The Smiley Smile Message Board

From the Evening Standard:

Brian Wilson has revealed that he plans to retire from touring after his London concerts this year.

The singer also said he still suffers from the hallucinations and stage fright that led to him become a recluse in the late Sixties and early Seventies at the height of the Beach Boys fame.

Wilson, 68, admitted that life on the road was "very hard work" for him and that his dates at the Royal Festival Hall in September were likely to be his last in London. "I'm always afraid just before I go on stage because I'm not sure how the concert's going to work.

"As I get older it gets harder for me. But when I'm sitting down at the keyboard and my band's behind me, I can do it." When asked if he had contemplated retirement, he replied: "Oh God yes. Another year, maybe. This could be the last time I play here. I'm going to miss it but I'm getting a little bit old for touring."

Wilson has suffered from hearing voices in his head since the Sixties when he also fought drug addiction and depression. He said: "What the voices say is still pretty much the same, negative things, 'You're going to die', or, 'You better watch out', life-threatening kinds of things. Performing helps, but I'll still have the voices there when I'm on stage. They're always with me."

Wilson will perform tracks from Smile, Pet Sounds and his recent album Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin at the Royal Festival Hall for three nights starting on September 16. He added: "London is my favourite city in the whole world. I love the people here. I think the people appreciate the music a lot better than Americans do, they're a lot more sensitive to the music than Americans are."

I think that's a good thing - as much I love him, his music and what he has achieved, he deserves a break - Smile will be fitting tribute

Had a feeling this was coming after so many dates were announced.

Well deserved. I bet if you have asked someone if Brian would tour so much 20 years ago, they would've laughed in your face.

Good for him-he owes nothing to anyone except himself and that would be peace.

Eh... we'll see - he said pretty much the same in December 2005. But, I think this time he could be meaning it.

Yeah, he was talking a lot about retiring in 2003, 2005, and I believe 2007. I'm not gonna fuss if the man wants a retirement since he's definitely earned it but he should take the initiative and retire if he wants it!

While it's interesting to hear Brian's thoughts on retiring, as we know the decision on when to retire is up to Melinda!

Attended Knebworth Festival to see the Beach Boys in 1980, and was sure Brian would retire after that.

Flew from the UK to LA in 2000 to see Brian solo (well, with the band and an orchestra) at the Hollywood Bowl cos I didn't think he'd tour again after that.

Then saw all his 2002 Pet Sounds dates in the UK cos I was sure he wouldn't tour again after that.

Saw ten UK SMiLE gigs in 2004 cos I was sure he wouldn't tour again after that.

Have seen him several times on several other tours over the last decade and each time I've been sure he wouldn't tour again after that.

If he doesn't tour again after this I'll be surprised – but also grateful for the wonderful gigs I've seen, easily some of the greatest gigs it's been my extreme pleasure to attend, for all sorts of reasons as well as the terrific music.

Let's wait and see!     :-D

Poll:  how many on this board are "Brian music appreciators from London" versus  how many are "insensitive Americans"?

Myself, being one of those typical "insensitive American"types, suggest  Brian retire now, before he embarrasses himself any further.

Hmmm... I'll patiently wait for the 'Disney' and the 'Pleasure Island' tours.

It was inevitable. I'm really amazed he's lasted this long - both on the road and in the studio. He could have retired years ago and still maintained his legacy. He doesn't owe anybody anything. 50 years as a Beach Boy and solo artist is one helluva career in the music business. I'm sure he'll still be writing and recording songs and maybe even perform at a few gigs and make special appearances. Brian will never retire from the music.

Have a great, much-deserved retirement with the wife and kids and dogs, Brian!  Say hello to the people over at the deli and try not to eat too much cake!

Given that, by most precepts of modern medicine, Brian should have died in 1982, tops 1983, I think we've no valid argument.

Well, if this is true then I think a last Beach Boys-concert would be a very nice way to end his stage carreer. Of course he'll might keep on recording and releasing records but even if this is the last thing we heard from Brian, he deserves it. Even not talking about what he gave the world and what he went through, he's getting old. That's life.

With respect, that not exactly what he said, anymore than he said Brits are "even more sensitive to the music than Americans."  Rock & pop stars have always traditionally said nice things about the crowd in the town they're playing.

He might even say Amerians are over-sensitive compared to Brits!

