The Smiley Smile Message Board

Good morning.  I have been reading all of the conjecture swirling around about Brian's mindset , his physicality and stamina for the long haul regarding the 50th reunion , as well as his capability and willingness to move forward with The Beach Boys. I spoke with him for a few hours last night at Jones Beach and came away with the following:

1/- He is absolutely thrilled to be back together with Mike, Alan, Bruce and David; he particularly enjoys watching Mike MC the show, and , of course, loves to hear the vocals;

2/- In talking about how much he loves touring with the guys, he says that he "hopes it keeps going through at least next summer, that would be great"...." we keep getting better each concert" .....he enjoys playing the keyboard and singing, which he really dialed up on his tour in 2009, it helps him concentrate and sometimes gets in a"real groove" with Darian on the keys ;he is especially enjoying singing "Sail On, Sailor" and "Heroes and Villains" and would like to sing more leads and will if he is asked to;

3/- He is dead serious about the potential for another BB record, as he has some "great stuff" in the can; he gave me some titles, some of which I have heard and some of which I have not ,and he reiterated that he would like to produce a more "rock and roll record with the guys"....no surprise there;

4/- I had dinner with him in Beverly Hills in February; his back was so bad he was shuffling , and it scared the hell out of me,  as this is a guy who was walking 5 miles a day at a pretty steady clip.....he and I are the same height, 6 ft 2 , and I always had trouble keeping up with him. He is walking with much more ease now as the back is healing and the pain has subsided; he is almost ready to start his walking agenda again as he is "rebuilding  the strength in my legs, getting my legs under me". He says he feels great , and has a weight loss target in mind once he starts seriously walking again;

5/- Brian says he has no problem doing as many concerts that they book; that's why he bought his tour bus several years ago, to make it easier on himself with some of the more greuling travel elements of these tours.

I would also like to say that in reading some of the posts regarding Brian's stage demeanor , that he is disinterested and does not want to be there , you could not be more wrong. If Brian did not want to be there he would come up with approximately six million reasons not to be there......and he would exit stage right faster than the space shuttle ! Most people who post on this board, BW.com and BBB are aware that Brian has several challanges on stage.  First and foremost , being deaf in one ear , he does not wear an earpiece like everyone else on stage, but rather has a soundwedge on the floor next to the piano in which he can hear his vocal and piano ;it is really loud up there on stage and he really has to concentrate on every little piece that is going on. Second;and this is just my opinion; I also think that the Dennis and Carl tributes really get to him, and he doesn't just shake it off and say," ok, next song", it stays with him and he dwells on it.  Last night , during "God Only Knows" , Brian just sat there and watched Carl on the video screen. Both Darian and John Cowsill had to turn away because of the look on his face.....can you possibly imagine how much he wishes his brothers were here with him on this tour ? Having said that , the tributes to Dennis and Carl are essential to the legacy of the group, and this tour.  Third; the back does stiffen up while seated at that keyboard, and that certainly does affect his concentration. I know he had missed some of his cues at an earlier show , but I have no idea why , I can only guess. Lastly, Brian is not a natural performer;no secret there; and that is why he marvels at Mike's stage capabilities....for Mike , it is a large part of who he is and he is a natural ;  the Brian Wilson you see on stage or at a meet and greet is not the same Brian Wilson that you would see in the studio.....different guy by light years.

Finally , moving forward with the reunion....Brian says that he is "all in" on keeping it going; he thinks that talks are ongoing about doing so and I sure as hell believe what he is saying. He is happier now than I have seen him in years; probably since the sessions at Scott's house; and in my opinion , it seems to be that he is really stoked about being "Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys " again. And if that's what he wants it is good enough for me.  Thanks for your time.

Thank you, Ray.

Thanks. Good to know that we might get some more music out of Brian, even better to know that he's happy with what he's doing at the moment.

That is very kind of you to contribute your comments on this - thanks!

Yeah, thanks for taking the time to post this.

Ray, thanks for this post. I agree about Brian, if he didn't want to be there, he'd bolt like lightning. So, can you name drop the few tunes Brian spoke about? Thanks again.

