The Smiley Smile Message Board

This thread is made in response to someone saying there are too many Mike Love-related topics. Can't say I necessarily disagree. So now is your chance to share your thoughts on Beach Boy Bruce Johnston.

He makes me want to wear shorts.

He is against to all things peaceful and nonviolent

I don't care what y'all say, Tears In The Morning is wondrous.

cutesy and docile as hell

I always intend on skipping it when I (frequently) play Sunflower, but I always end up singing along like an idiot. It's a GREAT vocal!!!

Bruce Johnston was the Zodiac

But what about Juice Bronston?!?

ummmmm.......

(http://s12.postimg.org/bkzalnlbt/zodiac.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/bkzalnlbt/)

Seems like a nice, honest guy, whose voice vaa held up really well. I'm a fan.

he's a jerk.

You're a stupid head.

All I can say is that he is the "ston" in Wilojarston Publishing, and schmooze, personified.

(http://s12.postimg.org/bkzalnlbt/zodiac.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/bkzalnlbt/)
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.spinner.com/media/2012/05/bruce-johnston-200-051112.jpg)

Coincidence?

I think not.

Should we call in Robert Graysmith???

The BJ song
Pre marital sex is bad
I do not approve
I sing with the beach boys
but i dont have a groove
if you see me on the street
just stay away,
I'll treat you like meat
for mike i'm gay

It's too bad Bruce was never a featured dancer in a Michael Jackson music video.

:lol Love it! :lol

go troll somewhere else, smile brian.

No point, Johnston has the perfect alibi.

He was writing Going Public at the time.

(http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z353/SupremeKingDan/JuiceBronston_zps1533e81d.jpg)

That's worth at least four mic stand adjustments and two awkward claps! Bravo.

 :lol :lol :lol

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-rDblvkk9Q/T8_eYJRZGdI/AAAAAAAAEfI/FclNGeDKTiM/s640/beach+boys+memorial+day+2012+by+chuck+005.jpg)

Never accept a ride from Bruce Johnston. He considers hitchhiking a form of creeping socialism and will make you read to him from the Weekly Standard as he drives in circles berating your pronunciation.

This is becoming one creepy thread.

norbit

Should come with label: WARNING: DO NOT MENTION REAGAN. MENTIONING REAGAN CAN CAUSE JOHNSTON TO OVERHEAT, CAUSING A MALFUNCTION IN HIS SMILE APPARATUS AND RENDERING IT USELESS. APPROACH ALL OTHER TOPICS WITH CAUTION.

Time to class things up...

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

Nobody's gonna talk about that mustache lookin' thing he had on his lip in the late 60's/early 70's?

The Macca of The Beach Boys.

(http://s15.postimg.org/ghukypb0r/Untitled_1.png)

He's very historical

‍

norbit

That's EuroBruce

(http://i351.photobucket.com/albums/q476/marcus1970/November1968.jpg)

Kinda makes him look a bit...
(http://www.makeupandmonsters.com/IMAGES/PROJECTS/MANONTHEMOON/1.jpg)

It's still more justified than the Tom Hanks thread.

There was a thread dedicated to it a few years back. We racked up quite a few pages on the topic believe it or not.

The mustache gives me a theory that Bruce left the Beach Boys in 1972 to become a porn star.

I have that video of Pipeline on repeat. I just wish he still had the moustache...

12-minute Pipeline:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxqvvwIeSkA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxqvvwIeSkA)

norbit

dammit what

Bruce has to be one of the luckiest people on the planet.  I don't think he's all that talented.  His songs are unbelievably cheesy (Tears in the Morning is awful, a black mark on Sunflower).  I don't even think he sings all that well.  He had what one lead in the entire C50 show?  Total lackey.  He is one reason why at times it is embarrassing to be a Beach Boys fan.  I wish him no ill will though.  

Bruce Johnston wrote pipeline about his love of interracial sex

norbit

I dunno: the guy managed to learn the bass guitar in, what, a couple days? And well enough to play the full Beach Boys set and sing well and hit those high notes..... Worth a note of praise or two, I think... Plus, he seems to have been genetically engineered to be a Beach Boy.

Pipeline is linked to cosmos, so in a sense you are right.

He also sang the background vocals on Pink Floyd's "The Wall"

:h5 :pirate :rock :happydance :woot :woot :thumbsup

He kills on the Pipeline vid.

Wendy' 2 songs become 1?

I was always amazed how a keyboard player like Bruce could learn how to play bass on a pro level in a few days... Till I learned that he was a capable electric guitarist before that. Still impressive though.

Don't they all eventually?   >:D

Give it another page before it becomes a Hate-Mike Fest!   :lol
 :p

Never! We're too busy crankin' Pipeline.

 ... he thinks Gina Rinehart is sensible ...

norbit

Like this:

(http://s23.postimg.org/o30ejypvf/i4thwder.png)

norbit

Yes, despite the fact he responded to your question in a comprehensible manner with letters he combined into words on his keyboard, he clearly cannot read.

He's a fantastic backing vocalist if not really the greatest lead singer.  He really added a lot to the blend during 1965-71.  He had a great presence on the Sunflower album.  I don't know if he really added much when he came back besides stepping in as producer and trying to keep the band together, they weren't the same band anymore though.  I do like "Endless Harmony" and "She Believes In Love Again" though.  During the 50th anniversary, I don't think he added much except that I'm glad he was there along with Dave to make the Beach Boys a five piece group as they began.  But that's pretty much all he's been for the past 25 years, just an extra man, particularly with Mike's touring band where his presence helps sort of authenticate it as a Beach Boys show.  Not that it's a bad thing, it's cool he's there, he seems to enjoy it, he just doesn't add that much to it.

I dig Deirdre.

Totally agree. And his songs are pretty good too. I really love Disney Girls, as well as some of his early surf stuff.

don't be cheeky, ya know what i meant.

Can someone refresh my memory of how the "Historical" nickname got started?

Hey could not be any less Beachy

(http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/33500000/Bruce-Johnston-the-beach-boys-33556394-424-640.jpg)

He nails his part on 'California Girls'

I'd actually really like to hear the 2012 version of She Believes In Love Again.

He dislikes Friends and for that reason I kinda dislike him.

It's the shorts

He certainly qualifies as a "guy at a country club near the beach type-person"

The shorts, dear lord, the shorts!

Little known fact:

Bruce is now the king of Australia thanks to his sons marriage

I asked the same thing a few months ago. Something about the word 'Johnston' being translated to 'Historical' during a search on a Japanese web page from memory.

Bruce is the one I never have gotten a handle on. He seems to be aloof and approachable, kind and cruel, artistic and cheesy. Really just unpredictable and I never would have thought he would pick touring with Mike over Brian, but then again he changed the most by the eighties.

That's the Beach Boys in 6 words. :3d

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9LFarvJt7E

Honestly, That's a pretty good song.

I take that back, it's terrible.

Too late. Shady = #1 Going Public fan

I've been called a lot of things in my time but that might be the worst

It's a very credible Elton John rip off.

Huh?, that ain't me....

Really bad Elton John, not Yellow Brick road Elton John.

The "Here comes the night" disco remix is making a lot more sense to me right now

i think everybody here would respect him a lot more if he died in 1969 and joined the 27 Club. JUST SAAAAAAYIN

That's... dark.  And hypothetically would have probably taken the Beach Boys story in a whole different direction.

wouldn't you love to see Brucie's face next to Jimi et al. in those cheesy kitsch paintings

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,13542.msg293650.html#msg293650

norbit

A world without Disney Girls, I shudder.

Dying of laughter on that... thanks for the link!

Me too! Always showing off his 70 year old legs... *throws up in nearby toilet*

Sick puppy! Seriously, wtf? sh*t like this that makes me like coming here less and less. Not funny!

The more Gertie posts, the more I'm convinced she's a troll

norbit

I never said that, I said I was the mastermind of the situation. So you don't know the true identity of SIP Mike and Juice Bronston.

norbit

Haha, keep thinking that.

norbit

As before, keep thinking that... ;D

norbit

Bruce is pretty cool usually.

Ever since I got Goin Public on vinyl, I've been a bigger fan of it. Though it's kinda lumpy in places, I'd say 80% of it I enjoy.

If Wont Somebody Dance was taken off and ten years of harmony was on there, it might just be a better album.

You know what I hate?  I hate how the disco remix gets brought up, because it's become a legend about how bad Bruce is.

