The Smiley Smile Message Board

Im assuming more July and August dates will be added. 

Perhaps, Mike is lessening his workload a bit in 2018?  In honestly, thats probably overdue especially when you consider the amount of shows their peers, such as McCartney, Ringo, The Stones, The Who, Roger Waters do these days. 

Most likely.   July and August are pretty bare right now. 

I wonder if there will be a theme.  I doubt Friends50.   

I gotta assume a lot more dates will be added. I can't see him backing off unless physically unable to tour.
Looking at this years 'official' photo, it looks like Mike has slimmed down a bit. But maybe that's photoshop, lol.

Historically on this board, there has always been little interest in Mike's tour dates (certainly for a tour that tours all year, every year).

One can obviously interpret that as something that is more to do with this board, or more to do with the quality and/or ubiquitous nature of Mike's never-ending touring. I'd say it's mostly the latter.

Also, if one has followed Mike's tour and scheduling habits over the years, they will have found that Mike never really "announces" a tour. He never unveils a tour schedule. It just sort of continually exists and is updated on an ongoing basis. It takes a few months into the year for summer tour dates to fill out.

All of this is a result of over-extending the brand and never taking a break from touring. It would actually be a big deal, worth "announcing" a big tour, if Mike wasn't doing 150 shows per year, every year. There's no buzz factor. Mike's tour runs off of brand name recognition, pure momentum, and fluff pieces a week or two in advance in many of the markets he hits.

Im assuming more July and August dates will be added. 

Perhaps, Mike is lessening his workload a bit in 2018?  In honestly, thats probably overdue especially when you consider the amount of shows their peers, such as McCartney, Ringo, The Stones, The Who, Roger Waters do these days. 

And why would that be, exactly?

Lets be honest.  On this forum, it has a LOT to do with the former.  

The former is caused by the latter. There's a reason people don't care to follow his touring. Using the BB name, past years of sub-par shows, an antagonist and insulting attitude towards his former bandmates, a show increasingly focused on backing members singing leads, and his dilution of the band die to excessive touring, are all causes of disinterest among many fans.

The audience Mike *does* have is often extremely casual. I know more about his band lineup, history, and member changes, etc. than most of the people that go to his shows.

Im assuming more July and August dates will be added. 

Perhaps, Mike is lessening his workload a bit in 2018?  In honestly, thats probably overdue especially when you consider the amount of shows their peers, such as McCartney, Ringo, The Stones, The Who, Roger Waters do these days. 

How would you like to be Mike doing shows in southern FLA through the next several days?

I don't know what Mike's tour plans are for this year, but again, it takes until several months into the year to fill out the summer tour schedule. You can even go back to the "Internet Wayback Machine" and look at things like the BBFC website and see that as of, say, February 2016, the summer 2016 tour schedule wasn't filled out.

No offense to Bruce, but I doubt his health figures heavily into Mike's tour schedule. If Bruce decided to leave the road (or was otherwise unable to tour), I doubt Mike would change what he's doing so long as *he* (Mike) is doing whatever he wants to do.

I could certainly envision Mike finally going at least a *little* lighter on the tour schedule, not even so much because he can't handle the work load (again, no offense, but the other guys in the band are doing most of the heavy lifting), but because the backing band can occasionally sound a big tired and ragged when they do like 14 shows in 15 days like they sometimes have done on recent tours, and also because I'd imagine maybe Mike actually wants to enjoy non-touring life at least a *little* more.

I don't think that applies any longer. Years ago, there was a clause that mandated a certain  number of Beach Boys appear at a show, may have even been at least 1 Wilson appear on stage. Could be wrong though.

The Beach Boys will be playing the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal this July. Although confirmed, the date has not been released yet. Seeing as they are playing the Ottawa area on the 21st, one could assume it will be that same weekend, either the 20'th or 21st. Outdoor stage, Free show.

At a comedy festival?  Seems like a strange venue to be playing. I do believe you, and I did google it and found a few articles on it.  But just seems a little odd.

Most curiously, Brian is down as a comedy act at Bensalem PA on May 8th!

http://petsoundsforum.com/thread/2294/new-bw-show?page=1&scrollTo=57133

Lets be honest.  On this forum, it has a LOT to do with the former. 

KDS - You never explained your answer above.

So how about it? Just another chance to take an unnecessary shot at this forum with nothing to back it up? Please explain.

At a comedy festival?  Seems like a strange venue to be playing. I do believe you, and I did google it and found a few articles on it.  But just seems a little odd.

You have to admit there's a heavy anti Mike bias.  

At a comedy festival?  Seems like a strange venue to be playing. I do believe you, and I did google it and found a few articles on it.  But just seems a little odd.

Gotta be careful here or Bruce will say something like they have time to play your funeral.

I write the insults!  :lol

There’s a few others, but the oddest one is from Mujan/Super Metroid  who has stated that she felt upset that there was no response to the bullying she received , which is not true. Not only did I stick up for her, I banned the person doing the lions share of it... who now posts there at PSF , for what it’s worth.

For the most part though, most of the people there are cool, no issues with steamboat, Becca, Will Harris, etc. it’s the people like the ones GF mentioned that are an issue albeit increasingly smaller. I think most people on both boards have put the issues behind them.

I agree with you Billy. And I gotta say, Mujan is especially weird because I'd say that Smiley Smile is a much more open, socially progressive board than PSF and people like The Real Beach Boy and mikesbeard and other homophobic/transphobic types on that board.

Ah, but guitarfool....tribute bands steal clothes anyway. I wd favour continuity to stop that at least, or at least to reduce it

Rock changed all that. For one, the core groups of players were just that - The bands were a core group of members that fans knew. Cite any example of the bands in the upper echelon and fans can name the core group. Anything less, minus the usual shifting of one or 2 members, wouldn't be the same.

Let me pose this as a question. I love the album "Time Out" by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Would I pay to see a group calling itself "The Dave Brubeck Quartet" in 2018 playing that album live? I would not, because the key members are dead. It's as simple as that. If a group under another name were doing it, I wouldn't have an issue at all because they're not trying to take the name.

This would hold more water with me if the Beach Boys followed that model. But the touring band The Beach Boys has had dozens of people in and out through the years, and most audience members probably knew little to nothing about who was who beyond recognizing a couple of the principals. The Beach Boys have operated more like the jazz bands than they have like the Beatles or Led Zeppelin. If you can be The Beach Boys with one Beach Boy on stage, with non-Beach Boys in the band for decades, and with non-Beach Boys carrying prominent roles, then you can be the Beach Boys with one fewer.

Any damage to the legacy is already done. I'm reminded of the old quote "haggling over the price" line often attributed to Churchill and to Shaw.

As to the second paragraph I left, there is no question (for me) in it. You asked yourself a question: would you pay to see that band. You answered yourself with a no. And that's fine. I am not saying you would. But that's irrelevant to me.

This would hold more water with me if the Beach Boys followed that model. But the touring band The Beach Boys has had dozens of people in and out through the years, and most audience members probably knew little to nothing about who was who beyond recognizing a couple of the principals. The Beach Boys have operated more like the jazz bands than they have like the Beatles or Led Zeppelin. If you can be The Beach Boys with one Beach Boy on stage, with non-Beach Boys in the band for decades, and with non-Beach Boys carrying prominent roles, then you can be the Beach Boys with one fewer.

Any damage to the legacy is already done. I'm reminded of the old quote "haggling over the price" line often attributed to Churchill and to Shaw.

As to the second paragraph I left, there is no question (for me) in it. You asked yourself a question: would you pay to see that band. You answered yourself with a no. And that's fine. I am not saying you would. But that's irrelevant to me.

I agree with you Captain.

Frankly, I think the current Mike and Bruce show is better for the legacy than some of the shows they were doing in the early 80s after Carl jumped ship, Dennis was in and out of the lineup because he couldn't keep himself clean, Brian sitting onstage doing very little most nights, and Mike, Al, and Bruce not really committing to rehearsing the material. 

No, I don't think there are any such rock bands--though to be clear and fair, I don't really follow that many older bands all that closely, so it's entirely possible that I just don't know of any. But as I know KDS and I have discussed on occasion, it's entirely possible that KISS will be the first/one such band.

And in most cases, to be clear, I'm not saying I'd prefer some kind of replacements with a licensing deal. I'm just saying they have a right to do so and in this particular case, musically, the results could well be better. Obviously the ideal situation would be a band that just breaks up and stops touring so that it never comes to that. But...

That’s why I liked it when Al was doing “The Beach Boys Friends and Family “. The name was honest

That’s why I liked it when Al was doing “The Beach Boys Friends and Family “. The name was honest

Again, just saying it could (will?) happen. Not that it would be uncontroversial. The more commercially minded entities presumably will always want to preserve their brands and generating revenue.

The fact is that all art is always a balance of art and commerce. Different people balance them differently. The ones making money are likely to see and like the opportunity to make more of it. There are innumerable opinions, but they're only that. The "right" thing to do doesn't really exist without defining a preferred end state. A band has its own right to define its own goals.

Straight up direct question, and feel free anyone to insert this too:  :deadhorse

If the content of the shows is drawing people to them, why not just go out on tour as original members of this or any band as something like "...original members of (insert band name)" and not get tangled up in calling yourselves"The Beach Boys" or "The Rolling Stones" or whatever other name applies?

And it's not just the Beach Boys who have influenced my opinions of other classic bands who I love but whose squabbles and drama with which 2nd line member gets to book using the band name have kind of dirtied the rep a bit. Just my opinion, but there is something noble if that's the right word to a band calling it quits after it is unable to play with certain key members actually involved in the shows. And if those members left want to tour, they go out as their own name. There is something cheap to me about using a name to boost ticket sales if a majority of the members fans know aren't there. Again, not just the BB's.

The Beach Boys will be like a football team.  Still have the same name but different players.  Unfortunately, it has become a franchise.  Most people support the same football team they did 30 years ago, but it won't have any of the same players, for obvious reasons.

Will that happen to The Beatles, Stones, Who, Zeppelin, U2, Sex Pistols, Clash, Public Enemy, Boston, etc? Or any other truly top-tier band? Will they be like a football team?

I left out Guns N Roses because of everyone I could think of, Axl Rose will be the Mike Love of his generation in 25 years, still tourin' with a band having no original GnR members, with whatever auxiliary member he can grab to go with him. And laughing all the way to the bank as they sell 80's nostalgia kilts and Axl re-records a soundalike "Sweet Child O Mine" for his solo album due in the Fall of 2043.

Will that happen to The Beatles, Stones, Who, Zeppelin, U2, Sex Pistols, Clash, Public Enemy, Boston, etc? Or any other truly top-tier band? Will they be like a football team?

This logic has "Beach Boys" written all over it. This is what they are all about. They are totally a brand. They determined this from the get go. It never mattered to the majority (NOT folks like the few of us), who is up on that stage.