Thanks guys....titles I can think of off the top of my head..."Angels in Love"...."Night Came Gently", a few others that I can't remember but he was singing the melody to one that I had never heard him talk about. At the end of the day what he really wanted to talk about was the NY Yankees and Boston Red Sox !

Thanks...you need to post this across the Internet

The only time I ever question Brian's commitment is when he straps on the bass...did he talk about that?

Whoa!

So, if after the reunion tour dates are over, Brian wants to continue touring, but Mike & Bruce expect(ed) to return to their old group, what happens?

Thanks; I just wanted to say something on Brian's behalf , that's all. There is all sorts of conjecture out there , some of which is kind of goofy, but I know there is passion on the subject. And Brian is a complicated guy.

Melinda has a quiet talk with Brian.

It's easy enough to imagine that the full 50th lineup could regroup for a second leg in the spring.

I guess that is what "talks are ongoing" means. There has to be more dollars in having the band intact, than just Mike & Bruce going out on the road. It is great to hear that Brian and the Boys' are at least considering it. :)

Thanks for sharing this Ray. It made my day to know that Brian is so happy and excited to be a Beach Boys again.  Good stuff.

Ray, as long as you're here, could you tell us the tale of Brian, Bluebird, the goat and the roomful of birthday cake?






Just kidding (sort of).  Your name came up here quite some time ago, and this was mentioned.  Sounds like a great story.

 ;) She is a key voice in a lot of this, isn't she...

As far as continuing the reunion tour , I was really surprised that Brian was so clear about hoping it would run through next summer; he said it twice while we were hanging out backstage.  My own opinion , and it's only my opinion as I am not part of Brian's organization, is that these are a bunch of guys who have been doing this all their adult lives and they can tell the difference in an audience of 1,500 people and last night's 15, 000 people , as well as having a fully engaged BW in the studio.  This is their third big wave , if you will , and I think that they will work it out; but again , that's only my opinion. I flunked math for three straight years in high school , but now I can add !  Plus the legacy of the band is being polished by the day.  

Thank you for posting this information, it is very much appreciated! And hopefully it will help address some of the questions and concerns which have turned into speculations and assumptions - it's great to get the information "from the source".


This one section really stood out. Taking it across several topics, not only the current reunion, it seemed that there was in fact a "studio Brian" who was different than one many fans have seen, if that makes sense and doesn't sound too corny: That guy we hear producing and leading on the various sessions from the 60's, and the guy who commands attention and respect from those working with him. It always felt like he was more in his element working in the studio, obviously more so than being on a live stage, and in that studio environment he had that control over situations that you don't have when greeting dozens of fans or in other spontaneous public situations. Not that it's a total drag to be in public, and obviously he says he is enjoying being out there with the band, but the studio seemed to be his element. Just as Mike's "element" or comfort zone is that spontaneous interaction with the public, he thrives on it. It's an interesting dynamic and an interesting balance between them.

That dynamic was essential to the popularity of The Beach Boys.  Brian's melancholy vs. Mike's positivity.   In My Room vs. Fun Fun Fun.  The artist vs. the entertainer. 

More complicated than that, of course. Because Brian created the up tempo music too -- and with people other than Mike.

But yes, the two have a real yin and yang quality.

Yes;  Brian in the studio is just a guy in his natural element. His "feel" for everything in the studio is just not on this planet. You get a glimpse of it in the DVD of "That Lucky Old Sun" which was filmed live......I was watching the "Good Vibrations" film , which is also filmed live and have seen Brian instructing Todd on the drums in almost the same manner as he was instructing Hal Blaine back in 1966, just as an example.    

Great post, Ray.  Thanks for sharing!

Is there any chance that a full transcript (or audio) will be posted somewhere?

Thank you again, so very much!

Now I'm going to have to watch the TLOS DVD this evening.  It is great to see Brian in charge in the studio.  I know a lot of folks assume that those studio shots are all staged for the cameras.  It's nice to know that this was filmed live.

This is all good to hear, but doesn't Brian's mood change dramatically every day?  Maybe one day he is all about the Beach Boys, then the day after that all he wants is a big steak in front of him while he watches Norbit.

Seriously? Really, does this type of stuff have to drag down almost every thread?