It was what it was.  for what it was, it wasn't bad.  Yeah it's a fuckin' disco track but what were you expecting?  IT'S DISCO, PEOPLE.



I'd bet money, good money, that some of the people who talk about how shitty that song is have never heard it. 

Late 60's early 70's, Bruce seemed to display a gift for writing well-crafted, if cheesy, pop songs. But how many songs has he written in the 43 years since Surf's Up? 6 or 7? And has he written anything at all in the last 25 years?

Is he just a flash in the pan? Is it laziness? Lack of ambition? The guy was the arranger on a top 10 record as a 16 year old, was a producer at 18, and was producing, arranging, playing keys and singing on million selling records as a sideline while still in college. What happened to all that drive?

It's a good question.  He has lost his muse, clearly.  I wish we all lived in the old USSR, perhaps we could um... 'convince' him to write again.  It is frustrating seeing these guys who you know are great, not even TRY to write anything.  I think Mike, and Bruce, are both extremely talented songwriters, they spend about 10 hours a day together apparently, but yet never write anything.  Huh?  What the hell is that all about? 

Some people write, I think, just because they enjoy it. 

Some people are great at writing, but write because they enjoy other people making it a big hit. 

So I think Bruce knows, no matter how great a song he writes, it's not going to be a hit so why bother?  People like, oh hell Marty Stuart, or honestly any number of lesser known singers or songwriters write ALL THE TIME, hoping for a hit, but not really caring, beacuse they just enjoy writing. 

Bruce likely doesn't enjoy writing simply for the sake of writing.  Really nobody in the band did, though... Brian desperately wants all his stuff to be a big hit.  Maybe Dennis was the most 'honest' songwriter, but I'm not that familiar with his writings or his mindset about them. 

When he was young, he was probably working hard to get his name out there. He wanted to be somebody.

Then, he made it to The Beach Boys and he kind of accomplished his goals. He produced, he arranged, he wrote some songs, and he's been a part of numerous albums. He probably feels like he's done what he set out to do.

That's all conjecture, of course.

I like the disco version because it's ballsy. It's not like "Miss You" which was a Stones song with a disco beat, "Here Comes the Night" is a 10 minute disco opus. It's just so over the top that it deserves respect.

Definately could be.  We always have to remember, too, when he was young he didn't have a family, etc... and as he's gotten older, now he does.  Certainly in almost everybody's life their family is most important, so I think once you have kids, it's quite possible to be content with that and gaining respect and fame and recognition through songwriting or whatever isn't as important to you as it once was.  

The worst thing about it (to me) is the fact it's so long. I wouldn't really mind it if it were 2-3 minutes.

It's just strange to me that it holds this mythically bad status, and guys there are HORRIBLE Beach Boys songs out there, I mean there's dozens of songs worse than this one. 

"you think that's bad?  LISTEN TO THIS!!!!!"

lol

There was a HUGE commercial push to get that single and album out there...tons of merch and radio ads. Once people heard how the song DID NOT live up to the hype, the negative reaction was sort of enhanced by all dat hype.

That makes sense... but hell they have HITs that are worse than that song.  Barbara Ann.  Rock n' Roll Music.  God awful songs. 

This thread, yes?
http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,15868.msg384195.html#msg384195

Get your facts straight Gertie J.. Billy said nothing about SMiLE Brian and Juice Bronston being one and the same person. And the reason is: they aren't. We know who's behind the Bronston and SIP Mike joke accounts, and fyi it's not SMiLE Brian.

And while we're talking: I'm now also politely going to ask you to cool down a bit. Lately your replies towards others are not exactly uplifting. Most of your posts of the last couple of days are getting increasingly annoying, either derailing, or harsh remarks, and in most cases not contributing to a topic. Which makes your accusations of several other members being a troll even more remarkable…

norbit

Nothing wrong with disco per se as far as I'm concerned, in fact after the BB it's pretty much the only kind of pop music I'm truly interested in.

HCTN is not great by any means and it does sound somewhat forced, to my ears anyway. Still I agree it's "not bad" overall, for me it doesn't even disturb the flow on the Light Album. I rarely skip it.

I think Bruce did some great work in his early career and the Bruce and Terry compilation is excellent.

His songwriting for the group started well I think and The Nearest Faraway Place, Deirdre and Disney Girls are all strong songs.

From then on it became patchier but I like this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDXqI8XlnMs

I also think his songs for the Doris Day album show him to be a technically gifted craftsman.

It is a shame he hasn`t written more in recent years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAzvRZKju80

Love this performance. Starts @ 0:30.

SMiLE Brian + a few others decided to play along when those joke accounts occurred. So if S-B was to blame in any way, then there were more. Which is why we decided to close the topic.

Just what 'strailya needed ... King Bruce of 'strailya

this 'eres a wattle
the emblem of our land
this 'eres a microphon
ya move it with ya hand
this 'ere is Queenie Gina
she belongs in a dunny can

norbit

My conclusions were drawn from what I read in those topics. As I don't check someone else's personal messages for no reason, I can't verify or confirm what you just mentioned. What we (the moderators) did, was checking IP addresses, and S-B's IP wasn't linked to one of the joke accounts.

norbit

This has nothing to do with believing you or not. If you say he told you, fine, then we know that now. Btw, even if you apparently have a reason to do so, be careful with openly sharing personal/private messages. If you decide not keep those private, don't expect that others will keep your PM's private either.

And I now suggest that this topic goes back on-topic... if that's even possible at all (this one begs for being locked asap)

Bruce gave his father "the talk"

This is an excellent point.  I forget what thread it was on or who wrote it, but I remember reading someone saying that Bruce was at once the weirdest and least talented member of the band.  Perhaps he is the weirdest (or most difficult to figure out, anyway), but I think both his pre-Beach Boys work and the handful of songs he contributed between 20/20 and Surf's Up (with the exception of "Tears in the Morning") are evidence of his talent.  But then after his return at the end of the seventies, he began contributing bad or mediocre songs and encouraged some of the most embarrassing things that The Beach Boys ever did (the disco version of "Here Comes the Night" much less than, say, "Problem Child").

Which reminds me: maybe it's just ignorance on my part, but I've never been able to figure out how Bruce found his place in the hierarchy.  When Alan quit and returned in the early '60s, he was screwed over contractually by not being permitted to be a full-fledged band member until the early '70s, and even then didn't have as much clout in the band as any of the other original members.  Bruce joined in '65, took five years before he even got his first lead vocal on an album, and quit for most of the seventies, but when he returns he suddenly seems to have more clout than anyone except Mike Love.  How did that happen?

I guess Mike made that happen to strengthen his own position in the band. Bruce is his trusted henchman & sidekick until the present day, after all.

I understand Bruce's stuff can be an aquired taste and if you don't like his songs, fair enough. However to claim Bruce has little talent is baffeling, when he joined the band he was easily the most talented member of the group at that time after Brian. I do feel Bruce never pushed himself as much as he could have in the Beach Boys but then maybe he realised that no band can really handle six songwriters, (they'd simply implode) and chose to be more of a supporter.

Okay seriously, I've never heard "Going Public" and I don't care much for "surf music" except for what the BB's did.

Does anyone really recommend "Going Public"?

Not recommend it, no. Simply because it's pretty lame (but it's not bad, music-wise).

There is some pretty good stuff on it, alas there are also a couple of abominations on it too. Anyone who doesn't dislike Tears In The Morning should find some songs on it they'd like.

He's sort of the Beach Boy "Neil Sedaka" - with all the good and bad that that infers. Nowadays he's the Neil Sedaka PA system roadie...'little to the right...little to the left...a little up...that's right...'

I vaguely recall him writing something on the BBBritain around '04 or so, talking about moving to Nashville, writing more and pitching his songs to the Nashville community, etc. Did any of that ever happen? The song writing stuff I mean.

Agreed on him losing his mojo. Wealth has a way of squelching that 'drive' that every creative person has at the onset of their career.

He thinks the president of the USA is a socialist asshole: http://youtu.be/u5Ji6EsgLOQ (http://youtu.be/u5Ji6EsgLOQ)

"Obama? Unless you're interested in never having any money," said Johnston in a video clip when asked about the President. Johnston reportedly called Obama "an asshole" and suggested the president was a Socialist… "Wait until Obama doesn't have to try anymore," said Johnston. "You're f***ed."

