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Title: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: punkinhead on December 16, 2013, 01:43:10 PM I don't know who all saw this but on Facebook, there's some great contests going on on Brian's page. It was just announced that I was one of three winners to receive a call from Brian!!! If you see Justin from Bloomington, IN on there, that's me!!
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: pixletwin on December 16, 2013, 01:46:25 PM I saw that and wondered if anyone who won were also members here. Congrats!
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: leggo of my ego on December 16, 2013, 04:13:45 PM Ring. Ring.
Hello? Hey, its Brian. I started a band called the Beach Boys...have you heard of it? Damn. You need to figure out some way to record the call. Then post it on youtube or something. ;D Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Shady on December 16, 2013, 05:08:36 PM Congrats punkinhead.
I'm very jealous Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: punkinhead on December 16, 2013, 05:45:32 PM Ring. Ring. Yeah, I'm trying to find a way to record it. I have an iphone but nothing else to record. I'm up for anything, I'd love to include the call on my YT Channel.Hello? Hey, its Brian. I started a band called the Beach Boys...have you heard of it? Damn. You need to figure out some way to record the call. Then post it on youtube or something. ;D My first initial thought after winning the contest was Had to Phone Ya for some reason. Any advice on what to talk about or ask? I obviously dont want to talk about anything that either he doesnt want to talk about, or he's talked about over and over. Any ideas? I'm open for it. I thought about asking about American Spring era recordings. Whatcha guys think? What would you ask him if you could ask 3 questions? Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Pretty Funky on December 16, 2013, 05:53:57 PM I'd think any music or band questions may turn him off IMO.
He did calls as a Katrina fund raiser. This may give you an idea how he operates. Good Luck and Congrats BTW. I have never met any of the Beach Boys and have, in fact, only been a big fan since 2004, although I've always liked their music. I did talk to Brian during the Katrina phone calls. You could request a day and time, so I requested a Monday at 7 pm EST, I think. He called at 2 pm EST, and I hadn't thought of a question to ask yet. My caller ID said "Private name, Private number," and even though I've seen that many times before, I knew it was him and I got really nervous just picking up the phone. I was surprised that it was him right away, and not some assistant confirming I was home to pass the phone to him. He was extremely gracious and sweet. I believe he was gracious with everyone, but I sensed that he sensed I was nervous and possibly was also responding to the fact that I'm female (Brian has a soft spot for us, yes?). He spoke in a quiet, melodious voice. "Thank you for your donation." "No, thank you for what you're doing!" "Do you have a question for me?" Uh....[ask utterly dumb question to which the response is "Oh, are you kidding? Of course I would have, yeah!"] Sensing that I'm nervous again, Brian asks sweetly, "Do you have another question for me?" "Uh, no... [what?? come on, Amy.] But I just want to thank you for making my two favorite albums, Pet Sounds and Smile!" [my nerves are worse now because I had the opportunity to ask something else and can't think of anything] "You're welcome." [awkward pause] Brian finally puts me out of my misery in being so nervous-- "Okay, well, thanks again, Amy. Bye!" The following evening, Brian (or whoever in Brian's name) gets on the blueboard. I type, "Hi, Brian. How are you?" He responds. "Hi Amy. It was nice talking to you on the phone. Do you have another question for me?" My mind goes blank again, until I finally think of another dumb question. "If you had a chance to work with anyone, who would it be?" "Paul McCartney." Oh, right. I knew that already. Anyway, I will never forget speaking with him. It must have been hard for him to talk to all those people, and he could not have been nicer. Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: metal flake paint on December 16, 2013, 06:11:26 PM Congratulations, Justin!
If it were me, I'd ask Brian if he happened to keep any of those "Beach Boys Party!" potato chip packets from 1965 ;D Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: EgoHanger1966 on December 16, 2013, 06:22:59 PM I thought about asking about American Spring era recordings. Whatcha guys think? If it's too obscure, be careful - I'm sure he remembers all of that stuff - but when he was interviewed on KLOS and asked about "Guess I'm Dumb", he just said something along the lines of "...I haven't thought about that in years. I don't know/I can't answer that". If it were me, I'd probably mention something about Love You or Friends - since we know he likes those albums. Maybe you could get him to sing a little bit of "Busy Doin' Nothing". :serenade Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: FatherOfTheMan Sr101 on December 16, 2013, 06:27:03 PM I thought about asking about American Spring era recordings. Whatcha guys think? If it were me, I'd probably mention something about Love You or Friends - since we know he likes those albums. Maybe you could get him to sing a little bit of "Busy Doin' Nothing". :serenade Agreed, and don't worry, from what I saw of Brian he seems to be really easy to talk to once you settle down haha! Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Jim Murphy on December 16, 2013, 06:31:13 PM Congratulations! How cool is that?
