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http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/2014/11/brian-wilson-taping-soundstage-special.html

Brian Wilson Taping Soundstage Special With Special Guests

Brian Wilson will take the stage at the Venetian in Las Vegas on December 12 to tape a special for Soundstage.

Wilson is expected to play music from throughout his career as well as new songs from the upcoming album No Pier Pressure, due out in 2015.

Joining Wilson for the special are fellow Beach Boy Al Jardine, Blondie Chaplin, Ricky Fataar, Sebu Simonian (Capital Cities), Nate Reuss (fun) and Mark Isham, all of which joined Wilson on the new album. Additional guests are expected to be announced in the future.

Tickets are already on sale for the show.

Soundstage is seen on PBS stations and AXS TV. Brian Wilson's episode will air next year.

How often did Chaplin and fataar actually play with Brian during their tenure with the band?

I'd assume they saw each other during the Holland sessions, even if Brian himself wasn't actually playing much during said sessions.  Otherwise I doubt they had much interaction with each other.

These kind of things seem more like a big FU to the Myke & Brooth show than any sort of reliving the way things were back then.


Brian for sure wasn't a big part of The Beach Boys when Blondie & Ricky were in the band, but it's still fuckin' awesome that these current happenings are happening.... Dennis & Carl are definitely looking down and smiling on their big brother over these happenings.


Wish I had the cash money funds to go see this historic thizzles in Las Vegas comin' up in December. Lucky for all y'all that will be there to witness historic events.


And hopefully one of you will have their cellphone that records decent audio to catch these once in a lifetime performances....

hmm, just made my reservations.  The Venetian is a great location and they have a package with a Suite and access to soundcheck.  Should be a nice weekend.

Did you buy the package, or just get tickets to the show?

I am very jealous

Bought my tickets!

Well, the inclusion of Blondie and Ricky can possibly be interpreted as a slap at Mike. But, it seems to me that Brian has gone ahead with the things that Mike turned down after C50, and Al's going along for the ride. He's doing an album that should have been a second Beach Boys album and he's getting offers for high profile projects.  C50 elevated the Beach Boys status. Mike shot it back down and went back to the touring circuit.  Brian, however,  seems to still be taking advantage of the improved status. Good for him.

No pier pressure, huh?

I got the package

I really hope Dave joins the bill for this.

Rich P and I were comparing notes on this last week. He's got tickets (right Rich?) already. I was contemplating it for awhile, but Fleetwood Mac took up all my concert/show/outting budget already, so it kinda sucks.

Sure would be nice to see part of The Flames together again. Wow! And the premier of a couple of Pier Pressure songs from Mr. Wilson.

I wonder who's idea it was to was to include Ricky & Blondie. Good choice!

Mikie,

where are you seeing Fleetwood Mac?  I wanted to  see them at the Forum, but due to scheduling issue I'm seeing them  with my wife and daughter in Sacramento this weekend

Hope the soundcheck is long and full of unheard rarities not played at the show!

Southbay, you're seeing them in Sac next Monday and I'll be seeing them in San Jose the following day. Can't wait! The ex girlfriend of Dennis Wilson is back with the band!!

Mikie, maybe just do a quick sale of some of your rarities and you can afford the $450 for the package!!  ( transportation extra; maybe sell something else for the limo ride... )

Nah, the rarities ain't going anywhere 'till after I croak.  After that, they will still have to play rough house with my Doberman Guido to get to them.  

What's your dog's favorite sedative?

I'm guessing it's Mikie

Bgas tried that in 1996. ;)

I am going to this show but due to friends backing out I have one extra ticket (possibly two).  The tickets are front row rear balcony (17th row center).  Sec5 Row AA seat near isle.  There is no one in front of you as there is an travel isle.  Meaning you will probably be very easy to see on tv when this airs.  PM me if interested!

http://www.venetian.com/entertainment/shows/brian-wilson.html

I want to go to this so much!  But I'm just a college kid with no money lol.  Anyone want to pay for my plane ticket?  Only $700.  ;D

So... now would be a good time to announce additional guests! Hmmm, olly olly additional guests!

You there?

Summer's Gone rehearsal!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152899763417241&set=vb.34250497240&type=2&theater (https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152899763417241&set=vb.34250497240&type=2&theater)

(starts chanting SUITE SUITE SUITE SUITE SUITE)

Ahh, Vegas...BW live, miles of buffet tables and shrimp cocktail like there's no tomorrow, gambling, debauchery (if sought), warm, dry air...I wish I could have made it out there.  ;D

I can't believe this one -- just found a casting call for the audience at this show. What's wrong with having regular fans in the audience?? I'm disappointed at the very least, this is so tacky. >:(

http://www.backstage.com/casting/pbss-brian-wilson-and-friends-54634/

(http://cdn-media.backstage.com/files/media/uploads/casting_call/8986e375-1bb5-433a-9748-3e63eb2aba01.jpg.644x380.0_q100.jpg)

To my mind the reason is simple - a typical fan audience is composed in the main if middle aged bearded blokes in Hawaiian shirts. They're probably after a hipper, younger crowd to appeal to te same demographic as the album's guest stars. Sad but possibly a grain of truth.