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beach-boys-bruce-johnston-blasts-obama-20120511
 (http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beach-boys-bruce-johnston-blasts-obama-20120511)

No! completely devoid of any soul - I would recommend listening to this song though just as a warning against ever listening to the album - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJuVCs_z4bg&pxtry=2

and I like tears, deirdre, disney

Yeah, Ponghit, any creds I had left for Bruce Johnston after that little debacle were lost. And his vocals are less than stellar on a good day. Thought he did a good job on Disney Girls on the C50 tour CD, but his lead on Wendy sounded like a wretched old man. I'm truly amazed they included it on the CD. So what, Bruce had 2 or 3 leads on the C50 tour? The rest of the time he was standing there with one hand on the keyboard and the other adjusting the microphone stand. And when he wasn't doing that he was walking across the stage in his white shorts clapping and waving to the crowd. Actually, he wasn't walking across the stage much like he use to.

Anybody see that Youtube clip where Mike was standing there singing and Bruce came running up to him out of nowhere and stopped dead in his tracks, Mike looked at him funny like, "What are you doing here?" Then Bruce did an awkward 180 back to his spot behind the keyboard? What the hell was that? He looked like a little kid running up to his Dad holding an ice cream asking for a bite and getting rebuffed. Guess Bruce had a strong impulse that he wanted to be near Mike at that moment. Butt kisser.

To be fair, he sang quite a bunch of decent/beautiful parts in all kinds of tunes (GOK, FFF, GV, etc.) during the C50 (as he does with the Mike & Bruce show), plus his standard slot in the harmonies on many songs.

I agree with alot of what's been written here but a couple of things:

- It's absurd to say that Bruce Johnston is talentless. He is incredibly talented even if he hasn't really done much outside of touring in the last 20 years or so.

-I think I liked him because he always looked like such a nice, clean cut guy. Well, maybe he's clean cut, but he's not exactly nice (which I know from personal experience). Oh well.

- Around the time of KTSA or so (maybe it was part of the KTSA documentary), he says something about how he loves being a Beach Boy, but then goes on to say that that won't really be his legacy. Instead, his legacy will be his songwriting. And he said it kind of in a way that suggested he had only BEGUN to write that songs that would seal his legacy. What the HELL happened?? I really like SBILA, and one summer night - I even like Happy Days! But what happened to all the songs that he was supposedly going to write that would seal his legacy??

-Even though he dropped his dreams of being a songwriter (apparently), he still seemed to be very interested in the Beach Boys future and in keeping the Beach Boys current with new material and projects. Although it was ham-fisted and it failed, Bruce was instrumental in trying to get Sean O'Hagan on board in the mid-90s. That's not that long ago. There are several other examples of these efforts that Bruce made on behalf of the BBs throughout the year, but that seemed to completely evaporate after Carl died.

-This relates to my last point, but someone mentioned that Bruce sang BVs on The Wall (which I was aware of). The original idea was to get the BBs to do some Wall background vocal work. How AWESOME would that have been? I was more of a fan of The Wall in high school, and hardly ever listen to it now, but to take those voices and plaster them on a Pink Floyd records? That would have been uber, uber cool.

All in all, I like Bruce and am glad he's part the Beach Boys. I really like his voice, and the contributions he's made (although few). Woulda been cool if he ditched M&B and told Brian he wanted to record and tour with him, but I'd also like a million bucks, so....

Pick another example - Neil Sedaka is extremely, extremely talented - and has a huge backlog of fantastic material. I saw him in concert last December, and he didn't adjust his mic ONCE - so there!!!!!

Bruce had been well off even before he joined the BBs. ;)

This is one of my favorite BB clips. Look at Bruce's face after Al's comment. You can tell he's annoyed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Hvo5wXD1-sw&t=74

I can't remember which magazine it was in - a UK one with a review of the Live 50th album - but it had a great little anecdote from Bruce. He sat down next to Brian on the way to a gig - one of the European ones where they traveled together - got 4 inches away from his face and said "I know you're in there!", and Bruce claims Brian laughed "so hard".

That's . . . weird. Extremely weird. (Was he talking to 1965 Brian?)


But I guess you had to be there.

The moment with Bruce and Al around the mic, where Bruce's voice is flying away with him to unknown heights? ;) I don't read that as Bruce being annoyed, but rather humble about his vocal service to the new record. "It doesn't matter if I ruin my voice for this, it's a Beach Boys record!" :) Apart from that, it seems like a comfortable moment for both of them.

Early Bruce stuff is great, Surfers Pajama Party and Surfin' Round The World are a bit generic but I still like them. I really like the stuff he did with The Ripchords too and some of the songs he wrote for The Beach Boys - Nearest Faraway Place, Deidre, Disney Girls. Unfortunately after Disney Girls everything went somewhat downhill.

Yeah, this song rules!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNtCXJshZbg

Are you talkin about Doris Day's My Heart album?

I know he did Heaven Tonight (known on the boot market as Let's Visit Heaven Tonight, which Bruce's original version always reminded me of  80s porn music).
And I guess I didn't realize Happy Endings was written by Terry AND Bruce. I never thought much of that song when performed by the Beach Boys but when I heard Terry Melcher sing it, I turned into a sentimental sap! It sounds so heart breaking!
Of course Disney Girls is on there.

That just leaves The Way I Dreamed it and My Heart, which I've not heard either one.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Heart_(Doris_Day_album)

Yep.

These songs are undoubtedly sentimental and cheesy but they show his abilities as a songwriter. I agree completely that the versions of Heaven Tonight and Happy Endings are much better on this CD than the previously available versions.

Its odd we hear so much from and about the BB wives but never Mrs. Johnston. ::)

His son tours with them as help or something.

Sorry, that was my most pointless post to date

If only Bruce would write a song as good as that... once!

The only Bruce songs I like are Nearest Faraway Place (is it a song when nobody sings? It's a tune anyway) and Deirdre. Bruce's remarks on Obama though indicate he might be in fact an arrogant asshole. I wish him that he loses all his money.

The divine moment in last year's BB concert I attended was the moment Bruce answered Brian's "God only knows what I'd be without you" at the beginning of the tag, however. And in an interview he cracked a good joke on himself that his vision was so bad he can't tell whether there's an audience or if they just painted the chairs in different colors. :)

bruce's ex wife was harriet something. what else can be said..

Chiming in with my own opinions of Bruce Johnston: I think he has (or at least had) a wonderful singing voice and it blends well with anyone (I for one enjoy his and Carl's background vocals on LA). I also loved "Tears In The Morning" from the very first time I ever heard it because that is some fine white soul music on an emotional level. Also love "Deirdre", "Disney Girls" and "Nearest Faraway Place". I dislike Going Public but can honestly say that I have only heard it once all of the way through but I am positive my feelings for it will never change. I admire his physical likeness to Ernie (the muppet from Sesame Street). I disagree with his politics and wish he wouldn't voice them in public. I don't care for "I Write The Songs" but I think that Barry Manilow looks like a wax dummy who is starting to melt a bit and that makes me happy for some reason. Bruce also distanced himself from the group during the Smiley Smile period and Hawaii concerts and probably didn't fit in well with the other members personality-wise which is why they were always looking to replace him back in the day. It is very hard to call him a rock star because he is not really a recognized mega-star that is always on the front page of magazines and plus because the man simply could never actually rock himself ever. Please remind me, somebody, besides singing "Disney Girls" and "Wendy" on that C-50 tour did he actually do anything himself such as really play his keyboard or something? It didn't look like it at the concert I went to at all. As an upside, he was never been accused of stealing anybody's bicycle or ruining SMiLE.

Actually, his background vocals on Smile are quite nice. I love his vocals on Wonderful, especially.

I dig Bruce.

Super nice when I met him.

Managed to stay in the band for like 45 years not being a member of the family, submitting his own compositions and succeeding with a career of his own.

Superb keyboard player. Crafted musician and arranger. Solid songwriter notwithstanding how it all fits into the BBs canon. Capable of jumping into Al's pants and join America's band on hyper short notice. Solid as hell as a background singer, he blends with whomever, has a superb sense of pitch and rhythm. Seems like he never tried to put himself up front, seems to acknowledge the group's hierarchy and play by it.

Put his head into the lion's mouth and lived through it as he posted on the Male Ego board for like a couple of years. His reply to a poster requesting that Bruce let him know when M&B would play at a supermarket opening is among the finest BB-related quotes ever.

Now, would someone please relate the origin of the pistol-whipping comments?

Do you mind sharing?