This is a great observation, and so true! If you look for it in these various films and whatnot, you'll still see and hear shades of Brian in the 60's when creating music. He's still that same guy, after decades have passed, who produces and directs as he did in his 20's. It is incredible to hear and see him at work, and how his producer's mind was working several steps ahead of even the roomfuls of some of the best players in LA who were trained musicians. Amazing.

I have to mention this quick story: At Brian's Boston Symphony Hall show, June '99, we saw something really cool that didn't register until talking about the show afterward. During one of the "Pet Sounds" instrumentals, instead of leaving the stage since he had nothing to do, Brian turned around on his stool to face the band and listen. As he was listening to the music, his arms and hands started conducting, not obviously but in a very subtle reactive way, like it was a totally spontaneous, natural reaction to where he was in that band and what they were doing. And the person I saw the show with later mentioned it felt like we were watching him as he probably looked in the studio recording Pet Sounds in '66. It really stood out.

The Hal Blaine-GV film comparison reminded me of that moment, and I guess it's true, you can't flick an "off switch" on these things, it's a natural flow that happens in the moment. It would be so neat to see Brian cutting a record in the studio in person, until then all we have is the film and stories... :)

No !  Just two friends talking ; no tape recorders or anything like that . Just a broad conversation of life in general, records, baseball, and Brian's return to The Beach Boys

But would we really have it any other way? The man likes his steak and cross-dressing Eddie Murphy comedies!

What were some of the titles that we know that might be on another Beach Boys album? There aren't really any Brian titles that we know of that didn't make the album besides "I'd Go Anywhere". The only other outtakes we know of for sure are "Waves of Love" and "She Believes In Love Again".

Ray answered this already ...

Thanks for this, Ray.

No , Brian's mood doesn't operate like that.  Some days he is really introspective , some days not. Lot's of exaggeration goes on, but I guess that is to be expected. When it comes to his music and the direction he wants to go in, he knows exactly what he wants to do ; and sometimes it is a really circuitous route . ( see "That's Why God Made the Radio")

Ray, thanks for posting -- this is very enlightening and encouraging. I think Brian has got to be feeding on the love coming from the audience.

Is Brian feeling all the love the audience is throwing at him? I hope so.

He said that there were a few titles he was previously familiar with, though. That's what I meant.

Thanks for starting a great thread Ray.

Most here have been of the opinion that despite how he looks, Brian is enjoying the tour and being back onstage. It is so good to know now that would really seem to be the case!

Yeah, good to know he's enjoying himself! Welcome aboard  :)

Thanks very much Ray.  You had many great things in your post--I can't wait for all of them to come to fruition!

I have been trying to reply to Sheriff John Stone's post about Melinda having a key say in matters but as I am a technical moron with a computer I couldn't figure out how to do it so I will just reply here.


At the end of the day they are like most married couples ; they talk about stuff , they laugh, they argue, they go out to dinner , like everyone else. Sure she has a major voice in things; of course she does ; but to be clear, she has Brian's back at all times; however;when it comes down to crunch time he just does what he wants to do....that's Brian . I think she is treated by some unfairly .I will give you a perfect example.  I was at literally every BWRG session; Melinda was there at most of the sessions, I think the ones at Ocean Way. She spent much of the time responding to stuff on her IPad, and her involvement in the booth was real clear: to encourage Brian in a positive manner, and to ensure that he gets all the support he needs to get a record done his way.  She is responsible for some of the great stuff we have all been getting without credit or fanfare, "The SMiLE Sessions" booklet for example , was crappola before she got involved; I could give several other examples but that one is the more recent tangible one I can think of. I think she should be cut some slack.

The other question I could answer is does Brian feel the love from the crowd ?  Absolutely....but he really gets embarrased and does not know how to handle it sometimes, so he just sits there kind of locked. The best example is "SMiLE" , night one RFH in London.  The ovation that night was like an explosion of emotion ; it would still be going on if Brian had not kept trying to stop it .....but  the short answer is yes , he really appreciates it. Try and get past some of Brian's stoicism on stage; it is just who he is and it is not going to change

I have to go , "Norbit" is on !

 :lol

Let me be the one millionth person to thank you for posting here. I hope you continue to do so!

WOW! Thanks Ray!

Thank you for coming here today and sharing these things with us, Ray.

p.s. Were you backstage with Brian at his "Lucky Old Sun" concert in Westbury, Long Island in 2008?

