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I attended my first Brian Wilson concert ever this last weekend It was life changing!

So the story goes like this:

PART I
Calgary, Southern Jubilee Auditorium, June 25,2011

A fan of my BB covers, Robbie, sent an email to David Leaf. David Leaf emailed me expressing how he enjoyed my covers and that I should meet Brian and the band when they come to Alberta. Because of this I got talking to Probyn Gregory who got me backstage passes! When I talked to Probyn he said there was no guarantee that I would meet Brian but that some of the band are always around after the show to chat for a bit. I knew that I might not get to meet Brian and I expected not too but I was still beyond elated that I could meet the band!

We arrive at the venue in Calgary, get our backstage passes and see that there is a pre-show meet & greet at 6:45. I asked the lady what this entailed since I was told I would be going backstage after the show. She said to wait around the box office and someone would soon be there.

A crew member comes shortly after and takes us back stage. I walk into Brian Wilson's dressing room and he, Jeff Foskett and another man (possibly a manager) are standing there. I grasp for breath and start tearing up instantly. Jeff says "Hi Kayla. David Leaf sure speaks highly of you". I was still a little breathless but managed to thank him and say how happy I was to have heard from David. Brian then comes over and shakes our hands. Jeff tells me that they watched a couple of my YouTube videos last night and Brian looks at me and says "You make some good music!" I'm stunned at this point. I thank them and then they ask if I would like a picture. Tyson's first attempt was accidentally a small video then we got the picture. I got to stand there hugging Brian for half a minute or more (thanks Tyson! LOL) and he says "Alright!".

Jeff then asks what I do. I said I was a waitress but now I'm doing construction. They laugh a bit and say really? and I explain that I'm doing it to work on music full time in the winter. They ask if I want something signed and I grab my SMiLE album. Jeff spells my name to Brian and he signs it. Then I said to Brian "Thank you Brian, you've changed my life" and he says "Thank you! Enjoy the show!".

Jeff then walks us back to the auditorium. He tells me "We watched two of your videos last night, Wouldn't It Be Nice and Let Him Run Wild". I asked if Brian really watched them and he says "When I say we I mean Brian and I" to which I respond "amazing!". I thank him a few more times and tell him how excited I am for the show, he says it's an amazing show and to enjoy. We shake his hand, I thank him again and he shows us our seats. He says "Man, those are good seats!".

After that I just stood there in a daze. I was going back and forth from tearing up to screaming with giddiness. I really was not expecting to meet him and I could have gone home happy after that!

Then we watched the concert. First he played the Gershwin set then the classic Beach Boys set. It was all amazing. The band was shockingly amazing! Everything sounded perfect, just like the album if not better. The harmonies were spot on and Brian sang so beautifully. I didn't know what to expect from a 69 yr old mans voice but it was really good! The band is so impressive. They are all multi-instrumentalists and they play it all wonderfully!

The only down side to where we were sitting is Brian's face was blocked a bit by the prompter he was using. I was pretty agile though and twisted my neck enough to get a pretty good look!

At the end of the show when everyone was exiting the stage Jeff walked past. He stopped for a second and pointed at me. I waved at him and just laughed.

Then we were taken backstage to meet the band. We talked to Probyn, Scott and Nelson. They were all so nice and told us some great stories. They signed my SMiLE and TLOS albums. When they were getting close to leaving Nelson asked us if we would be going to the Edmonton show the next night. We said we would have been there but could only afford to go to one show. Then he and Probyn told us they would give us tickets if we came. We said we would and thanks for the offer but we would be too tired...are you kidding me? We said hell yes we'll be there!!!




PART II
Edmonton, Southern Jubilee Auditorium, June 26, 2011

We arrive at the venue in Edmonton a good hour or more before the show. We knew we had tickets waiting for us but we had no idea that they would be front row seats! We also didn't know we would have after show passes again! What wonderful surprises. I couldn't have asked for more than this and yet I got more!

Before the show started Probyn came out around the Merch booth where we were and we got a chance to thank him again and chat a little. Then we grab our seats and talk to another couple about the excitement! I tell them my first story excitedly before the show starts. Then the lights go down and Brian and the band enter. It was just as exhilarating as the day before.

This time I enjoyed the Gershwin set even more! I thought it was just beautiful which must have been why it went by so quickly. Before we knew it we were at our 20 minute intermission. While Tyson runs to the washroom I hang out taking a couple pictures of the stage. While I'm fiddling with my camera Jeff Foskett pops up beside me and says "Come with me". At first I thought it was security busting my camera use but I quickly caught on. I follow him backstage all the while clumsily dropping half a million things from my gorged purse (I didn't want to leave it behind with no one around)...( Not that I don't trust you Beach Boys fans).