I'm sure other people remember the exact quote. I'll paraphrase:

-Hey Bruce! Will Mike and you end up playing at supermarket openings?
-I don't know. I know we'll play at your funeral.

You don't mess with Brucie. He'll give ya Tears In The Morning (and in afternoon, and in the evening...).

The dark side of Bruce

Talk about good vibrations.... ::)

Genius!

Are you saying that Bruce reminds you one of the members of the group called Ian & The Zodiacs? I didn't get your point, tbh.

For the record, Bruce is a talented keyboard player/arranger (the latter is mostly notable in his solo career) & the owner of quite a pleasant voice. I'm glad that he sang At My Window, it fits the childlike mood of the song. Before joining The Beach Boys, he (co-)wrote many good songs - with Terry (Bruce & Terry, The Rip Chords) or while doing solo. "Surfin' Round the World" is a masterwork of 1963 year. And not only. Within The BBs (and post), he sort of changed his style direction & began to write sentimental tunes, the best of them being Deirdre, it's in one league with Brian's top material. Also, I liked his idea of turning Here Comes the Night into disco. The vocs are great there! His producing skills leave much to be desired, however. Average engineering & vocal mixing, esp. in KTSA. As for "Going Public", it's got several good songs on it e.g. Rock & Roll Survivor. It's disappointing but could be much worse imo.

That being said, I'm not fond of his character, from what I've seen in various videos & read in the articles/message boards. He's rude & very strange, you never know what focuses expect from him. One time he praises Brian & in other cases - badmouths his music. Though of course, he went to London & advertised Pet Sounds to the Beatles Paul and John. That was a nice move from him.

Today's Bruce is a lazybones, for mysterious reasons. He contributes very little on stage. It often seems he doesn't hit the notes on keyboard. Notwithstanding Bruce's voice still sounds decent, he chooses to sing occasionally - not counting his own staple DG, there's only "Wendy". He enjoys clapping, smiling, jumping like a cheerleader. It's really boring to watch.

Are you talking about Friends here?

I think it`s a bit much to say that he badmouths Brian`s music just because he doesn`t like every song or album.

Personally I loved his presence over at the Male Ego board. Good times. He comes across as somewhat bitter from time to time but that's none of my business and I don't care much about any of the group members' political convictions to be honest.

By the way, I think I remember that a couple of years ago he actually had some nice things to say about Friends over at BBB (IIRC he stated that he thought the cover art was quite horrible whereas he really liked the album's overall musical content... keep in mind I'm paraphrasing from faded memory here!). So it seems like he changed his mind about this record over the years...

haha, no. I was just joking around saying Bruce was the Zodiac killer. A serial killer from the 60's/70's who was never captured.

I actually was only half joking, Bruce could very well be the Zodiac killer.

Why is Bruce down on Friends?

On a personal quest to achieve Absolute Zero, eh?  :lol

but you guys
(http://www.beachboysband.net/BRUCE_JOHNSTON/BJ_AB_MK_RAP.jpg)

Like he likes to say: He's 20 at heart

He had to be discouraged from releasing an EP as "MC Clitoridectomy" during this period as it was considered poor taste even for Bruce Johnston. Mike Love noted it had "very commercial arrangements," however.

A month later, Mike recorded "Rockin' The Man In The Boat" which was a cunning tongue in cheek response to the tracks on Bruce's EP.

Seven pages. SEVEN pages of this. Really?!

You made me laugh.  :lol

The man wrote "pipeline", I'm surprised it's only seven

Actually he didn't write it, but he gave it one hell of a cover. :P

Bruce didn't write pipeline? My day is ruined.

It's in the BW Songwriter documentary. Except for the title track he doesn't seem to like it at all, cracking a joke about how it's amazing the record even made it to #126 (?) when in fact #1026 would've been more appropriate (again I'm paraphrasing). To each their own I guess.

 Bruce has less presence on FRIENDS than Brian has on SO TOUGH or L.A. No songwriting credits, no audible vocals. He did seem to stay away a bit late 67-spring 68.

 Check out the SURF'S UP era photo of the band in THE ROLLING STONE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF ROCK & ROLL. This is  Bruce's only cool period in terms of style.

 This is conjecture on my part, but did Carl have much use for Bruce? He NEVER seemed to mention him in interviews and since Billy Hinsche was Carl's brother in-law, the impetus for the unrealized move to replace Bruce with Billy in 1969 may well have been instigated by the youngest Wilson brother.

 "Disney Girls" is a permanent part of the Great American Songbook. Bruce's finest hour, bar none.

Doesn't really make sense though...bit of a George Costanza type comeback

 Edit: I messed up the quote here. Sorry.

Moon Dawg, I think Bruce was around for Wild Honey in late '67.  I think he was for the most part AWOL from Smile/Smiley Smile in the late '66/'67 period. After that, he didn't seem to contribute much in the studio until 1969.

 Yep Bruce seems absent from SMILEY SMILE and FRIENDS but very much on board for WILD HONEY. I've heard him praise SMILEY and WILD HONEY but FRIENDS just isn't Bruce's favorite. He loves SUNFLOWER but has always been ambivalent about SURF'S UP, even though it does contain his finest song.

 Bruce had the power to make L.A. and KEEPIN' THE SUMMER ALIVE better than the final products. 

Next to Sunflower and Pet Sounds, Bruce probably praises Wild Honey the most...and he was very active on it. He played a decent share of the instruments on the title track!!! The story he tells about throwing the shitty organ solo together last minute, and on the first try Brian going IT'S PERFECT IT'S PERFECT!!! :lol

Bruce: “I loved Wild Honey because I thought it was getting us back on the track again. It was probably the funkiest Beach Boys album, very little production, but a lot of music without any complications. I just remember we wanted to be a band again. The whole 'Smile' thing had wiped everyone out, and we wanted to play together again.”

I love that organ solo. It's funky as sh*t. One of the best things he has done as a Beach Boy.

I do too!! The way I said that, it sounded more like my feelings...I meant HE described it as a shitty little organ solo! Maybe not his EXACT words... ;)

I understood that Bruce said it, but he's dead wrong about that one.

Is it some sort of mystery who played what on Friends? I can't really seem to find any solid personnel info on anything other than "Busy Doin' Nothin'."

 Specific credits for FRIENDS are rather elusive. In general, a mixture of group personnel and session people. "Diamond Head" is likely 100% session musicians while "Anna Lee the Healer" is probably all Beach Boys. Is that Brian's organ on "Passing By"?

Bruce was one of Jan Berry's earliest musical compatriots. Bruce was a year younger, but he was a regular at Jan's garage studio in Bel Air. And Jan and Bruce would also play piano at Bruce's house.

Bruce was a part of Jan's circle during the genesis of Jan & Arnie in 1958. So Bruce was experimenting with Jan musically at least five years before Jan started working with Brian Wilson. Ironic, given that Bruce later became a permanent member of the Beach Boys.

My wife is not a Beach Boys fan. She's more in to Zappa and Randy Newman. But when she heard Bruce sing "Disney Girls" at one of the 50th Anniversary reunion shows, she said, "Wow, they did some really good stuff I never knew about."

I never knew that. Thank you. I love this board. :)

I guess the moral of this thread is that it's impossible to get the full picture about Bruce Johnston by just looking at his years with the Beach Boys.  I wonder what he would have done if he had never joined the band.  I can't help but think that, the songs he contributed in the late '60s/early '70s notwithstanding (all of which I like except for "Tears in the Morning"), he might have left more of a songwriting legacy.

I have two Bruce-related-questions that I thought I'd crowd-source.  One involves the credit for "How She Boogalooed It," the first original song with lyrics that wasn't written by Brian Wilson to appear on a Beach Boys album.  Bruce's name is listed second in the credits, after Mike's.  Does anyone know how the song-writing took place, and how much can be attributed to which author?  I don't generally think of it as a Bruce song, but I don't know whose it is, ultimately.

The second involves the collaboration between Mike Love and the other half of Bruce & Terry that lasted from "Getcha Back" to Summer in Paradise.  Obviously Bruce had collaborated with Terry Melcher well before this and, as this collaboration started after Dennis' death, Bruce would probably have been Melcher's closest friend in the band.  Does anyone know why Bruce wasn't involved in the songwriting during this collaboration?  The only song where he's credited alongside Love and Melcher is "Somewhere Near Japan."