Your welcome ; thanks for listening.   

Yes , I was at TLOS backstage at Westbury in 08. Were you there as well ?

Yes. I was a contest winner. My wife and I had a nice visit with you, Brian and Jeff.

yes , I remember you and your wife, that was a nice evening. If I recall you were in the military and about to be deployed ?

No, we were the other winning couple. I had some records for Brian to sign. I was too nervous, but it was the biggest thrill of my life!

I remember that fellow from the military. Captain Matt. We sat next to him at the show.  Brian even gave him the shirt right off his back, which was pretty cool! I wonder how he's doing.

Yes, I remember you and your wife as well...particularly remember you were so nervous about getting those records signed.  I think Jeff stayed in touch with him , I will ask him about it in New Jersey tomorrow.  Hope he is ok , he was headed for Iraq then Afghanistan.

Much thanks for all of this writing, Ray. Where quoting from a previous post is concerned - at the right of these posts when you're logged in you see a "quote" icon. Click that and it puts the quote into your post.

Ray, thank you so much for your post ! It was a very interesting read.
Are you able, by any chance to name some new songs he mentioned to you ? No problem if you won't do that.

Thanks !!  I'll be damned. It worked !

The only two I remember were "Angels in Love"  , and  "Night Came Gently". He mentioned a few other titles but I just can't remember.

Ray,

Do you work in the studio with Brian, or just a friend of his?  Just curious.

I suspect that some gems were recorded as part of the reunion sessions, but held back for a secod album.  Any truth to that?  Have you heard the BB's song Wouldn't It Be Nice to Live Again?  If so, any comments on it. 

Thank you !
Judging from the title, I wonder if "Night came gently" might've been part of the suite for TWGMTR at one point.

No I am just a friend , but have  been lucky to spend a lsignificant amount of time in several different studio's with Brian on several different projects.  

I have never heard Wouldn't it Be Nice to Live Again but I would sure like to.  Dennis had so much ability and all I hear about that track is how great the vocals are by the brothers.   Therefore I need to hear it , like everyone else !

I have not heard anything that was held back for a second album , but I heard there is more stuff recorded  but I think I read that somewhere !

You said Brian sang a brief melody of one of the songs that hasn't been recorded/released yet. Can you describe what it sounds like? I realise that may be impossible, but a fan has to ask.....Thanks much!

At the Woodlands show, Brian did the same thing during several of the instrumental solos, and fist-pumped at the end of Marcella.

It would be impossible to describe it , he just did it real quickly    But that is a good question as I kind of asked myself the same thing last night

Awesome Ray, read your post make me happy.

You know the Brian opinion about touring overseas? because in south america announced a visit of the Beach Boys without him (Mike/Bruce band) in october and if Brian is feeling good about play with the boys again, I can't explain why he isn't coming , I wanna see them so badly :(

thanx again!

Probably just taking a little break, as I think those dates were scheduled before the reunion.

Yes I asked him about that as I heard about a show being booked in Latin America but he had no idea what I was talking about.  I believe that it does not involve Brian , Al or David ; just Mike and Bruce and  their band.   Brian loves touring overseas , particularly in the UK and Australia....Japan too.  I think he played in Sao Paulo in the mid-2000's if I recall. 

Not trying to drag anything down; just asking an honest question.  I'm pleased as punch that Brian apparently is enjoying this reunion tour and wants to keep it going. 

oh, I'm peruvian and that's sad news to me. Thanks for sharing a little of your friendship with Brian!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would venture to say that Mr. Lawlor may in fact be downplaying his role in Brian's circle. I say this out of respect to Mr. Lawlor. Those who know Brian's inner circle recognize Ray Lawlor as a friend of Brian and his family and we should in fact thank him for taking the time to post his insights here, they are the real deal. Mr. Lawlor's name  in fact can be found in various liner notes as being thanked by Brian; in addition, Mr. Lawlor can be seen in certain videos (could have been Beautiful Dreamer) sitting at the studio console with Brian and talking as friends would. He is in fact not just some random guy who asked Brian a question....

Thanks for stopping in Ray.  We appreciate the insights of those who are in the know.  Please tell Brian we are all enjoying his work on the tour and album.  Please drop in here when you can.