Either that, or tickets simply weren't selling as expected/hoped…

I suspect this is for the "pretty young people up front," having seen that done in the past for television...A show biz reality.

Brian still has a new album coming out? I'd forgotten.

Yeah, it's gonna be fuckin' amazing. I shall file my pretty young people up front report tomorrow!

Glad you made the cut!  Or are you just observing?  And they say show biz is superficial...

Just a joke! I'll keep an eye out for dead-eyed failed model types that don't roar with applause at Al Jardine's appearance, tho!

Funny coincidence: I just today saw a TV show in which a swollen-headed female star yelled at her crew: "I specifically asked for a really good looking audience! I mean, I have to look at them the whole time!" :-D

Remember what l said about Brian's management  ? This. It's insulting on so many levels.

Do you want me to fetch the smelling salts? Oh no, a TV special uses pretty girls strategically placed up front!  In Las Vegas! I've never heard of such a thing! Alert the media! It must all be Melinda Wilson's doing or something! Or Jean! Why, they are cheapening the very idea of a TV special from Las Vegas!

Wouldn't the mullet be logically the one to point fingers at? You know, the PRODUCER of the show and the one responsible for such things? Not that it would stand in your way of attacking "wifeandmanagers." No, clearly it's all the fault of those damn women! Not the production company of the production in question.

I look forward to your feebly insulting them on so many levels in between rounds of fact-checking Mike's magnum opus.

I'm pretty sure I read that The Rolling Stones did the same thing for that Shine A Light film show from a few years back. It's still pretty lame though. I'd rather have actual fans up front who look interested in the actual performance. I'm kind of young (34) so I'd be more than happy to go if they want to fly me out there.

I think this is pretty typical. They want the show to appeal to a younger crowd, so they want to show younger people. I remember seeing a concert that the band Hanson filmed, and there were tons of men (and women) up front. Hanson's audience is typically 90 percent female, not because it's "teeny-bopper music" (it's actually rock and roll), but because a lot of men are too embarrassed to even give Hanson a shot. It was pretty clear the producers of the TV concert were trying to "legitimize" Hanson to men. Doesn't this sort of thing go back to American Bandstand and all that? Get the people with the right image on camera.

I cried for days when I discovered that the "Aloha from Hawaii" girls probably weren't big Brian Wilson fans. Oh wait, I cried for days because of Joe Piscopo's bit. Never mind.

FOOTNOTE: Yes, I confused the "Aloha from Hawaii and Hollywood" bootleg with the name of the Hawaii special mentioned. I'm terrible and probably get recording session dates wrong too on occasion.

Ontor, if we don't get some of your post-surrealist video reportage from this little "Let's Go Trippin'" excursion of yours, I will not be the only one who is seriously disappointed.... :3d

I mean, what's a Brian event without at least something a little zany??  :hat

As for the pretty girls in the front row casting-call brouhaha, it's a big yawn from A to Z. Maybe put the pretty girls up in cages doin' the shimmy shimmy ko-ko-bop? When has exploitation not been a key feature of the entertainment industry??

Actually I don't. Would remembering it explain why ontor reads "Melinda" where you wrote "management"?

I mentioned Melinda Wilson and Jean Sievers because some folks think it's cute to call them "wifeandmanagers." If Mr. Doe is not referring to MW and JS when he snidely blames the WRONG PEOPLE, I'd really love to hear who else he means by managers.

The whole thing just reminds me of his Tulsa advertising tirade. WRONG WRONG WRONG.

I'm pretty sure most bands do this

Aerosmith especially, just watch one of their live dvd's

:lol

Gotta say, ontor has a point on this one. Not sure what's insulting about stacking an audience for the taping of a special, let alone "on so many levels." That is, unless someone is looking for reasons to be unhappy about something.

Well, maybe you're a pretty boy, but I would be insulted if I tried to buy front row seats only to be turned away because I am too old or not pretty enough to be shown on video tape. I might be gray, but god-damn-it, I am handsome. ;)

Given that it was an Elvis Presley project, I doubt very much they were.

The Vegas casting call insults the fans (seems we're not photogenic enough), Brian (his demographic isn't suitable for the cameras) and his perceived drawing power. I didn't mention Melinda or Jean - you did... and yes, no doubt the notion was conceived by Mr. More Autotune, but doubtless Brian's people had to sign off on it.

As for fact-checking Mike's book - tricky, that, as it's not been written yet. I'm good - very good - but not that good.  ;D

Yes, I mentioned Melinda Wilson and Jean Sievers because you said managers. Who are you referring to if not them? Colonel Tom Parker? Salman Rushdie? Alan Partridge? Drop the coy act and say what you mean. If you're going to point fingers and blame people, at least have the courage to name them.