Bruce can write songs, he's still a good singer and he's a really good musician. And yet, no new compositions of his have seen the light of day in the last 20 years and he seems to be perfectly happy being a barely audible "cheerleader" on stage. So I guess he just doesn't have that creative urge and the artistic competitiveness that most other musicians do have.

Contentment comes in different ways to different people. Like both Mike & Bruce and I guess even Al, I would prefer performance and entertaining than being in a studio. Like stage actors, they feed off of the audience energy.

I honestly cannot remember, yet the more I think about it the odds that Bruce is a pistol whipping, bully-boy are more than probable. Let's look at the facts;

Bruce got the plum job to replace Brian on the road despite not being able to play the bass.
Despite being hired strictly as a live only replacement due to being under contract to another record company which forbade him to record with The Beach Boys, Bruce was singing on their records within mere weeks.
Bruce got to sing more lead vocals on Sunflower than Brian, Mike and Al.
Bruce got to produce the band's late 70's records despite not having a clue as to what was fashionable sales-wise at the time.
Bruce is the only guy Mike lets perform with him as the current Beach Boys despite doing next to bugger all on stage.

The odds that all these things could have happened without the perpetrators being under the threat of a gun butt bashed upside of the skull if they didn't comply is statistically speaking impossible.

You also forgot that he wore the shortest shorts during the 1980 Knebworth concert when the weather was the usual vile British sort and everyone else present were wearing long-johns and jackets. Bruce was imagining being in Kokomo already back then.

Endless Harmony is an alright song.

Delightful, almost "subversive" (a great compliment!) with the way in which Johnston sneaks in "You Still Believe in Me" at the end, almost in a "subliminal code" to lead the listener back to Pet Sounds...Clever!  ;)

This is without a doubt, THE most historical thread in the history of the board!

I think with Sunflower, Bruce's voice just fitted that 1970, AM Gold vibe they seemed to be going for.

If Bruce is perfectly happy with how his life turned out, I fully understand that. He was born rich, never had to work a real job in his whole life and like some kind of Forrest Gump he got a front row seat for a lot of highlights in pop music history without even trying all that hard. Here's a guy who never really seemed to have all that much drive and ambition and now look at his résumé... Played with Eddie Cochran, Ritchie Valens, Phil Spector and The Everly Brothers in the 1950s. Is a member of America's greatest pop group of all time. Wrote a Grammy Award winning song. Sang on classic Elton John and Pink Floyd songs... This is a seriously lucky guy.

But despite all that, it does seen like a bit of a shame how relatively little Bruce has done with the talent that he undeniably has. He had one song on BB85 and one on SIP, and he keeps touring with Mike to give his live band a bit more Beach Boys credibility. Besides that, what has he really done in the last 30+ years?

Does he have to do anything? Beach Boys' wise, until 2012 none of them had done nothing studio-wise together. Honestly, I am glad that Bruce is happy singing harmony on Brian's music. I'm not a big fan of Bruce's songs or as a lead vocalist. He's a team guy who stays out of the way unless asked.

Am I the only one who remembers Bruce once talked about doing a polka album?

To this day I still don't know whether it was a joke or not.  :P

Like I said, I think Bruce is a very lucky guy and I bet that pretty much everyone would love to trade lives with him. So I guess he doesn't have to change anything about what he does or doesn't do. But since the late 70s he's done almost nothing with his talents. That should be hard to understand for any creative person.

Aren't you talking about "Brian's Back"? That has "You Still Believe In Me" snuck in there...but I'm nearly positive "Endless Harmony" doesn't.

Bruce's one second lead near the end of "That's Why God Made The Radio" is the only thing great about an otherwise good song, to me.

AMIRITE? GOODNESS, he sounds nice there!

Actually,  you're totes right runnerz. When I hear him do his part, it really does help give me that whole, "woah, this is The Beach Boys in 2012, isn't it?" feeling.

Yup! You are correct. 

Yes, it is on Brian's Back, on Endless Harmony Soundtrack! (which I play a lot! ) written by Mike Love! That was a great closing with You Still Believe in Me, to cleverly weave that in. 

Sorry to Mr. Johnston! You get a  :beer

Or maybe Mike should get one!  :beer

Mea culpa! Mea culpa Mea maxima culpa!

Detention for me!  :lol

Which part is that? In the chorus?

Think they're referencing the part in the tag where Bruce goes "for fallin' in love!".

He does sound good on that song and Isn't it time.

Credit where credits dude.

OH! Gotcha. I agree with the sentiment that Bruce's voice adds a ton of authenticity here.

Speaking of the song TWGMTR.. after hearing all of the semi-botched live versions from last year, the studio version sounds so freakin good to me now!

Here's a picture of Bruce being hot apparently
(http://th02.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2012/315/f/d/bruce_johnston_by_lilyanwilbury-d5knfxe.jpg)

BrOOth has the best pair of skates money can buy. They really do the job quite well. ;)

I think the way Bruce looks at is that with the Beach Boys, he's become part of an American institution. Had he spent more of his life trying to promote his own songwriting, he'd probably be Gary Usher. A dude certain music nerds appreciate, but darn near a nobody as far as the world is concerned. So he's sat there on stage and in photos with his cheesy grin, clinging to Mike Love, and now he'll never be forgotten as long as the Beach Boys are remembered. In some small way, he's ingrained himself in America's collective consciousness, and I think his ego is satisfied with that. Just look at the following picture. Not bad for two 70 year old dorks.

http://live-imagecollect.s3.amazonaws.com/preview/136/0db9eb5189df835

that pic is bitchin'!  :smokin

Maybe it's just my strange sense of humour, but that bit at the start when the voice says 'Pipeline', and Bruce very seriously mimes along, I find really unintentionally funny!

i really think that insults of any kind aren't justified when discussing a second's worth of audio

That is pretty funny!

Actually after viewing this video (I didn't know Bruce did any publicity for going public at all) I have a greater appreciation for this track

It must have been the sweater... :P

You know, he plays that bass quite well. Surprisingly well, considering his reputation.

This would be Bruce's look if he lived like Brian and Dennis.

Posted on singer/songwriter/musician/all round good guy Glen Burtnik's Facebook page today (after opening for the Beach Boys last night):

"GLEN'S A.D.D. THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY: I just had an amazing week. To live life you must encounter idiots and assholes. But Bruce Johnston is a gentleman. As of yesterday my beloved Sally is 22. I'm flying to Berlin today. And if you never see me again, I love you."

Is all of that directed at Bruce? ;D

Why did you post this? What am I to take away from this? What is your take?

No take - just one musicians opinion of Bruce Johnston.

Met Bruce twice.  Spoke for a while the first time to me and another couple of young guys outside their hotel in Manchester in 1993. We have travelled down from Scotland to the gig.  I was on my own.  I think he respected the fact that young fans would do that.  He also spoke warmly of Dennis (did Dennis not write, "God bless you Bruce" on the sleeve notes of POB?).  The second time I met him was with Mike and they both posed for a lovely photo right after they come off stage at Edinburgh Castle in 2001.

I also wonder what he does with his old caps!? 

He w also hanging out with Brian during the Imagination show in 1999. He's on the DVD.  Seems to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time.  Very talented musician, doesn't display it enough.  I also don't agree with his political views or some of his views on his role in the group and money as his motivation.  However, I appreciate his honesty.

Bruce is the best Beach Boys
1: He wears sweaters, and looks damn good in them
2: He covered Pipeline and improved on it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJZIQmiQETM Didn't know it was possible but Gosh Darn he did it.
3: His voice is like a child from a Disney movie, immediately endearing and overall lovable
4: Still tours - his hands are tired, but 50 years later he'll be damned if he can't adjust his mic and clap
5: Nice guy usually very friendly though sometimes threatens unruly fans with republican rants and pistol whippings
6: Met John and Paul in london great story played the Pet Sounds
7: Met Keith Moon too saw them fight great story
8: Backs Mike up when he tells the Back in the USSR song story great story
9: Can still sing, TWGMTR he sounds as good as ever
10: Gave me his email
11: Hates Obama because Obama gun take his muney
12: Always backed up Brian despite what bigmanMike said about Pet Sounds and SMiLE
13: Has a beautiful son
14: Likes to make arrangements of old songs different and uncomfortable case and point http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4m5SfdZ_n4 damnit bruce why are you so endearing
15: Fuels OldSurferDudes posts
16: Wrote the Greatest song of all time "I write the songs" (this should have been first)
17: Nice hair

. .  and not a single word about the shorts. Bruce Johnston is inexhaustible.

