The Smiley Smile Message Board

Someone asked Bruce about his marital status on the Britian board a few days ago. He basicly said " let's stick to discussing the music." He wouldn't answer the question.

Is he still married to Harriet or not?

He sure gets down to brass tacks when it comes to discussing the status of his four sons and their education and careers. Understand he's proud of them, but it's like sitting down drinking a couple of beers with him, the way he sometimes goes into detail when the subject of his sons is brought up. Not sure why he doesn't give his wife equal billing. Unless............

I thought he was selling his house in Montecito, near Oprah.  Is it still up for sale or did he decide to stay there?

Would you want someone discussing your marital status on a public online forum that you read?

amen

I believe he may be currently separated from his wife.

Exactly. None of our business.

I gotta respectfully disagree with everyone.
It's a simple question and it's a simple answer.

Although a personal matter -- and actually, old news -- for the historians of the band it's a part of the story. No one's asking WHY or HOW or WHEN -- just married or not. This is a guy who writes a BOOK about his kids' (international!) accomplishments whenever anyone kisses his ass to ask: "How's your son?" (Is THAT anyone's business?)

Seeing as how most of us know some highly personal aspects of other members' divorce settlements -- I don't think that "yes"  or "no" question is a big deal.
It's part of being a public figure.

Bruce Johnston should be over the moon that there are more than 9 people discussing anything about any aspect of his life.

This is the smallest of potatoes.

Here's the thing though Howie. Bruce has no intellectual consistency. He's also the guy that was caught after an interview saying how Europeans "hate success" or whatever, some really stupid comment, but funny enough the only forum he will be part of online is "Beach Boys Britain" which is based in (you guessed it) Europe!

Personally I couldn't care less about Bruce's marital status. I'm much more interested in why he hasn't released a new composition in 20 years (besides the Doris Day songs, which are apparently over 20 years old anyways).

If the guy wants to discuss his sons, then he's allowed to. If he doesn't want to discuss his marital status, then that's allowed too. Just because he mentions his sons doesn't give anyone the right to know anything else.

None of our business.

Eh.

People can ask because, as Howie said, Bruce is a public figure and it goes with the territory.

Bruce can say, "None of your business," because it's his life and he may not want to talk about it.

People can talk about it anyway, as long as they aren't stalking him or stealing his mail and stuff, because he's a public figure and it goes with the territory.

If anyone suggested that I was divorced, my wife would probably take offence if I didn't emphatically say no, I am married.   

Yep, I can`t really see how a father proudly talking about his sons can be seen as a negative and obviously asking `How are your children doing?` is a much more socially acceptable question than, `So, did you get divorced recently?`. Daft to compare the two.

I can understand people asking about it though...

Bruce wasn't asked if he was divorced.
Someone posed the question as to his marital status on a message board to the readers of a message board.

Exactly.

As Howie said it's old news that Bruce and Harriet have been living apart for many years. It's even on page 22 of the Beach Boys FAQ book published a few years back, and it wasn't new news then. And definitely small potatoes either way.  The way fans are at times obsessed with the BB's offspring is what creeps me out much more than wondering if the actual Beach Boy is currently married or not.

Well....  Howie didn't really get specific, other than to mention Old News;
Still, it's always good to get a reminder that the info is there in your book(s) for all to read ( if they will just take the time)

I don't care who's married or not, but I am interested in the offspring, particularly Carnie & Wendy and Matt and Mike's son and daughter. I don't follow on the internet what any of them are doing, nor am I obsessed with them. I don't track closely what Carl's or Dennis's sons are doing in bands or restaurants or whatever, but I enjoyed watching them ALL sing onstage in L.A. near the end of the C50. When the subject of Wilson/Phillips comes up or they release a new CD, I'm all ears.