I said I look forward to it, Mr. Doe. Obviously referring to the future as I somehow get the impression you're going to be making these snide comments about those women for years to come!

Was that confirmation you'll be working on Mike's book, then?

Audience stacking notwithstanding, I'm just happy to be going to a Brian Wilson concert where it's a 25 minute drive instead of the usual four hours.

(granted, it took moving to Vegas for that to happen but still...)

You keep on putting the words in my mouth, I'll keep on spitting them straight out again (I said "management", not "managers"). What a funny little man you are.  ;D

Ok, Mr. Doe. Who... do... you... mean... by... management... if not... Jean Sievers... and Melinda Wilson. Cat got your tongue? Is it some state secret? It's not like naming them is going to make their opinion of you any lower, right?

They've done this with countless other artists/venues. Didn't they do the same with the Smile DVD? I have concerts by McCartney, Fogerty, Eagles, and others. No fat chicks in the front rows.  :P

As far as I know, Brian has no management apart from Melinda and Jean. I believe Ray has said as much. So who are you referring to then, Andrew? I am honestly curious.

He just wants to do his cutesy little act. Attack those two women but vaguely hint at sinister, dark, manipulative forces that don't have Brian Wilson's best interests at heart. Obviously he does, tho. Naturally. Why, he'd have Brian Wilson's career running even better! If it weren't for that damn management...

Enough of that bullshit. If you're not blaming Melinda and Jean, clear it up. Who are you blaming exactly? Who is "management," then? Stop hiding behind those asinine smiley faces and tell us what the hell you're talking about.

What, no Deanna Carter?

Do we know if Joe Thomas even has anything to do with this? Is he the one producing the special?

It's total common practice to plant the audience with some eye candy for TV.

at least Brian's not putting it onstage with him (cheerleaders, girls in bikinis, Stamos, etc.)

I feel like embellishing your show is more sincere than playing to fake fans.

What the heck is this fuzz about? Brian Wilson on tv with hot women, what's the problem? I don't see one. For once could you just be excited and happy that this stuff even happens?

Since it's Soundstage, I would say most definitely yes.

Well, Brian's people are consistent. You gotta give them credit for that. First they select people to come and sing for him, then they select people to come and clap for him.

In my case, I'd just rather see fans of the performers up front instead of professional actors (in this case, extras), simple as that.

(Full disclosure, I used to work for a PBS outlet.)

It's called television folks and it is absolute common practice - done all the time.  It was made clear to me by one segment producer, who trusted me enough to tell me the truth, that at a live-on-tape show with another well-known performer, I - at age 50 - wouldn't be sitting in the front like I had in the past. That was not a Brian Wilson show.  Yes, it's eye candy in the midst of the real fans and at a certain age, you're not the eye candy anymore.  Famous people, young pretty people - they get the cameras for the audience shots - with the occasional child mouthing the words with the older people, so you see that the artist appeals to all ages.  I can't imagine getting upset about it, unless you want to get mad at Hollywood in general, or the aging process.

I so wished I could have been in Vegas.

Well, Mike selected Bruce to handclap for him.

Well, you'll have to deal with my mug, then.

:lol and to entertain the audience by showing of his expertise at adjusting microphone stands. :-D

Gee, a person might come to the conclusion that you were trying to bait someone into saying something that would get them in thrown off the Board with a ridiculous comment like that...

I was just sent an email telling me that my seats had been upgraded free of charge due to my original section becoming obstructed. So, that's pretty cool.

You guys don't get it. If Brian is gonna win the Bieber set - and he will - he needs the young people front and center.

Assume you're under 24 and qualify as eye candy???? :)

Here's the recipe. You should save it for future use.
1: correct something meaningless
2: be condescending/insulting
3: DISSAPEAR

Go ahead, make my day.

Why didn't Joe import attractive young actors for the PBS Beach Boys' C50 special? The audience they filmed for that, which Joe also produced, was filled with elder folk from Florida.  Why now?  Because it's Brian solo?

...

It's being marketed to a younger audience, especially given the contemporary guest stars on the album.

As for the C50 videos (there were actually two), I'm not aware that either of them was shown on PBS. But I might be misremembering that.

Wow.

Yup. That must be it. That Joe Thomas! Golly.

Packed for Vegas! Cue Let's Go Trippin' and I'll see all you attractive young actors and decrepit, stylishly mothballed Smiley Smilers soon!

I believe the "Do it Again" one that was more of a documentary than "concert video" was shown on PBS in June '12. Both show very elderly audiences indeed...

From Brian's site.

Matt Jardine performing with Brian.

Thanks for proving my point.

Let me try it:
1. The correct spelling is "DISAPPEAR."
2. In case you missed it, there is a "Spell Check" button right next to the "Post" button.  ;)
3. Bye!

(Sorry; that was just teed up too high for me not to take a swing!)

Two great clips on Brian's FB rehearsing "Summer's gone" and "Pacific Coast Highway"   :-D

Bodes well.