Agreed completely - the guy deserves to just chill and enjoy life.  It's been a great ride and he's given us more than we ever could have expected.

Oh god I wish I could go see him this summer even more now. Thanks a lot for that "cross-country Canadian tour" that ends in Montreal, neglecting the east coast as usual, jerks!

'Ang on, you saying you want to go an' see the "jerks"? So when they're drawing up their tour schedule, I wonder what criteria they use to choose their venues?   ;D

Jokes aside, this is so true. We're blessed to have him still around... and if anyone back in around 1983 would have told me that I'd see the man three times live, possibly a fourth time too, in the next century, I'd have declared that person stark raving bonkers madly insane.

Perhaps the finest live moment of all shows that I witnessed was the SMiLE 2004 RFH concert, Feb 24, when Brian and the band unleashed 'Ms. O'Leary's Cow' upon us. I had completely refused getting told on the web what was to be expected, and avoided all soundbites too. So when 'Fire' materialised soundwise, with the 'Fall Breaks' chant making the song sound even more grave than it did already, my jaw dropped, and I was absolutely lost for words, or even rational thought. 'Brilliant' doesn't do half justice to that performance.

If he really calls it a day, show-wise, I won't regret it. He scaled peaks that only a select few can, and this at an age when even these exceptions seem only to be coasting along in the concert hall. I will raise a fine single malt in his honour, after the official announcement will have been made.

For my own selfish reasons, I wish Brian would come back to Houston for just one more show. That being said, if he is retiring from live performances, more power to him.  Who'd have thought back in 1999 he would come this far?

So, I may be seeing his last show in the U.S. ever?

It seems odd that he'd have almost a 3 week rest and then do one more show on the West Coast before heading off to the Jolly Olde UK.
Perhaps some more dates will be added?
After all, the gig I'm seeing isn't listed on BW.com.
http://www.mountainwinery.com/wsdconcertdining/concertdiningview/action/view/frmArticleID/426

I don't blame him for retiring - heck, many of the bands I'm seeing this summer might call it quits - some of their mates already have!
Brian doesn't really need the $, and there's sure no need to do it if it's stressful for him - as opposed to being too old to do it.

I think if this is the end of the road for being on the road - he's going out on a high note! (pun intended).

Dates for BW North American summer tour (east coast dates highlighted):

6/6   Filene Center, Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA [Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin tour]
6/8   Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT
6/9   Wellmont Theater, Montclair, NJ
6/11   Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
6/12   Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
6/13   Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
6/15   The Centre in the Square, Kitchener, ON, Canada
6/17   Place des Arts, Montreal, QC, Canada
6/18   Massey Hall, Toronto, ON, Canada
6/20   National Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
6/22   Pantages Playhouse Theatre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
6/23   Conexus Arts Centre, Regina, SK, Canada
6/25   Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary, AB, Canada
6/26   Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton, AB, Canada
6/28   Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
7/29   Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, MI [not BWRG]
7/30   The Arcade Theater, Saint Charles, IL [not BWRG]
7/31   Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA [not BWRG]
8/3   Chastian Park, Atlanta, GA [not BWRG]
8/5   Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL [not BWRG]
8/24   Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA [not BWRG]
8/25   Uptown Theatre, Napa, CA [not BWRG]

 :'( :'(

Thank god I'm flying over to see him in Manchester. Make it good Brian

Wonder why they don't do the Gershwin stuff at all of the venues. Too much trouble, I guess(?) The rest of us are left with the same ol' greatest hits stuff.

I'll go see him anyway because it'll probably be the last time I'll see him play live.

Nope, not taking that one seriously. He just answered the question he was given, doesn't mean he's serious about retiring in the near future.

Sorry, I meant the east coast of Canada. The Maritime provinces, which they've completely ignored in their "cross-country" trek, surely love Brian Wilson too. Everyone always forgets about the third of the country for some reason. :( I cannot afford to go to Ottawa (or elsewhere in Canada) to see him again (although I am, of course, glad I got to see him at least once) unfortunately. So it goes, I guess.

Hey guys, I think you're all forgetting that he's probably gonna do a tour with The Beach Boys next year. I bet he does that, and THEN thats probably it as far as touring.

On the eve of the BB's 50th anniversary is as fitting a time as any to go out.

You're probably right - he just meant retire as BW touring.