With that said, anybody here think Wendy Wilson is the bee's knees?  What a cutie.  ;D

<<I gotta respectfully disagree with everyone.
It's a simple question and it's a simple answer.Although a personal matter -- and actually, old news -- for the historians of the band it's a part of the story. No one's asking WHY or HOW or WHEN -- just married or not. This is a guy who writes a BOOK about his kids' (international!) accomplishments whenever anyone kisses his ass to ask: "How's your son?" (Is THAT anyone's business?)>>

This is the kind of personal question/thread that makes me embarrassed to be a Beach Boys fan.  It's also a perfect illustration of the reason we're often thought to be obsessive lunatics with a strong, righteous sense of entitlement to know, hear, see and own all, whenever we want it.

I don't talk about current or previous relationships, either. I doubt if many of us do, particularly in a public forum.  But I'll talk about my son and his accomplishments to anyone who asks.  Share lots of pictures, too.  I suspect most of us do.  It's called being a proud parent.

Now, that's an interesting question. I wonder if he has writer's block, or what? Some songwriters can't help but write because ideas just come to them. Maybe he's writing but just not releasing anything.

With that said, anybody here think Wendy Wilson is the bee's knees?  What a cutie.  ;D

Yep , very much 250%  ;D

I Write the Songs became is one of the all time greatest hits in pop music. Maybe he felt that after the success of that song, he had nothing to work towards.

Just a thought. I wish Bruce would write an honest autobiography. We all know that it would be fascinating...and also that such a book will never be written.

I never thought I would want any involvement in this thread, but might I suggest one thing - while I only knew Harriet Johnston superficially, on more than one occasion I saw her go out of her way to be kind and generous to other people.  She was always thoughtful and gracious.  Even if Bruce is a public figure, she deserves her privacy.  I will add that I know nothing more about their marital status than what's apparently been published for some time.  I'm certain that if either of them wishes to comment further on the situation, they will.

I understand that people can ask such a question, but honestly, the only time I can imagine it being appropriate to demand an answer of a public figure is something similar to one lawmaker who was trying to dictate morality in Congress - who a person can marry, etc. - and was caught playing footsie in an airport bathroom with another man.  He had some 'splaining to do, given his voting record, since he had an impact on us as citizens.  I think it's safe to say that neither Bruce nor Harriet is in that position.

Funny subject matter this one… agree with just about every post made so far! Bruce is a public figure and I guess things like this to with the territory, but everyone's entitled to their privacy (unless you're one if those celeb-types who make their living from washing your laundry in public, which Brice certainly isn't). Bruce's private life has always been a private private life and if he chooses to keep it that way then that should be his right.

My own interest would be aroused if he'd released a raft of songs based on love life experiences. But he hasn't. When it has no impact on the music, then wanting to know strikes me as a tad stalker-ish. I feel like a rubbernecker even adding to this thread.

Respect his privacy, and especially Harriet's as she's not to my knowledge ever been a publicity seeking celeb-wife.

She came out to sing FFF with everyone in the Fall of 2003 at a show I saw at Beau Rivage.

Might be mistaken, but I think Harriet can be seen in the 1989 Beach Boys campfire video(s).

Wendy...

Like.

Bruce's next solo album title; "Goin' Private"

 :lol

Debbie, come on.

It was an innocent question, that is still a question (and amazingly after all these years, a frequently asked question) because it has been refused to be answered.

That BBB poster wasn't asking anything intrusive, either about the reasons why, or a settlement, or living arrangements, etc.
It is in NO WAY an invasion of anyone's privacy. This is a guy who talks IN-DEPTH about his family (e.g. their names, their ages, their schools, their work, and living and vacation locations CONSISTENTLY. Bruce does all of that.)

So, the only time it's appropriate for someone to ask if someone (who has obviously been PUBLICLY split from their spouse for nearly a decade) if they are indeed split from their spouse is "when trying to dictate morality in Congress"?

You don't really believe that do you?
(In real life you believe that?)

If that was the case -- and if you truly believed that -- than ANY of the details pertaining to your relationship with Brian in the 1970's would be off limits and you wouldn't proudly be using your real name to connect you to said relationship. (Because, well, we're not Congress.)

Bruce Johnston calling Obama an "ass hole" in public -- on film -- is seemingly acceptable, but revealing his marital status is grossly off limits, and benignly asking that in a forum where he talks in detail about his family life and members is crossing every line of good taste?

Got it.