(http://oi42.tinypic.com/2n0vak3.jpg)

I dunno...thats like the most obvious post ever. In newly established languages, Johnston is the word for shorts.

Historical Shorts.

(http://oi41.tinypic.com/qx76kh.jpg)

Alright, I have a legit Bruce question that I can't seem to find an answer for anywhere!

We know he performed with Bruce & Terry/Rip Chords etc. pre-Beach Boys...then toured with the BBs from 65-72ish...did Bruce EVER tour or at least perform live at all while he was out of the beach boys in the 70's? I can't really imagine a Bruce Johnston concert...but there has to be more out there than just "Pipeline" and "Disney Girls" from the old grey whistle test...

any factual input?

Does this count?

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=W4m5SfdZ_n4&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DW4m5SfdZ_n4

I haven't been following this thread closely so I don't know if this was mentioned, but...

I remember a long time ago, maybe 1976-77, and Bruce appeared on The Dinah Shore talk show. It's funny but I remember Bruce sitting there and conversing with Dinah, but I don't remember if he performed anything, maybe "Write The Songs"? He probably did, though.

That's the old grey whistle test that I mentioned above...wonderful clip, thanks though!  ;D

Sheriff- that would be interesting to see!

It just seems a bit ironic that he left the beach boys with one of the reasons being the pursuit of a solo career, and even named his album "Going Public" yet...there seems to be zero public performances for support. :lol

haha, true dat.

That's a pretty good performance....
Is that Mike sleeping in the background?

nope, someone else forgot his damn name.

;D

pretty stoopid performance BROOTH

he tried to make it all R&B like by adding in phrases.... sounds lame and forced

I quite like it.

Bruce injured? You be the judge!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15TvTkoEyLc

 :p

not the first time Brucie has had trouble on the autograph front.......

what is with that?....

Rb

It is beyond me that some fans feel entitled to seek autographs while any high profile person, laden down with baggage, gets off a bus, train or plane.  They call it stalking.  It wasn't a meet and greet.  

And, I've seen Johnston and the other guys, be very generous with signing over my fandom years.  It says more about the person filming than about him or any of the guys.  Some people have no boundaries or situational ethics. No class.  

heya...

I understand if there were 2 thousand people standing around waiting for photos or autographs, but it seems to be only a dozen or so people

and only one or two actually wanting autographs....

it takes these guys 3 seconds to scribble something.......its not a lot for them to give away, considering fans spend hundreds to thousands of dollars

on them, supporting them by buying product and attending concerts......... I personally don't think its a big ask.......

Bruce could even give a BW 'cant be bothered' signature...... that's about 1 second of his time....

just my opinion there..

to think of it..... Mikie seems more open to photos and autographs, he should be the one acting like a galah, considering what everyone seems to say
about him....... Ive had a couple of experiences with Mike and Bruce........ and Mike far outweighs the other in terms of giving his time and gratitude...


RickB

2RickB: I second your sentiment. It's not our business whether Bruce injured his hand or not, he still must sign autographs. It's not that difficult & takes only few seconds. As long as you don't have too complex signature with various decorations, of course. 

hi Range.....

its all a matter of opinion, regarding autographs....... I mean, some folks hound the artists just to make a quid on eBay or whatever...
but seriously?.... I don't think B.J. would really fit into that category..... Lennon, Elvis, Michael Jackson, may be a little different...

come to think, Brian is not the most public personality person when it comes to people.....

but I have met Brian 3 or 4 times, in airports, backstage.....between cars and venues, and he ALWAYS stopped to sign...

it must have been incredibly uncomfortable for him standing for 3 minutes putting up with chaotic fans wanting a scribble, but he did......

I like Bruce, and like his work with the BB's and his solo stuff, but that other part with the fans bugs me a little......

any big artist who spends some time with their fans, is a measure of the person....... I know sometimes we miss out on the opportunity, and they can't

sign for everybody.......but watching that bit of footage with Bruce and the couple of fans, was very disappointing to see....

Poor form Bruce.

RickB

Well, I don't agree.  Many autograph hounds are predatory self-serving eBay dealers, looking to get a "thing of value" from someone who has no "duty" to provide it, and and see it sell it on eBay. Rock memorabilia is big business.  And the people in that work are slime, in my opinion, who get in the way of decent folks, who aren't looking to make a buck of a performer.  

Brian does autographs, for a price.  If you buy a cd or go to a special autograph event, and they've done plenty, he is at a table, not holding a garment bag, after getting off a bus. Try getting an autograph from Brian while he is getting off a bus.  Good luck with that.  Brian, rightfully has them "scheduled" and coordinated with a promotional event or mini concert.

Double standard time, again.

I don't think Bruce's signature has any value, the fans who want his are real BBs fans.

actually, I have had autographs from Brian straight off the plane, and straight out of a rented vehicle........

im not arguing, im just saying, Brian is not as 'automated' as you may think...... perhaps it depends greatly on the venue's, time allocations, deadlines too..

and I can say, I never paid any price to get those incredible privileges........ perhaps I was one of the lucky one's who has had all positive experiences....

except for Bruce, who was arrogant and rude.......

RickB

The value is not the issue.  It seems more the new phenomenon of ebayers who don't buy a ticket for a show, who aren't real fans and stalk a venue looking for autographs, to sell and make a profit, while sincere fans, don't get a chance.  A real fan would never sell a treasure like that.  It is a big industry.  Some other rock star had something very funny to say about that. I forget who.  Someone here must remember?

It is disgusting,  in my opinion.  

More often than not, he signs everything.  I saw Johnston and Love sign a bunch of stuff just last week, graciously, chatting with the fans. But, neither had garment bags.  

I agree with you regarding not "automated" Brian. He's not indeed. As for Bruce being rude & arrogant - well, it's not the 1st time when I read such meeting experiences on this board. I don't favor artists who show different attitude towards different people, i.e. if they like someone - they talk well & polite, but if they see the other one & don't like - then ignore them at best & show signs of bad mood. Whatever the criteria of selection is. I think that's totally unfair to treat people however they want.

that whole thing looked pretty creepy to me...usually when they have a video running and a tripod and the whole nine yards, it's because they're filming for proof that it was real, to take the frame shots of him signing it, and post them on their eBay listing.....however, Bruce did give a pretty stupid diva-ish response...he could've just said sorry, I'm a little tied up...as it seems he was! I wouldn't ask for one if he had his luggage!

hi filledeplage  ....

good to hear your view..... and yes, my meetings with Brian were between 2002 - 2004, He was Great! as were Jeff, Darian, Taylor, Probyn, Scotty etc etc

I got to talk and chat with em all........ actually I have a picture taken at an airport where I got to get a photo taken with about 8 or so of the band....

Brian didn't travel with the guys....... but they all stopped and gave me a couple of minutes for a photo....... so awesome!

its a crime really, how others abuse the artists to make money and the real fans miss out.......

its a cruel world........and getting worse.......

I don't agree with the current 'meet and greet' packages that have been offered just for a hello and a photo or scribble from the artist, considering, someone

is probably making mega dollars out of it, and the artist gets little if nothing ......

I recall a poster recently catching up with Al Jardine before a show somewhere in a street , who was very surprised, that someone would pay 500 dollars for a

meet and greet package....

obviously the BB's were left or kept in the dark with that side of things........

oh well......

Cheers, RickB

Why not give the man the benefit of the doubt? Maybe his hand actually hurt from the many mic adjustments he's been doing. Get well soon, Bruce!

lol!  RSI from Microphone adjustment!  or pulling up his shorts!   :p

RickB

So what? It's not our fault that he's injured, we're not responsible for that. Plus, what is it to hurt your hand? It's nothing serious, just trivial thing. It's not like he became invalid or another dangerous case. So stop complaining & just do what is your main job is! That is, sign those autographs already! I'm honestly amazed at Bruce's laziness. No comments.

In all fairness, he had to conserve his hand strength for not playing the keyboard. The man is a pro!

I heard he damaged his hand pistol whuppin' the last guy that bugged him for an autograph while he was busy.

It's all well and good to do this to a fan when you're not on camera, on camera  -- wow, he literally does not give one solitary sh*t! Cue Pipeline.

Somebody dig up some footage of him foreclosing on an orphanage.

"Hey Bruce, could I please have an autograph?"

"Hi, I'm gonna....My hand hurts right now, it's kind of injured."

