The Smiley Smile Message Board

Beach Boys (Mike & Bruce) scheduled to appear at Chautauqua Institute's concert series on Friday, August 9, 2013. They have appeared there on about an every other year basis for awhile now.
Here's the announcement by CI:

http://www.ciweb.org/popular-entertainment/

Here we go again.... :thud

Well, at least they're using the right photograph (though it doesn't appear to be recent, what was up with Totten's hair?)

Late breaking shock news: musicians play concert to earn their income. Film at eleven.

I don't get it. There's nothing inflammatory about the original post, no negative comments about Mike Love's band. Yes, in past years we didn't get a new thread for announcements of specific Mike shows, but I don't take the original post as the beginning of some sort of new flame thread. I don't get the sarcasm.

As shocking as it may be, there may be some fans out there wondering if the full Beach Boys lineup is going to do anything in 2013, so a show booked by Mike in August of next year may (just may) give us a bit of info to work with in guessing at what they may or may not have planned for 2013.

The only thing more predictable lately than any mention of Mike's band playing a gig is AGD following it up with an overly-defensive, snarky comment. I think people who are supportive, or negative, or indifferent as to more Mike/Bruce shows all may have an interest in what's in store for next year.

I'll tell you what The Beach Boys - the Brian, Mike, Alan, Bruce & David lineup - currently have planned for 2013.

Nothing.  Somehow, the 51st Anniversary tour doesn't have quite the same cachet as "50th". C50 is done and dusted. I wouldn't be astonished if there's not some kind of band promo for the box, but tours... no: new album... not holding my breath.

Agreed.

I feel much like Bob Cratchit if Scrooge won't give him off on Christmas day. . .
Andrew's analysis is likely correct but oh so sad. What a missed opportunity for more creative output--so many songs and so much energy and  invention; if they would just sit in the studio together and work through songs and feels and ideas and create a real new BB album.

I'll be there... Dancing and high-fiving the boys :)

A shame if this happens but I still think they will do something for 2013. One thing is for sure, I can't go to M&B shows anymore after seeing the full group kick-ass performing.

AGD's analysis is likely correct, I'm enough of a realist to realize that. I just think the zeal with which this likely truth is continually pointed out both ignores the fact that most fans agree with this assessment in the first place and also goes well past the realm of informational and much more into the "enjoying it" realm. I just find it odd, at best, and mean-spirited at worst.

The fact that snarky comments were made towards someone simply reporting the existence of an "M&B" show strikes me as either ultra-overly-defensive when it comes to something that could theoretically be a slight towards Mike's band, or just a case of enjoying being adversarial towards fans who might like more "reunion" activities.

I think AGD's comment wasn't meant necessarily as sarcasm but rather a comment that this is what should be expected to be the situation for 2013 (maybe with an exception or two...hopefully?) as this is what lifelong performers do...perform.
I posted the announcement because it does give a glimpse (confirmation perhaps?) of 2013. So, to that extent it is somewhat relevant to folks that view this board and perhaps for anyone in the geographic area, they may want to plan accordingly.
I've seen Mike and Bruce play numerous times (same with BW) and for anyone who enjoys the music and the songs wholly recommend seeing them. It is always a fun time and we've never been disappointed.

I think this ignores the fact that nobody has said it would need to billed as a "51st Anniversary Tour", or that it would need to be billed as anything at all. It shouldn't be about "cachet", especially when the reunion lineup was so good. "We could have done another year of touring, but we wanted to go out on a high note with some 'cachet'" is a ridiculous theoretical argument, and a kick in the teeth (among other places) to fans who waited years to see these guys together, and fans who took notice of how amazing the reunion lineup is, and apparently some sort of kick to the potentially 3/5 of the actual band that wanted to keep going. And yes, now I am dredging the old debate up, and for this I do apologize.  :lol

Exactly, it gives an insight and more firm evidence of what's going to happen in 2013. I don't understand pre-empting theoretical beefs with Mike and Bruce doing this or any other gigs. Number one, the post about the show was indeed simply informational. Secondly, so what if fans continue to get hung up on Mike touring under the name? Fans have a new, more specific reason to chide Mike for touring, because now he's not not simply "using the name", he's also using it instead of touring with the rest of a willing band. That's just how it is, we've all gotten over it or will get over it, etc.. But I don't think it's out of line to suggest that this should continue to invite a bit of criticism towards Mike.