MOVING ON: What was Denny's favorite car?!

Did everybody consider that to be acceptable? Seems like there was an awful lot of negativity towards Bruce for that then and still continues to be to this day.

Not enough for a public apology, meaning -- it was accepted.

Bruce is completely entitled to not answering or not wanting to talk about a certain topic. Being public about the issues he wants to be public about, does not mean he has to be public about everything he gets asked about. Not that fans aren't entitled to ask.

I don't get the analogy with Debbie's relationship to Brian. Those two decided to make it public. Unlike Bruce.

Exactly again.  To the word. 

Really? Please forgive me for being naive, but where? (Aside of the Gaines book).

 :lol

Sometimes celebrities and just regular folk keep their private lives private so as not to incurr disapproval from the fans or others.   sometimes better that way.  Som people can be damning andjudgmental.

I think Bruce fully has the absolute right to keep part(s) of his private life private, despite him wanting to make other parts more well-known. I don't think that in and of itself should be judged in the slightest. That said, I don't think it's particularly reasonable for him to think (if he does actually think) that it's invasive for fans to simply ponder/inquire about his marital status. The BBs aren't small potatoes; this is a band that was contemporaries with The Beatles after all.  But IMO nobody should scoff in the slightest if he doesn't want to talk about it.

Thankfully there's no-one on this board that is damning or judgmental

Howie - Re-read my post.  I made it clear - I thought - that anyone is free to ask a question, and I certainly didn't chastise the poster for asking.  My point was that people also have a right to refuse to respond about their private lives.    

I post under my real name because that's what I always do and it's honest.  Since when does that make me "proudly" connecting myself to anything?   I am not selling books or anything else here, nor do I plan to.  I speak up when I happen to know something and wish to correct the record here and to defend people whom I like and care about.  If that somehow offends your sense of fairness, that's a shame, but I plan to continue to do so if I see fit.  I think I have the right to do that under my real name without becoming suspect of "proudly connecting myself" to anything.

Please don't connect me with Bruce's comment about our President either.  Anyone who knows me is quite clear that I don't share that opinion.

1. The Wilson-Gold tome.

2. This very forum.

I wrote off Wilson/Gold many years ago. So that leaves this board for the unfiltered factual information. I'll do a little searcharoonie right now......  :)

Bruce....alive or undead?




I've got this theory that Bruce is actually undead. Not a "zombie" necessarily, but something similar. Which means that according to US law, he is unable to be legally married.

I was thinking about starting a new thread about the subject, but I think this one will do just fine for continued discussion.


I'd appreciate others' opinions on the subject.

I would like to correct the idea that Brian and I "chose to make" anything "public."  I was photographed with him once and the sad excuse for a reporter with that photographer chose to make up a number of things about me and my relationship with Brian.  If you read the article carefully there are no quotes from me, just nasty comments from him about both Brian and me, based on nothing but his usual "personal interpretations".  He had done the same "dark side" attack (his personal style, apparently) on a number of my friends and Brian's family in a previous article.  He even published the wrong name for Marilyn's mother.  My only comments to him were "hello" when I was introduced and "goodbye" when he left.  It was Brian's interview.  He didn't even get my name right in that article, with his usual accuracy level.  I was informed about the Gaines book and was told I would be in it whether I spoke to him or not.  My attorney advised me that a judge would likely consider me a public figure due to my association with Brian, so I couldn't stop it.  Gaines's book wasn't fabricated like those sham articles, but I certainly didn't seek to be in it.  Another biographer honored my request not to be included in his book.  I was also made aware of an offer for a rather large sum of money to do a "tell all" interview for a tabloid about all the Beach Boys, which I refused.  That isn't my idea of choosing to make anything public. 

I was already "out there" at that point and now choose to speak up when people are misrepresented.

My next great "public appearance" was on this Board when some fool accused Brian of being involved with me when I was underage.  I was informed of this and posted my reply that this didn't take place, since Brian was being accused of something essentially illegal.  Harriet never sought publicity and neither have I.  I do plan to continue to speak up here when I care too...particularly if people are being attacked, or something is misrepresented.  I'm not exactly thrilled being portrayed as someone trying to "get something" out of my friendship with Brian by posting here, as Mr. Edelson seemed to imply, by the simple use of my own name.  What I seem to get out of posting here are the usual nasty attacks from certain people.  Yet, I get so sick of the posts by people who think they know something and clearly don't, that I do then speak up.