So, I don't think there's any question this will happen, the only uncertainty is "when?" .

The other wildcard (as morbid as it is, I've discussed it here before), who passes away first. Frankly, if anyone other than Mike passes, I don't think anything will change. If Mike were to pass before the other four, I would be well beyond intrigued as to what would happen next. Would Brian, Alan, and David become Beach Boys (with Bruce)? It's hard to imagine The Beach Boys without a "front man", at least, a Beach Boys that centralize around the early surfin'/car/girl hits.

I believe a 'Beach Boys' without Mike, would cruise right along. If Brian, Al, Bruce and Dave were to start touring as The Beach Boys tomorrow because Mike was out of the picture, it would work for exactly the same reasons Mike and Bruce do. As mentioned, it's a brand at this point. People want to see the Beach Boys, and many of those people aren't hardcore fans, who are all absorbed in the machinations of lineups, band politics, etc. I guess to summarize, the very reason it works so well for Mike, is the very reason it would work so well without him.

As for a band without any of them present, going out under the name, that's where I would lose interest..but I could see it happening.

I believe a 'Beach Boys' without Mike, would cruise right along. If Brian, Al, Bruce and Dave were to start touring as The Beach Boys tomorrow because Mike was out of the picture, it would work for exactly the same reasons Mike and Bruce do. As mentioned, it's a brand at this point. People want to see the Beach Boys, and many of those people aren't hardcore fans, who are all absorbed in the machinations of lineups, band politics, etc. I guess to summarize, the very reason it works so well for Mike, is the very reason it would work so well without him.

As for a band without any of them present, going out under the name, that's where I would lose interest..but I could see it happening.

As for a band without any of them present, going out under the name, that's where I would lose interest..but I could see it happening.

"Juice"...I have no doubt it would work. My question (if I had framed it better before) is, do we think the three Beach Boys who are currently NOT in the lineup would be interested in taking on the responsibility of the touring license if Mike were not around to do so and they all were? It would dramatically change the touring schedule for sure. I couldn't see Brian doing the number of shows or the lower-end venues that Mike has no shame in picking up along with the theatres and nicer joints.

Clearly Brian has little or no interest in touring as "The Beach Boys."

But I don't think it makes sense to assume that if we're trying to look at such a hypothetical, that it would require Brian to tour with the name in the precise same mode that Mike does. So questions of "Could Brian do as many shows?" or "Would Brian book low-end venues?", etc. aren't really applicable.

Brian (and Al or whomever would be involved) could do 50 shows per year, or 75, or 100. They could forego whatever venues/cities they didn't want to do.

For better or worse, considering the statistically small amount of time that would likely pass between the death or major infirmity of, say, Mike, and the continued to desire to extensively tour by, say Brian (or vice versa for that matter), the more likely scenario worth pondering is what happens when *all* of the members are unable or unwilling to tour. Then what happens? Would the estates (and/or surviving members if applicable) vote for and form a licensed touring band? I'm pretty convinced this is the sort of thing that someone like Foskett would and could be angling at in the long run.

I'd rather see something more along the lines of a "Beach Boys Family & Friends" or "California Saga" sort of thing involving Matt Jardine, perhaps Billy Hinsche (though he's not like extensively younger than the actual BBs I guess), and some other family members. I wouldn't be interested in kind of just seeing a Mike/Bruce type band but without Mike and Bruce, with just Mike's backing guys like Foskett and Totten fronting a band.

"Juice"...I have no doubt it would work. My question (if I had framed it better before) is, do we think the three Beach Boys who are currently NOT in the lineup would be interested in taking on the responsibility of the touring license if Mike were not around to do so and they all were? It would dramatically change the touring schedule for sure. I couldn't see Brian doing the number of shows or the lower-end venues that Mike has no shame in picking up along with the theatres and nicer joints.

Plus, if Brian's band did elect to tour as The Beach Boys, there are a lot of songs that they don't play that they would suddenly be obligated to include - Surfin Sufari, Be True to Your School, Catch a Wave, and......wait for it.....Kokomo. 

Have you read or heard any interviews where Jeff Foskett expressed interview in touring as The Beach Boys after Mike retires? 

As we've discussed before concerning setlist requirements, I tend to doubt there are any specific song requirements. If Brian somehow ended up touring as "The Beach Boys", there wouldn't be any problem omitting some or all of those songs. Maybe he'd toss "Kokomo" to Matt to sing or something, maybe not.

Foskett almost never gives interviews, so I have not heard or read him directly saying anything concerning wanting to take over the license one day. Call it a well-informed hunch springing from more than simply a gut feeling.

I didn't say requirements, I said obligations.   Just as Chicago are obligated to play Saturday in the Park or Journey are obligated to play Don't Stop Believin.  Do they have to?  No. Iron Maiden regularly leaves Run to the Hills off their setlists.  But, touring under the BB banner, regardless of who the personnel is, sets a certain expectation.  

Except an "obligation" outside of anything contractual is totally speculative and subjective. I would use the word "expectation" more than "obligation", and even then it would be a pretty murky area.

Would a BB tour survive without performing "Kokomo?" Yes. Would a BB tour survive by simply replicating a typical recent "Brian Wilson" setlist? I think so.

Would the tour survive by playing nothing but "MIU" and "So Tough" tracks? Probably not.

It's hard to find a good parallel for the touring BB situation, but we could look at something like the current incarnation of Styx, who leave out at least *some* of the well-known DeYoung hits.

Leaving out hits that are linked to an inactive member of a band is a harder proposition when the band only has a hand full of truly *well-known* hits. Supertramp, when Roger Hodgson left, tried to "divide" up the respective songs with Hodgson taking his tunes and the other guy taking his and continuing on under the Supertramp name. This didn't work, as Hodgson's hits were the most well-known ("Logical Song", "Give a Little Bit", "Take the Long Way Home"). They eventually just gave in and started doing the Hodgson songs (much to Hodgson's chagrin; I can't recall but there may have even been actual agreement in place barring that from happening at some point).

The difference with the BBs is that they have DOZENS of well-known songs, but hit singles and other well-known oldies and past radio staples.

It's unlikely, no question. It's not *that* unlikely. If Mike in the next couple years runs into some problem rendering some sort of infirmity (or worse), then things might change. That's the only scenario where I could see something along the lines of Brian's band essentially simply taking on the BB name. That window is probably only another few years.

It's unlikely, no question. It's not *that* unlikely. If Mike in the next couple years runs into some problem rendering some sort of infirmity (or worse), then things might change. That's the only scenario where I could see something along the lines of Brian's band essentially simply taking on the BB name. That window is probably only another few years.

One could only hope that it's sooner than later.

...for Mike to run into some problem rendering some sort of infirmity (or worse)?

One could only hope that it's sooner than later.

One could only hope that it's sooner than later.

One could only hope that it's sooner than later.

One could only hope that it's sooner than later.

It's unlikely, no question. It's not *that* unlikely. If Mike in the next couple years runs into some problem rendering some sort of infirmity (or worse), then things might change. That's the only scenario where I could see something along the lines of Brian's band essentially simply taking on the BB name. That window is probably only another few years.

That window is probably only another few years.

God....How long have we been saying that?  ::)

It might become "Brian Wilson's Beach Boys" ala "Jeff Lynne's E.L.O"

Can you please clarify what  you meant by this?

The weird thing about Jeff Lynne with ELO is that usually when someone sticks their name in front of the band, it's because they don't have the full rights to the name and/or have been forced by contractual agreement (or court order!) to use such an amended name. But in the case of Lynne and ELO, he owns the name. He doesn't have to put "Jeff Lynne" in front of it, but for some reason (probably a mixture of finally highlighting his name more, and also to differentiate his band from the various off-shoot/knock-off bands like "ELO Part II" and "The Orchestra") has chosen to use the "Jeff Lynne's ELO" moniker which actually kind of makes it sound *less* legit.

I've wondered in past years if having Mike tour as something like "Mike Love's Beach Boys" may have been a decent compromise with the license/name situation. But I think once the name is being used like that, not much brand name reputation is being saved by making him put his name in front of the band name as a qualifier.

I saw the band last night in Thousand Oaks, CA.  Quick background on me: Never saw the BBs in their heyday live, but have seen all different touring versions of BBs, BW and Al's bands since the late '80s.  Up until 2016, I could take or leave Mike's band.  I was happy that he continued to tour and bring the music to so many fans, but (especially compared to Brian's band) I thought the concerts themselves were quite forgettable.  I would still see them when I could (for me hearing this music live performed by ANYONE is a treat), but never left eager to see them again.  That all changed in 2016 when I saw Mike and his band at this same venue in Thousand Oaks.  The band was tight, the harmonies were killer, the setlist had some unexpected deep cuts and the vibe was excellent.  It felt like Mike and Co. had upped their game.  Still a very different concert experience than seeing Brian and his band, but awesome in its own way.  Seeing Jeff taking some great leads, along with Scott and Brian E to me felt like the spirit of what the Beach Boys music is and can be moving forward. I was unable to make their show last year at same venue, but was thrilled to see them again last night.  It was, however, quite a letdown.

Highlights-
Christian Love performed the whole set with the band and sounded fantastic on God Only Knows and Good Vibrations.  I wish he would've sung more leads.
Bruce's falsetto at the end of Fun Fun Fun was quite impressive and he wasn't doubled by anyone else.  He also had a couple of other great stand out falsetto vocal moments.
Scott sounded lovely on Betsy, and his lead playing is top notch.
Jeff sounded great on Darlin'.

Lowlights-
Backing vocals- I'm not sure what is going on, but Jeff selectively sings falsetto now.  Sometimes someone else is on top of the stack, but other times it's just empty (or the sound mixer is asleep at the wheel, which is quite possible based on how terrible the mix was last night).  When Jeff did sing falsetto, it sounded pretty weak (though he sounded great full voice on Darlin').  A friend saw them in October last year and Jeff didn't sing at all, so I wonder if he is having voice issues.
Mike's schtick- which had toned way down the last time I saw them-- last night felt like we were back to the circus with all the dumb tired jokes and banter
Hearing so many songs from Mike's album- they are just terrible.
Stamos- He played most of show with them.  I don't mind him on 4th guitar, but when he drums instead of Cowsill, everything falls flat.  He has no sense of meter and is more concerned about twirling a drum stick in between tom hits than keeping solid time. 
Do It Again- I already mentioned Mike's album cuts, but this gets its own mention. Just...no.  Please.  Play the real version.  No one in the crowd knows or cares who Mark McGrath is.  Some people around me were quite confused.
No Brian E- Nothing against Randall who is great, but Brian's vocals on I Can Hear Music and Then I Kissed Her in 2016 elevated the whole show.  His absence is felt, even though during his entire run with band, his vocals were criminally underutilized.
The theremin substitute sounds on Good Vibrations-  Horrendous.  Sounded like a child's toy.  Clearly a choice to make it sound like this instead of what I've heard previously.  Inexplicable.  I hope someone posts a video online.
THE SOUND MIX- was the worst I've heard at a BB related show.  Ever. 
The videos played during about half the songs are of teenagers in bikinis, with no sense of irony.  It's pretty icky.

