The Smiley Smile Message Board

Bringing David Marks back into the fold is a great thing. It also begs the question of whether the Beach Boys should give Blondie and Ricky their due in this final reunion. Obviously, Marks lends a certain kind of integrity because he was with the band during their iconic beginning years.

Blondie and Ricky represent a less commercially fortunate time for The Beach Boys than David does, but they also represent the increased social relevance and hipness that Jack Riely's management brought to the band. If The Boys are truly planning on playing some more esoteric material, it could be good to have these two involved. Imagine them playing "Sail on Sailor" straight into "Steamboat" as a tribute to Dennis!  Blondie could do a great job with Carl's vocal part on "Steamboat."

I know Blondie and Ricky quit before the 15 Big Ones release and "Brian's Back!" campaign. I don't know a lot about their departure, whether it was acrimonious or what, but I know they have continued to work steadily since, and they both have good reputations in the music industry.

If the Boys could bring Blondie and Ricky out on stage for two songs, even on one or two nights of the tour, it would be a really cool thing to witness. Anyone agree? AGD, what are the chances of this happening, on a scale from infinitesimal to possible?

I'm not AGD, but I'm guessing they probably won't appear.

But it is important to remember that it seems The Beach Boys in this instance are seemingly being promoted as the "artists" that made not only those great early hits, but also great albums like Today!, Pet Sounds, Sunflower, Surf's Up and Holland. And as Ricky and Blondie are obviously a big part of Holland and the great "Sail On Sailor" they deserve to be honored also. Along with the fact that they were part of the band when they started to become a live attraction again warrants them getting some long deserved attention.

But I think it's tough enough getting these five guys in a room together, that I'm not sure Blondie and Ricky were even ever considered. I'm not sure Blondie and Ricky even consider themselves to be "Beach Boys" or guys that just played in The Beach Boys. To me, they definitely are, and made an indelible mark on the band.

I hope they're included.

Based on absolutely nothing, I don't think it's likely, but I'd love to see it.  I mean, they were official Beach Boys, so to me, I'd like to see a little light shine on a chapter of the Beach Boys that isn't well known.  And weren't they both in the group when they won Rolling Stone's band of the year?  

I believe it was just Ricky left when they got the RS accolade. Blondie quit after a show when Steve Love (after Reiley had quit, but before Guercio came aboard) called him the N-word.

Bring them back for a gig or two at least.

I don't know if they would perform at every show but I would hope they gave them at least a guest spot during 1 or 2 songs from that era during one or two important shows....either the show (I hope) they film for the DVD or the final show of the entire tour. 

Still though, with the Rolling Stones looking to tour next for their 50th Anniversary too, it might be pretty hard to pry Blondie away for too many shows anyway.  Over the years, Blondie's presence on stage has increased, eventually now becoming practically the third guitar player in the band.  He is there to support Keith Richards now.  I'm not sure how do-able it would be to get Blondie off that gig. 

If the BB tour starts in April...50 dates...might go into August or so....the Stones usually start tours in the fall...but there's word it might start earlier this time.

Another instance where the true colors of the Love family truly shines through. Beating wives, racism, beating up family, suing your own family. Nice.

I would welcome any appearance from these guys, but I'm not holding my breath that it'll happen. 

If the Stones tour next year, I doubt Blondie would give that gig up.  Besides that, still incredibly unlikely.

They're kind of doing the "Original members" thing in the press release.  Also since it's like the 50 year anniversary, it's kind of bringing to mind the young guys that 50 years ago were in the band, not 35 years ago.  It'll be really easy to forget Blondie and Ricky.  Plus the only way they'd be involved is if the record company wanted to pay them, that sh*t ain't gonna happen. 

Love to see then turn up for "Sail On, Sailor", and "California", if it gets done, but realistically, don't see it happening.

But...

Remember that TSS started out as a 3CD set...  ;)

Which one, naugahyde? We're all adults here. Then again, I am not going to be the one to say the verboten word. Combined with my use of German just now, it would not be a good thing.

For some reason, the fact that Steve Love said this and it resulted in Blondie's exit does not surprise me in the least. Just terrible. I can't imagine how pissed off and disillusioned Blondie would be. The one consolation is that he must have already known Steve Love was a real piece of work. I can imagine the Wilson brothers being mortified, especially Carl, since he brought Blondie and Ricky on board.