Thanks for that post, Debbie. 

So I take it that the Gaines book is truthful and pretty much covers all the bases concerning your relationship with Brian? Or at least all that we (the public) will read about? Is there anything that you might add or clarify about the subject in the future? Just curious. Thanks again for stating your position above.  :)

I think Gaines was mostly quoting Marilyn as I remember it, which is fine.  I haven't read it in decades and that period is long over.  I don't think any book can capture the essence of people or their relationships, so the author just does his best to tell the story and a lot has happened since then.  It's best to listen to the music if you really want to "get" Brian.  The heart of the man is that amazing and complex, so his relationships are as well. 

As far as covering all the bases of a friendship that has spanned several decades, or any friendship for that matter, I don't think that's possible.  I have no plans to write anything about it, other than the fact that I'm extremely grateful that he's in a safe place with a wife, family, friends and a band who love and support him and that he's still making great music.  To put it simply, what I wanted for him has come true, so it was all worth it.  That sums it up for me, although I will speak up if misleading things are stated here or elsewhere.  Wouldn't you?

Perceptive and true.  It is the music and not foolish speculation.  ;)

Keep posting Debbie! I'm sure most of us here would agree with what you said.  I think Ray and Ed are also guys who could have sold their stories years ago but chose not to.  The sign of true friendship.  I also like how the three of you are pretty honest with your posts, kind of like having a chat over a beer, rather than some of the sensationalist journalism out there.  It's always good to get the inside track from people who were actually there/here and are respected. Cheers. ;D

For crying out loud, there is something other than the extremes of "foolish speculation" or simply sharing polls about our favorite songs. Neither of these two aspects of this board are particular interesting, to me anyway. Discussion and analysis are interesting. That sometimes involves speculation (though not "foolish"; and I'm not sure what "foolish speculation" has to do with *asking* the martial status of a band member. If anything, the act of someone asking means they're trying to *avoid* speculating).  But implicit in certain types of discussion is that it involves speculation.

There's an awful lot of argumentum ad passiones around here lately. Someone doesn't like something being discussed, and immediately boils it down to how precious and amazing the Beach Boys' music and members are, while implying anyone discussing anything other than that is doing otherwise.

An occasional reminder that we should step back and appreciate the music rather than speculate on their jockstap sizes is welcome I suppose. But I would say that on this board, while the debates can get intense and silly, it actually hasn't too often veered into actual *personal life* details about the band members. I've found that quite refreshing actually. That Stebbins posted the pertinent details about Bruce a number of years ago, and nobody much cared then or now is also refreshing. As Howie alluded to, the irony is that VERY few care about Bruce's personal life. I used to fall asleep when I tried reading his posts in the past about being neighbors with Oprah, about how his kids were attending Hogwarts University or whatever.

I will also mention that there are folks who have criticized even the act of asking Bruce's martial status who, in the past, have posted lists detailing each of Mike's marriages and each spouse's name. This Bruce thing just seems like a bunch of manufactured outrage to me.

One piece of objective advice I would offer is that, based on past instances reading other boards on the interwebs over the years, insiders of various sorts who *only* pop up to correct other people aren't always greeted warmly. It's kind of like having a boss that never points out the good stuff, and only points out the bad stuff.

Pointing out the incorrect or bad stuff is sometimes needed. I know Jon Stebbins will pop up, and rightly so, if you misquote the gauge of strings David Marks used on his guitar in 1963. But he also contributes to conversations and discussions, and imparts knowledge.

All I can say is that, either way, whether alive or undead, just make sure you don't call him "BJ."

The exchange that took place years ago on the BB Britain board when someone clearly innocently called him that was *WAY* more interesting than any marriage status discussions.

Geez, even the mortgage company I have knows my marital status. What is the big deal? We tell the world that stuff on facebook and the like.