As I follow him I see some of the band members, Scott Bennet comes around the corner and cheerfully greets me. Then we go up on the side stage and Brian's just sitting back relaxed in a chair. Not doing anything at all. Jeff says "Brian, you remember Kayla from yesterday?". I shake his hand and greet him. He says "Hey man how you doing". I tell him great and say "You're doing great so far" to which Brian responds "Thanks! You too." :) Jeff and him banter a little bit about how he's doing. I tell him his voice is wonderful and the band is so tight. He responds saying "ya they're good boys". I ask if they are enjoying Canada so far. Brian says "Oh yeah it's great" and Jeff says "Oh ya we've seen some Arby's etc" jokingly.

I mention one of the band mates adventure getting stuck in Banff the day of the Calgary show and trying to hitchhike his way back. Luckily he got a ride from I believe wildlife park officials or something along those lines. We joke a little, all the while Brian's staring out onto the stage. So I decide to thank him once again. I shake his hand again and Jeff escorts me from the stage back to the audience. I thank him again and we talk a little about how long he's been with Brian and the Beach Boys. He tells me he likes my comment on Facebook about how I can die happy now and says that's how he felt when he first met Brian too. I ask him if he can sign my SMiLE album quickly and he replies "Sure, anything you want". We say farewell and I go back to my seat where Tyson is sitting. Of course he's quite upset his bathroom trip had to happen right when this did. I point and show him that the running shoes on the side of the stage belong to Brian.

Soon enough the second set begins. It was electric. Once they got into a few songs the whole audience was clammering for more. We all participated clapping and dancing and singing. During 'Barbara Anne', Jeff stands directly in front of me on the stage and cups his ears as if to hear me sing. Later, Scott turns his microphone in our direction during 'Fun, Fun, Fun'. Brian even comments on how amazing this Edmonton audience is. One of the strangest requests Brian made was when he asked "Not for any sort of joke or anything but how many of you have cigarette liters?". A handful of people light them and I believe Jeff says "32 Brian" and he says "32! OK!" and starts the next song. There were some sute Brian moments in this show, I loved all the ad lib dialogue, it was interesting seeing what he changed from the day before. Then, quicker than the first show, it was over.

We went over to our after show location and chatted again with some band mates. Tyson had a really good conversation with Probyn while I chatted with Darian. I approached Darian and asked if he would sign a couple albums. He willingly agrees and asks to who and I say Kayla (of course). He begins to write and then ponders "Kayla? Wait are you the girl who does the covers?" and I say yes. He says "I've got to shake your hand -(which we do)- actually I've gotta hug you". At this point I am beyond flattered that he recognizes me. We chat a little while about it and he tells me how inspiring it is to see a younger person take such an interest not only in the Beach Boys but in valuable music. He asks me how I break down each Beach Boys song and I tell him by ear and he says "that's impressive". We get into a really nice conversation where he tells a couple stories about Brian and getting to be in the band but we get interrupted because the bus is going to leave.

The story doesn't end here though. We get invited to a local pub across from their hotel! So for the next couple hours we visit and joke with them like old friends! We even got into discussion about the Canadian postal strike, of all things! LOL! Probyn, Scott, Nelson and Brett were there along with some other fans-it was a really fun time. When it got to be almost 2 in the morning we figured we still had an hour and a half drive before we got home as well as the fact that I had to get up at 6 in the morning. I would have stayed all night if I could, when will it happen again!?! BUT I thought anything less than 3 hours of sleep would be deadly. I get a few pictures and we say our goodbyes. I even got a little goodbye kiss on the cheek! LOL

I crashed almost right after entering the car. I also noticed my health was deteriorating fast. A sore throat and runny nose began on the car ride. BUT I sucked it up and worked a 9 hour shift today (worst day of my life). I'm pretty sick right now and I'm not at my best but I just keep thinking about all the conversations we had. This will be a memory to last a lifetime!!!

I feel like I can die happy now and I'm sure my SMiLE will still be plastered on my face until the grave! LOL Thank you Robbie, David Leaf, Probyn Gregory and Jeff Foskett. You'll never know what you've given me.
So to end this exciting post I will leave you with my latest cover. It's a Brian Wilson song called 'Love & Mercy' and it fits my mood right now perfectly!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYhlpJlLM60


Thanks for listening!

~KAYLA~

Hey great story. What a buzz knowing Brian has seen your covers and likes them!

Makes all that hard work worthwhile, I'm sure!

Loved it, great read

Indeed. What a good story.

haha if I was given the chance to meet Brian I would probably pass out or something lol.