Well, I had my doubts about how much Brian was enjoying the reunion. He seemed a bit more up beat during the SMiLE and TLOS tours. But its good to hear that he is happy! I was also going to mention that I had never heard your name before, and wasn't sure what your connection with Brian is. Now I see that you are a friend of his. When/where did you meet Brian?

Very cool, Ray!  Thanks again so much!

So, which baseball team does Brian like this summer?  Dodgers?

AWESOME!  :)

Thankyou for stopping in and posting Ray! Great to hear Brian loves Australia, It is the best country in the world!!!

Thanks Ray,

I was lucky enough to be backstage in Montreal for Brian's birthday celebration, and he seemed happy and relaxed.  It's pretty obvious, but the fact is, most of how we fans see Brian is onstage, and it's no secret it's not where he is most comfortable... as he said recently "It scares the hell out of me!"

Excellent ! Hope you enjoyed the birthday party ! Wish I could have been there but I had to work !   Hate when that happens

I think most people are overlooking something very basic.

When Brian tours solo, he's the man. He has to carry the load and interact with the audience on nearly every song. He's more outgoing not necessarily because he wants to be, but because he has to be. There's no one else there to do the job. Jeff will carry some of the weight, but he makes it very clear that Brian's the man.

On the Beach Boys tour, there's no question about the front man. It's Mike. Brian is able to be as withdrawn as he wants to be, or as outgoing. And in a live situation, in front of huge crowds, he's more withdrawn than not. But it's not because he dislikes sharing the music, or hates the other guys. It's because he knows Mike can take care of the "entertaining the crowd" bit.

My reaction, on watching him in Bangor, is that Brian is reasonably comfortable and relaxed, and enjoys singing lead for about 30 minutes of the 2.5-hour show. Otherwise, he gets to play along with his great band and watch guys he's shared an amazing journey with put on an amazing show.

LOL -- Brian must know something we don't!  HA!

By the way, it's very very VERY  generous of you to post these updates.  Much appreciated by all of us!

And, Brian must be very happy to have this wonderful gorgeous new album go to #3!

 ;D

thank you for the kind words.  I hope I conveyed the fact that Brian is having a great time during the concerts and is excited to be back with the guys  

Thanks Ray!
Your insights are much appreciated!

Australia is awesome, Brian loves it there, all anyone has to do is ask him. When I mentioned earlier that I had a hard time keeping up with Brian walking; a good example was in Sydney. The walk started at the Inter-Continental Sydney, went around the Opera House , then all the way on the walkway in the park that runs parallel to the water. Two laps around the Opera House and back to the Inter-Continental. 90 degrees out; I was struggling to keep up with Brian and praying I would live long enough to get a cold beer. He wanted to go again in a few hours.

I would love to head out there on this tour , but don't think I can.  Cafe Sydney right on Bligh St.  Tremendous !

Thanks for posting this info, Ray.  I too look forward to the five principals continuing to tour together as well as an additional studio album, plus, of course, the live 50th Anniversary CD.

That is a decent walk!! And th eviews are spectacular, as is the beer!

Thanks Ray!!

Thanks for the posts Ray! 

Thanks for your insights, Ray! Visits by people who know the guys/have worked with them are always a treat, and much appreciated. So nice that you take the time, and it makes us feel better about Brian's mindset.

As an aside, I realized I never actually watched the TLOS doc! I'm going to do that soon.

Now THIS is a thread. Thanks, Ray.

Most people enjoy their jobs a lot some days and not so much on other days. So if we happen to see Brian on a night he's not "engaged," it doesn't mean he doesn't want to be touring. Some people have seen shows where Brian talked to the audience. When I saw the Boys at Mohegan Sun, he didn't say a single word, but he still sang great.

And the part about how hard the Dennis and Carl tributes hit him is accurate, too. He sees himself on state with the Beach Boys, but the two people he would most like to have their aren't. It would be tough for anyone to put on a happy face right after the final note of "God Only Knows."

And it's great to hear that Brian's back is getting better and he's looking to start walking in the hopes of losing weight.

By my gig in Melbourne August 31 2012 I want Brian like it is 1978 again!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAiqMVTUEb8

Great thread and wonderful insights.  Thanks, Ray.