The thing is how many people would ask such a personal question to anyone face-to-face?  I wouldn't because I would respect the fact that the other person may not feel comfortable and it leads to an awkwardness.  Just like it's not polite to ask a woman her age.  However, some people have no problem asking others uncomfortable questions (especially online).

Exactly.  Ray and Ed are both good, honest guys.

I wouldn’t ask someone’s marital status (although there is also a difference between “are you married?” versus “are you currently in a long-term separation from your wife?”), but I’m also someone who thinks the very common “what do you do for a living?” question is just as presumptuous and disrespectful as “are you married?”

If someone was a public figure, *and* had already willingly talked at length about their family online, then I don’t think simply asking if they’re married is a particularly inappropriate question.

Of course, I’m also someone who, if I were Bruce, would simply not answer questions I didn’t want to answer rather than posting specifically to state that I won’t answer the question. That just draws more attention to it. Kind of like when Ringo “announced” he wouldn’t sign autographs very publicly rather than simply ceasing signing them.

I have people ask me all the time. "Still married? How many years?" Before I was married they would say, "Still single? Seeing anybody?" Goes on all of the time. The question itself is fine, with divorce it's the digging into it after the question is asked is what can get a bit dicey.

I've made plenty of friendly posts on this Board.  Apparently you weren't part of them.  Speculating about someone's personal life isn't my idea of contributing to the conversation.

I think people who ask questions are usually doing so in order to avoid speculating. There is rampant speculation (much incorrect and unfounded) out there, but the person who some are shaming presumably asked a question so as to avoid speculating.

I have to go back to what Howie said at the outset. What he said makes sense, and he currently talks to all the guys in the band and has interviewed numerous associates of the band. He understands the journalistic ethos and the sensibilities involved. The Bruce question was not an inappropriate question in this particular context.

I somehow doubt if Bruce or anyone was reading a biography of Orson Welles or Salinger or something that they would disapprove of the mere mention of their marital status over the years.

Bruce appeared with presumably his wife at the end of the "Endless Harmony" documentary in 1998. He seemed okay with that level of scrutiny. That was an in-house BRI project.

Appreciate your posts Debbie. They're on the money (as Bruce might say!) and welcome.

Seems to be a trend for some posters to start excavating personal details of band members she things slacken off on the release front. News of another boxed set on the horizon will soon put things back to normal with folk discussing the '60s overdubs applied to some '80s backing track rather than the ups and downs of married/not-so-married band members and their friends and associates.

I think it's inevitable that the hardcore fans go for this info; we devote so much time and so much of ourselves listening to the music that we want to know more about the background, the well from which he inspiration was drawn.

Inevitably it will seem intrusive but I suspect most of us would back down and get back in our baskets when commanded! :)

Please remember that the poster on the BBB did NOT ask Bruce about his marital status. The poster asked the forum in general. Bruce popped on and basicly said "don't talk about it". Again, he himself was not asked. Yet he feels he has the right to silence others. Gag...another "Bruce'" moment

Exactly. A simple question -- and in light of what we know about this band and DON'T talk about (right?) -- a completely above-board and respectful question. Not prying into details, not even mentioning his wife’s name. Jon Stebbins put the fact into print over three years ago. Bruce has been seen in public with his companion for nearly a decade. It's understandable that Bruce wouldn't want to talk in a public forum about it -- but, nobody asked him in a public forum. They asked a message board. I'm sure there are members of the BB organization that don't want to talk about the events in Australia in 1978 -- does that mean it's none of our business or we're not allowed to know the facts?

Making this question an issue is absurd.

If he doesn't want to talk about it with fans then so be it. There are far more interesting things to discuss with Bruce.

I don't think it's wrong to ask about Bruce's marital status..I mean...try meeting anyone ever and not have them ask you if you're single or married..it's like discussing the weather....but personally I had never even thought about Bruce's marital status until I started reading this thread.