That's so sweet!

Awesome story, Brian is the man for listening to the fans' covers of his music and giving good feedback to them.

Nice experience. I was hoping it would end with them taking you along with them on the tour.  :p

Saw these on your site, pretty incredible stories Kayla!  You are certainly deserving of all the praise you received from Brian and the band about your covers :)  Thanks for sharing your amazing experiences with us!

GReat stories!  I was hoping when Jeff brought you back at intermission, you were going to say they let you sing with them on stage for a song or two!

I thought she was going to say that too.  They should offer her the Taylor Mills position if Taylor has left the band.

Ya it's pretty amazing. That will be my inspiration every time I'm doubting myself :)

Yeah thats what I was driving at too. Great minds etc...  :lol

That would have been awesome! Being in the band would be great too haha I should've asked! LOL

You still can!!  Who needs Taylor , when they can have you?

This was a great read and I'm super jealous, not having had the means to get to see Brian in concert this time -- since he didn't come out east -- and certainly never having met him or his band. Your covers are excellent and you certainly deserve the praise you get from all quarters! :D I'm curious though: What did the band (and Brian?) think of the postal worker lock-out?

Wow, what a fantastic story.  Kayla, your covers are phenomenal -- I am especially partial to Let the Wind Blow and It's OK.  You really deserve the recognition from Brian.  He should be proud to have his music performed so well by a new generation -- and it sounds like he is.

Your covers of Brian` music are great and it is a pleasure to hear each new one that you record...many of Brian`s current band members began as fans of Brian`s, and it is wonderful that they have listened to your work, and have shared it with Brian...congratulations!

I am so happy for you!
Sounds like you were living a wonderful dream (except for getting sick part)
I enjoy all your great covers of BB songs!  :)

I was backstage too you asked how we got tehre....didn't realize you were Kayla from da Smiley Smile message board ftl...

Thats right me aka the bes tposter is back on Smiley Smile, ready to post about Ghosts...learned alot over the little while about ghosts...
Grats on your exciting meeting Kayla. Ben is a good friend of mine we used to be in a band together ftw...

Nice story ... and a wonderful version of Love and Mercy!

Dont usually go for BB covers, but that L&M is great. Never thought that song got its due

What a great couple of nights you had, Kayla. I know I and a lot of other people have enjoyed all your covers. I'm sure they brought you a lot of joy while you were doing them, and now you've really been rewarded for all the pleasure you brought to people.

It's like something I read somewhere: The smile that you send out returns to you.  ;)

"Love and Mercy" was great, but I have one suggestion, and I think it would be fitting on this song, since it's so personal to Brian. At the end of the video, you should dissolve from you singing into the picture you got with Brian at the show.

Keep up the good work!

Pretty cool story.  :o Definitely something you'll remember forever. Maybe I should do some Beach Boys covers. Though they'd probably offend people more than bring them joy....  :hat

Greeeeat stories Kayla, even had a cynical old hack like me smiling as I read them!  David Leaf handed me my first backstage pass, way back in 2002, at the RHF… a very fine gentleman and if I ever get the chance I'll help him punctuate his next liner notes!  ;D

Keep up the great work with the covers – and I hope you will get to fill Taylor's shoes one day soon!

Checked out your videos and was expecting something ok, but you are really really great! was getting the goosebumps.

I'm thinking that if Brian's people wanted to find a replacement for Taylor, Kayla wouldn't be so much an obvious choice as a complete no-brainer. Who knows - stranger things have happened in the BB world.

Yup - if Jeff can rock up on Brian's doorstep and win a job for life, there's hope for us all!

I'm anticipating my friend Rich Panteluk's review here.  He's from that neck of the woods and posts here sometimes.

Rich, are you out there, bud??  I'm sure you went to one of these Canadian shows, didn't you?

Congrats! Sounds like you had a wonderful time.

Is Taylor gone for good?

Define Good

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/good (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/good)

ahh, an idiom

can't anybody around here ever just answer a question without being "cute"? good; forever; terminally; without an end; to never come back; for a period of time other than temporary in nature.

yes, we see.  But since the list isn't populated by the decision makers for Brian's band, and Taylor doesn't seem to post much, you might as well ask when Brian is going to announce the Smile Sessions track list himself.

fair enough.  Just thought someone might be in the know...

From http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,10463.25.html (http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,10463.25.html)

By the way, I'm not in the know. The source for this, IIRC, was the blueboard. Taylor posted and said she was taking a break. Someone correct me if I'm wrong about the source.

I found the note, posted on Brian's FB page in September 2010. No idea where part 2 is, or why she's been gone longer than the note implies...