I saw the band last night in Thousand Oaks, CA.  Quick background on me: Never saw the BBs in their heyday live, but have seen all different touring versions of BBs, BW and Al's bands since the late '80s.  Up until 2016, I could take or leave Mike's band.  I was happy that he continued to tour and bring the music to so many fans, but (especially compared to Brian's band) I thought the concerts themselves were quite forgettable.  I would still see them when I could (for me hearing this music live performed by ANYONE is a treat), but never left eager to see them again.  That all changed in 2016 when I saw Mike and his band at this same venue in Thousand Oaks.  The band was tight, the harmonies were killer, the setlist had some unexpected deep cuts and the vibe was excellent.  It felt like Mike and Co. had upped their game.  Still a very different concert experience than seeing Brian and his band, but awesome in its own way.  Seeing Jeff taking some great leads, along with Scott and Brian E to me felt like the spirit of what the Beach Boys music is and can be moving forward. I was unable to make their show last year at same venue, but was thrilled to see them again last night.  It was, however, quite a letdown.

Highlights-
Christian Love performed the whole set with the band and sounded fantastic on God Only Knows and Good Vibrations.  I wish he would've sung more leads.
Bruce's falsetto at the end of Fun Fun Fun was quite impressive and he wasn't doubled by anyone else.  He also had a couple of other great stand out falsetto vocal moments.
Scott sounded lovely on Betsy, and his lead playing is top notch.
Jeff sounded great on Darlin'.

Lowlights-
Backing vocals- I'm not sure what is going on, but Jeff selectively sings falsetto now.  Sometimes someone else is on top of the stack, but other times it's just empty (or the sound mixer is asleep at the wheel, which is quite possible based on how terrible the mix was last night).  When Jeff did sing falsetto, it sounded pretty weak (though he sounded great full voice on Darlin').  A friend saw them in October last year and Jeff didn't sing at all, so I wonder if he is having voice issues.
Mike's schtick- which had toned way down the last time I saw them-- last night felt like we were back to the circus with all the dumb tired jokes and banter
Hearing so many songs from Mike's album- they are just terrible.
Stamos- He played most of show with them.  I don't mind him on 4th guitar, but when he drums instead of Cowsill, everything falls flat.  He has no sense of meter and is more concerned about twirling a drum stick in between tom hits than keeping solid time. 
Do It Again- I already mentioned Mike's album cuts, but this gets its own mention. Just...no.  Please.  Play the real version.  No one in the crowd knows or cares who Mark McGrath is.  Some people around me were quite confused.
No Brian E- Nothing against Randall who is great, but Brian's vocals on I Can Hear Music and Then I Kissed Her in 2016 elevated the whole show.  His absence is felt, even though during his entire run with band, his vocals were criminally underutilized.
The theremin substitute sounds on Good Vibrations-  Horrendous.  Sounded like a child's toy.  Clearly a choice to make it sound like this instead of what I've heard previously.  Inexplicable.  I hope someone posts a video online.
THE SOUND MIX- was the worst I've heard at a BB related show.  Ever. 
The videos played during about half the songs are of teenagers in bikinis, with no sense of irony.  It's pretty icky.

I saw the band last night in Thousand Oaks, CA.  Quick background on me: Never saw the BBs in their heyday live, but have seen all different touring versions of BBs, BW and Al's bands since the late '80s.  Up until 2016, I could take or leave Mike's band.  I was happy that he continued to tour and bring the music to so many fans, but (especially compared to Brian's band) I thought the concerts themselves were quite forgettable.  I would still see them when I could (for me hearing this music live performed by ANYONE is a treat), but never left eager to see them again.  That all changed in 2016 when I saw Mike and his band at this same venue in Thousand Oaks.  The band was tight, the harmonies were killer, the setlist had some unexpected deep cuts and the vibe was excellent.  It felt like Mike and Co. had upped their game.  Still a very different concert experience than seeing Brian and his band, but awesome in its own way.  Seeing Jeff taking some great leads, along with Scott and Brian E to me felt like the spirit of what the Beach Boys music is and can be moving forward. I was unable to make their show last year at same venue, but was thrilled to see them again last night.  It was, however, quite a letdown.

Highlights-
Christian Love performed the whole set with the band and sounded fantastic on God Only Knows and Good Vibrations.  I wish he would've sung more leads.
Bruce's falsetto at the end of Fun Fun Fun was quite impressive and he wasn't doubled by anyone else.  He also had a couple of other great stand out falsetto vocal moments.
Scott sounded lovely on Betsy, and his lead playing is top notch.
Jeff sounded great on Darlin'.

Lowlights-
Backing vocals- I'm not sure what is going on, but Jeff selectively sings falsetto now.  Sometimes someone else is on top of the stack, but other times it's just empty (or the sound mixer is asleep at the wheel, which is quite possible based on how terrible the mix was last night).  When Jeff did sing falsetto, it sounded pretty weak (though he sounded great full voice on Darlin').  A friend saw them in October last year and Jeff didn't sing at all, so I wonder if he is having voice issues.
Mike's schtick- which had toned way down the last time I saw them-- last night felt like we were back to the circus with all the dumb tired jokes and banter
Hearing so many songs from Mike's album- they are just terrible.
Stamos- He played most of show with them.  I don't mind him on 4th guitar, but when he drums instead of Cowsill, everything falls flat.  He has no sense of meter and is more concerned about twirling a drum stick in between tom hits than keeping solid time. 
Do It Again- I already mentioned Mike's album cuts, but this gets its own mention. Just...no.  Please.  Play the real version.  No one in the crowd knows or cares who Mark McGrath is.  Some people around me were quite confused.
No Brian E- Nothing against Randall who is great, but Brian's vocals on I Can Hear Music and Then I Kissed Her in 2016 elevated the whole show.  His absence is felt, even though during his entire run with band, his vocals were criminally underutilized.
The theremin substitute sounds on Good Vibrations-  Horrendous.  Sounded like a child's toy.  Clearly a choice to make it sound like this instead of what I've heard previously.  Inexplicable.  I hope someone posts a video online.
THE SOUND MIX- was the worst I've heard at a BB related show.  Ever. 
The videos played during about half the songs are of teenagers in bikinis, with no sense of irony.  It's pretty icky.

I saw the band last night in Thousand Oaks, CA.  Quick background on me: Never saw the BBs in their heyday live, but have seen all different touring versions of BBs, BW and Al's bands since the late '80s.  Up until 2016, I could take or leave Mike's band.  I was happy that he continued to tour and bring the music to so many fans, but (especially compared to Brian's band) I thought the concerts themselves were quite forgettable.  I would still see them when I could (for me hearing this music live performed by ANYONE is a treat), but never left eager to see them again.  That all changed in 2016 when I saw Mike and his band at this same venue in Thousand Oaks.  The band was tight, the harmonies were killer, the setlist had some unexpected deep cuts and the vibe was excellent.  It felt like Mike and Co. had upped their game.  Still a very different concert experience than seeing Brian and his band, but awesome in its own way.  Seeing Jeff taking some great leads, along with Scott and Brian E to me felt like the spirit of what the Beach Boys music is and can be moving forward. I was unable to make their show last year at same venue, but was thrilled to see them again last night.  It was, however, quite a letdown.

Highlights-
Christian Love performed the whole set with the band and sounded fantastic on God Only Knows and Good Vibrations.  I wish he would've sung more leads.
Bruce's falsetto at the end of Fun Fun Fun was quite impressive and he wasn't doubled by anyone else.  He also had a couple of other great stand out falsetto vocal moments.
Scott sounded lovely on Betsy, and his lead playing is top notch.
Jeff sounded great on Darlin'.

Lowlights-
Backing vocals- I'm not sure what is going on, but Jeff selectively sings falsetto now.  Sometimes someone else is on top of the stack, but other times it's just empty (or the sound mixer is asleep at the wheel, which is quite possible based on how terrible the mix was last night).  When Jeff did sing falsetto, it sounded pretty weak (though he sounded great full voice on Darlin').  A friend saw them in October last year and Jeff didn't sing at all, so I wonder if he is having voice issues.
Mike's schtick- which had toned way down the last time I saw them-- last night felt like we were back to the circus with all the dumb tired jokes and banter
Hearing so many songs from Mike's album- they are just terrible.
Stamos- He played most of show with them.  I don't mind him on 4th guitar, but when he drums instead of Cowsill, everything falls flat.  He has no sense of meter and is more concerned about twirling a drum stick in between tom hits than keeping solid time. 
Do It Again- I already mentioned Mike's album cuts, but this gets its own mention. Just...no.  Please.  Play the real version.  No one in the crowd knows or cares who Mark McGrath is.  Some people around me were quite confused.
No Brian E- Nothing against Randall who is great, but Brian's vocals on I Can Hear Music and Then I Kissed Her in 2016 elevated the whole show.  His absence is felt, even though during his entire run with band, his vocals were criminally underutilized.
The theremin substitute sounds on Good Vibrations-  Horrendous.  Sounded like a child's toy.  Clearly a choice to make it sound like this instead of what I've heard previously.  Inexplicable.  I hope someone posts a video online.
THE SOUND MIX- was the worst I've heard at a BB related show.  Ever. 
The videos played during about half the songs are of teenagers in bikinis, with no sense of irony.  It's pretty icky.

I've said it before; I have no doubt that John Stamos is a true, huge fan of the Beach Boys.

There are a million ways he could do something good with that. A (relatively) famous person who is a huge BB fan? Awesome. He shouldn't be on stage (whether with Mike's band or C50). What people like him should be doing is helping the cause *as a high profile fan.* He should be helping to fund a documentary on the band (though don't give him any editorial control), he should be egging Mike and the other guys on to open up the archives. He could be championing a DVD boxed set of old concerts; Stamos could even tape a video opening introduction piece or something.

So many ways he could use his celebrity and wealth for good for BB fans. Instead, he indulges himself and his passing interest in being a weekend rock star.

Minnesota State Fair added Aug 27th and a digital download of Mike's  (whatever) is included.  This one's a tough one, I've never seen the group since Carl passed.  Thinking about going this time.  I'm getting soft in my old age.

I've said it before; I have no doubt that John Stamos is a true, huge fan of the Beach Boys.