I don't know if anyone mentioned this, but you're the guy Brian dedicated a song to last night!

So glad to hear Brian is happy with the tour and the band. Many thanks!

Let me echo the chorus and thank you for your updates Ray!

I am obviously enjoying the summer tour and album, although I am kind of in the camp that feels like this is a proper coda for the band. Having said all that, if we can get a big sounding rock album out of the boys, I would be happily on board!

To quote Canada's Mendelson Joe - "the name of the game ain't schmaltz - it's results!"

Wow, great stuff Ray.  Thank you so so much for your comments and insight, it is much appreciated.

Well yes that's true but it's really not about me. I just wanted to negate a lot of the speculation that is out there about Brian's demeanor/mindset/ willingness/capability for going forward.  Some of the pontificating became ludicrous so I decided to jump in to Brian's defense because he sure as hell was not going to do it himself , nor was Melinda . I am  hopeful that everyone takes a deep breath and thanks their lucky stars for what has happened since 2000:Pet Sounds live, SMiLE completed and released, That Lucky Old Sun , Gershwin , The SMiLE Sessions;  the impossible but true Beach Boys reunion in 2012. It did not happen by accident !  

Personally I am looking forward to that live DVD , especially want to hear Sailor, Heroes, Please Let Me Wonder and Do It Again.  They slay me !  And God help me I want to hear them do Funky Pretty ! 

Reading the perspective you have shared really made my day. Its obvious it comes from a friend's point of view and it is sincerely heart warming. You rock for doing this.

Thanks, it is exactly that, my point of view watching a friend reclaim his legacy. And at  three score and ten saying "let's keep going".  Overwhelming

Get back down to Australia and I will be the first in line to buy you a beer!!

It is crazy, ain't it? It's almost as if the Beach Boys we're seeing and hearing now are picking up right after Holland and continuing on an artistic sonic boom. Just completely soul-warming all around.

Well said.  It really has been amazing.  What a life.

Thanks so much for the posts, Ray.  It's great to hear that things are as amazing as they appear to be. That's what finishing SMiLE will do to ya...  :smokin

"4/- I had dinner with him in Beverly Hills in February; his back was so bad he was shuffling , and it scared the hell out of me,  as this is a guy who was walking 5 miles a day at a pretty steady clip.....he and I are the same height, 6 ft 2 , and I always had trouble keeping up with him. He is walking with much more ease now as the back is healing and the pain has subsided; he is almost ready to start his walking agenda again as he is "rebuilding  the strength in my legs, getting my legs under me". He says he feels great , and has a weight loss target in mind once he starts seriously walking again".

I would really like to believe this. I really would. I don't mean to be a pessimist here. BUT.  When I saw Brian earlier this month in Berkeley, he was obviously in pain. He was shifting back and forth on the stool, needed help getting off the piano bench, and at the end of the second set, I saw him get up (with assistance) and gingerly walk off the stage and sit down quickly in a chair positioned just behind the curtain. I was really concerned for him. He looks very overweight and is hurting. You just talked to Brian in the last couple of days. I understand that he's been having this back issue for quite awhile and is seeing a doctor for it and who knows if he's taking some meds to relieve the pain. The other day, he didn't bother to strap on the bass, which he routinely does near the end of shows. So you're saying the back is healing and the pain is subsided? Just within this past month? Based on what I personally saw and on recent video clips, I'm a little pessimistic, Ray. Again, I'd love to be dead wrong!

Also, Ray, you indicated that Brian loves this touring and being on stage. I'm not saying you're wrong or that Brian is wrong or leading you in the wrong direction, and by the way he looks on stage, he does look engaged and focused at times, but very bored. I may be wrong. Many times viewing these YouTube videos, it seems like he can't wait to get off the stage at the end of many of the shows. Most of the time, he's the first one off the stage, almost running. Information on a recent thread indicated that he won't make it to South America this year for a concert(s). It still makes me wonder if he really does want to continue the 50th Tour after they've completed the 50 + gigs already scheduled for this year.

Thanks for your post, Ray!  :)

There have been many reports from the road from the past couple of weeks about BW's increased mobility. I saw it myself; he is getting around much more quickly and on his own.