Attacks on AGD in this thread are nothing more than killing the messenger. I certainly have a thimble-full of insight compared to him, but I had all this figured out a year ago anyway. So what I thought was worthwhile, for me at least.

I see what you mean. I think my issue is that this is a case of a messenger delivering a message we all already got loud and clear, numerous times, and seemingly kind of enjoying delivering that already-received message.

I do get it, I realize that some fans are still voicing huge amounts of outrage as Mike continues to book shows. I understand that there is a point at which this outrage has to be met with a "what else were you expecting?" response. I just question the motives of making those sort of responses, especially when the notice that elicited the response is a simple announcment of a Mike show with no further commentary.

I just don't like and am slightly surprised by the attitude of late that answers fans who simply hope for more reunion activities with a "you're a f***ing idiot, what did else were you expecting, it was all set in stone in 2011, Mike's band is just doing what it always has done" sort of response.

No original lineup tour next summer  :'(

Hey, you're usin' my material!  :-D

Jude, you're too sensitive.

Speaking only for myself, I'd much rather have Brian stay at home for the lion's share of 2013 and work on a new album. Write the music, work with lyricists, and record it when Mike and Bruce aren't out on the road (and not performing "I Just Got My Pay")...   ::)

 :lol

It probably seems like that, but it's more like I'm more annoyed and this is me seriously curbing my impulse to express that annoyance less gracefully. The ultimate result may well be that I sound like a sensitive wiener.  :-D

Prediction: the concert dates for M&B will start flowing after the first of the year. Not that really much of a bold prediction.

This is not the Bloo. This is a serious, hard-core BB/BW forum and. as stated before, I tend to expect more from the posters here, both in terms of advanced BB knowledge and basic nous. It would be nice to have some more full band dates scheduled for next year, and this being The Beach Boys, never say never... but the prevailing situation and the past agreements and compromises that allowed the C50 events to take place (and there were some considerable compromises, on all sides) are no longer in place.  On a more personal and slightly selfish note, C50 was carried off far more harmoniously, and with more amazing results that I ever dared to hope for. I wouldn't want to dim this lustre with subsequent, possibly substandard material and shows: I'd rather remember the 9/28/12 show as the last, and one of the very greatest, BB shows ever. Same with the album.

Hey we all know when it comes to Mike it is like shooting fish in a barrel! :lol

Just suppose Mike made a call to Brian a few weeks back.

Hi Brian. Wondering how is that rocking new album you asked us to keep 2013 clear for going?

Not so good Mike. I'm beat from this year, maybe next year.

Hardly a surprise cuz. You deserve a break as you worked your tail off this year. How do you feel about me continuing my thing until you give me a call-up?

Sure Mike knock yourself out.





The result? Mike is cast as the bad guy when in fact there is none.

In total agreement with Mr Doe and Pretty Funky, which may not make me Ms. Popular, but nevertheless...totally honest.

You really wouldn't want another album? Brian still has the compositional chops, and the Boys are still singing well... I mean, even if it wouldn't turn out to be a grand slam, I think it's highly unlikely it would be a bunt.

I'd love another album that's as good as TWGMTR. I just don't happen to think lightening will strike twice.

Off topic but what's the deal with Bloo? and what is Bloo?  :lol

The Bloo is... the place were reason goes to die, in gruesome and painful manner. There be dragons.

But oddly, not any Cohens.

I would have gone if Mike hadn't fired Brian!!

But seriously, I'll be there.  I haven't missed a Mike & Bruce show at Chautauqua in years, it's always a great time.  Hard to say no when you get in for free  8)

On a side note, last time they played there, I was lucky enough to get into the meet & greet before the show.  Mike & Bruce are much shorter than I expected.  And to think they tower over Al...

Do you believe your own eyes? I wouldn't if you perceive Mike as short. Not by any stretch.

double post

I can't disagree with AGD's take. I might wish that I could, but I can't

Just so - Mike's taller than me, and I'm 5' 8". Alan, OTOH... well, I can look over the top of his head.

I shouldn't be surprised, but somehow I still can't suppress my disbelief as I watch folks on a BB/BW message board delight in the destruction of Brian Wilson's dreams.

I agree. The man who has made all this possible wants to continue on, yet people seem giddy that they don't make another album or tour again.

Well, I'm 6'3" and Mike seemed considerably shorter than me at the time.  Looking at the picture again, I guess I was wrong.  Bruce on the other hand...