There are a million ways he could do something good with that. A (relatively) famous person who is a huge BB fan? Awesome. He shouldn't be on stage (whether with Mike's band or C50). What people like him should be doing is helping the cause *as a high profile fan.* He should be helping to fund a documentary on the band (though don't give him any editorial control), he should be egging Mike and the other guys on to open up the archives. He could be championing a DVD boxed set of old concerts; Stamos could even tape a video opening introduction piece or something.

So many ways he could use his celebrity and wealth for good for BB fans. Instead, he indulges himself and his passing interest in being a weekend rock star.

Put yourself in John Stamos' shoes for a minute.  Realizing your pros and cons as a musician, status as a celebrity, knowledge that plenty of casual fans probably think it's awesome, and overall deep devotion to your favorite band.  There is no way you wouldn't do EXACTLY what he's doing!

I would say if you're thinking about it, do it. 

If you haven't seen the group post-Carl, a state fair show is NOT the time to hop back in. You'll get a about 20-25 of the greatest hits that you've probably heard before surrounding by a bunch of sweaty country bumpkins claiming that Bruce Johnston is Brian Wilson and wandering when Uncle Jessie comes on. I really have nothing good to say about shows of this caliber. I'm not knocking the band. I'm knocking the circumstances of this show. If The Beach Boys were playing the Maryland State Fair, I would not buy tickets. I MIGHT park across York Rd. and roll down my windows.  :lol

Well, with Brian now gone, and if the rumors are true about  Fosket's voice problems, it would seem that both Christian and Randal could be back for good.

Just to help future board searches and whatnot, I'd like to mention that his name is spelled RANDELL Kirsche.

As for his membership, unless Mike plans on finding another different permanent replacement on bass, I would guess Kirsche is back full-time. Brian E. has seemingly permanently left the road.

As for Christian Love, I'm not sure what's going on. As previously mentioned, it's ironic that Mike complained about the size of the C50 band in relation to his "lean" touring operation, because it has now ballooned to a 9-piece band compared to the 7-piece of most the last decade or so (going to 8-piece when the sax guy was added a couple years ago).

I suppose the possibilities include Mike simply deciding to spring for a 9-piece band, or Christian just sitting in for shows for a few months, or indeed Christian essentially warming up into coming back to replace someone else.

I can't fathom Foskett leaving; he's essentially Mike's right-hand man of recent years, making public appearances with him, etc. His jumping to Mike's band was the most "political" move in the BB orb in quite some time, so I can't imagine he'd do all that only to spend a few years in the band.

I guess we'll find out.

Just to help future board searches and whatnot, I'd like to mention that his name is spelled RANDELL Kirsche.

Just to help future board searches and whatnot, I'd like to mention that his name is spelled

Having talked to C Love i get the impression he is back full time.  IMO his voice adds a balance to the middle third harmonies that was not there since he left. 

Does anyone know why Brian E left the road?

I saw the band last night in Thousand Oaks, CA.  Quick background on me: Never saw the BBs in their heyday live, but have seen all different touring versions of BBs, BW and Al's bands since the late '80s.  Up until 2016, I could take or leave Mike's band.  I was happy that he continued to tour and bring the music to so many fans, but (especially compared to Brian's band) I thought the concerts themselves were quite forgettable.  I would still see them when I could (for me hearing this music live performed by ANYONE is a treat), but never left eager to see them again.  That all changed in 2016 when I saw Mike and his band at this same venue in Thousand Oaks.  The band was tight, the harmonies were killer, the setlist had some unexpected deep cuts and the vibe was excellent.  It felt like Mike and Co. had upped their game.  Still a very different concert experience than seeing Brian and his band, but awesome in its own way.  Seeing Jeff taking some great leads, along with Scott and Brian E to me felt like the spirit of what the Beach Boys music is and can be moving forward. I was unable to make their show last year at same venue, but was thrilled to see them again last night.  It was, however, quite a letdown.

Highlights-
Christian Love performed the whole set with the band and sounded fantastic on God Only Knows and Good Vibrations.  I wish he would've sung more leads.
Bruce's falsetto at the end of Fun Fun Fun was quite impressive and he wasn't doubled by anyone else.  He also had a couple of other great stand out falsetto vocal moments.
Scott sounded lovely on Betsy, and his lead playing is top notch.
Jeff sounded great on Darlin'.

Lowlights-
Backing vocals- I'm not sure what is going on, but Jeff selectively sings falsetto now.  Sometimes someone else is on top of the stack, but other times it's just empty (or the sound mixer is asleep at the wheel, which is quite possible based on how terrible the mix was last night).  When Jeff did sing falsetto, it sounded pretty weak (though he sounded great full voice on Darlin').  A friend saw them in October last year and Jeff didn't sing at all, so I wonder if he is having voice issues.
Mike's schtick- which had toned way down the last time I saw them-- last night felt like we were back to the circus with all the dumb tired jokes and banter
Hearing so many songs from Mike's album- they are just terrible.
Stamos- He played most of show with them.  I don't mind him on 4th guitar, but when he drums instead of Cowsill, everything falls flat.  He has no sense of meter and is more concerned about twirling a drum stick in between tom hits than keeping solid time. 
Do It Again- I already mentioned Mike's album cuts, but this gets its own mention. Just...no.  Please.  Play the real version.  No one in the crowd knows or cares who Mark McGrath is.  Some people around me were quite confused.
No Brian E- Nothing against Randall who is great, but Brian's vocals on I Can Hear Music and Then I Kissed Her in 2016 elevated the whole show.  His absence is felt, even though during his entire run with band, his vocals were criminally underutilized.
The theremin substitute sounds on Good Vibrations-  Horrendous.  Sounded like a child's toy.  Clearly a choice to make it sound like this instead of what I've heard previously.  Inexplicable.  I hope someone posts a video online.
THE SOUND MIX- was the worst I've heard at a BB related show.  Ever. 
The videos played during about half the songs are of teenagers in bikinis, with no sense of irony.  It's pretty icky.


Just back from a three week trip and catching up.  I saw DC310 post and it did make me chuckle.  About three hours after he posted, I saw the matinee show of Mike and the band in Palm Desert.  Though in a classy venue (McCallum Hall), it was a typical boring show (ala casino) as NO ONE stood up for the entire show until the Fun Fun Fun encore.  Here's my thoughts and observations....

1.  I was in the balcony but the sound was awful.  I was about 40 feet from the sound guy and wanted to go over and ask "are you listening??"   Granted I'm always up front whether its a Brian or Mike show but this was awful.  In particular Bruce's mic was way off....during his Wendy solo, I thought he was going to break his neck with the violent turns to his stage right with his hands outstretched and tehn suddenly his voiced appears 10x louder.

2. My sense is Mike is doing a little less heavy lifting.  With JF doing his Darlin and Don't Worry Baby, Bruce doing Wendy, Christian did God Only Knows and Good Vibrations, and ST did his songs, my sense was Mike did a bit less than when I last saw him in Seattle in last year.  And they also had a second show to do later that evening so some of this makes sense.

3. Thankfully no Stamos !!

4. I was reading this blog but not posting on my trip.  I had read where there was speculation that Jeff was doing less falsetto due to voice issues.  Kirsch did it all from my vantage point.  Did Jeff double up with him at times....maybe some.   Earlier on this page, those in the know thought Randell was only back temporarily.  Just not sure what the plan is going forward.

5.  Everyone here on SmileySmile has their own opinion, but I feel Brian Eichelberger was a HUGE addition to this band.  I had a few PM's with a person in the group who felt the EXACT same way.  BE could do some falsetto but also handle his own level in the stack. I feel he will be sorely missed as the reviews.  Think about it everyone.....BE leaves and Mike adds 2 guys back to the group.  Something is now missing IMO.

6.  Christian voice is a lot like his dad's.  During his solo's (especially God Only Knows), his lower notes are very strong and he strains a bit as he goes up.  I guess it just tells us how good and beautiful Carl truly was singing this song.

7.  DC310 hit the head of the nail perfectly.  For the most part, the videos are horrendous....This McGrath guy obviously wants to be the next Stamos personality associated with the band.  Even the grey hairs all around were asking who this guy was......all kinda sad really. 

8.  I've always thought Mike truly didn't care for Dennis but they sing "Do You Wanna Dance" with Dennis' voice.  Basically substituting Carl's old God Only Knows lead (to Christian) and then does a Dennis voice-over.....Just seemed really strange to me.

9.  Again DC310 nails it.  God these new remakes are just AWFUL.  Do It Again is bad, but wait till you hear Sloop John B.  Either the sound was so way off it was unintelligible....OR....this remake has just butchered more ways than one a true Beach Boys classic.

10.   Noted no Jacquelyn Love dancing with her husband to Surfer Girl.....Maybe Palm Desert being close to Tahoe, she may have gone home which would be understandable to take some time off the road.

Yes I went....The tickets were free.  Given to me in the Men's Grill at a golf club 2 hours prior to the show.  After seeing what I felt was a great show  in Nov 2016....This was a true downer.....the remakes.....the sound issues.....no energy in the venue.....oh well....concert 39 is history !!

Going by Mike's own logic, I fail to see the reasoning behind having Christian Love, Scott Totten, and Jeffrey Foskett. UNLESS, one of them were to transition to bass...but I can't really see any of them doing that.

The Legendary Beach Boys will be playing the Freeman Stage in Selbyville DE, on August 3rd.

Yes, assuming Kirsch is truly temporary, then they'll need to either have one of those guitarist switch over to bass, or hire in another bass player.

The only member of those three that we've really ever seen play any bass on stage is Totten, who played bass for at least one tune ("Pet Sounds") during C50. But I don't particularly envision any of those guys taking over on bass. I suppose one scenario would be Christian Love taking some time (hence having Kirsch back temporarily) to learn the bass parts.

What seems odd is to not simply have Kirsch back full-time (which would be tremendously easier, he can sing and play bass and was with the band for over a decade), because it probably isn't super easy to find someone who can sing in the harmony stack well and also play bass. Which may explain why they brought Christian Love back to fill out the mid-range (with Foskett and Totten now exclusively doing the higher parts), and Kirsch in to handle bass. But Kirsch is also singing I'm guessing.

All of this is also odd considering Mike's bottom-line emphasis in terms of overheard costs. *That* aspect would strongly suggest he's going to have one of those guitarists switch over to bass.

That seems like its the most likely option (moving Christian to bass) because of Mike's complaints over costs and the size of the C50 band. I don't think Foskett can play bass, so we can count that one out. And I don't know if moving Scott Totten to bass would be the best option. He is a great lead guitarist and that would hurt the band; moving him to lead guitar would require moving Foskett to lead guitar and I don't think Foskett plays lead anymore (the last time I'm guessing he did this was around 1990.