The South American shows are not part of the 50th anniversary tour; they appear to have been booked before the reunion.

Brian looks like he's lost at least a tiny amount of weight in the last couple of shows' videos.  It shows in his face mostly.  A man his size can drop weight fast and even losing five or ten pounds can help a lot of things feel better. 

I mentioned awhile back that with a tour party as large as this one, the duration and of course the Beach Boys ages, I would expect a Doctor to be on the road with them. Great for his back and if asked, his diet advise,

Take a look at the RS story again with Brian in the diner. He has got thinner in the face the last month IMO.

Amen. To think of everything he has done in the last 12 years is pretty astounding but when you look at it, it all happened so logically. Line upon line, precept upon precept; as the saying goes.  :)

"Angels In Love" and "Night Came Gently" sound like great titles.

The next album can't come soon enough!  8)

I am so, so glad to hear is doing so well ;D

Cool stuff, Ray, thanks heaps!

Speaking for myself only, it's a super rare treat to get real "news" about the great man and how he's goin' as things develop - even better that it's shootin' the breeze stuff,  like Jon Stebbins' awesome David Marks insights; and as opposed to a press release rehash.

Cheers - A

Well, I'm not too sure. Certainly I'd like the guys to record but only if the results are at least as good as TWGMTR. Every record they make now could be their last and I don't want another M.I.U. or SIP to be theri last album

I know what you were getting at Mikie, but I just thought it was funny that when it worked for your argument that Brian was in rough shape he was walking gingerly off stage, and then when it worked for your argument that he wasn't engaged he was suddenly running off stage.

I think Ray knows a whole lot more than what we can gather from youtube clips, if his friends say he enjoys the tour and that he's feeling better, I'll trust that.

As Tommy Callahan once said, "You can get a good look at a butcher's ass by sticking your head up there. But, wouldn't you rather to take his word for it?"

First off, I wasn't trying to argue with the man, or even be Devil's advocate. I was countering with my observations, that's all. And my observations weren't just based on YouTube clips, but first hand. Like I say, Brian's had this severe back ailment for quite awhile (two or three years?) and to hear that he has "recuperated" within a month's time seems miraculous to me. Hope it's permanent and the reduction in weight will dramatically improve/eliminate his back problems.


Tommy who?  Well, in this particular case, I'll definitely take his word for it!   ;D

Mikie, do you have anything to compare your Berkeley observations against? If not, I could see why you have these particular thoughts.  Keep in mind that Brian's friends, such as Lawlor, see him more than once a year, they watch him over a period of time and compare him now to how he was 6 months ago. They know him. As I posted in another thread, I was at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day, sat very close to the field and was very taken aback by the way Brian moved.  He DID NOT WALK, HE SHUFFLED.  He required assistance getting everywhere. At that time I was very concerned about his health moving forward. However, seeing him just a few weeks ago again, although still moving slowly and requiring assistance to get up and down, he is moving much, much better, there is no comparison to how he was moving in April.  My comments were in fact confirmed by Jon Stebbins. And now now by Ray Lawlor. Are we all just making this up to convince Smiley Smilers so they can have a good day?

Well , it is your perrogative to be pessimistic if you please.

With regard to Brian's back issue and treatment ; I hope nobody thinks that the Wilson's just went to Dr. Vinnie Boombotz and got some pain killers !   They deal with the best doctors in the LA area and rest assured that Brian has the best quality care. The treatment is a Wilson family matter and I won't discuss it anywhere, but can only say it is working. My personal observation is as follows:

1/- In LA in January 9-13 ( I thought it was February but checked my American Express) Brian was shuffling along ; as I said it scared the hell out of me;
2/- In Arizona in April 23/24 Brian was moving gingerly but better; he still required assistance;
3/- At the Beacon in NY in May 7/8/9 Brian was moving better; more ease of motion;
4/- At Westchester NY on May 15  Brian still improving; said he was not in any pain at all;
5/-At Bethlehem , Pa on May 17th Brian was clearly walking with ease;
6/- At  Hollywood Bowl on June 2Brian was walking fine ; was tallking about getting his walking routine started again;
7/- At Woodlands Tx June 8, Brian walking fine; still no back pain;
8/- At Jones Beach on the June 24 Brian having no issues at all.