Brian Wilson
Taylor Mills sends this note to Brian's fans (Part 1 of 2):

I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be taking a little time off for personal reasons. Unfortunately, this means I won't be going on tour to Australia in a few weeks with Brian and the band. Don't worry, I will be back with the band very soon!
September 23, 2010 at 11:37am · Like · Comment

http://www.facebook.com/officialbrianwilson/posts/111191328940595

And there you go... Thanks.

Nine months isn't my idea of "a little time". I'm not in the know, but when Jim & Bob departed, they were swiftly replaced, as was Todd and Mikey (who is the only one to return). She's been performing live with other artists. I have my doubts.

And that's pretty much the gist of it!  If AGD doesn't know for sure( and he's our resident inside man) then nobody here knows for sure. so now can we go back to being "cute" ?

Me thinks maybe something happened ;)

She will be back.
But iff she doesnt come back I would just as well no one replace her.

Kayla KAyla KAYla KAYL KAYLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

well if agd says its possible...

Probyn told me she will be back this past weekend. She's taking time off and since she didnt sing on the Gershwin record it was cool for her to miss this tour apparently

Apparently she didn't make it back by this past weekend. 
And really, if she doesn't make it back at all, it's cool.  KAYLA. 

She sang vocals on nearly every song of the Gershwin album.

I met Rich at both the Calgary & Edmonton shows. He met Brian at his bus if I'm correct. He was so nice, he bought my BB CD :)

AAWW :P How nice. I've had my fingers crossed for a while about that. You never know!

AWWW thanks! :)

Did you make that up?  Have you listened to the Gershwin album?  Taylor Mills is all over it!

i wanan smoke weed with a freaknig ghost...and i will.

I was actually involved in this conversation. What roll plymouth rock meant to say was that "This past weekend, Probyn told us that Taylor would soon be back", not that she would be back this past weekend.

I was at the Calgary, and Edmonton show's this weekend. I met Kayla backstage at both, sat next to her in Edmonton, and went to the pub with her and the guys after the Edmonton show. I also took Probyn hiking on the Friday before the Calgary show. Both the shows were great, the guys were great, and I can't thank them enough for this past weekend.

Also, when Scott turned the microphone to Kayla during Fun Fun Fun in Edmonton, I may be mistaken, but it seemed to me as if he was trying to get her on stage to sing the end of the song with them.

There was a lot that happened at these shows that Kayla didn't mention. I'll write my own little review when I have the time/am a little bit less lazy/hopefully slightly more drunk.

╭∩╮（︶︿︶）╭∩╮

Taylors been away nine months. Maybe she is trying for something that takes the same time? ;)

No I'm not in the know......just saying!

Good luck to her whatever it may be. :)

:D

Hey Ben :D

post da kaz songs..............................

Kayla's not the only person who records cool covers :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_amlcfpprXY&feature=player_embedded

Also, I think the "Taylor didn't sing on Gerswhin" is a misunderstanding. But, there's something else I believe Taylor didn't sing on. No further comments on that though. Let AGD's smart ass know it all comments begin.

How does one misunderstand that? She is either on it or not, and she is.

equivocating between dif albums mayhaps me thinks may may  may

Taylor did NOT sing on the Smile sessions...or so you think.

Misunderstanding/misinterpretation of information that was given to roll plymouth rock.

The Smile sessions? You mean more of that ego music? :)

Actually listening to the album would help confirm or refute the information.

Or simply reading the liner notes, but perhaps roll plymouth rock's going off extremely credible word of mouth (and I'm not just saying some asshole like AGD, more credible than he could ever dream of being) without having heard the album, and the quote in which he was told "Taylor wasn't on the album" was misinterpreted by him. The truth is, it's about the smile sessions, Taylor is not on the smile sessions.

Christ, the last thing we need is a rumor about Taylor being on the Smile Sessions ending up on the bl00bored.

That would actually be really cool.

If Taylor isn't on the Smile Sessions, I'm returning my copy.

Jeez, are you a complete fucking moron, or just act like one?

Or you just have no idea what I'm talking about, and really, I shouldn't be saying anything about it.

What are you talking about? And why shouldn't you be saying anything about it? Will you tell me?  :hat

I probably already said too much.

No.

Well shoot. What happens now?

YES,You're right. You've said WAY too much. You're just another troll. So, please,  do everyone a favor, shut the f*** up and go back wherever.

I would hardly say I'm just another troll, though I could see how you would come to that conclusion based on my constant bashing of one of your masters, Mr. Andrew G. Doe. I can assure you it's all in good fun, I have no problems with the guy, I'm sure he's rather fine.