Make the conversation your own, ask him something from your heart, something you've always wanted to know. And don't be intimidated by the whole Brian Wilson thing. He's just another guy. A talented guy, of course, but a human being first and foremost, who responds best to genuine, down-to-earth honesty. And whatever you decide to ask, phrase it in a way that encourages him to open up with a more expansive answer, rather than a simple yes or no. In fact, if the question can be answered yes or no, nix it. And re-phrase it. Savor the moment, enjoy it. And then report back here and let us know how it went! Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Awesoman on December 16, 2013, 06:33:03 PM Am I the only individual who simply does not see the point of this contest? What are you even supposed to *say* to Brian? How "controlled" will this conversation be? Do you get more than 2 minutes with him? How many disconnected, automated responses should we expect to hear from him? Bah humbug!
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Gregg on December 16, 2013, 06:55:29 PM Am I the only individual who simply does not see the point of this contest? What are you even supposed to *say* to Brian? How "controlled" will this conversation be? Do you get more than 2 minutes with him? How many disconnected, automated responses should we expect to hear from him? Bah humbug! I also got a call from Brian during the Katrina fundraiser, and you got it all wrong, Awesoman. The conversation was very real and natural - not at all "controlled". No disconnected, automated responses, as you suggest. I asked Brian about the process of writing "Our Prayer". He said he did it at the piano, and as he typically does, he quantified it in number of minutes to complete. I believe he said it took about 1.5 hours to write. I actually recorded the conversation with one of those suction cup phone recorders. He was very gracious, real, and thanked me for my donation. It was very cool! Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Shady on December 16, 2013, 07:00:44 PM If I received a call from Brian for what ever reason it would undoubtedly be me who would make the conversation awkward. I'd stammer and be nervous as all hell, it's Brian Wilson, how do you have a normal conversation with somebody like that.
Not to make you nervous, Justin :lol Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: punkinhead on December 16, 2013, 07:24:27 PM haha, thanks for the lovely response!
I also thought about asking about Rio Grande and/or Mt. Vernon and Fairway...or ask if he was interested in performing those in concert next tour. Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: punkinhead on December 16, 2013, 07:27:49 PM From past responses of these types of contests and opportunities. On an average, how long are these phone conversations?
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Sheriff John Stone on December 16, 2013, 08:19:28 PM Maybe you could keep it Christmasey. Ask him what his remembrances are of recording The Beach Boys' Christmas Album or the MIU Christmas sessions or even What I Really Want For Christmas. You could end - and keep it light - by asking him what he and his family do On Christmas Day.
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: SMiLE-addict on December 16, 2013, 08:20:11 PM Wow cool! Congrats, would love to have that opportunity!
Great Christmas present!! Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Niko on December 16, 2013, 08:23:34 PM Try not to gush too much. Having met some stars myself, it's easier said than done :)
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Jim V. on December 16, 2013, 08:49:10 PM Maybe you could keep it Christmasey. Ask him what his remembrances are of recording The Beach Boys' Christmas Album or the MIU Christmas sessions or even What I Really Want For Christmas. You could end - and keep it light - by asking him what he and his family do On Christmas Day. I like that Sheriff. I think that would be a good way to go about it. Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: punkinhead on December 16, 2013, 08:52:52 PM Things not to ask?
What happened to Andy Paley? Anything to do with Landy... Many Moods of Murry Wilson Joe Thomas "productions" And his most hated song: Sail On Sailor (hated in that he hates it, not the fans) Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: feelsflow on December 16, 2013, 09:24:04 PM Justin, Way to go! This Christmas joy thing just got real special eh? Guess Santa thinks you've been a good boy.
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: punkinhead on December 16, 2013, 10:32:44 PM Justin, Way to go! This Christmas joy thing just got real special eh? Guess Santa thinks you've been a good boy. Thanks, I reckon so! Met mick foley a week ago, things are getting real awesome around here.Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Alan Smith on December 16, 2013, 10:38:36 PM Really excited for you, dude - way to go and looking forward to your post call update (once you've recovered)
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Peadar 'Big Dinner' O'Driscoll on December 17, 2013, 12:21:30 AM Id think Id ask him something that you know he loves talking about rather than risk a question which will get a one word response. Sure, you will know the answer he is going to give but still a better option for me...
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Niko on December 17, 2013, 12:44:09 AM Win some points by having the Phil Spector Christmas record playing audibly in the background ;D
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Andrew G. Doe on December 17, 2013, 03:01:00 AM Just ask, "Brian, what do you really want for Christmas ?" :lol
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: feelsflow on December 17, 2013, 07:13:48 AM Win some points by having the Phil Spector Christmas record playing audibly in the background ;D That's a good one Woodstock. Let's move it to page two so all the folks who only read the last page of a thread will see it ! ;DTitle: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: southbay on December 17, 2013, 07:39:15 AM no "yes" or "no" questions
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: SMiLE Brian on December 17, 2013, 07:50:15 AM Win some points by having the Phil Spector Christmas record playing audibly in the background ;D That's a good one Woodstock. Let's move it to page two so all the folks who only read the last page of a thread will see it ! ;DTitle: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: feelsflow on December 17, 2013, 11:28:27 AM ...or, he might say, "Hey, is that Phil you got on, turn it up. I'll answer questions later."