I remember reading about some racism in the Beach Boys' camp regarding Carolyn Williams - then again, it could have just been frustration about the situation with Brian.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjNIARQGIYA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjNIARQGIYA)

I'm guessing this might help with figuring out Steve Love's Naughty word.

You mean, another instance of where the true colors of ANY family shine through.  You can find assholes in any family tree, may we examine yours?

Was that Love allegation printed in Gaines book? or somewhere else? if it was Gaines then I wouldnt take it too seriously

Would be very surprised if Blondie and Ricky were asked, would be fkin great though!

I think a reunion has to have all the main players involved in some way. I'd also love to see the next generation of Wilsons/Loves/Jardines/Johnstons get involved if possible. A lot of them are in the industry already and it would be great to see them having a part to play in their fathers' history. They have some talented offspring so why not? Maybe Justyn and In Bloom can make sure that Carl and Dennis are not forgotten.

Trust me, I've been in frequent contact with Blondie since this was announced, and he's blown away by how they are completely erasing he & Ricky from the bands history.  I mean, that was a pretty prolific period that they were Beach Boys - especially on stage!  I don't think anyone who saw The Boys play live during those years ever saw or heard them better, and it's also hard to believe they would have survived those lean years had it not been for Blondie & Ricky.
It really would be a crime to not at the very least include them in the t.v. special; Blond's is also hoping that their fans will start letting Brother Inc. & Capitol know how you feel about this absurd oversight.

Thank you for that info Ed, it's interesting to hear their point of view.  You're right they added a lot to the band, especially live, while they were in it, that's the best version of the live band in my opinion.

I'm happy to see David Marks included, but if he counts, Blondie and Ricky should count too, even if it's just for a couple key gigs or a few songs. I absolutely support their inclusion in this anniversary. If anyone wants to organize a petition or anything, I'll be sure to sign on.

Yeah, I second the petition.

Them being in the reunion makes sense with Blondie on bass and Ricky on Drums as members instead of sidemen in those postitions.

TV special ? Ed, do you know something we don't ?

If that will help, I'll be all for writing Brother and Capitol. To tell you the truth, I didn't think Blondie and Ricky would be very interested. Would Blondie cancel the Stones for being a Beach Boy again ?
At least they get mentioned in booklets for Sounds of summer, etc. I wouldn't have been surprised if they weren't even mentioned.

So, let's get them included (wouldn't it be cool if the whole reunion process could be managed by us online ?  ;D ). Blondie's voice always fit soooooo well in the Beach Boys' blend.

Brian, Mike and Al control BRI which owns The Beach Boys franchise, so they'll decide what happens next year and who's involved.  I kind of cringe at the idea of petitions demanding that they do A, B or C.

With that said, I probably would relent and sign a petition demanding that Stamos be excluded.   :lol

I can see it being frustrating - Blondie and Ricky had a good thing going with Flame and they gave all of that up in order to join The Beach Boys. Of course, they undoubtedly did better commercially with the Boys, but it was  quid pro quo: Blondie and Ricky added unique voices that still fit well within the framework of The Beach Boys as a vocal group, as well as 'street cred' for the band's most artistically-oriented period since the mid '60s.

Well, I don't normally do this kind of thing, but I started a petition. Let's all get to signing it, and maybe we can have some effect on BRI including Blondie and Ricky, at least for a show or two.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/blondieandricky/

I think it would be cool if they're included, but not criminal if they're not.
They were "in" the Beach Boys for what, 2 years? 3? Their part of 50 years is practically nothing
The Flame were, seemingly and unfortunately, going nowhere; Ricky and Blondie were lucky  to be able to join the BBs. Who knows where they might be if they had stayed Flames'

Ed. I completely agree with you on all counts. It would be a real shame not to acknowledge Blondie and Ricky in the Beach Boys legacy. At minimum, they should be on stage with The Boys for a few 50th Anniversary gigs - preferably all of them. My first Beach Boys concert was in November, 1973, and that was a memorable one with Ricky and Blondie rockin' out with the band. Saw Ricky on stage again with Brian and Al in '07, and they seemed to get along great!

I just signed the Blondie/Ricky petition on another thread.

I can see them at a few gigs, but all of them?
Not for me.
They were an integral part of the BBs for a small part of their legacy, as I said previously.
Brian, Mike, Al, David and Bruce, with the BBs band they choose for backing is what I want to see.

Hey someone on stage has to play the bass guitar and the drums, why the hell not Blondie and Ricky?