Put this through a Bruce Johnston translation service and you get "f*** off!"

Yeah...I think his 71 years are showing!

I am guessing it was one of those "Rude" Bruce days....

RickB - Brian's guys are great! I agree.  So cool.  I didn't mean a pay "meet and greet" but one coordinated with one of his tours.  For example, signing on the day of a show, at a Border's or some other brick and mortar (did I write that?) book/record store.  Buy the CD and get that and one other item autographed.  That is fair and accessible.  

This shark behavior such as Rubber Soul13 mentioned with the tripod video, for image of signing authentication is just over-the-top.  I'm glad it was mentioned.  When they show up, and it is bad faith, and not for real fan interest, it is just such aggressive and predatory behavior.  It is done to only make money and not to have a true treasure and a few words.

Once you hit 50, everything starts to hurt.  It is hard to imagine that in your 20's and 30's.   :lol

Osteo-Biflex! Big boomer product! That, and rock and roll music!  ;)

In fairness, it's not as if the guy is a piece of public property, there to sign his name to whoever asks at the drop of a hat.

Definitely, he's perfectly in the right to just scowl or ignore it! Hell, I would. I hate bus rides!

But for some reason, if you're a dick to some fans, some fans will think you're being a dick. That must be pretty oppressive, huh? The thought that it just takes a few bad cab rides, a few lousy tips or bad nights and suddenly you have a rep for being "difficult." Moral: never become famous, never form a band, don't take long bus rides. Not asking people for an autograph as they get off a bus can help, too. Do your part, America.

Just to pitch in here, when I met Bruce a few months ago a few hours before a show, he was incredibly friendly and talkative. He talked with me until it was time for him to go, telling me stories and such. It was great, a real fun memory.
Shame he has those rude days though. If he were like he was when I met him his reputation might be a little better. To be fair though, I did make it clear I was a superfan, and I didn't actually ask for an autograph.

We didn't discuss the different age situations, did we? Also, it's not like Bruce's hand hurts because he's 71, it's only an accident. Age has absolutely nothing to do with amount of traumas/illnesses one get. I know old people who are totally healthy &, vice versa, young people who have considerably weak immune system etc. So let's not defend Bruce with no reason behind it. I again shall emphasize that it's a very insignificant thing to injure a hand. If you're famous & people want to get autographs for good concert memories why not make them happy & do it? Seems more than logical to me.

I would guess that the hand remark was a bunch of bullshit. Didn't you hear how he obviously just shifted what he was saying? He started out saying "I'm gonna..." and then he probably saw the cameras and took a minute to pick up the vibe, and made up this BS story about his hand. He was PROBABLY going to say: I'm gonna go put my clothes down and grab a drink, meet me back at the door in fifteen minutes.

I think he was grasping for "I'm gonna... knock you out!" until he saw the camera. Once a roughneck surf thug, always a roughneck surf thug.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/7324722946_870006ec17_b.jpg)

"Hyah!"

*Turtle-neck surf thug  ;)

Personally I think autographs are kinda worthless. I'd much rather have a photo taken with said person.

That said, if I'm Bruce Johnston I sign whatever comes my way, since honestly, I'm not that famous. Let's be honest he is probably the least noteworthy Beach Boy except for Blondie or Ricky. And there's even people that know of Blondie now cuz of "Sail On, Sailor" and The Band and the Rolling Stones.

Eh, I wouldn't go that far. He gets more recognition than them off of this board, and more than David too. At the reunion last year, he wasn't given much attention at all, but at the Mike & Bruce shows he does get quite a bit of the spotlight and fans that still don't know his name but can tell he's significantly older than the rest of the band still eat it up because they must get this notion of "WOW he's ORIGINAL!" in their head. There were young girls up front at the Baltimore show swooning over his water bottle and sweat rag.  ::)

RangeRoverA1 - most of my contemporaries from the classroom days, ended up with some kind of carpel tunnel as a result of writing on the chalkboard.  It is called "repetitive stress injuries" - and that is from another education.  It is rare for musicians, any less than athletes to use knees, ankles, fingers, etc. to not need to "baby" that limb, etc., as one ages.  And, not overdo it.  It sounds credible. And, just wear and tear over time.  

And, I'd be hard put to pass any penmanship exam at this point in life.  Computers have made us lazy.  If you look at Dennis' autograph, he didn't write that well, but it's sort of a sexy scrawl. Carl had a neatly rounded signature and Brian's is more angular.  I was lucky.  I started early and when my friends and I would see the Boys, and, were teens, and be lucky to get an autograph, eBay was not even on the radar screen.  Now it is a thriving economy and predatory in nature.

But, having been able to get to more shows at this point, I've seen the eBay scavenger type.  They are disgusting.  

If you look at the tour schedule, they are full out.  They did three shows in 24 hours last week, in two states. And did stuff with City Year at all three shows.  

Generally, there is wear as we age, despite athletic involvement.  

I mentioned earlier on this thread about meeting Mike and Bruce.  I'll elaborate on the the second meeting.

They had literally just walked off stage at Edinburgh Castle and down the steps to the backstage area.  I had run along a platform which ran to the backstage area.  I was looking down on them from above and shouted to them, politely of course!  Now at the time I didn't know about Bruce's reputation for pistol whipping! As Mike moved towards me Bruce gave me a look.  In hindsight maybe if he'd have been able to jump up to where I was I might have copped one!  However, by the time Mike had taken my white cap (like the one Bruce is wearing in the photo a couple of posts back) and asked "where'd ye get this?" And I had explained it was at a concert several years earlier Bruce had realised I was a genuine fan.  They both posed for a lovely photo and made me a very happy chappie.

In all seriousness, twice I've met Bruce and I have not been disappointed.  So maybe he did spot the camera and realise it was maybe not a genuine fan, but someone looking to sell something. 

Ontor, loved you're post about what Bruce might be about to say! :-D

We all do that every day don't we.

If the guy had "Goin Public" on vinyl ready to be signed Bruce would've given his john hancock in the drop of a hat

Cripes Mike's not kidding when he talks about streamed down touring operations. He makes them ride in 1985 Ford Econoline minibus!

I just re-watched the YouTube, and clicked on "more from" - OMG!

Yeah looks like this guy is a professional autograph seller.

Every time I read the latest thing Bruce has said or done to a fan, all I need to do is put on "Deirdre" and five seconds into it, I'm o.k with the guy and would die to meet him just to thank him for his music. That is, until I read about the next "hand injury" and start the mini-cycle all over again...

Backstage at the C50 Eugene show Bruce was very cool. HE offered to sign the C50 poster I had in my hand. Stupid me, I had walked by Brian and had already talked to Al and David by the time Bruce signed. Missed out on getting all five.  :thud

lol

:) :)

Tears In The Morning does the same for me!

Just put it on and really really listen... How the instruments gradually layer as the song cycles around and repeats for dramatic effect but with Bruce's voice and the players/production simply meaning it more! .... It really is a fantastic work! I'd call it genius if we were allowed to use the term in regards to anything in the Beach Boys universe that's not all Brian Brian Brian!

'Tears', 'Diedre' and 'Disney Girls' are so obviously the work of an expert craftsman. Inspiration may come and go, but craft should be able to sustain itself --  Bruce should have been able to crank out songs as good as those year after year.

Why he wrote so seldom, then eventually stopped altogether, is a mystery. Has anyone actually ever asked Bruce?

I love Bruce's vocal on "At My Window" myself--I know it's not "his" song but a great effort on vocals there. I, too, would like to know what happened to his desire to compose new music.

Maybe someone did and this is how the pistol-whipping reputation got rollin'  :o

We could sell tickets to see someone ask Bruce why he doesn't write decent songs anymore! :)

I think it might jut have to do with the fact that he feels he accomplished enough. He got a Grammy (and may have mentioned that a few times), wrote "Disney Girls" (even though I don't really know anybody outside hardcore Beach Boys fans who even knows of it), and is part of The Beach Boys. He's got a lot of money and I think he's more content to drink a few beers, put on Hannity's show and then jump on stage and clap after. Whatever. I wish he'd write some more stuff. And he has been saying he's gonna write and pitch it to some "country" music assholes, but that ain't gonna happen. Oh well.

Country Love, Vol. 2 !!

What happened to you, Juice Bronston? This is your last post in around 2 months! I miss you and your super-funny posts! When will you come back to entertain us?