While it's not quite as easy as just telling a guitarist to switch over to bass, I would imagine both Totten and Foskett *could* play bass if they wanted to, especially after taking some time to fully learn all the nuanced parts. Similarly, I think Foskett could play all the leads (he used to do leads in the 80s, and sometimes in Brian's band). So they all have the ability to move around. But my guess would be neither Foskett nor Totten would want to switch over full-time to bass. So that leaves us indeed at a best guess of either Christian Love taking time to learn the parts, or hiring in someone else. If they keep Christian Love in the band but also hire in a new bass player, then they would probably be able to cast a wider net and find someone who plays bass but doesn't need sing. But then that gets us back to wondering why, if he doesn't need to reduce the size of the band, he doesn't just keep Kirsch in then.

Umm, didn’t Bruce play bass live (admittedly a long time ago)? It’s not like he contributes a huge amount on keyboards...

Bruce wore a bass on stage on many occasions...and on more than one, he even plucked it a few times!

But seriously...his instrumental contributions onstage have been non-existent since the early 70's. He clearly doesn't care about it anymore. He's a damn fine pianist...it will forever be mystifying.

Maybe Brian E will be back sooner rather than later so Kirsch is just filling in for him.

Maybe Brian E will be back sooner rather than later so Kirsch is just filling in for him.

Anyone have a setlist for last night's Kingston show? Just curious.

That's a damn good setlist in my opinion. Pretty standard for a M&B show, but with songs like In My Room and Betsy, I can't complain.

I think it's a good setlist for anyone who hasn't seen Mike's band in concert.   

Agreed that’s more what i meant. I’ve seen them enough where aside from Aren’t You Glad and All I Wanna Do which I’ve seen in the last few years live there really isn’t anything here making me want to spend my money and see them again. Which isn’t a criticism just how i feel, on the opposite side Brian is always incorporating a surprise or two every time i see him.

I just bought cheap tickets (about half price) to go to their show tonight at the Luhrs Center in PA. I'm honestly only bothering because my girlfriend really wants to go, but based on recent shows there's not really anything too new I haven't seen. Aside from a new bass player and Christian singing God Only Knows, which i'll admit in the videos I've seen he sounds very solid on. But other than that i'm prepared for the same old meat and potatoes show, much more excited to see Al at Rams Head next week.

I wonder if they'll expand the setlist as the new / returning bandmembers get more comfortable.    When I saw them at the Lyric two years ago, it was a 43 (I think) song set. 

That's correct. That show at the Lyric was probably the best I've ever seen Mike and Bruce give...still salty about "All I Wanna Do" getting cut.  :lol

On Al's live album, he literally crossed songs out on the back cover that he cut out!

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91mDJC2jmaL._SL1500_.jpg)

I always wondered if excising "Kokomo" so visibly was done purposely. Bummer about "You Still Believe In Me" though; the Wilson sisters sounded good on that on when they toured with Al.

Lol @ leaving in California Energy Blues as the show closer.

I saw two M&B shows this past week. They were both, for the most part, excellent. I've stayed away from this board mostly because I absolutely can't stand the Mike vs. Brian bantering. I don't get how you can walk away from ANY Beach Boys related concert, if you truly love this music, and not have a good feeling in your heart.

Both bands are excellent, both feature original members of The Beach Boys, both make their audience happy. I'm gonna continue to see both for as long as possible.

(But even having said that - the Mark McGrath stuff needs to go, pronto).

July 17: Interlochen, MI (http://tickets.interlochen.org/summer-arts-festival)

They have a new photo on their tour dates page that now includes Keith as well as Christian Love. It also looks like Mike and Bruce's faces have been poorly digitally enhanced to look younger and brighter. It's pretty creepy.

https://www.thebeachboys.com/tour

They have a new photo on their tour dates page that now includes Keith as well as Christian Love. It also looks like Mike and Bruce's faces have been poorly digitally enhanced to look younger and brighter. It's pretty creepy.

https://www.thebeachboys.com/tour

So is wearing black leather shoes without socks.  ;D

I don't know how they're going to physically survive the month of August. Overall, this is a light year for Mike and Bruce with touring, but the month of August is on steroids compared to the rest of the summer, and calendar year for that matter.

23 shows in 26 days in August; that's seems pretty normal for Mike's tour (last year was pretty similar; 20 shows over 24 days). And I do feel bad for the people who catch the shows on the tail end of that run especially, as I recall last year that pro-shot benefit show that was up online for a few days was taken from the tail end of a really long run of shows, and the band seemed pretty tired and lacking in energy.

Surprised by how heavy the Cowsill version of "Wild Honey" is. He was practically screaming it at points, which was great.

(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36598163_10156494964109140_8762297651132628992_n.png?_nc_cat=1&oh=25b640a2011d15cd5c4582d10feed8f6&oe=5BD9E1D7)

It struck me seeing this photo in a feed this morning, what someone posted in another discussion: It seems Mike's M.O. of going "lean and mean" with his touring band has changed a bit. I wonder why.

Wink Martindale to M.C?

Jimmy B. Is putting up a bit of the soundcheck on his Instagram. A great pic of Jimmy and Bruce, two guys who 'pray for waves' as the caption says.

Looking forward to watching this tonight. Hoping JB and BB do a tune or two together.  Happy 4th!

Mike will be getting some kind of award at this event tonight too.

Prerecorded tracks or a 100% authentic live performance this time around?

The National Artistic Achievement Award. Can't say I can find much info on it. It's had 4 prior recipients, including Stevie Wonder.

Well it sounded like JB was playing a little guitar, but aren't these things always pre recorded?

Yes, that's what it was, thanks for the clarification. I hope someone explained to Mike that The Beach Boys are getting the award, as in including the Wilsons and Jardine et al, and it's not just going to Mike & Bruce. If he delivers an acceptance speech when Stamos gives him the award, I hope he sees fit to name his original bandmates which he doesn't seem to do as often these days in his promotional press junket interviews.

If he does, it'll probably be to remind everybody that Brian is his cousin (which he only does when discussing Brian's many accomplishments)

I would not be surprised if that's exactly what happens! It's been Mike's M.O. in recent interviews to either go that route, or not mention the name "Brian" at all. As happened on an 8-minute long interview recently done on UK television.

Billy with the win in round 1! I don't know what this interviewer's credentials are or who he represents, but here are Mike and Bruce yapping away earlier today in DC...

https://youtu.be/4bDORIR2YzA?t=29s (https://youtu.be/4bDORIR2YzA?t=29s)

Now were the original 80's July 4th shows in DC Mike's idea? He seems to suggest that in this interview. Legit question...is the credit for those shows really Mike's? Hmm.

Brian Wilson’s genius is “fake” news... ::)

Apparently - given the time Mike spent on it in this interview - discussing "I Write The Songs" is weighted heavier than mentioning Carl, Dennis, or the Beach Boys (pre-license) at all. Only a mention of "my cousin Brian" regarding songs he wrote with Mike.

Oh, and suggesting the original run of DC 4th of July concerts was Mike's idea.

It shouldn't, but this stuff gets me fired up.

Mike: It isn't about you.

Well said Cousin Craig :lol

Uncle Billy should interview M&B!

Thank you, Cousin Billy!  ;D

I'll YouTube this lyp-synched shlock tomorrow...better things to do tonight...

I've been fooled before, but it sounded live to me. Not saying there wasn't anything extra--certainly could have been. Much improved compared to years past with the pre-recorded vocals/tracks.

Quibbles?  Why wouldn't they put the camera on Jeff when he was singing key parts of Kokomo?  Looked stupid...amateurish.  Obviously a poor production idea.  

I was pleasantly surprised.  The vocal sound was pretty strong...the best of all of the 'acts' I thought.  I wondered what they did to enhance Mike's power and tone...  It worked.

Quibbles?  Why wouldn't they put the camera on Jeff when he was singing key parts of Kokomo?  Looked stupid...amateurish.  Obviously a poor production idea.  Why send John Cowsill packing in order to put 'who's-his-arse' on the drums?  Just let him play the guitar...or some bongos.  Jimmy isn't good at singing harmonies.  As I have said for years...'speechifying' ain't Mike's strong suit.  It never has been.  Stumbling through his wee accepting of the award 'blurt' was pretty iffy...and he forgot to include Blondie and Ricky.

All in all though?  W A Y  better than last year's debacle.  Hey!!!  I gotta tell the truth. ;)

July 15th show has been cancelled "due to logistical issues."

https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/beach-boys-cancel-fort-wayne-show/1286789993

That inspired me to check up on their schedule...which led me to this interesting discovery:

November 16th in Chattanooga, the 'boys' will launch their "Reason for the Season Christmas Tour"...I know Mike and Bruce have done Christmas shows before...but have they ever advertised a specifically themed Christmas tour...coincidentally at the same exact time Brian & Al are doing their own?

Maybe they had to cancel to hold emergency auditions to find a dancing Santa Claus to add to Mike's Christmas shows.

I was actually surprised to see Mike kind of stumble over his acceptance speech when Stamos gave him that award. I like that Mike accepted it for and named his original bandmates, but I didn't expect him to A. need to read from a teleprompter (if that's what he was doing) for such a short thank-you type of speech since his everyday gig is an emcee/frontman, and B. have trouble delivering the speech. It happens to everyone but Mike seemed off.

I can't put my finger on what it was, but I thought listening live last night that the performance was enhanced, I also think I did hear multiple Mike vocals hitting the live mix simultaneously and perhaps one was corrected, and the instrumental mix sounded really, really full (and I don't mean the orchestra, I mean the core band). Compare that sound to some of the recent June 2018 concert clips on YouTube.

I thought it felt like the set was clipped a little too tight, as in it felt rushed especially cutting right to Fun Fun Fun in the middle of Kokomo, and it didn't feel like the group was given enough time in the set. These things always run long, but still...we got basically one full song from the band. Or 2 if you count Fun Fun Fun which is short anyway.



Jimmy Buffett...I don't think he added much if anything. Him being barefoot was a little odd, at least Bruce could have lent Jimmy a pair of his Docksiders to put on his feet.  ;D

Anyway - The songs are the legacy. People love them and always will. It's music that heals and makes people happy. A special tip of the hat as well to John Stamos for all the work he does for veterans groups and his other charities - A class act in that regard, and I mean that sincerely. Kudos to John Stamos.

NOTE: JB does all his concerts barefoot.

(https://the-clothing-shed.com/wp-content/uploads/imported/7/WHERE-MY-HOS-AT-SWEATER-FUNNY-SANTA-CLAUS-FATHER-CHRISTMAS-JUMPER-XMAS-MEN-WOMEN-390977414097.jpg)

Maybe they had to cancel to hold emergency auditions to find a dancing Santa Claus to add to Mike's Christmas shows.