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: EgoHanger1966 on December 17, 2013, 11:48:43 AM And his most hated song: Sail On Sailor (hated in that he hates it, not the fans) I don't think he actually hates it that much - otherwise, why would he keep doing it in concert? More than likely, to cop a Mike Love phrase, he probably thinks the lyrics are too obtuse! Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: punkinhead on December 17, 2013, 12:13:30 PM And his most hated song: Sail On Sailor (hated in that he hates it, not the fans) I don't think he actually hates it that much - otherwise, why would he keep doing it in concert? More than likely, to cop a Mike Love phrase, he probably thinks the lyrics are too obtuse! Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Sheriff John Stone on December 17, 2013, 12:26:23 PM You'd probably get an "I honestly don't remember" response, but you should ask Brian if he recalls recording "Child Of Winter".
And, then you can kindly ask him to recite - in his famous "Pied Piper" voice - "Christmas comes and the snow covers all. Trees are decorated with tinsel and lights. Mama's in the kitchen making cookies and bread. The children are hungry, they're waiting to be fed...." Wouldn't you die if he complied! :o Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Amanda Hart on December 17, 2013, 12:31:40 PM And his most hated song: Sail On Sailor (hated in that he hates it, not the fans) I don't think he actually hates it that much - otherwise, why would he keep doing it in concert? More than likely, to cop a Mike Love phrase, he probably thinks the lyrics are too obtuse! At a show I attended, he said "Ugh...this song? But it's so shitty. I mean, the lyrics are shitty, the song is okay." As for your question, I would ask him about comedy. I'd compliment him on his sense of humor and ability to successfully use weave it into his music first, then ask something like what's his favorite joke, best prank he pulled, etc. Maybe what's your favorite comedy album, and if he says "How To Speak Hip" I'd follow up and ask if he ever heard about that time Del Close stole a pipe full of opium from a museum display. Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: leggo of my ego on December 17, 2013, 12:40:51 PM Whatever you do dont have Be My Baby playing in the background!
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Lowbacca on December 17, 2013, 01:31:54 PM I don't know who all saw this but on Facebook, there's some great contests going on on Brian's page. It was just announced that I was one of three winners to receive a call from Brian!!! If you see Justin from Bloomington, IN on there, that's me!! Holy crap, congrats!! :-D So cool.. I entered as well, but wasn't as lucky.Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: chrs_mrgn on December 19, 2013, 10:43:39 PM If I were you I would honestly just take it for what it is.
A Christmas call from Brian Wilson! How cool is that?! Take a few minutes to yuk it up and don't let the cat get your tongue. I think any questions about the band/history may make him want to get off the phone faster. Soak it up! Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: punkinhead on December 24, 2013, 02:57:42 PM Ok, so as I sat waiting, eating pancakes and keeping my phone on the charger, I knew he'd be calling in the next half hour...then BAM! My phone's ringing, 'no caller ID' of course it had to be Brian!
I answered excitedly and he said I wanted to congratulate you on winning the contest and then asked me how I was doing. Then what my plans were for tonight, which I just replied with being at my parents and just spending time with family. Then I asked him what he was doing tonight, he said he was having a catered dinner with 50 people with great food including pumpkin pie. I asked who's gonna be there, and he said friends and family. He asked what I had going on tomorrow and I went on to just tell about going to my grandparents. He said well I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Merry Christmas Eve tonight. I was all worried about what questions to ask and all we did was chat like old friends, and it was GREAT! One of the best Christmas gifts ever! Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: bgas on December 24, 2013, 03:10:39 PM Ok, so as I sat waiting, eating pancakes and keeping my phone on the charger, I knew he'd be calling in the next half hour...then BAM! My phone's ringing, 'no caller ID' of course it had to be Brian! I answered excitedly and he said I wanted to congratulate you on winning the contest and then asked me how I was doing. Then what my plans were for tonight, which I just replied with being at my parents and just spending time with family. Then I asked him what he was doing tonight, he said he was having a catered dinner with 50 people with great food including pumpkin pie. I asked who's gonna be there, and he said friends and family. He asked what I had going on tomorrow and I went on to just tell about going to my grandparents. He said well I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Merry Christmas Eve tonight. I was all worried about what questions to ask and all we did was chat like old friends, and it was GREAT! One of the best Christmas gifts ever! How do you know it was really Brian? Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: punkinhead on December 24, 2013, 03:12:22 PM It sounded just like his talkin out-out-of-the-side-of-his-mouth self.