Have also signed the petition, I want to see Blondie wailin' on Darlin', Sail On Sailor and maybe even a live version of Carry Me Home with Carl Wilson, (Dennis' son) doing Dennis' part as a tribute to Dennis - that would be fantastic.

Why the hell not John C and Randell K... Mikey D and Brett S... Jimmy H & Bob L... Bobby F & Eddie C... ?

As I've been saying ever since this reunion was first mooted, last year, I'd love to see Ricky & Blondie show up for "SO,S" and "WH" and I'll be thrilled if they do, but I'm a realist (you may have noticed...): not expecting it. I'm betting the majority of the big decisions have been made some time back.

But Ed's right - a spot in the TV special is required.

I'm pragmatic too. I know the most one can hope for is a special guest appearance for one or two key gigs. Personally I'd love to see them tear into Sail On Sailor and Marcella. Does anybody know what Blondie's vocal chops are like these days? He's kinda hard to pick out in The Stones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reP5gImvF-c (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reP5gImvF-c)

But you know as well as anyone that Blondie and Ricky, who were once billed as 'official' Beach Boys, should therefore be afforded a much higher status than any backing group guys ever were, and they were in the band during a time when it was still creating and adding to its legacy. Blondie, unlike David Marks, is the lead singer on several Beach Boys songs, including one of the minor hits of the 70s. So I think Blondie and Ricky deserve higher consideration.

And before anyone points out that Stamos sang lead on a later version of "Forever", I would remind them that singing a lead alone doesn't cut it.... we don't consider Jack Rieley or VDP to be Beach Boys either...

But for how long were they billed 'official'? A couple years? (That's not a lot in the scope of 1/2 a century.) And how well did the notion of them as 'official' BBoys take-hold? By contrast, like it or not, people such as Foskett have been crucial for decades. Here's what I said about this subject a minute ago on another thread:

I suspect the 50th year plans are already complicated and awkward enough — all the egos/personalities, bad-blood of the past — the melding of BW & ML's band-members, etc., etc. I suppose we should consider ourselves 'lucky' Dave is involved to the extent he is. The citizens of this board are far more knowledgeable than Mr. John Q. Public — to JQP, Blondie/Ricky's brief stint is, sadly, a minor footnote. And one that could, at this phase of BBoys history, emphasize an unsavory deviation from the band's famous canon.

But, as you state, they included David Marks, who was an important early contributor, but he never sang a lead vocal or had a writing credit on a Beach Boys song, which Blondie and Ricky both acheived. I also think Blondie and Ricky were official members for a longer time than David, but I'm not sure about that.

Blondie's performing at a High School?! :o He deserves much better gigs than that. :-\

I'd love to see Blondie and Ricky involved...but there is a distinction when it comes to David, in that he was part of the genesis of the Beach Boys. He and Carl built something that was essential to the Beach Boys template, he learned and rehearsed Brian's orig. material before there was a band, he grew up with the Wilsons. I've said it a zillion times but here's one more..David was with them when they were just kids with a dream...he was with them when they had no record contract and were playing to 50 people a night, and he was with them as they rose to national stars and were drawing 10,000 screaming fans to their concerts. His time in the band was short, but that time  included the first wave of hit albums, and hit singles. David is one of three living Beach Boys who were in the band when they became FAMOUS. Even Al cannot say that as they were not famous when he left, and they were already famous by the time he returned. Brian and Mike know David holds this distinction and that's why they want him there, and that's why the Wilsons insisted his name be on the monument.

Blondie and Ricky's reasons for being worthy of inclusion are completely different. They were part of the Beach Boys finding a resurgence and becoming relevant again, and part of a classic live lineup for sure. Tenure or number of years, lead vocals, or compositions are not really any reason to compare Dave with Blondie and Ricky. The Beach Boys brand was created while Dave was one of them, its that simple.

YES, YES, exactly! Maybe the length of time is comparable, but WHEN those couple years took place = big difference.

True. This isn't down to including David vs. including Blondie and Ricky, though. David is already included.

Blondie and Ricky are the only living "official Beach Boys" that are not being included, and they were members during an extremely creatively interesting time, and also the time when the band experienced a resurgence in popularity and became the live touring machine that they were for the rest of the 70s-80s and much of the 90s.

For those reasons, everybody on this board, even those of us who think petitions are stupid, should sign the petition to include Blondie and Ricky. It won't hurt things - the Boys are not going to say "you know what? We wanted to reunite, but now forget it. These fans don't know how good they have it." In a worst case scenario, it can show Blondie and Ricky how much we like their work, and perhaps show that there is interest in another release of the Flame material.