Mike needs to wear this on the christmas tour! :lol

Ahh, memories of being banned for a stretch only this time it's a sweatshirt.  :lol :lol

Hey We gotta laugh about it now... all we can do :lol

It's interesting to me that in many (not all, but a handful) of TV performances since C50, Bruce has gone without a keyboard, as another frontman. Does he do this on TV at events such as the Capitol Fourth 2018, Memorial Day 2016, The View 2016, etc to draw attention that he is another "real" Beach Boy? That would be my guess. To distinguish him from the band.

I know singing BBs harmony is no easy task, but Bruce always looks like he doesn't have much to do!

Any recent setlists to post?

Something close to the following;

Do it again
Surfin' Safari
Catch a Wave
Hawaii
Surfin' USA
Surfer Girl
Getcha Back
Good to my Baby
Darlin'
Why do Fools
You're So Good to Me
When I Grow Up
All the Love in Paris
Don't Worry Baby
Little Deuce Coupe
409
Shut Down
I Get Around
God Only Knows
Pisces Brothers
Unleash the Love
Sloop
WIBN
California Girls
All Summer Long
Rhonda
GV
Barbara Ann
Kokomo
Fun Fun Fun

Considering the long-term absence of any Wilsons in the band, I'd go with "ironically named" instead.

Some nice sounding clips on You Tube of last nights performance in front of 30,000 plus in Montreal.

This article says that Mike made a joke about there being no Trump in Canada. Then again, it also describes Pisces Brother as a "superb" song, so maybe we should take it with a grain of salt. https://m.quebec.huffingtonpost.ca/2018/07/24/the-beach-boys-surfer-habilement-sur-la-vague-des-belles-annees_a_23488355/

One more comment: they HAVE to stop doing the schtick with bringing girls up on stage to dance during Barbara Ann. Especially when Totten plays guitar while it's being held by a hot girl...come on, it's 2018. This is cheesy and embarrassing and sexist. 

Well i sure wouldn't mind if a gorgeous girl joined me onstage for a song every night.
But if it would make you happy, we could have a good looking guy join Scott for the solo some nights.

Nothing to do with guys or girls. It’s tacky and it’s continued moves like this since the 80s that keep the BB as B list entertainers on the party / state fair route when their musical output matches the A listers. Some fans are fine with that others are not.

Cape Cod Times reporting Good Vibes

http://www.capecodtimes.com/news/20180812/beach-boys-bring-magic-in-waves

Nice of them to mention how Brian Wilson and CARL JARDINE are touring in Europe right now, after mentioning how "everyone knows the Beach Boys' story"...

I remember one time seeing that "Brian Johnson" was playing on the tour. :)

It's amazing how many factual errors appear in these type of articles. Wrong names. Wrong names put to pictures. Always just basic 'checkable' flubs.

newbie to the board, but big favor to ask!  I am bringing my 3 yo son to the mike/bruce beach boys show this saturday and was curious as to how long the concerts have been running.  Setlists are long but I know a lot of these songs are short.  Looks to be an intermission as well.  this would be VERY helpful in terms of planning the lil guy's naps etc. 

I think it is tough to call it the beach boys as well, but my son won't care as long as he gets to shake his behind to surf songs  ;D

newbie to the board, but big favor to ask!  I am bringing my 3 yo son to the mike/bruce beach boys show this saturday and was curious as to how long the concerts have been running.  Setlists are long but I know a lot of these songs are short.  Looks to be an intermission as well.  this would be VERY helpful in terms of planning the lil guy's naps etc. 

I think it is tough to call it the beach boys as well, but my son won't care as long as he gets to shake his behind to surf songs  ;D

Btw, fans who didn't catch Mike's special attention, isn't it luck, in fact? Why would anybody going to enjoy show be interested in catching band's attention? If you don't, you don't. What's the big deal. Fans shouldn't be interested in chatting with band etc. It doesn't make sense. Show is seeing/ hearing music. Am I right or am I right?

Mike Love totally hit on my friend while on stage at the Connecticut show the other night (Aug. 15)!! Other people from the audience even came up to her after the show and congratulated her for catching his eye in such a blatantly obvious way lol. I would’ve been jealous of this attention she was getting from Dr. Love, but he also gave me a high five and let me sing a quick line on ‘Barbara Ann’ into the mic while we were dancing by the stage! Anyway, I wonder if this kind of thing is a common occurance... whatever the case, I found it incredibly amusing and it makes for a great memory!!

Very common. Same tasteless display a few days later.

https://youtu.be/epSoNfR5jbo

Yup, the same old tacky, legacy trashing antics by the dirty old man himself(myKe luHv) along with his crew of dependents who act out his twisted fantasies. Such a pathetic ending to a once treasured band.  ::)

-After 10+ times of seeing it, very very tired of Blondie's schtick. It takes up too much of the show.
-Brian doesn't sing enough.
-This is very understandable, but Brian's is singing the weakest I've ever heard him. Compare it to even the 2012 shows and the difference is audible.
-Too many car and surf cuts. Setlists from previous tours always spiced it up a lot more (in regards to non-PS sets). I want to hear more songs that are identifiable as Brian Wilson gems, not what M&B play to please the masses.

I really don't understand the criticism of Mike's voice. I think his voice has held up really well for someone his age. Definitely not like Al's, but when you go to see Mike Love's Beach Boys show Mike's lead vocals sound pretty great in my opinion.

And on the last thing, also dead on. Brian's show has shifted from a showcase of Brian's best songwriting to a showcase of Beach Boys hits.

Here's another video. It starts at 7 mins.

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

I realize that is just one camera perspective and not optimal quality in audio either, but that was pathetic. Hardly anyone there and zero energy from the crowd whatsoever. All the lead vocals were rough from all the "loves" that afternoon...band seemed tight as usual, but lead vox were falling mad flat all across the board.

(https://s33.postimg.cc/853r5tr9r/Screen_Shot_2018-08-20_at_3.47.25_PM.png)

"If I told them once I've told them a hundred times, to put Spinal Tap first and puppet show last!"

Who thought booking that gig was a good idea?

Probably the person working for Mike who thinks to himself "what can I do to get those bunch of haters over at Smiley Smile going at it again?"
BTW, these "fake Beach Boys" are licensed to perform under that name by...you know it...the real Beach Boys themselves.

A pro-shot (from the ESPN feed?) segment featuring "Unleash the Love" was posted in the "pro-shot" thread:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4u-I1Mln2c

Keeping in mind that I'm well aware that Brian and Al have biffed lyrics many times over the years, it's weird and kind of ironic that Mike totally blanks on the words to the *title track* to his *own* solo album in this clip.

Apparently, while even some quite positive reviews of his shows have noted the unremarkable nature of the new solo tracks he performs in concerts, the song appears to be unremarkable enough to Mike himself that he blanked on the words to the title track to his solo album even though he's been performing the song live at most of his concerts for about a year now.

I was also surprised to see a weird attempt to corral many of the small crowd to, for some inexplicable reason, form a big "UNLEASH THE LOVE" sign.

In other news, I believe Foskett is back from his hiatus.

What a complete embarrassment that video was. Not only is it a bad song it's a bad performance.

Usually, judging , say, a Youtube video or a mobile phone capture is unkind to the performer. But this is a well shot, close up clear film and records a song which does not merit the cost of filming. I have never seen ML struggle so. And , blind to the quality level drop it gives the act, when he is licensed to do HUNDREDS of well written tunes on which he used to excel.

Call it my OCD or whatever, but it is odd to me to see someone wearing their own tribute shirt, in this case every time Mike looked down at his hands he'd see his own image staring up at him on those rolled-up sleeves. I don't know...if it's done as humor that's one thing, but the word narcissism comes to mind just the same.

The 80's 90's TV teen band comparison "hey kids, let's put on our own show..." kind of scene is spot-on.  ;D  It seems every teen sitcom or show had an episode where the "kids" decide to form a band, and the resulting music did sound a lot like this. I was thinking too the old Super Bowl halftime shows before major artists started getting the bookings. Up With People, etc.

Review of their MN State Fair show last night. Not much love for Love solo material or Stamos’s Forever.

http://www.startribune.com/beach-boys-and-righteous-brothers-thrill-crowds-at-state-fair/491859921/

Love indulged in a few songs from his 2017 solo album, including the forgettable “All the Love in Paris” and “Unleashed Love.”

...Apparently, forgettable enough that the reviewer can't remember the name of the song!   :lol

I don't recall vast swaths of (deserved) bad reviews for "Unleash" last year.
...
Back to "Unleash"; it deserved *more* poor reviews. It probably benefitted from simply a lack of much attention from the rock press. I'd say any of "Looking Back With Love", "Summer in Paradise", and certainly the 2004 circulating collection of Mike's music, are all much better than "Unleash."

Why torture yourself? ;)

Why torture yourself? ;)

There is only vocal harmony with the BW band... 8)

Like I said, I'll wait and see what the tour actually entails. A big part of me simply doesn't want to put any more money into Bruce Johnston's pocket after the unsolicited verbal abuse I received in Ocean City last year. However, I'd love to finally hear the Christmas tracks live, and Brian's Christmas tour isn't coming close enough.

I attended the Mt. Winery show lastnight in the SF Bay area. The crowd was very much into the classics, but rather motionless and with minimal applause for his (Love's) new solo work. I went with a group of casual fans all of which thought the new songs were pretty weak. I thought they were awful. All The Love in Paris being the best out of the three...but still meh.

How many damn songs will he write that includes his last name in the title? Does he think we all believe he's really clever? Does he not realize how lame that is? Again, a group of casual fans I was with (who supplied me with a free ticket) all leaned over and whispered to me...how lame. I can only imagine what Dennis would think.

"All the Love in Paris", "Unleash the Love", and on the way into the venue they were playing random Beach Boy and Mike Love songs, one of which seemed to have the title "Make Love Not War"....I wouldn't know as I wouldn't buy the album.

BTW, it seems very shady to plug your solo album and play three tracks at a show billed as the Beach Boys. Totten's and Cowsil's playing/singing were the highlights lastnight....

So I'm not the only one who has reported unsolicited verbal abuse from BJ.

There was a report of it here at the Woodlands Tx c50 show too.

Okay, i'll accept that; and Brian and Al and Blondie shouldn't be doing Beach Boys songs in a concert advertised as a Brian Wilson show.
Bring on Melt Away, There's So Many, Meet Me in My Dreams Tonight, Let's Go to Heaven in My Car, Orange Crate Art, San Francisco, Palm Tree and Moon, Where Has Love Been, Lay Down Burden, ...well, you get the idea.

Now, obviously, any band can perform any songs they want on stage. Both Mike and Brian can perform nothing but REO Speedwagon and Eminem songs if they want.

Like I said, I'll wait and see what the tour actually entails. A big part of me simply doesn't want to put any more money into Bruce Johnston's pocket after the unsolicited verbal abuse I received in Ocean City last year. However, I'd love to finally hear the Christmas tracks live, and Brian's Christmas tour isn't coming close enough.