Check your messages.

Also Kayla, very sorry for making a mess of your thread. Definitely wasn't my intentions. Was more so trying to correct roll plymouth rock's statement, and in turn got attacked.

Jesus.

How may I help you?

Chill out man....we were at both Alberta shows & hung out with Kayla (who by the way, has great covers!). We talked to all the band after both shows, multiple members told me Taylor would be back at some point in the future, I don't think they'd have any reason to lie to us since they were open & honest about everything else we discussed. Here's a picture of us and Brian if you don't believe me.  http://a.yfrog.com/img735/403/bmmq.jpg  (http://a.yfrog.com/img735/403/bmmq.jpg)

Hiya Alex.  ;D

 :police: Lets all just agree to get along and listen to the message of this song:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya0EH7KCL5I  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya0EH7KCL5I)  :brian :brian :brian :brian :brian :brian :brian :brian :brian :brian :brian :brian :brian :brian :brian

Kayla, are you referring to a CD of your BB covers?  If so, how do I get one?

:lol

Yes. I burned one for the band and had talked to Rich previously about it. I figured since I was meeting him in person it wasn't an issue for me to burn him a quick CD. I can't sell anything officially..

Prove to me that you're no fool
Walk across my swimming pool

Great Story! I refuse to read the 3 pages of replies cause I can only imagine the tom foolery going on.  :wall

I'll bet she does.  ;D

That's a really scary photo

Nah, it's not scary. Brian's smiling.  ;D

Haha ya it got interesting didn't it  :lol

Now isn't that just the fucking pot calling the kettle black.

I'm rubber and you're glue

That's a shot to the ego. Time for me to meditate.  :lol

So yeah, Kayla.  Congratulations for getting to see the shows and meet Brian and the guys.  What an experience that must have been!  I had my chance at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee a couple of years ago, but it didn't work out.  Had my concert ticket, had a back stage/meet and greet pass waiting for me in BeerTown, and it all looked good to go.  Unfortunately, I was called in to work at the last minute, and I couldn't get to the show.  I'm going to head down to the Surf Ballroom in Iowa at the end of the month, but I don't have a backstage pass this time.

Also, your recordings are really fantastic.  I'm an old guitarist from way-back, and still play in a covers band, and we feature our three-part harmonies.  I love singing harmonies.  I have a soon-to-be 15 year old daughter who wants to be a singer, too.  Sings all the time, and she's pretty good.  She's got a good ear, as you obviously do.  I showed her a couple of your Beach Boys covers on YouTube, and she liked them.  So, keep up the good work.  It's a pleasure listening to songs done with passion and soul. 

Peace. 

Taylor WAS on Smile...I Wanna Be Around...

Don't think so.  ;)

Well, she WAS on BW Presents Smile, so technically she kind of was on Smile, just not The Beach Boys Smile Sessions.

Nope - she was on Brian Wilson Presents Smile, not Smile.  Bit like saying Darian was on Odessey & Oracle (and yes, I know he was... the 40th anniversary live shows).

Well considering that for the time being, BWPS is the only OFFICIAL version of Smile ever released, yeah, she was on Smile.

Plus, upon talking with members of Brian's band, a couple have mentioned to me that they like to think of BWPS as "Smile 2004" because they think that that's really what it is, and had it been released in even 2005, it could have been a much different album, it's just what Brian was feeling at the time.

So unlike Darian being on the Odyssey & Oracle 40th Anniversary live shows, which were more or less a recreation of the original album, Taylor sang on a completely different version of Smile that's entirely different to the Beach Boys unreleased 1967 album, and while it might not be The Beach Boys Smile, it still is Brian Wilson's Smile - at least the version of Smile that he felt and wanted to release at the time, and despite the Smile Sessions album that's coming out later this year, BWPS Smile is the only official version of Smile that's been completed by Brian Wilson that will ever truly be released.

so far.

No, unless some weird sh*t goes down, BWPS is the only version of smile to ever be completed by Brian Wilson. Last I heard,  the upcoming Smile Sessions release is being put together and completed by Mark Linett and Alan Boyd.

The last I heard, Brian Wilson composed, arranged, sang and produced every thing that Linett & Boyd have put together. Except for the track sequence, I see what these two gentlemen are doing is not any different than what Chuck Britz did helping Brian with the mono mixes and doing stereo mixes for other Beach Boys albums. This Smile Sessions will be all Brian.

BWPS is the only version completed SO FAR. the only way your statement becomes definitive: when Brian passes if he hasn't released another.
Correct or not,  Arguments can be made( such as below) that this years' release will be a completed Brian work.  I'm not going there.