Jon, if you haven't signed the petition yet, sign it! Otherwise, I'll only buy six copies of your next book, instead of eight.

Blondie preformed there because Keith Richards lives near that area. It was arranged by people he knows. Don't worry, he usually plays in better venues than this.

I'm doing more than signing the petition, I'm lobbying directly to the Beach Boys that having Blondie and Ricky involved would be a positive that the fans would appreciate. And at minimum Blondie should be featured singing Sail On Sailor at any high profile concert or TV appearance where that song is performed. Its a classic, he sang it, its his baby.

You're the best, Jon! Great stuff.

This ^ would be cool!  But to shoehorn Blondie/Ricky into everything — like the new "Do It Again" video, for example — would be awkward and inappropriate.

That is why Brian would never do Pet Sounds live, then SMiLE live, make some pretty good solo albums, Dennis Wilson POB/Bambu cd, then the Beach Boys release a SMiLE box set. None of those things were realistic.

So who knows? Honestly the last 10 years have been great to be a BB fan!! In the late 90s, I didn't expect anything but Cheese from them anymore. I continue to have low expectations, but they have exceeded them lately. :)

Though, wouldn't it be nice (ha-ha) to see Blondie and Ricky come on, say, for end of the regular set and rip through "Sail On Sailor" and "Marcella?"  Then the old members could come back out and do the "big hits" encore without them.  Don't get me wrong, I'd rather them all come back out, but this would be a nice way to include Blondie and Ricky in some way.

Blondie asked me to let everyone know how pleased he is with this response!  He agrees that this might not have much effect, but it means a lot to both he & Ricky that so many of you/us feel so strongly...  Keep it going, guys!

Absolutely, Ed! This is a Reunion and I feel all "Official" members of the band should be included in some capacity. Thanks for letting them know we care about this issue.

Awesome..

Such amazing music was made when those guys were in he group, a really special era

Like one of the comments said on the petition, do it for Carl!

I suspect That Dennis and Carl might've had something to say about this, had they still been here.

That is not what the petition is about. It is about recognizing Blondie and Ricky for this reunion, having them play a few shows or maybe even just one show with the band, not shoehorning them into everything that Brian, Mike, Al, Bruce, and David do.

And that something would have been..... *consults medium*..... "Beans!"

I signed the petition, thanks for setting it up.  Love Ricky and Blondie so much, they have to be included.  They were a huge part of two of my favorite BB albums.  Heck, I think the band should add a Flame song to the reunion set ("Don't Worry Bill" gets my vote).

I agree this is not David vs. Ricky/Blondie.  All three should be included. 

I don't get the "it was only 2 or 3 years out of 50" argument.  We can't seriously consider the Beach Boys to have been an active band for 50 years.  They haven't released an album of new material since 1989.  Realistically, their period of greatness ran less than two decades at best (for me it is '62-'79).  Ricky and Blondie were full-fledged members of the band for about 3 very crucial years of that greatness -- and they contributed a lot, both live and in the studio, during that time.

1992,

I'd love to see the two sit in on some shows!

I'd also like to see the Rutles as the opening act on the tour.

Even better, maybe the Stones could open for the BBs again; and then let Blondie play a couple of songs. 

I suggest they do "wonderbill"

A nice introduction would be Honeys/Spring doing a few, then the Flame doing a few. Wait, that's one produced by Brian and one by Carl. Let's finish the trifecta and have on Charles Manson come in and do a few in honor of ....never mind   >:D

Honeys or the flame would make awesome opening acts.

I'd like the Fleet Foxes to open a few shows

Ditto

No, The Rutles so Ricky gets a double gig.  He needs the money more than Blonde (who's raked in some serious cash from the Stones tours).

Which also brings the question, who's going to open for the Stones on their 50th tour?

Mic Jagger has always been chicken sh** to get on stage with the Beach Boys!

 :lol "People are thinking Mike Love is crazy."

David counts on his own for obvious reasons, no "if" conditions required.

Seriously, did you really not understand what was meant by the mammy blue's post?

I was simply responding to what I read re: "if he counts . . . .".  My point was about David. No objection to Ricky and Blondie's inclusion, would welcome it. Seriously, did you really not understand what was meant by my post?

Wouldn't have posted if I had. His point was about Blondie & Ricky, using David as the argument for including them. It is a style of writing to make a point.