OK, delurking just long enough to ask (with apologies if this has been answered elsewhere): what's with "The Beach Boys" being listed as one of Brian's supporting "friends" acts?

1) Why shouldn't BW select the people who sing for/with him? Do you think this concert is an open mic?
2) The concert and the recording of the concert are commercial products. The concert is a (semi-)controlled environment. Everything is controlled to a certain extent. Inviting concert goers does not make this concert a Potemkin village. We are in it for the music and the music will be awesome no matter who are in the front row.

Correct me if I misunderstood you.

What's your source on that? The official listing says Brian will be joined by fellow Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine.

Look at the picture on page 2 of this thread.

It means there will be members from those bands appearing onstage (Nate Reuss, Alan Jardine, etc)

I am sure that is what it means, but it doesn't say that.  If I knew nothing about the special or Brian's new album and saw that, I would assume it meant those bands in full.

Well, you would be momentarily confused had you seen that casting call for free tickets, then. It wasn't an ad for the show. Personally I think it's Bernie Kerik under direct orders from Melinda "The Enforcer" Wilson who is responsible for this terrible thing.

Still, four Beach Boys on stage tonight is gonna be pretty neat.

Rolling out of Baker!

Just to be clear, I didn't actually think Mike & Bruce would be opening for Cousin Brian. It just seemed like an odd, sloppy form of shorthand - especially in the context of recent conversations about inaccuracies in promotional materials.

Video on Brian's facebook of rehearsing Pacific Coach Highway

I suppose if it were actually promotional materials rather than a casting call in Backstage you'd have a fair point. Seems a bit of a reach in this case, but stretch away if it's more entertaining than the thought of this bunch of guys doing Pacific Coast Highway live.

This is how absurd some of this has become.

Al Jardine, Matt Jardine, Blondie Chaplin, Ricky Fataar, Billy Hinsche...all of them on stage playing music with Brian Wilson in 2014.

Strip away all biases, all tendencies to gravitate toward one "camp" or another, and consider: Isn't THIS worthy of some attention, some fan excitement, some level of "that's really cool" kind of sentiment? For all of the fans on this board whom I *know* have a particular affinity for the 70's live touring band, look who showed up in Vegas to play Beach Boys songs on stage. Pretty cool if you ask me. I can't wait to hear the results.

And again to borrow a phrase I just read this week on the board, for Beach Boys fans isn't this something to be at least positive about? Or something positive to focus on? Or not...maybe that's the direction to take as evidenced by more than a few posts in this thread. Have at it. I don't get it.

I think it's awesome that all of these musicians will be making music together. If it's a one-time thing, or something which might happen again in the future, I wish I were there to hear it in person. 

At some point there can be a separation between relating everything to some divide between "sides" and whether Mike gets someone to play a show or Brian gets someone to play a show, versus *Beach Boys Fans* putting that bullshit aside and just enjoying what is in front of them. Or maybe it's beyond that point by now, who knows.

Enjoy the music, those who are fortunate enough to be in Vegas to see it firsthand.  :)

Hmmm...well, just to be extra, extra clear - I was simply inquiring about what I took to be an infelicitous turn of phrase. No hidden agenda and no bias (well, I suppose if I do have a bias, it would fall on the Brian-centric side of things, as the board is currently constituted). For my part, I wish I were able to attend the show; I'm terribly excited that these folks are making live music together; and I eagerly look forward to the reviews (and the setlist).

Back to lurking status for me. Oh, for the good old days of the Smile Shop.

At least the good old days of passive aggressiveness are here to stay! Cheers and apologies for the snark. I'm way too hyper and in danger of transforming into pure energy.

This. Amen.


Enough Beach Boys to float my boat!

Yes. (http://www.runemasterstudios.com/graemlins/images/clap.gif)

I just saw Interstellar (finally) last night.  I'm thinking someone should be videoing you turning into pure energy at the show.  It's selling pretty well in IMAX theatres...There you go, Andy Lippincott will be proven right, along with the Nolan brothers...

Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Given those 2 video clips, I know you'll be in a VERY good place, Ontor even if you are still in mundane physical form...Have a great time.  What a line-up of talent tonight.

On Brian's FB..they put up a video of the band rehearsing "Pacific Coast Highway" from TWGMTR for tonight's show.

I would guess this is because the C50 shows were essentially tour stops that they happened to film (and they filmed numerous shows that weren't released, including Red Rocks, Hollywood Bowl, etc.). As opposed to the Brian show in question, which is a TV show taping that happens to be taking place at a concert venue rather than a TV studio. They're running this Brian gig like they would a TV studio taping; they just happen to be doing it a venue that holds enough seats that they can sell "regular" tickets as well.

Joe Thomas is a producer and director for "Soundstage." He certainly would be heavily involved in decisions regarding "casting" the front rows and whatnot. But he didn't invent the idea, and it could well be others behind the scenes who are requesting or demanding this. The record label may also be using some of the footage for promotional material. Who knows. Doing this audience casting is a total d*ck maneuver, no question. But as with other things (autotune, ticket scalpers), it's par for the course unfortunately.