That was then. This is now. Chances are he's forgotten about what he said. Doesn't make his intention any less real, but Brian lives in the moment, and that moment is now in the past.  :old

For the C50 to happen, and the brilliant way it did happen, I think was a direct result of the growth of the individual bands (the three entities) who brought back to the table the skill sets they acquired while working and touring separately.  They acquired business acumen, newer technological skills, and when they reunited, they were better than ever.  

Having seen the tour concerts multiple times, my impression was that they were very "gelled" working together, with members of the respective bands, but, did not have the more "unplugged" touch that the individual entities have.  Each of those bands, are special and are now, at least for the immediate future, appearing to be booking dates, and working with the bands they each worked hard to establish, grow their individual businesses and hopefully be engaged in the process of writing material they can record in unison when the time comes.

Is this a bad thing, to unplug from the big, fantastic event and go back to their "old normal?" I think not.  It was an exhausting but apparently professionally fulfilling season.  But, everyone needs to agree, to reunite.  For a while, at least, the music will get beyond the large metropolitan areas, of C50 and, reach many of those who were unable to see the reunion, because of distance or other circumstances.  

The door has been opened with C50.  All the guys worked so well together on this undertaking, that they deserve support and space to decompress and regroup when the time is right for all.    ;)

Substance abuse?

AGD hit the nail on the head, tragically.

I can't hide it, I'm devastated.

The first listen through Summer's Gone and I knew it was over. I don't understand the mystery. It really was painfully obvious. Wasn't it? And I'm not trying to re-start something that has already been hashed out here. At least I thought it was.

Why the f*** can't people just give up when the world tells them they suck and are no longer relevant the first time around? I wish the Beach Boys would've retired and hopefully been horribly killed in 1966 (after Pet Sounds, the 2nd greatest album of all time the first being every Beatles album tied for first).

I wish they'd die now, in fact. I'm done with them, I don't want new music or new shows from any of them, they're past their prime. I'm just tired of them and really doubt they have anything worthwhile to offer ever again. It's about my needs, y'know. They need to listen to me. The whole world needs to listen to me and bend according to my whims. It can't be Pet Sounds II, I'm confident in this because I know the quality of music that doesn't exist yet, so f*** 'em, I want them gone from this earth, they no longer suit me.

Brian is surrounded by the right people if he wants to make his dreams come true. Or, he can sit back and do nothing, which would make one question how strong those dreams are. Time WILL tell.

Agreed, if the band never does anything again, Mike and Bruce will have cermented themselves as Villians in the BBs story. I am sick and tired of M&B pimping the BBs name and mining Brian's legacy for cheap cash at low rent venues. Mike and Bruce couldn't sell Any tickets using any other name. The BBs should be the all the members that toured this year or no BBs at all.

This all sounds good. I do think the "smaller markets" argument is pretty empty though. I think it's a flawed argument to begin with, that at least a good hunk of people couldn't travel to one of the 50 or so shows they did in 2012. But even aside from that, I doubt much of anybody in "non-metropolitan" areas have not had ample opportunities to see Mike's band in the previous 13 years he toured in his normal configuration.

But fundamentally, yes, I think it's a bad thing to pull the plug on an amazing thing like the "C50" band. It was, as I believe Howie Edelson put it, an embarassment of riches. Nothing would make that not the case in 2013.

As an aside, the "C50" tour definitey WAS the only opportunity for most markets to see Al or David in concert. Whether by choice or by circumstance, those guys don't do a lot of gigs. A big part of the success of the C50 tour was a reinvigorated Al Jarding singing his ass off and demonstrating the most in-tact voice of any of the members. Going back to the status quo means we'll be back to not seeing much of Al and David.

I know that anything Brian said has to be weighed accordingly, but I think this is still minimizing his (and Al's and apparently David's) desire to continue the reunion. It seemed more than a quick passing thought that went away in five minutes. The media firestorm and writing to the LA Times would not have happened if Brian had just thought for ten minutes that he wanted to do more gigs, and then moved on to picking which steak he wanted for lunch.

Thank you, this is probably the biggest surprise of the whole ordeal. It's not surprising that Mike books more gigs for his band, etc. But that delight, which nobody much seems to admit having, is what disappoints me. I still don't understand where it comes from, and it is IS there. Maybe sometimes I've misinterpreted some fan comments, but not all of them.

I have absolutely no problem with Mike and Bruce continuing to do tour dates. I've seen their shows a few times and enjoyed them immensely.  My problem is the use of "The Beach Boys" name.  I had hoped, in the wake of the C50 success, that all involved would have continued as a single band.  If not, then I had hoped that they would revisit the license agreement.  Sadly, it would appear neither of those will happen and the dilution of "The Beach Boys" name will continue.