 :woot :woot :woot

Which I'm delighted to hear at The Kennedy Center on November 5th again. Why are you on this thread if that's all you have to contribute?

Guitarfool - since you asked elsewhere - postings like these that are allowed is the reason I no longer am a regular contributor to this board.

I am all for meaningful discussion of The Beach Boys - and understand some will not like the Mike/Bruce band no matter how talented they are or how much they've stepped up their game since the 'Duke of Earl' days - but what's the point of allowing them to be bashed them without substance?

If there were posts where one contributor said "BRIAN'S OLD!" and the next contributor said "YEAH! BOO BRIAN!", you'd be pissed and probably least give them a warning.

Saying Mike Love's new album is bad because it's loaded with autotune and full of remakes is one thing (which is something I would agree with completely) but numerous postings by the two above being allowed makes this place seem like a biased community where it's OK to sh*t on Mike and Bruce just because, and I don't think that's right.

I would take a pill to deal with Bruce, WTF is up with insulting people at shows?

Billy and rubbersoul13 have firsthand stories of "negative" Bruce behavior far beyond "its all about the music" at M&B shows.

:lol
Well, the critic had to show how hip he is by dissing ML solo material. It's in the rock critics code of laws, section 3, paragraph 409.

Unleash the trouser snake! :lol

 :lol
Unleash the Crotch Pheasant.

Any videos from recent performances?

 

But you've had other good interactions with Bruce, yeah? He's probably undiagnosed bipolar, but whatever. He's been more than nice to me several times, and one time he was a bit prickly. He's really the one Beach Boy you can delve into rare album tracks and session work, and he'll talk to you about it! You wanna meet these guys, that's the risk you take. He's in his mid 70s and travels around in a bus 200 days out of the year, and people are always wanting to talk to him. You'd probably be a grump sometimes, too.

Your postings in regard to the BB band on this board were really positive pre-Bruce brushing you off on his way to the tour bus after a show. Ever since that experience, you seem sour on them. I get it, but there's not enough time for that. Pretty soon, you'll be able to see NO original Beach Boys. There will be cover bands touring the country, and that's the only way you'll be able to hear this music live.

Do yourself a favor - go see Brian as many times as is feasible, go see Mike/Bruce as many times as is feasible. Once they're gone, they're gone. You'll be sad and you'll be sorry. Go make a new memory with Bruce if you can.

I would take a pill to deal with Bruce, WTF is up with insulting people at shows?

Billy and rubbersoul13 have firsthand stories of "negative" Bruce behavior far beyond "its all about the music" at M&B shows.

I truly believe that the personalities of Mike and Bruce was a match made in heaven. Their "togetherness" was and is a no-brainer to me.

Bruce is very much into himself.  The most useless player in rock n roll, contributes next to NOTHING on stage, and acts like he's a big star. Dude has major issues, and has done virtually nothing on stage for years, other than to collect a big check and kiss Mike Love's butt.

But you've had other good interactions with Bruce, yeah? He's probably undiagnosed bipolar, but whatever. He's been more than nice to me several times, and one time he was a bit prickly. He's really the one Beach Boy you can delve into rare album tracks and session work, and he'll talk to you about it! You wanna meet these guys, that's the risk you take. He's in his mid 70s and travels around in a bus 200 days out of the year, and people are always wanting to talk to him. You'd probably be a grump sometimes, too.

Your postings in regard to the BB band on this board were really positive pre-Bruce brushing you off on his way to the tour bus after a show. Ever since that experience, you seem sour on them. I get it, but there's not enough time for that. Pretty soon, you'll be able to see NO original Beach Boys. There will be cover bands touring the country, and that's the only way you'll be able to hear this music live.

Do yourself a favor - go see Brian as many times as is feasible, go see Mike/Bruce as many times as is feasible. Once they're gone, they're gone. You'll be sad and you'll be sorry. Go make a new memory with Bruce if you can.

Guitarfool - since you asked elsewhere - postings like these that are allowed is the reason I no longer am a regular contributor to this board.

I am all for meaningful discussion of The Beach Boys - and understand some will not like the Mike/Bruce band no matter how talented they are or how much they've stepped up their game since the 'Duke of Earl' days - but what's the point of allowing them to be bashed them without substance?

If there were posts where one contributor said "BRIAN'S OLD!" and the next contributor said "YEAH! BOO BRIAN!", you'd be pissed and probably least give them a warning.

Saying Mike Love's new album is bad because it's loaded with autotune and full of remakes is one thing (which is something I would agree with completely) but numerous postings by the two above being allowed makes this place seem like a biased community where it's OK to sh*t on Mike and Bruce just because, and I don't think that's right.

You're not wrong. I also have a lot of respect and admiration for Scott Totten and John Cowsill. It's always a treat to hear them handle the catalog so carefully. As for new memories though, I'll just stay away. I've had lots and lots of interactions with Mike and Bruce. They've been nothing but excellent with Mike. You're right about Bruce. They've gone both ways. What bothered me about Bruce last summer, was that I did not engage or deserve the comment he made. It was a bit more than "slagging off". For those new to the party, I was waiting in a specific location given to me to meet John Cowsill after a concert to have my photo signed, near the tour bus...like 15-20 feet from the bus. As each band member came out to go on the bus (Mike included) I said Goodnight and thanked them for a great show, they all replied accordingly and kept walking. Out comes Bruce...I think I managed to get out "Hi Bruce, Great show..." before I was interrupted with him screaming "NOPE! NOT GONNA DO IT!" (I can only assume that he assumed the photo in my hand was for him to sign) so I replied "I'm sorry, I'm waiting for Mr. Cowsill to sign my photo." as he walked to the bus, stomped up the steps and shouted "Well all RIGHT then Mr. MAAAAAAN" and slammed the door to the bus.

^ that didn’t work with me. Just an FYI.

For those new to the party, I was waiting in a specific location given to me to meet John Cowsill after a concert to have my photo signed, near the tour bus...like 15-20 feet from the bus. As each band member came out to go on the bus (Mike included) I said Goodnight and thanked them for a great show, they all replied accordingly and kept walking. Out comes Bruce...I think I managed to get out "Hi Bruce, Great show..." before I was interrupted with him screaming "NOPE! NOT GONNA DO IT!" (I can only assume that he assumed the photo in my hand was for him to sign) so I replied "I'm sorry, I'm waiting for Mr. Cowsill to sign my photo." as he walked to the bus, stomped up the steps and shouted "Well all RIGHT then Mr. MAAAAAAN" and slammed the door to the bus.

Saw the Winery show on 9-16.   Christian was back, vocals not as good as when I last  saw them.   They did unleash the love.    The show and music had improved over the years but either this was an off night or they are losing ground vocally.

I have also thought of them as the likes of the Basie band.   It could go on in that fashion.  If they keep a dozen or so of the current members of both bands.  Call it the Pet Sounds Orchestra

2018 was not a good year overall for Beach Boys live and I hope that doesn't mean we've passed the point of no return. Mike, Brian, and Bruce are not in good voice. Mike's band is not the tight and well-oiled machine they have been from like 2013-2017. Perhaps this is because they've had more of a revolving door lately. The highlight of 2018 by a landslide, is Al Jardine's Storyteller Shows. If your concert budget allows one Beach Boys experience, that's the way to go. His voice still sounds like 1965, his stories are down to earth and honest, his son is a huge asset to the show, great setlist that allows for fan input (Santa Ana Winds from yours truly), and there's a free meet-and-greet afterwards. What's not to like?

I just wrote a big review of the show tonight and my internet was lost and with it, the post was lost. I'm not typing it again.

The band was in very rough shape tonight. The first half was far less than okay, and many people in my section noted it. "Darlin" actually crashed and burned when Cowsill missed a fill and the whole band froze for about three seconds looking panicked. Mike and Bruce look and sounds damn rough. The band was not tight in fact, it was quite messy. I point this out because it is not the norm. I was quite shocked.

Part Two was better, but still rough around the edges. It was wonderful to hear the old Christmas music that I never thought I'd hear live. Mike is singing with the recording of himself on his new Christmas songs.

2018 was not a good year overall for Beach Boys live and I hope that doesn't mean we've passed the point of no return. Mike, Brian, and Bruce are not in good voice. Mike's band is not the tight and well-oiled machine they have been from like 2013-2017. Perhaps this is because they've had more of a revolving door lately. The highlight of 2018 by a landslide, is Al Jardine's Storyteller Shows. If your concert budget allows one Beach Boys experience, that's the way to go. His voice still sounds like 1965, his stories are down to earth and honest, his son is a huge asset to the show, great setlist that allows for fan input (Santa Ana Winds from yours truly), and there's a free meet-and-greet afterwards. What's not to like?

Does anybody find it odd that "The Beach Boys" are suddenly starting to not perform well at the exact same time that there is all this concern for Brian?

Mike makes a mention of the hectic touring schedule of the current group in his autobiography, and it's kind of interesting(to me, at least). He basically says it goes back to the time in the late 1960's and early 1970's when The Beach Boys really had to hustle and work their butts off to more or less save and rebuild their career. Mike more or less admits to a lingering fear that it could happen again.

None of them have the tact to bow out gracefully with a farewell tour...there have been countless opportunities in the past oh...forty years or so, to do something like that and it could have left them in such a better place. It'll never happen. I wouldn't necessarily say they'll never perform together again. But with Mike, Bruce, and Brian don't even have their 2012 chops anymore to do something on a C50 scale. To market them at that height, in those kinds of venues...would end up being an embarrassment.

I've said it before, I'll say it again...as a fan (not making any judgements or assumptions), I'd like to see "The Beach Boys" defined as Brian Wilson's touring band with John Cowsill and Scott Totten...fronted by Mike Love, Al Jardine, and David Marks. Mike brings the signature showmanship that, like it or not, is associated with the attitude of this band on stage. Alan brings authenticity in his vocals and sincerity that can't be replaced. David brings some sick guitar licks and adds to the authenticity. Bruce Johnston is disposable. He played his keyboard audibly, one time Sunday night on "White Christmas" and it was just poorly timed rolling chords on the downbeats. His vocals are like a notch between a crackle and a whisper. He can surf his days away in Santa Barbara. And then there's Brian. I'd like to see Brian given a free pass. If he wants to come along, there's a keyboard and his lead vocals are waiting for him. If he doesn't feel up to a run of shows, then the production can run all systems go without him present as it has many times before. The key would be to never advertise or confirm his presence, and that any extended expense of his travel beyond what the rest of the band requires, is covered himself...as that simply isn't fair to people who are out year round making a living off this.