Mike and Bruce will be in Minnesota.

http://www.minneapolis-theater.com/theaters/hinckley-event-center/beach-boys.php

(more incorrect marketing BTW)

It would be cool to see Brian and Al knock out the last 3-4 tracks from TWGMTR in concert. It's less likely they'll heavily feature Al since the show is intended to promote the new Brian album. But I always hope we'll get something new from Al other than "Rhonda", etc.

Given the recent posts on Brian's FB page, I'm thinking you'll be in luck.

Am I crazy to think that maybe Dave not being present at this show could in part be a political move to not "stick it" to Love quite as much as it would if Dave were in fact present? Meaning, that Dave is the one BB who freely moves between both camps, and remains in everyone's' good graces...  but that if the already current stellar lineup of 4 actual BBs at this show were additionally augmented by a 5th actual BB, that this could be a tipping point, and a bit too much of a slap in the face towards Love, who Dave is presumably still good buds with?

I don't think that everyone is present just to "stick it" towards anyone, but I do think that the brainchild to add more BBs at a BW show that is not marketed as "The BBs" makes a statement towards M&B some degree, ultimately, even if inadvertent. I find it difficult to believe that it means nothing whatsoever politically to any of the living BBs. It means something to some of them I'm sure. Maybe there's zero truth to my Dave theory, but I'm curious if anyone has thought this too.

Either way, it's just about the coolest thing ever that this show is happening, and I do just wish Dave could be there too. (I also wish M&B were there too, but that's a whole other matter).

Dave is on a vacation tour around the world, or at least he was as of a few days ago. Dave may not be available and his trip may have been planned months before this concert was arrange

Too bad he could not play with Brian tonight. This is the real Beach Boys lineup, no question about it. I hope Dave gets another shot at playing with BW, AJ, RF, BC, BH and MJ in the future. If they do I will travel across the world to see them.

Al is heavily featured on the new BW album, so I bet he will sing a bunch. Maybe not on FTTBA, but who knows!

Maybe that's all there is to it then. If not, then it would indeed seem like an odd omission for a show like this.

Status: grinning insanely. Borderline obscene grin, really.

Let us know how it goes!

PCH sounds fantastic.
Wish I'd been daft enough to fly over for this one. Might be something special.

This is totally something special. Stay tuned.

Out with it!

+1  8) 

well it hasn't started so..........

Can we start celebrating how awesome this was yet?

Hanging out in row t, seat 28. Playing count the cameras while I wait...

The rehearsals were amazing but seated for the main event now. Let all of Club Kokomo rest easy -- there is a sea of gray hair up front. More later and explosions of delight!

Unless it turns out they were casting kindly grandpas, we can probably ease off mocking the mullet on that score.

Would that be similar to a "sh*t eating grin"? I'd be smiLing ear to ear if I was in your shoes. Enjoy the real deal OP!! :woot

A few minutes to 8pm is Las Vegas. Sitting in my lounge room is sunny summery Sydney waiting for the first reports. Flashing on the first night of SMiLE in 2004.

Random people at the Venetian, from Instagram ...

(http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10843941_739965482760468_1744740858_n.jpg)

(http://scontent-a-lga.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10838347_427136594106477_1929993295_n.jpg)

And a picture of Blondie and Nate Reuss from .fun ...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B4tEaDACMAIX0ZY.jpg)

Ahhhhh...wonder if Brian wore the track pants with the white stripe down the side!!
 :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d :3d

Nate Reuss fuckin' killed "Hold On, Dear Brother".
Killed it dead.
Fucking dead.
Holy sh*t.

(http://photos-c.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10844190_561076810703618_138247294_n.jpg)

Show seems to have wrapped up ...

Yeah, no encore  :'(

Someone yelled out "Keep it clean" while Al was standing center stage waiting for the next song.
No reaction.

Wow, now that's a deep cut!  Can't believe they did that, as a duet with Blondie I assume?  That sounds amazing.

Yeah, he and Blondie sang together. After their last song together (maybe "God Only Knows",) they hugged each other on stage. They seem to really like each other.

Blondie totally looks like Lou Reed.

Set list?

So far, we've heard reports of --

Hold On Dear, Brother
God Only Knows

And we know they sound-checked --

Pacific Coast Highway
Summer's Gone

Also seems like a song called "Runaway Dancer" was performed ... (via Twitter)

Songs I remember, not in order (updated as I remember more):

She Knows Me Too Well
Darlin'
Marcella
Wild Honey
God Only Knows
Saturday Night on Hollywood Boulevard
This Beautiful Day (they did this one twice)
Half Moon Bay (a false start on this one)
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Surfin' USA
Help Me, Rhonda
Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder) (trumpet played the melody)
The collaboration with Capital Cities (I believe this was Runaway Dancer)
Barbara Ann
Hold On, Dear Brother
Summer's Gone (Joe wanted people to wave their phones in the air - no one did)
Pacific Coast Highway
Don't Worry, Baby
Sloop John B
Our Prayer -> Heroes and Villains
California Girls
Sail Away
Fun, Fun, Fun
Right Time
All Summer Long
Dance, Dance, Dance
Then I Kissed Her
Good Vibrations
Sail On, Sailor
California Saga: California

I think that's it.