On the other hand, I've thought a lot about Dennis's love life. I would think his dalliances with women must've been thrilling on an almost James Bondian level. I would gladly accept a giant coffee-table sized book documenting all of the women involved in Dennis' romantic escapades, provided it was wall-to-wall photos and in 3D.  ;D

[

Ghosty, I'm with you.  There are far more interesting things to discuss with Bruce that don't involve his family.  I think asking him if he's satisfied with his musical and career choices in life would be a far better thread.  In fact, someone who knows how to start another thread might ask him.  Good God, though - PLEASE - no one ask him about politics!  He might answer.

Debbie - I would have to respectfully disagree. High profile rockers, often enjoy an "unfiltered" eyewitness perch to the window on the world and current events.  Their info is uncensored while touring.  They can meet the locals and get the local perspective, without media to put their spin on every event. They are well-informed.

They performed during the Prague Spring, have visited post-hurricane devastation, become engaged in charities that benefit various causes, and we would have had no Farm Aid, and successor concerts without strong and "protected" speech, going back to Anti-war activism with Carl as a CO (conscientious objector) and whether some off-the-cuff remarks went viral or not, they (collectively) as high profile performers, can and should, in my view, be "out there."

And, it might be "inconvenient" but it certainly, in the States, is "protected speech." No one gets hung in the town square for political criticism against a politician.  We have 10,000 (give or take) casualties of war, in the last decade, who are protecting "protected speech" and that is the beauty that is the US.  And, it is reported that he is Republican, but championing environmental issues (such as ocean protection) which have been traditionally Democratic issues.  (The Republicans now know, a clean ocean is good for business! )

It is the rockers, both Dems and Republicans (for that matter) who have often used their celebrity status "for good" and even if they now control the Senate, we Democrats will be there to "keep them honest!" And the reverse is true.  It brings balance, and why the model is largely successful.   ;)

Alright, then you go "ask Bruce" about politics and "make sure" to youtube the results for us. "Respectfully" if "at all possible," ok?

Think it would be something like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcJWCiXbfxs

No ontor perwast.  It would be "YouTube" the results.   :lol

"I'll try not" to improperly capitalize names "of streaming services" again. 

YouTube is a proper noun, a particular person, place or thing. It is a commercial entity.

Check your own YouTube channel. It is in upper case letters.

Yes, obviously. I am agreeing with you about my huge mistake. You sure showed me! I think I got a little too hopped up on all the social change brought on by "Student Demonstration Time" and started getting inspired by Carl's conscientious objector status... I guess I must've been swept up in that fervor when I decided to rebel against proper capitalization. I can only hope the forces of moderation will take hold and I'll get back to proper capitalization.

I think Debbie was just making a tongue-in-cheek comment referring to our dear Bruce's "Obama is an asshole" stuff, anyway. Your response to that struck me as a bit "funny." Apologies!

Maybe we don't agree, but that was this place if for.  I am first to defend content over form.  That is why we have spellcheck.  My iPad autocorrects and corrected the YouTube text.  (Notwithstanding entering lower case in web form.)

But that any supporters position of "The Touring Band" are targeted needlessly is getting old.  And hilarious, because I see and will continue to see any and all versions of this music sphere. 

If you hadn't "gone there" with minutiae, I would not have responded.   

You brought up SDT.  Not me. 

Sounds terrific. I'm going to back away slowly now.

"the touring band" is a misnomer for the " The Mike Love Magic TM and groupies oogling project featuring Bruce Johnston"

Thanks, you just made my point. 

It might just be that "The Touring Band" is an entity recognized by BRI. 

As you seem to base your reputation on your spellcheck, what exactly can we infer from your highlighted text?

No, I don't.  And, whatever iOS uses in its substituted judgment, isn't spellcheck, which is Microsoft-based. And, if I used spellcheck or grammar term erroneously, I apologize.  There is a "definite and identifiable" faction on this forum that becomes very contentious each and every time any time there is a positive or supportive position of the entity that is officially sanctioned to tour.  And that is always the subtext. 

And, it becomes a thread to bash, and harass any poster whose position is different, for nothing but viewpoint-based, little or nothing is resolved.  And at the point, I'm thinking it is harassment that is "viewpoint-based." I hope the mods are taking notice.  It is one faction who has continually used the forum to attack Mike's group.  And the same several posters who just jump in, as though on "speed-dial." There is a definite pattern. 