That and when he's sitting around the house in a few months the voices will be saying things like "you're running out of money" and "get your lazy ass out of here and go play some gigs".

I doubt he will and I hope he doesn't

If he in fact retires after the London shows, then what does that say about doing any Reunion Shows? Is that now off the table for later this year or next?

That wont be the voices , it will be Mrs. Wilson!

Look: only one of Brian's ears has full hearing(the other ear has only 6% hearing). Why continue to risk damage to his one good ear via live performing? Several notable rock musicians have had to call it a day partly or totally because of hearing loss or tinnitus(ringing noises in the ears), notably, Phil Collins, Pete Townshend & Barry Gibb.

Kinda makes you wonder why he decided to start touring in the first place, over twelve years and 390 shows ago, doesn't it ?

Seriously, look at the stage settings for Brian's band -  they use ear monitors. The sound on-stage is far less than it used to be when he toured with The Beach Boys.

I thought about that - the voices would probably be saying "you'd better do what she says or you're sleeping on the sofa again!"

Hopefully he'll do another show in San Francisco. I saw him perform at Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit back in I think 2006 but that was an acoustic show. Would like to hear some of that rock n roll music one last time.

I hope he doesn't retire because i want to see him perform again after I see him at the wolftrap show in Vienna, Va on June 6th.

Good for him.

I think it will be best for him, in some respects.I think going out on tour is good for Brian in terms of his psyche, but it tires out men a third of his age. So long as he keeps active and recording, I think he'll be happy.

I live in Oregon, and the closest spot to me on his summer American tour is in Iowa...

I, for one, would like to see Brian truly "solo". Picture it: Brian and a piano, period. I'm sorry, but Jeff Foskett's voice always crashes the party. You think Brian would play in my living room?

Install a sandbox and a tent and invite him over.

California is closer to Oregon than Iowa.  There are two BW gigs in California in August.

So does this mean the Disney album will be his last? He's not even going to tour to support it?

Probyn Gregory commented on the article ESQ put out about it on facebook "umm, i have to say i believe this is a false assumption on the part of the reporter. brian said just yesterday to us here in london that he was having a good time and likes to tour."

Brilliant Wee Helper

I am a sensitive Brit

Hope the man can have some peace and quiet (if he wants it), but regardless nothing sales tickets like a good ole hint at retiring

I don't think Brian wears in ear monitors but yes Andrew on stage sound is now a lot less painfull than it used to be

From the Evening Standard interview:

Wilson, 68, admitted that life on the road was "very hard work" for him and that his dates at the Royal Festival Hall in September were likely to be his last in London. "I'm always afraid just before I go on stage because I'm not sure how the concert's going to work.

"As I get older it gets harder for me. But when I'm sitting down at the keyboard and my band's behind me, I can do it." When asked if he had contemplated retirement, he replied: "Oh God yes. Another year, maybe. This could be the last time I play here. I'm going to miss it but I'm getting a little bit old for touring."

Of course, that was yesterday.  ;D

This must be a misquote -  he said on the OneShow –also yesterday – that he loves touring. How can two answers effectively contradict one another on the same day? Are we talking about the same Brian Wilson?   ;D

Yes! Different day...different answer. ;)


BTW. Brian...I love you of course and good luck if the retirement is real. But the doubter in me says this is the best way to drum up interest in a tour.

I hope he's not going to retire from recording too soon because I'd like to hear just one more album by the guy comprising 10 or 12 newly written songs in the vein of "Message Man" and "Just Like Me and You". No rock opera concept record, just a nice collection of good (and slightly whimsical) songs... Even call it Pleasure Island if it helps!

The David Beard article says Brian may retire from touring. It did not mention recording. Plus, like AGD mentioned, what Brian says can change from day to day.

everyone here seems happy for Brian to retire as long as he does a farewell tour which visits their town.  Something along the lines of Bob Dylan's current tour then?

Brian's been doing this retiring from the road stuff since 1964. ;)

 :lol ...and word is that he does't even get panic attacks on planes these days...

What venues?

8/24   Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA
8/25   Uptown Theatre, Napa, CA

He probably just wants time so he can lay down tracks for Mike, Al and Bruce to sing on

In Brian's HOF speech, he mentioned wanting to be inducted in another 27 years. I just wonder if he could now go in as a solo artist.