.

No Sail on, Sailor?

So, from the looks of it, Brian performed nearly half of his new album. Some of the titles are new, too ...

Saturday Night on Hollywood Boulevard
This Beautiful Day
Half Moon Bay
Right Time
Sail Away
Runaway Dancer

SNoHB was a nice little song, lead by Nate.
TBD starts with a lead from Brian and finishes with a trumpet solo. It's sort of split 50/50 this way.
HMB was an instrumental.
RT was a fun pop song with an Al lead.
SA's intro is very reminiscent of SJB, but the rest isn't. Nice choruses; Blondie, Brian, and Al each get their own verse.
RD sounded like a modern pop song. It has a good beat and melody, but I think it will be divisive.

Was it just me, or did "Right Time" sound a bit like "Lay Down Burden"?

What did Ricky Fataar do in the show?

He actually filled in quite a bit on the drums. He and Blondie were always on stage at the same time.
Al introduced him by calling him one of the greatest drummers of all time.

One of my favorite songs and favorite singers. Can't wait to hear this.

:lol

I wish I could have been at this show. What a radical departure from last week's setlist!

I'm glad no one did. That would have been really tacky considering the somber tone and the historical significance of this song in the Beach Boys' history.

Did Blondie sing lead on Wild Honey? And if he did was it both balls to the wind like he did on MIC?

I doubt they would have BC there if he didn't do just that ...

When he did it on last year's tour, it was definitely good, but a lot more subdued than the MIC live track. And in a lower key. It is 40ish years later, so this is to be expected.

From Brian's board. SOS included it seems.

Deb#1 

Registered: 06/29/12
Posts: 650   
 Posted an hour ago · Edited   
Totally exhausted...
What a high energy night!
Billy Hinsche started off, giving the audience some info on the taping, running us through some practice applause, arm waving, and camera phone dos and don'ts. Put them away, except for one taping of cell phones with lit screens waving. Get up and dance if you want to. Show the cameras you are having a good time. After all that, the band came out and the taping started. Billy played with the band as well.
I don't think it was necessary to have the audience practice applauding...as Brian, guests, and band brought the genuine appreciation out.
The Band started with Our Prayer followed by a great Heroes and Villains from Brian. Spot on vocals from Brian throughout the night. At ease, smiling, but I think I sensed a tense tiredness at times.
Al, Matt, and Brian Eichenberger, Blondie and Ricky were all there. Al was front and center, white suit...but turned over center stage to guests for their songs.
Blondie again doing a great Sail on Sailor. Al getting Sloop John B, California Saga, and Rhonda.
The new album songs were great. A great trumpet piece by Mark Isham, called something like "Beautiful Day". He also played a great instrumental version of "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on my Shoulder). There was a song with a similar backing to Sloop John B.
I didn't try to keep track of the set list. I was too much into the moment. In with a sea of fans having a great time. So I'm hoping somebody got one.
There was a lot packaged into the night.
One thing I will say, that new album is going to blow us all away. If anyone thought that having these guest artists on the album would detract, I think we got a pretty good sample tonight. From the music I heard tonight it is still Brian's music. It's still got the magic. The guests only make it more so.
I am awed and humbled by what I saw Brian give us tonight. His gifts are just amazing still.

__________________

Overheard mullet department: Zooey/Kacey to be filmed for the special in two weeks.

Still smirky approaching five AM. Thanks to everyone for the hospitality, hilarious banter, and gorgeous music! All hail the evvvvvvil handlers!

Oh mah gawd.  :thud 

Too cool.  And can't wait to hear the new songs!

So glad it was smirk-inducing!  I've been excited about the new album for a long time...knew it was going to be great in my gut, and we were told so a long time ago on this Board by a good source...

Thanks so much for sharing that...

Scattered thoughts at a weird hour... fear and loathing on a gondola.

 I stowed all gadgets during the show and took no photos or footage to enjoy the music. f*** the boring prick in front of me that took useless 20 second snippets shaking nonstop of something amply covered. The rehearsals of course were a different story!  It was incredibly interesting to check out all the haaard, brutal, frayed at the edges sometimes work that went into getting the new material down and covering all the technical bases. BW seemed distracted, tired, under incredible pressure... moments of worrying if it would ruin the night. But the guy is a pro and didn't fumble when it counted. Seeing it all come together in an explosion of sound and brilliant musicians churning away on the night at full power bouncing off the energy of all the love, joy, and cries of Cuddle Up from the audience was amazing to witness.

Right after Isham's "Don't Talk," some guy probably reading this thread goes "Eat your heart out, Jeff Beck!" Yeah... this was on a whole nother level than that tour. Nary a Danny Boy to be seen.