Hmmm, they're some mighty long shorts that Bruce is wearing at the Knebworth concert. Perhaps you're referencing the video footage of Bruce during the Knebworth concert rehearsals ;D

Endless Summer Quarterly celebrated the 40th anniversary of Friends, including an excellent sessionography by Craig Slowinski; highly recommended!

http://www.esquarterly.com/merchandise.html#spring2008 (http://www.esquarterly.com/merchandise.html#spring2008)

Erm, so I'm not the biggest Bruce fan in the world but....

This is BRILLIANT!! (And I'm not just saying this coz I live in the Channel Islands). Where was the hell was this fun edgy spark when he was in the Beach Boys??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SI9WEVn5YM

Like "Maksha At Midnight", a so-so tune: except for heavily distorted guitars, everything else (melody too) is grating on my ears. I'll give you another "brilliant" example, very groovy:

B. Johnston - The Original Surfer Stomp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGzP1Hv7S1g)

Also I like "Soupy Shuffle Stomp" from "Del-Fi..." record (no YT link, but you can easily download it in the Internet). Check it, where'd you hear Bruce doing bulldog imitations, after all?

6:18 is one of the funniest Bruce moments of all time. Frozen in his clapping.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_sMw4_R8YE

To me, nowadays Bruce just comes across as a bit cheesy and, as they say in the US, schmalzy. I get the impression he's a 'background' man as he plays second fiddle to Mike in his version of the Beach Boys, was very much behind the Boys between 65 and 72, while in The Rip Chords and Bruce & Terry he played a minor role to Melcher, with far fewer lead vocals (which was strange considering his earlier surf forays on his own – Surfin' Round The World album was excellent).

I loved his vocals on At My Window, his other Sunflower offerings were quite decent, while Disney Girls is okay. Most of the time during his first stint, I struggle to hear his voice in the mix, apart from on California Girls and God Only Knows, so although I like him I struggle to see exactly what he brought to the package. Wasn't Paul Johnson approached first before Bruce? I wonder what would have happened if they had turned to David again?

I think the Boys voices were all individual nuggets of candy and Brian mixed and matched them to great effect. Including Bruce for sure.

Being PC how I word this but Bruce has an interesting running style during the band intro on the C50 Chiba show. :p

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xHcEjoElYZ4#t=58

I just watched that concert on youtube. Wow, where can I get a copy of it?

I couldn't find the show for purchase so I downloaded it using this free program http://keepvid.com/ and then burned it on disc. If that program isn't working, there are several other free ones online.

Bruce does not need to go to Perth now.

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/private-sydney/engagement-between-youngest-rinehart-and-son-of-a-beach-boy-ends-20131011-2vdvl.html

I checked out the moocher's EBAY page. The guy who was hounding Bruce for a quickie. Check this out - irony of ironies!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-BEACH-BOYS-SIGNED-AUTOGRAPHED-RARE-LP-BLUE-WOW-VINYL-MIKE-LOVE-EXACT-PROOF-/181225343194?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item2a31df48da (http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-BEACH-BOYS-SIGNED-AUTOGRAPHED-RARE-LP-BLUE-WOW-VINYL-MIKE-LOVE-EXACT-PROOF-/181225343194?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item2a31df48da)

Phew!  A close shave for the Johnstons.

"a selfish sense of entitlement"

Bruce would love this girl surely?

 One thing you have to say about Mike, he's aways been great about signing autographs.  Honestly, Bruce has always been pretty good too.  I've seen Bruce sign autographs before a show, during a show, and after a show.  Most celebrities don't usually like people asking for an autograph just so they sell it.

Sadly, it seems that's what more than half the folks asking for them want them for. 
 If I was an artist and someone wanted me to sign a guitar pick guard I'd ask for $$ upfront, and make them sign a legal statement that they won't sell it for a minimum of 25 years.... 

Oh god, that Steve Miller video. Put a shirt on man  :lol

This guy has like five mike autographs…did he ask for all of these autographs all at once? If so, I'd be afraid of being an annoying fan. It's a shame that Bruce thinks all his autograph requests are for eBay sales and not for fans (like myself)…I think that's kinda egotistical of him to think its "worth so much." Nothing against Bruce.

 I've seen Mike sign multiple items for a person on more than one occasion.  Mike seems to like signing autographs, and I don't think he really worries about where they end up.

Before i was " Bruced"  (thanks Carrie),

I found Bruce to be personable, charismatic and really friendly.

 He even signed My Sloop John B Book in lieu of Al. His perspectives on different Beach Boys albums etc were really great. Thanks again Bruce! :)

Bruce changed my life. Without him, I would not have become the individual I am today.
His music? Inspring.
His face? Thought provoking
His voice? Beautiful.

This.

Ah, that's cool to know.

Has anyone had the experience of one of the guys that are autographing making comments or jokes about what they're signing? I'm sure it's nothing new to Mike to have someone bring their smile album to get signed, but has he ever made comments about the albums or anything to you personally or that you've read?

The only thing I've read was on this board and someone was having a response during an autograph is Bruce telling someone to get rid of their copy of Goin Public that they brought for him to sign.

When Mike signed my Beach Boys cap in 2001 he said, "Where d'ye get this?"  It was as if he thought I'd snuck backstage and found his stash!  Thing is I had never seen him wearing that colour (white with blue writing).  This year I've seen both him and Bruce with the same hat!

Has anyone seen this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15TvTkoEyLc

Yeah, I believe this was a few pages ago...but I feel awkward about how real it seems. I can't defend either Bruce nor the "fan."
For one, I think that the excuse he gave was lame. But, if he's thinking this is an ebay seller, to each his own I guess.
But I will not defend this "fan," he's a huge tool. calling Bruce an a-hole in public and on camera for YT to see is really lame. Must not be that big of a fan...he doesn't "get" Bruce.  ;D

This came up as a suggested video on youtube...from the reunion tour...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJTJE2kcjUE

Security Guy: You guys got a lot of stuff...

Bruce: Well ya know they sell the sh*t.

Sigh, I hate this "autograph attitude" he's had over the years, makes him seem to have a bigger ego than Mike and it also makes me feel he's ungrateful for the fans. Granted, I see alot of these reactions on videos of people who are autograph sellers.

I think if you make your intentions very clear with him, Bruce is one of the most welcoming and thankful members of the band. But I'm sure he's been burned like this more times than I can count...although I do wonder why he signed the items if he felt so strongly against doing so. In that other video he just kept walking by...

After having received many autographs over the years, I no longer try to get them.  I think they are kind of overrated.  What I do value much more is pictures with my musical heroes...those are priceless!

Absolutely agree! What I've been trying to do is get my 2012 meet n greet pic signed by the band. The best of both worlds! I succeeded in getting a member of their backing band to get Mike and Bruce's autographs on it for me last year...I was not successful with the BAD show however...always 2014!

Yeah, you're right. I got Brian's autograph when he was touring with Paul Simon. Then didn't get any til the reunion show, I bought Al's album at the concert which had his autograph the. I bought the tour program with Mike, Bruce, Dave, Brian, and Al's signatures for 100$ at the same concert. So I've not really had any luck getting autographs personally signed unfortunately, I honestly don't know where to go besides handing something on stage which seems crazy..but really, I'm just one less person trying to get backstage or try to stalk one of the guys for an autograph, so perhaps it's a good thing. I don't really have the chance to get any anyways...no big deal, I've got em and two Brian sigs and two Al sigs, so it's all good.

See, this is a big reason why I consider Bruce fans to be called Brupublicans!

I think this thread is the most appropriate to post this:
http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,17183.msg431341.html#new

Happy Votings!

Good that Bruce is not a limousine liberal.

Saw this on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DennisWilsonAndTheBeachBoys), pretty nifty photograph.

I think Going Public's biggest problem is that its a piece of sh*t that's no good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kr4TXhiS6U
Somebody made this awesome video for Bruce's very catchy song Rendezvous

I watched it twice. Not sure if I get the entire story, but it's interesting and was probably a lot of work.

When the barbie guy falls off the stair to reach the barbie gal, then gets flashed by a cop & raises hands - he has this stupid grin that you hate right away you want to slap him & get his life spiral downwards. He's an epitome of joke.
Nice song, "Rendezvous", tho.

Can anyone on this board confirm this? AGD?    ;)

Wow, the makers of the Bruce Johnston Barbie music video (...what a sentence...) also did this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz74C33yPXQ).

Very cool indeed!