1986 + 25 = 2011.

Yup.  ;D

But first we have to get Jan & Dean, and then The Cowsills, in there.

That's right Andrew. The article I wrote was to point out that Contactmusic.com sensationalized the excerpts of Brian's interview with the Evening Standard.

As has been proven by the Stones, the Who, etc. it's good business to imply that an upcoming tour maybe the last one as it motivates fans to buy tickets if they think it will be the last time. Also, the reporter led Brian right into an obvious answer by bringing up the idea of retiring; this is not some kind of official announcement.

Not to disregard Brian's history with mental illness, but the pre-show fear and voices he continues to mention in interviews could very well reflect the kind of pre-show jitters and self-doubt that affect a multitude of professional musicians. It really has become an easy answer for him when discussing performing (again, I don't wish to diminish the challenges of Brian's psychological state, but his issues have their roots in anxieties that are not unique to Brian alone).

At the same time, given that Brian will be 70 next year, the idea of retiring from the road should certainly not come as a surprise.

Is the London Evening Standard one of the tabloids?

:deadhorse

Actually, Brian's BEEN eligible. The release of Caroline No as a solo single means he's been eligible for years ^_^

The B104.3 Rock News/  www.b104fm.com

Expands on the interview and throws in a zinger by Bruce against Brian's Band" - Mitch Miller - ouch!

"BRIAN WILSON MAY QUIT TOURING
 
 Brian Wilson may be retiring from the road. Wilson, who's currently on a promotional tour in the UK, discussed his lingering mental issues as well as leaving touring behind. Wilson, who'll be 69 in June, told the London Evening Standard that his fall UK dates might be his farewell, "As I get older it gets harder for me. But when I'm sitting down at the keyboard and my band's behind me, I can do it." When pressed about if he's thought about retiring, the Beach Boy co-founder said: "Oh God yes. Another year, maybe. This could be the last time I play here. I'm going to miss it but I'm getting a little bit old for touring. . . London is my favorite city in the whole world. I love the people here. I think the people appreciate the music a lot better than Americans do, they're a lot more sensitive to the music than Americans are."
 
Wilson revealed that he still suffers from crippling bouts of auditory hallucinations, explaining: "What the voices say is still pretty much the same, negative things, 'You're going to die', or, 'You better watch out', life-threatening kinds of things. Performing helps, but I'll still have the voices there when I'm on stage. They're always with me."
 
Although Wilson varies his setlist from tour to tour, he admits that he gets burned out at times of playing some of his greatest hits: ["I'm getting tired of 'Wendy,' 'In My Room,' and 'Surfer Girl.' I just gotta be honest."] SOUNDCUE (:05 OC: . . . gotta be honest)
Longtime Beach Boy Bruce Johnston, whose voice was such an integral part of hits like "California Girls" and "God Only Knows," says that Wilson's current live band is slightly lacking in the harmony department: ["I figured out what Brian's 'sound' is live. You have guys that can play and sing -- but I realized while listening to (his) Carnegie Hall tapes that has too many voices singing too few parts, and it sounds like Mitch Miller."] SOUNDCUE (:14 OC: . . . like Mitch Miller)
 

Not just them - my Google alerts BW/BB folder is being swamped with "Brian Wilson retiring" notifications.

I think that was disqualified when it turned up on a BB album.  ;D

I can see Brian's band singing while following the bouncing ball. Which is worse; singing ala Mitch Miller or surfing Doris Day's? ;)

Bought tickets for Atlanta last night.  See the promotional hype of retirement got me to buy tickets that I may not have otherwise purchased.  If Brian calls it a day - good for him.  I gave up on the guy right after Dennis died - everything since then has been a bonus as far as I'm concerned.

LAST CHANCE TO SEE THE EAGLES!!!!!!!   FINAL FAREWELL REUNION TOUR PART 3, YEAR 6!!!!!  DONT MISS IT!!!!!!

Don't forget The Monkees!

If it's not c*ck rock it doesn't belong in the R&RHOF! :)

And ELO and Chicago. And the Doobies and The Moody Blues. Why they're not already in the Hall is beyond me!

Agreed but ONLY after those Cowsills! :o

I hear ya! All 4 should have been in years ago. It has to be pure politics. It certainly cannot be because of the music.