New songs were a treat! A bunch of Beach Boys swapping verses on Sail Away? Uh... yes please. Shove that up yer set end date!

PCH into Summer's Gone? Magic. Opening with Our Prayer? Pure class. Ike has a fantastic voice... having him AND Matt Jardine made Jeff Foskett look like... Jeff Foskett. Good luck finding many folks who'll miss him after experiencing this. I'm sure he's a lovely man and is kind to animals but... phew.

Sail On, Sailor with that lineup. Jesus. Having Blondie come out at the Greek was one thing, adding Ricky Fataar and Billy with a fantastic sound system = levitation without a fuckin' Maharishi to sell it to you.

Pay Blondie his weight in gold or silver or whatever precious metal is necessary to have him tour with the BW band more often. That guitar!

I never liked Hold On Dear Brother. Bubbly waves is right... they absolutely honed it into an incredible version that makes me take a red marker to my old opinion of it. Dunno if adding odd synthy noises to Don't Worry Baby was as effective!

But gawd, go see any 2015 shows. This is good stuff. Brian Wilson and company, home run! Now go get some sleep! You people must be beat. Joe Thomas: don't f*** up the edit. Don't ladle on artifical sweeteners. Learn from your mistakes on the C50 releases that were a lauaghable representation of the tour and concentrate on the music and interplay of these musicians... don't cut to the audience every three seconds. We want to see the guys on stage. History! It made the petty point-scoring distractions and one-upping earlier in this thread look like the absolute drivel that it was. You wanna claim to be about the music? Here it is. Coming soon! Let's eat.

Well oh my, oh gosh, oh gee!

I hope they air the entire show, this sounds like it was just as exciting as the C50 shows.

Ontor, you hadn't been to bed for close to 24 when you wrote that, right? I recognize that mind-body chemistry--and so great to see that BW and company are still oh-so-capable of making it happen!

You get some rest, now, too, OK? Thanks for the great report, done only as you can do it!!  :king

Don't worry I am under expert medical and legal supervision, grabbed a snooze and am under a comforter now! Wanted to get that jangled half asleep stuff down before I went back to bed. Lovely stuff, teen gang! This album is gonna provoke some fun chatter around here. And in conclusion.... zzzzzz.

Since some people still seem to have questions about which songs were played, I thought I would repost this - the complete list.

Sounds fantastic! Can't wait to see it air!

Brain Eichenberger sang lead on "She Knows Me Too Well", and he was wonderful.
Like Ontor says, I doubt Jeff will be missed too much.

Joe is such an odd duck. He has impeccable taste in some ways (never forget that he was central to putting the original BW band together) -- yet is a really tacky old dude in others (wave your phones!). Maybe that's why he gets along with Brian, though ...

Who sang Barbara Ann? Matt and Brian Eichenberger together? And did Darian sing Darlin'? Last question: :-) No I Get Around?

"Barbara Ann" was a giant group thing. Even the guy from Capital Cities came back onstage to sing.
I think Nate sang lead on "Darlin'".
Nope, no "I Get Around".

Here's a picture of the setlist (via Twitter) ...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B4v__IACYAAzuRa.jpg)

Weird, they didn't play "Lookin' at Tomorrow". That's too bad, I would have loved to seen that.
I seemed to have named the rest of 'em, though.

Also, they did WIBN in E major.

It is dated the 11th, now that I look at it more closely ...

Bubbly or ontor or anyone else who was there, were the guests pretty much just there for their featured parts, or were they more fully integrated into the band for other songs as well? What did Mike do while Ricky drummed? Were there more guitars simultaneously on stage than at an Eagles concert?

What was the full band? I am guessing based on comments and recent history it was:

"Core band"
Drums/vox: Mike D'Amico
Percussion/vox: Nelson Bragg
Bass: Bob Lizik
Keyboards, etc, vox: Darian Sahanaja
Keyboards, etc, vox: Scott Bennett
Guitar, horns, vox: Probyn Gregory
Guitar, vox: Nick Walusko
Woodwinds: Paul Mertens
Falsetto, guitar: Brian Eichenberger
Falsetto: Matt Jardine
Gestures, Vox: Brian Wilson

Additional (from the past):
Keys/guitars, vox: Billy Hinsche
Drums, (pedal steel on HODB?): Ricky Fataar
Guitar, vox: Blondie Chaplin
Vocals, guitar: Al Jardine

Additional (current album but not BBs related):
Nate Reuss
Trumpeter whose name I forgot (sorry, trumpeter) [Edit, I see it is Mark Isham.]
Capital Cities

Al did Lookin at tomorrow at the Roxy in March before the C50 tour. What a special moment that was to watch him play that less than 10 feet away from me! Too bad it wasn't performed.