So according to my math this has been a five month healing process and progression from initial diagnosis and treatments through today. Not overnight or a month. 

As far as the chair positioned stage right ; it has been there since 2000 !!!  Brian sits stageside through every intermission; that is his procedure , it has zero to do with his back.  At Jones Beach during intermission I was sitting with him; he was rehearsing his part (the Carl part) on "Our Prayer"....the whole thing.

With regard to the show in Latin America where it stated Brian wouldn't make it to South America; as I answered in an earlier question....he was not asked to go ; this is a booking of The Mike/Bruce Beach Boys and their band; not the reunion tour.  He and the guys are going to Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore for goodness sakes; alot further away than Peru !!!   If there is a booking for The Beach Boys 50th in Latin America ; he will go.

 

Yes. YouTube videos. Many of them. In addition to fan's/concert goer's comments.


Oh yeah, well that's PLENTY of time to assess one's physical condition, Southbay!  ::)


This is also what stuck out in my mind and I almost posted this example here. That was April 10. And he was still shuffling around on June 1.


That's great to know. Maybe he's taking cortizone shots or something. It's just great to know he's getting better fast!  ;D

And according to my math, the most dramatic improvement he's made with this back ailment has been just this past month. Correcto mundo?  :)

Most dramatic improvement; yes in the last month.  The healing process started happening in mid to late January. It is still ongoing.

"Our Prayer"!!!!!  AWESOME!

Has this made it into the concert setlist?

Yeah man! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HRvc8r2uh8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMv6AxuL72A&feature=related

Yeah, see, it's posts like this that tend to chase away people with actual insight and knowledge.  People like Ray Lawlor who actually know Brian Wilson.

why are people arguing about Brian's back? he seems to be doing fine and his GOOD FRIEND says he's doing fine. there's nothing else worth discussing.

Agreed.  Ray says he's fine.  End of story

That's my greatest desire!! I hope Brian and the boys come soon to south america  :)

Ray, thanx for your answers!

Just addressing your posts and answering one of your questions, Southbay. No need to exaggerate and suggest that I'm driving anyone away. Look back at my posts and read what I conclude with.  

"It's great to know Brian is getting better!"  See?  We all agree here!  ;D

Fair enough.  Agreeing is good

THANKS Justin!  How did I miss THIS!   :lol

You gotta put a pause on spinning TWGMTR and check in here and there, David!  :lol

Indeed!  I used to call myself a Neil Young fan and I've played his new CD only once thanks to TWGMTR!   :'(

haha that's better than me dude...I've still yet to pick up that new Neil CD.   It's mostly covers right?  So I'll probably hold off a bit.  Like you, I'm still in a Beach Boys frame of mind as well!

I love the new Neil album, too. 

Ray -- thanks again for giving us a glimpse inside, and such a positive one.  If you do make it down to Sydney, let us know -- we'll invite you to our get-together and drinks will be on us!

(And yeah, that's a hell of a walk around Circular Quay in Sydney -- I'd be exhausted too...)

Cheers,
Jon

Listening to this just gave me chills, chills I tell ya!

The word is: awe-inspiring!

Hope this (or a version) gets to the live DVD.

Very nice! I'm glad Brian's having a great time!

Me too...I'm hoping they film the entire Royal Albert Hall performance for the DVD that would be a wonderful memento to have from the tour.   "Our Prayer" in that venue would sound phoenomenal.

Hope you caught the newest video from last night's thread!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P51q4FtYnw&feature=youtu.be

Sublime!

Justin, that's a great idea. It would be worth bringing in even MORE musicians for a section of the second set -- a certain buncha swarthy string players. Man, that'd be a nice release.

Absolutley ontor...nice idea.  I've never heard one of Mike/Bruce's shows with the string symphony but I'd bet it would sound amazing with Brian's full band.  Oh man...that would be splendid.

I feel they kind of dropped the ball on not filming any of the two Beacon shows in New York...that would've been another great venue for a DVD.  I just pray they're not going with the typical/predictable outdoor venue.  Nah, let's change it up! I hope they pick a respectable venue and have a great team of people filming it.  Mike, spend some money on filming a DVD that will outlast everyone in the band!