet, there is always the slight possibility that Al Jardine may actually know something that we don't. 

Must be a b!tch trying to put this thing together. It's pretty much been a Mike project for the last dozen plus years. Bookings, negotiations etc. Now it appears to have grown again which could be why nothing has been announced.

Remember this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRwu-wItxA4

Promoters, insurance companies and anyone else putting up money must surely be wary given not only Brian's BB touring history but the fact Mike, Al, Brian and Bruce will all be in their 70s next year. If Dave is involved his health may also be of concern plus Bruce had a by-pass several years ago.

Interesting times.

One, why "if"... and two, I'd wager that David right now is probably healthier than at least two or the others.

.

One more 'if' to go with, if the reunion happens, if Brian is involved, if Brian knows about it yet. Until we read a official announcement it is all speculation.

Al's original quote from July 2010 was 'Jardine tells Rolling Stone the lineup will include himself, Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston and possibly even early guitarist David Marks.'

That's a 'if' to me.

Great news if Dave is still healthy, as covered in Jon's book, and he is included in any plans. We here are some of his biggest supporters.

The reunion will happen...

Brian will be involved...

Brian does know about it...

Why am I so sure ? Combination of reading what everyone's been saying, reading between those lines, historians intuition, gut feeling and a light frosting of sentimental hope.

I agree it'll happen, and I think David will be a part of it too, I'm just speculating that Brian won't do more than 5 or 6 dates with them.  I hope I'm wrong, though. 

I don't think it is going to work like that. This is going to be treated like a special event and whatever is planned, 10 shows or 50 shows, whoever is involved at the onset will be involved at the end. Bigger venues, ticket sales, etc. will all hinge on the full participation of everyone.

Then 5 or 6 shows will be planned.  Brian's not going to sign on for 50 shows. I hope I'm wrong. 

I forget where I read it ,Brian (Landy) Bio maybe, but the BBs in the early 80s were contracted to being 5 members hence when Carl went solo, Brian got the call.

That sort of arrangement may still be required. For many years later they were a 4 piece. That may be one option to consider if you are talking a major tour as suggested by Al. Brian could sit in when he wants to but is not committed to say 100 plus shows.

So perhaps we are looking at Mike, Al, Bruce, David and Brian (select dates). A reasonable line-up that would be of interest to promoters.

Total speculation here btw.

Brian has done plenty of fairly long tours over the last 12 years. He'll do what he is contractually committed to do. As Brian has stated recently, money is a motivator. Maybe Brian is down to his last million. ;)

I wish I had that problem!

Sure he'll tour solo, but he won't tour with those guys for months on end.  He said, point blank, on a few different occassions recently, that he doesn't like working with them.  It doesn't get much more cut and dry than that.  I guess if they threw enough money at him he would, but we've got to be honest, how much money is really going to be in a tour for this?  The Beach Boys have already been touring for 50 years, they probably played a Casino last night. 

I think a better question poses:

Will a reunion with the surviving Beach Boys be any good?

Funny you should mention a Casino Ron. New Years Eve, 50 years to the evening of their first gig.

http://thundervalleyresort.com/Entertainment

All class! :thud

There may have been some sort of arrangement in the past regarding how many “official” members had to be in attendance at a show. But those rules certainly don’t apply anymore if the current touring lineup is any indication. The Beach Boys’ corporation simply licenses the use of the name out to whatever entity they want to, in this case the Mike/Bruce group.

I’d have to think Brian would need to be involved in any “reunion” shows, because he’s the main thing making this a “reunion”, the main thing making this different to promoters than simply the Mike/Bruce band with Al and maybe David added. No offense to Al or David, but the masses going to “Beach Boys” shows often don’t know any of the names, and the media’s angle would have to revolve more around Brian rejoining the band. As I said, no offense to Al or David. If anything, Al is probably the key voice in the whole reunion project, and David would probably be the most prominent member in terms of actual musicianship. Brian and Bruce’s keyboard work would be secondary, and Al is a fine guitarist but usually doesn’t figure prominently into the mix at shows.

The fact that Brian is the big “get’ of the reunion is also, I would guess, maybe a small part of the reason we haven’t seen Brian join in on a few of these semi-reunion appearances (the Reagan thing early this year, the hall of fame thing recently). It seems like they are saving an actual unveiling of the full remaining group appearing in public and actually singing together for some sort of a big event, apparently possibly the grammys.

I’m curious how they are going to handle things if they do an actual full-length tour as opposed to one show or a small group of shows. Wouldn't the Mike/Bruce touring band already have tour bookings for some shows in 2012? Would they cancel some of those shows? Would the Mike/Bruce band do shows intermittently during the “reunion” tour? Would the “reunited” group take those bookings? Wouldn’t a “reunited” group be able to get better/bigger bookings? I’ve long wondered what the “post-reunion” situation would be. That is, assuming they don’t all tour together for the remainder of the Beach Boys’ “career”, do they do a “2012 Reunion Tour”, and then after that just go back to Mike/Bruce? I’d have to think that anything beyond a few “reunion” shows would involve a lot of planning and discussions about what a reunion means for the future of Mike’s own touring operation.

I'm impressed with the remake of Do It Again. Mike and Brian sound really good on that bad boy. Sounds like 2012 will be the year of The Beach Boys. So glad to see David involved and a Beach Boy again. 50 dates for the international tour. Who said Brian would do only 5, Ron? ;) When they decide what cities on the east coast is part of the tour, we should all meet up and have one helluva good time. :)

HeyJude - You've got to consider the possibility that Mike is considering retiring after the reunion tour.  I know a lot of people think Mike has no scruples or class at all left in his body, but I could, believe it or not, see Mike retiring when Brian retires from the Beach Boys.  That sounds very Mikish to me.  You've got to remember Mike THINKS he's an honorable person, he might get it in his mind that the honorable thing to show love and respect to Brian is to fold the band when Brian leaves this last time. 

I know that sounds COMPLETELY foriegn to a lot of people, but I see Mike as believing he's an honorable person.