BUT...that'll never happen. Of course, timing plays a part, but I suspect Brian's show will stop before Mike's does. I'd imagine his band will split and find their own work, very easily, elsewhere. Blondie will disappear back into the darkness, and Alan will continue with his couple dozen solo shows a year. When it's time for Mike to stop or he is stopped by higher powers, I have zero doubt that "The Beach Boys" will tour. The rock and roll answer to the Glen Miller Orchestra. I doubt Bruce would stay without Mike. Would David and/or Alan for that matter, be invited without the Lovester around? Would that then give Bruce reason to stay? All interesting thoughts for sure.

And like Jay mentioned, whoever has the desire to continue touring could front the band

In my mind, an ideal situation would be similar to Jay's, but would also include Bruce.

I should have known not to post that. Of course, why have a deeply rooted psychological and plausible reason, when we can just blame evil egomaniac Mike Love's greed for money and power as the leader of his Beach Boys. Sometimes I forget which board I'm on. This constant hate is getting tiresome and old.

when we can just blame evil egomaniac Mike Love's greed for money and power as the leader of his Beach Boys. Sometimes I forget which board I'm on. This constant hate is getting tiresome and old.

I would want to see this, but leave out Cowsill and keep Brians band intact with the addition of Scott..

It would actually be amazing if Brians band would carry on after Brian retires, I'd really want to see a tour with the band on it's own bursting out the hits - they were always the superior backing band between the two imo..

Never seen this happen before: Mike forgets the lyrics to surfin safari!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhxErnS24wk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhxErnS24wk)

Posting this here and on one other thread where it seems it might be of the most interest. A friend saw the touring BBs in 2017 and Foskett didn't sing at all. Must've had a cold or something. Anyway, Brian E sang all the falsetto parts that show and here's some video with many more songs by same poster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf1LYUPBozY

That was very carefully crafted to only show Mike and Bruce, for a change!

I was just listening to KYW 1060, the news radio station in Philly that everyone listens to for traffic, weather, and school closings when it snows like it is currently...), and an ad for a Mike & Bruce Beach Boys show on July 27th in Atlantic City came on, Hard Rock casino. First I had heard it, or a BB themed concert ad in general, for awhile. Anyway, here's the links for those interested:
https://www.hardrockhotels.com/atlantic-city/hotel-home (https://www.hardrockhotels.com/atlantic-city/hotel-home)
https://www1.ticketmaster.com/the-beach-boys-now-then/event/02005637ED669536 (https://www1.ticketmaster.com/the-beach-boys-now-then/event/02005637ED669536)

What stood out about the billing and ad included that it's being billed as "Now And Then"...anyone know what that title refers to beyond the obvious? For once there was no 50th anniversary tag to celebrate something from 1969, so I guess this tag replaced the 50th tag for 2019.

I did not see on the web links nor hear in the radio ad the disclaimer about Brian-Al-Blondie not appearing at this show as someone saw in another market's promotions.

What I noticed in the radio ad was that the majority of the BB's original music clips were using Brian's falsetto parts as the sound clip - Whether that's coincidence or not, it was noticeable. Considering the ad directed you to both the BB's and Mike's own website for more info, most of the audio heard in the spot was spotlighting Brian's falsetto hooks. I just found that a bit odd considering Mike's vocals would be a more expected spotlight to advertise his shows. Anyhoo...

I couldn't find a Beach Boys 2019 Tour thread, so I'll just post this here.


The Beach Boys at Silver Creek Event Center

The Beach Boys perform live at Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino New Buffalo on August 2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3pY50TPIQw

Time for a Hawaii vacation for me, OSD, and Add some?  >:D

I saw them in Fort Myers last night for the second time (previous visit was the December 2016 Xmas show) and would say:

Positives - I thought Brian Eichenberger was excellent on Don't Worry Baby. I loved the arrangement of In My Room and I think Bruce still does Disney Girls pretty well. The rhythm section is great and John Cowsill really pounds out those beats. Randy Leago plays a mean sax. Nine musicians on stage means you always get plenty of volume, but Totten also brings some subtlety to the arrangements (In My Room being the supreme example).

Neutral - Mike and Bruce deserve to be cut some slack at their age. Their voices are surviving better than Brian's, which was totally shot in Xmas show I saw. Exposing themselves to Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring a capella takes some balls, although Eichenberger carries that song to a large degree.

Negatives - Mike's solo stuff, which nobody wanted to hear, and the very ordinary lead of his son Christian on God Only Knows. Jeff's absence (which Mike didn't even acknowledge) affected some tunes such as 'Surfer Girl'. The setlist was predictably no-risk so we didn't even get Heroes and Villains. Mike is still milking 'Pisces Brother' and Pet Sounds 50th like he was in Dec 16, and I felt there was a subtext to his highlighting that Carl W and George Harrison both died from lung cancer (why mention it?).

Mike's movement - yes, he's down to a shuffle and I can foresee him needing more breaks like the one he takes during Disney Girls. Bruce is not doing much on the keyboards AFAIK (more of a prop these days?).

I thought it was worth the night out but I doubt I will need to see the band again, whereas Brian's band remains essential even if he's mostly just sitting there, provided he still wants to be sitting there.

I assumed Bruce's keyboard was a prop but this is what I was told by Scott Totten ...


"Bruce's keyboard is always on.  His keyboard is the main sound in DARLIN and the chorus and bridge of VIBES."

Wait...how long have I been out of the loop...Brian Eichenberger's back and Foskett's gone????

I was thinking the same thing. Though, I thought I heard that Foskett had some illness and didn't take leads recently.

I assumed Bruce's keyboard was a prop but this is what I was told by Scott Totten ...


"Bruce's keyboard is always on.  His keyboard is the main sound in DARLIN and the chorus and bridge of VIBES."

Foskett was present on 2/2/2019 so I think he misses some gigs but not others.

For Bruce being all over the place, check out this clip. He has cue cards for some reason:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnzYw7p3qCI

Last minute additions to the European 2019 tour: 2 concerts in The Netherlands:

July 3rd: Nieuwe Luxor Theater, Rotterdam
https://www.luxortheater.nl/voorstellingen/4614/Met_Mike_Love_en_Bruce_Johnston/The_Beach_Boys_USA_/

July 5th: Tweede Maasvlakte, Rotterdam, with the (Dutch) Rotterdams Philharmonic Orchestra
https://www.spido.nl/tochten-cruises/concert-the-beach-boys-en-het-rotterdams-philharmonisch-orkest

As a fan of the RPO I'd opt for the second concert. (I believe tickets go on sale tomorrow.)

Yes, Scott told me the same exact thing. I have watched Bruce's keyboard intently during those songs and others from many viewpoints and at many different concerts and as a pianist myself, I will say with the utmost confidence that the only song he plays EVERY time, is "Disney Girls" on the cheesy 80's EP sound. I have also picked it up occasionally on "Don't Worry Baby" and have seen him give starting pitches for "Their Hearts Were Full of Spring" with that keyboard. That is it. I've never seen or heard anything to indicate playing on "Darlin" or "Good Vibrations". His hands are all over the place...and he is CONSTANTLY obsessed with the mix and signaling to the sound guy which makes it even funnier. The only other speculation I can make, is that he sometimes plays vocal harmony parts that are doubled only for in-ear monitoring and not in the house mix, which would explain why his playing seems out of time and inconsistent.

Cool it. It's obvious that Bruce's keyboard is his personal accompaniment. Just like when a guitar player prefers to play guitar while singing. Is Al Jardine also faking it just because we can't hear his guitar?

Man the hate towards Bruce and Mike on this board is ridiculous.

I just bought tickets fir the 5 July 2029 concert. I noticed that Jeff Foskett was not mentioned as part of the backing group. The band will consist of: Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill, Christian Love, Brian Eichenberger, Randy Leago, Keith Hubacher and Scott Totten.
[/quote

2029 ?? blimey talk about selling tickets in advance   :lol

I used to laugh when someone would say Bruce was unquestionably the most talented instrumentalist in the Beach Boys. I don't laugh anymore, I've seen some old clips where he is playing some very nice stuff, but it's just so odd, then, that a guy with great talent as a musician chooses to just be a hand clapper and harmony singer at year after year of shows. Can you imagine, if Carl was still alive, and he stood there with a guitar that he occasionally strummed, mostly ignored, while someone else did all those great CW guitar parts?
Looking forward to seeing the guys in September, and i'm probably the one person looking forward to hearing a couple songs from Unleash the Love live.

Bruce has been on auto pilot for years, he collects his checks and probably laughs all the way to the bank. Has to be the cushiest job in today's rock n roll touring circuit.

I've never gone to see the Boys since Carl's passing. Nothing against them, and they sound pretty good nowadays, just no desire to see them perform. Too many great memories of seeing the Boys live, with basically the principles through the years. The Beach Boys were always more to me than just the music, though of course that's the main thing. They were the 5 or 6 personalities that comprised the original band; that was magic to me, and it's hard for me to go see the band today or over the course of the past 20+ years, that bills itself as the Beach Boys, when I just don't consider them to be. I will say, I went to the 50th anniversary shows with Brian and those shows were great, primarily because of the deep cut song selections. Brian and Al helped to make it more original, though missing Carl and Denny is tough to overcome.

... missing Carl and Denny is tough to overcome.

Yep, amen to that sentiment.

A little snippet of Marky sitting in with America's Band

https://livemusicblog.com/news/marky-ramone-joins-the-beach-boys-mike-love-for-rockaway-beach-live/

I have sometimes wondered if anyone in these audiences who *doesn't* know the ins and outs of the band name license are asking themselves (or others) why these new albums and "singles" are being released as "Mike Love" product instead of "Beach Boys" given that Mike isn't out there putting BB tours on hold to tour solo and seems to plug his solo stuff "live" pretty much exclusively during "Beach Boys" concert and TV appearances.

The only relatively full-length gig I can think of that *may* have been billed as a "Mike Love" gig was a premiere party or two he did for "Unleash" and/or his XMas album, and even that was confusing as he was ostensibly maybe doing a "solo" gig, but still using the "Beach Boys" touring band and also doing some BB numbers.

Had a YOLO moment and booked myself onto the Albert Hall in London. Still a few seats dotted about there. Shame they’re not doing Glastonbury, timing would’ve been perfect.

Also, first post! Hello!

Had a YOLO moment and booked myself onto the Albert Hall in London. Still a few seats dotted about there. Shame they’re not doing Glastonbury, timing would’ve been perfect.

Also, first post! Hello!

Welcome and enjoy! Without a C50 type lineup, I don't see Glastonbury in the cards for Mike and Bruce, ever.

I watched Mike's version of Here Comes the Sun on YouTube just now. George must be turning over in his grave it is God awful.

Here Comes The Sun:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ocVBm_aU-E (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ocVBm_aU-E)

The one problem was that the concert was too long. They could have lopped off 18 songs, ditched the interval and played 30 all-out bangers instead (that’s still five more songs than The Eagles currently play live, and 10 more than The Rolling Stones).