Sadly, yes.
But this is hardly a surprise.
They will still ALWAYS be America's Band.
 :quote

What is the point of forcing people to work in a way they don't chose?   Not only is it not desirable, it is likely not legal as against servitude. And that might sound extreme but who wants to work  under conditions that don't suit them?  I like to think of it as a condo association where unanimity is the contingency for change.  A "meeting of the minds" is the standard.  They all have to agree.

No one is saying that the performances were anything but brilliant.  But, I seek out the individual bands whenever possible and have seen both Brian's and Al's great bands out of state.   They have great talent and are an opportunity  to see the musicians who worked with the Beach Boys in the "mid career" years.  Ed Carter, Cannata, Billy Hinsche, Figueroa.

The decisions are not "fan-driven" but "band-driven."  I don't find the "riches" an embarrassment. The wealth is a result of years of toil, loss and eventual renewal.  They stood tall yet humble at 60 and 70 years of age with the fans who remained faithful to their work. 

The Touring Band is supposed to be in Florida doing a run in February at SeaWorld among other towns.  That is "access" to the music.  Not everyone had "access" to C50. 

EXACTLY!
I live in the frickin' middle of the country and they never came close. That alone soured me and I had some splainin' to do. I'm tired of making excuses.

With that said, the Eagles were here TWICE since Long Road Out of Eden. And if they come back, I'm there again. No doubt.

I loved Al's vocals on the show I saw, but I have to disagree with him having the most intact voice. I think Dave has him beat now, although one vocal per show kind of doesn't count. But in any case, Al's voice showed a little wear throughout, as he sounded hoarse on several of the audience recordings throughout. Of course, the guy IS 70!

I am at polar opposites with you - I think Dave easily has the weakest vocals of the tour - not that he sang much at all, but his Getcha Back was no patch on Mike's (why doesn't he sing that song anymore?) - I like his voice on his 60s recordings with the Marksmen, but not a fan of his latter-day voice. Seems like a down-to-earth and nice guy, though. A good fit for The Beach Boys, and his guitar playing this summer was outstanding!

Generally, all of their voices have shown wear and tear, but for the amount they have been performing for 50 years, the vocals were in pretty good shape - Brian sounded amazing when he wanted to, Al handled his leads with confidence, Mike still sounds somewhat like his old self, and Bruce delivered the goods on Disney Girls.

I liked Dave's vocals on Getcha Back  from the videos I saw (he didn't do it at my show, just Hawaii), but I am familiar with his recent vocals pre-reunion, and I happen to be a fan of them!

As the tour went on, say, starting in June...Brian went to another level. And by the last couple of shows, he was phenomenal.  It's like the time went away.

Weakest voice has to be Bruce these days. He generally did excellent on 'Disney Girls', but 'Wendy' was awful when he sang it.

Dragons like pork pie.... :lol

Always keep in mind that a proportion of that cheap cash goes directly into Brian's pocket, and has since 1998 (well, since 1964, actually). Also, remember that Brian is entirely happy with said pimping.

Yeah, nappies, dog food and Toby jugs don't pay for themselves!

I am aware of that and was just expressing my opinion. They have the legal right to tour, but I still don't like it. Seeing Brian with so much energy at my show convinced me he has every right to be a leader of the BBs band in 2013.

All their voices showed some wear and tear, most definitely. Al still sounded the strongest to me, especially considering 2012 was by far the most shows he's done in such a short span since probably 1997, when he was a young, chipper 55 or so.  :lol

I kind of don't count David when rating their voices, only because his voice is just not a big part of the BB's. Before someone jumps in and tells me how great he sounds on his solo stuff, etc., I'm not saying he doesn't have a good voice. It's just a foreign voice to the BB's for the most part. I thought David sounded just fine on "Hawaii" and "Getcha Back" on the tour. Certainly *different* from sounding particularly like the Beach Boys. I wouldn't have minded both Dave and Al getting more leads on the tour.

Seems to me if Brian was really bothered by this, he'd get Al and Carl's estate in line, call a meeting at BRI and vote in a new agreement whereby Mike has to tour with the rest of them when they say so. 
Since he hasn't I'd say it's all of lot of  :smokin

Of course, I'm not suggesting Brian, Al, and David somehow subject to Mike to illegal servitude. I understand that the whole thing doesn't work if they don't all want to do it, regardless of the reasons. Even some sort of weird scenario where Brian and Al would tell Mike to either do more reunion shows or they will vote to pull the license, I realize a tour under duress is not ideal.