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: feelsflow on December 24, 2013, 03:16:06 PM That's Great!! What a neat Christmas Gift. Have a fun time tomorrow with the folks.
I've lost mine, but I'll Be Home For Christmas...in my mind. And Hey, it just started snowing! We're supposed to get a few inches by Morning Christmas. Big fluffy-flakes. So a White Christmas for us...How many more song titles can he do? Nah, that's enough. Merry Christmas Justin. Oh what the hell, one more...The Man With All The Toys will be there soon...maybe with some more BB Cards. Did you record the call? Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: The Shift on December 24, 2013, 04:55:44 PM That sounds like a very cool chat. What a fine start to the festivities… thanks for sharing it here. Hope Christmas just gets better and better!
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Justin on December 24, 2013, 05:34:25 PM Ok, so as I sat waiting, eating pancakes and keeping my phone on the charger, I knew he'd be calling in the next half hour...then BAM! My phone's ringing, 'no caller ID' of course it had to be Brian! I answered excitedly and he said I wanted to congratulate you on winning the contest and then asked me how I was doing. Then what my plans were for tonight, which I just replied with being at my parents and just spending time with family. Then I asked him what he was doing tonight, he said he was having a catered dinner with 50 people with great food including pumpkin pie. I asked who's gonna be there, and he said friends and family. He asked what I had going on tomorrow and I went on to just tell about going to my grandparents. He said well I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Merry Christmas Eve tonight. I was all worried about what questions to ask and all we did was chat like old friends, and it was GREAT! One of the best Christmas gifts ever! Very cool! Congrats! Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: punkinhead on December 24, 2013, 06:14:27 PM Thanks folks, I didn't record it, I couldn't find a recording app that worked for my phone. It's ok though, his voice calling me Justin will always remain in my head.
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: bgas on December 24, 2013, 08:21:06 PM Thanks folks, I didn't record it, I couldn't find a recording app that worked for my phone. It's ok though, his voice calling me Justin will always remain in my head. Then of course, That's all that matters! Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on December 24, 2013, 08:23:19 PM Well, it's actually illegal to record a phone call without the other person's consent, so I'm glad you didn't.
Seriously though glad you got to experience that. Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: punkinhead on December 24, 2013, 08:27:02 PM Well, it's actually illegal to record a phone call without the other person's consent, so I'm glad you didn't. Yeah, I wanted to record it when I first thought about it, but I just didn't want to complicate things in many ways. I didn't want to waste time asking to recording, finding the right recording app (free), whether it's legal or not, someone told me in Indiana, if at least one person on the phone knows it's being recorded, it's legal, but then again he's in CA; I just figure why bother and just have fun with it.Seriously though glad you got to experience that. Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: EgoHanger1966 on December 24, 2013, 09:03:20 PM Was there even an opportunity to ask a BB/music related question, or did you just decide against it? Either way, man, congrats.
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: bgas on December 24, 2013, 10:55:32 PM Well, it's actually illegal to record a phone call without the other person's consent, so I'm glad you didn't. Well, No it's not. It's actually the way he describes it; as long as one person knows it's being recorded, that makes it legal. Of course this is not to say it might not be illegal in some places, but the large majority of the time it's OK.Seriously though glad you got to experience that. Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: punkinhead on December 25, 2013, 01:20:07 AM Was there even an opportunity to ask a BB/music related question, or did you just decide against it? Either way, man, congrats. There wasn't really an opportunity at all, if I brought something up like that, it would have sounded odd. It was more of a personal thing: "hi, how are you? What's your plans for tonight? Any plans tomorow?"Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Andrew G. Doe on December 25, 2013, 03:32:04 AM How many folk on this list (not in the music/media business) have had Brian call them by name in a one-on-one conversation ? You're one of a very privileged few. Most excellent. ;D
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: CAFeelin89 on December 25, 2013, 09:19:15 PM That's so heartwarmingly awesome, I'm glad it went well. Sounds like a comfortable phone call all around (we are talking about Brian here). That would be so cool to hear his voice over the phone and be able to communicate directly to him for a few minutes, but I would get so nervous. Major props for even being able to pull it off let alone win lol.
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: Andrew G. Doe on December 26, 2013, 01:29:13 AM That's the problem - when faced with one of your idols, the overwhelming tendency is to instantly regress to a gibbering fanboy. Ask Chris White of The Zombies... :-[
Title: Re: BW chat contest on Christmas Eve Post by: KittyKat on December 26, 2013, 09:22:10 AM Nice to hear someone having a warm, human moment with a musical idol. Brian sounds like he's really enjoying life. Good for him and Meliinda that they have their holiday meal catered. It makes so much sense if you can afford it!
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