If I wrote "if" for "is" then mea culpa. 

And, I won't apologize for following any band configuration.  I see them all. There is greatness in each of them, if people choose to look.

I say we all take a deep breath and go back to being nosy about Bruce. Does he prefer stuffing or potatoes or both?

Poor old Mike.... ::)


Crying with bud lights in club kokomo while Bruce pistolwhips fans for asking if he is married.

ahhh, the decline of the english language....  you write "that" for  that's, "was  for what, if for is. all in the space of half a sentence.
Need to send you back  to school.  
And, in case you didn't notice, while you're on your all the groups are great diatribe, this thread is about the lack of an answer to the question, Is Bruce divorced?
 Should you want to complain to the mods about those folks harassing you/Mike for whatever, please be polite and start your own thread

bgas - my response was to Debbie, with regard the political opinion.  We have seen a thread topic spin off into another realm. I'm in the camp that thinks a personal life, is personal.  And just because a question is asked, it doesn't require a response.

Um yeah, it was a joke...Re: my attempt to stifle free speech in spite of the BBs profound influence on politics, I guess I'm just that kind of woman...I can't imagine any response I could make that could possibly address that commentary.  My head is still spinning.

How was any of this perceived as an attack on the touring band?  Who mentioned the touring band?  Go to all the shows you want, filledeplage (can't remember if it's capitalized or not, sorry).  I can't imagine that anyone is trying to stop you.  In fact, what would we do without your reviews?  I can honestly say that I've never read anything like them, ever...

Debbie - thanks for your kind words...as the day post-election, with this huge power shift, I guess I'm thinking about all of those things, and am passionate about that whole dynamic.  Obama is live, right now, trying to do damage control after the election.  (Yes, that is off-topic!)

And, thanks for your posts as well as your respect for boundaries...

Ah, yes the election.  I just went out and bought a bottle of wine in response to that.  I don't think I'm going to bother with a glass.  I'm just going to try to drink it all down as fast as I can and pray for some strong meds..enough to last until 2016...

You know, I found this thread highly entertaining. It's like a comedy of absurd, modern re-write of "Much ado about nothing", let's call it. I entirely agree with every post made by Mr. Edelson & HeyJude. I don't care 1 bit about BBs Britain, what Bruce did say there, but this specific thread title requires a simple yes-no answer. In fact, it's so simple a question it could've been asked in the Insignificant questions thread. But then, we wouldn't have such a funny exchange between ontor & filledeplage (+- others).

I'm so bummed by the whole state of affairs that i may need something stronger than wine lol

It's generally rendered thusly: "filledeplage".

Great to have you here, Debbie. It's often contentious here, and you show great patience (and much good humor) with the peregrinations that often come into play when our strong personality types collide!

Public figures have a great deal of trouble keeping private matters private, and it doesn't hurt if we collectively look for ways to cut them some slack. If they are truly people of national importance (and Brian Wilson clearly still fits that definition...), then there will be intense interest for many and it will be virtually impossible to escape the scrutiny. Our natural curiosity is going to get the better of us more often than not. But we ought to find ways to let people have love lives that have as much love in them as possible. That's what we'd want for ourselves, and we ought to try to give it to those who are dealing with the "frenzy of reknown."

I read that on one site only.  As someone else said, it's his business and I agree.

I found him to be a kind, welcoming Beach Boy at a concert we went to.  He came over, chatted with us for quite some time and did not hit on my beautiful 29 year old daughter which most men do.  That tells me he has his wife or someone in his life but again, not my business.

What I don't get is, Bruce told us he has 5 children.  I have never read about anything other than about him having 4 sons. Watching the Campfire on you tube, they were adorable young boys and apparently are successful young men.   I have a lot to say about my four children, one earns double what the family earned in our best days in her upper 20's (both 6 figures) and yes we're ever so proud of her, proud of all of them. So a father or mother speaking proudly about their children isn't uncommon.

If he wants to talk about his wife or anyone else, he will. He isn't shy.  ;D