As far as Al, I totally dig his crew of veterans, Figueroa, Carter, Hinsche, etc. I've seen Al live a couple of times, and I've enjoyed his shows as much as Brian's. But Al doesn't do that many gigs, and if you discount shows in 1999 and maybe a few in 2000, Al doesn't get to do particularly long shows either. I would totally go to the county fair and see Al play for 60 minutes and sing the "meat and pototes" numbers, but that relatively rare occurance is usually the best we can hope for. More to the point, since all of the bands how have really good musicians and singers backing them, I don't see anything even remotely being preferable to all 5 Beach Boys with an amazing backing band behind them. If they had used a Joe Thomas-staffed contingent of Chicago easy listening backing musicians, maybe it would be tougher to enjoy the reunion so much. But it was literally most of Brian's amazing band with the two best dudes from Mike's band.

I would presumbe Howie Edelson was just using "embarrassment of riches" as a turn of phrase to describe how amazing the whole production was. When was the last time any project related to the Beach Boys could even come close to the point where you could even consider applying the term "embarrassment of riches"? That's why the tour was so amazing.

All of the guys can continue to do stuff on their own, and I certainly hope they do in lieu of doing nothing. But it's almost surely going to pale in comparison, as it should in comparison to the whole reunited shebang. That one of those contingents continues to use the actual band's name does certainly not help when dwelling on such comparisons. The comparisons won't be dwelled on for much longer, at least for me. I got pretty numb to Mike using the name in the 2000's, so I can do it again I suppose.  :)

This is very true. We'll see what happens, but I doubt (for many reasons) Brian will resort to this. I think Brian really wanted to do more reunion stuff. I think some fans want it even more, though. I'm fine with that. That Mike doesn't tour with the other guys is something that, presently, cannot be blamed on Brian. That Mike uses the name is something that can, in part, be blamed on Brian.

bgas, IMO you are 100% correct. To me, that is the whole story in a nutshell. It all boils down to the money. I don't think for one second that Brian, Melinda, and Brian's attorney's are afraid of taking on Mike - professionally or personally - in forcing the issue. If Brianandhiswifeandmanagers really wanted - REALLY WANTED - to tour as the Beach Boys again, they could force the issue. But, they would be risking blowing up the whole thing which would include that nice check Brian gets for doing nothing.

We probably agree on some issues.  As recently as Sept. 2011, I saw Al's fabulous band and they did a full and exciting show.  It was great to see these guys play together.  That is not a detriment. Nor, is working on one's own craft, while doing some composition, maybe trying it out with that respective band, and bringing it back for final group collaboration.  It might take the pressure off the whole group dynamic, while allowing a more relaxed approach which they all deserve. 
Part of the growth process, maturing, as it were, is the importance of self-determination, and as Sinatra would say, "My Way." I'd bet that they each could come up with 2 or 3 songs for a new album.  I'm waiting for "Don't Fight the Sea" on a bona fine BB album. 
There is probably a hybrid of sorts which could be negotiated.  And the production was really something.  It was splendid, but in hindsight, it was well-merited, and I support that theory with the video screen chronicling the history.  It just spoke for itself. 
This might turn out to be the non "big group" tour and maybe they would assent to a biennial type of arrangement.  I don't know. And, for those who have sort of relied on the annual visit from the Touring Band, it might be every other year.  I wish I knew what each individual band's touring schedule was. It seemed that Al did do a fair amount, at least in 2011, and he was really well-received.  Finding out where the shows are is sometimes a challenge.  And they do private shows, that would not be public.  There isn't one single place where promoters advertise performances.  Lots of times, it's fan-networking.
My guess is that we have not heard the last from this band of "principals" but within the sphere there are more opportunities for individual work, which benefits the original group's good will, a hundred-fold.  When the Touring Band or Al's or Brian's band does a show, it makes them all shine. The issue can be looked at straightforwardly or panoramically. I prefer the latter. The possibilities are more expansive.

I figured this was going to happen but this is still kind of depressing for me. I wouldn't mind so much but the ways its ended seemed left a kind of sour aftertaste. Also if i'm being honest i've lost most of my enthusiasm for the group when their not together.

That makes two of us who have used the expression "soured' in this thread. Who's next?
 ???