I can only share the enthusiasm and excitement of others who witnessed his event.  I only have two days left of Vegas and don't want to waste them so I will save my lengthy review for another time but I wanted to give an accurate setlist (with indication of lead vocals) for the (wonderfully long) soundcheck/rehearsal in proper order because I am nerdy like that.  I will do the same for the actual show when time permits. (I see while I was typing Wirestone posted the setlist which WAS followed for the evening performance (Looking at Tomorrow was cut though)

Soundcheck rehearsal:  
We were told to expect lot of stops starts and such for the production people and there were quite a few.  Very cool experience.  Paul Mertons was go between leading Brian's band and chatting with Joe T's folks.

Our Prayer (3 times with Al)
Heroes and Villains (with Al) after this Al Leaves
She Knows Me Too Well (Eichenberger - yup he is great)
Good Vibes
This Beautiful Day (short and pretty)
Runaway Dancer (3 times - Sabu from Capitol Cities - very modern soul dance vibe)
Don't Worry Baby (new modern arrangement with extra synth bits - Sabu on lead again - dude can sing)
Marcella (out comes Al, Blondie, Ricky and Billy for next four tracks) (Brian sings lead)
Wild Honey (Blondie lead - great vocals -same key as previous tour)
Sail On Sailor (Blondie)
Sail Away (Blondie, Al, Brian shared lead Matt Jardine on high harmonies)
(Al and other guests leave and Mark Isham -great horn player enters)
Don't talk (instrumental horn handles lead moody and nice)
Half Moon Bay (short no lead vocals but some bits of wordless stacked harmonies more horn playing from Mark)
(Mark leaves Al back on)
The Right Time (Al lead with a bit o Brian)
(Al leaves Nate Ruess from Fun comes out)
Saturday Night (Nate lead - fave new song so far)
Hold On Dear Brother (with Blondie and Ricky Nate on lead again - best song of the night {both rehearsal and final gig} for me.  Goosepimples.  Hair standing on end.  It was never one of my favourites, but Nate tore this up.  Emotional and passionate lead with star power.  The band clearly loved his performance too.  Blondie's reactions after both performances gave witness to this fact.  If this doesn't make the tv special I will cry out for the injustice!  :-)
God Only Knows (Nate lead again - good but his least convincing performance - Brian would have been my preference here)
Darlin (Nate lead - great vocal.  He stayed out of the intro and ending as it seemed he was not 100% confident with it but the intro and a cappella ending didn't need him anyway as Brian's band are vocal ninjas and had that sh*t covered anyway!)

That was it for the rehearsal / soundcheck.  It was long and awesome.  I was tired from it.  I worried a bit for Brian as he still had a whole show performance with 13 extra songs that they didn't do at rehearsal / soundcheck.  Big day for the Big Man.  But he is a survivor and trooper.  If I didn't see the actual evening performance I could still have died happy.  And say what you will about Joe Thomas (and I know that some of you will) but he puts on one hell of a big assed professional high production value tv special.  The venue, lighting, and video screens (very inventive set up and appropriate content) were beautiful and over the top.  I felt so good for Brian and band to have a lavish backdrop that suits the beautiful music they create on stage.  
P.S.
Big thanks to Glenn for his kindness.  It meant a lot to this nerdy fan who traveled a long way.

Captain,
I hope my post clears up some of your band questions.  Yes the core band is how you described it but Matt was out for about a third of it and Eichenberger was the go to high voiced dude for the night and did not leave when Matt came out.  During Ricky's songs Mike D would leave and Ricky would be the sole drummer.  Except for set 8 the last five songs where they did the double drummer thang (there was always two drum sets on stage they did not share kits).  The guests came and then left after their bits.  The encore, set 8, had everyone out except Nate R and Mark I.
 

The guests showed up to preview their songs, and then they stuck around for more. Sebu from Capital Cities sang "Runaway Dancer", and then sang "Don't Worry, Baby." Nate sang "Saturday Night" and then three other Beach Boys songs. Blondie and Ricky were on the stage in stretches. They would stick around for a few, get off the stage for a few, and then come back. Al did the same thing for the most part. Blondie and Ricky were actually integrated into the band, while Al had a guitar he didn't play much. Brian Eichenberger had an acoustic guitar when he came up, but Nate and Sebu were empty-handed. Mark Isham showed up for the new songs and a couple of others, like playing the lead on "Don't Talk".

You've pretty much got it right.

looks like a mindblower. can't wait to see the show when it airs.

wonder why they don't include From There To Back Again? don't they realize it was most everyone's favorite song from TWGMTR? and it just dovetails perfectly into Pacific Coast Highway.

I am with you Bossaroo, the evening was an embarrassment of riches (how could one complain) but I, too, was hoping for From There To Back Again.  They should have just done Strange World to the very end of the TWGMTR album.  Would have been nice to hear FTTBA without the extra vocal processing.  Oh well.  It was pretty awesome as it was!

We can only cross our fingers and hope that Joe doesn't murder the vocals with auto-tune. Honestly, no one needs it. Not even Mr. Not-Always-Reliable-Wilson. He did a great job on his solo section of "This Beautiful Day".

How did BW sound throughout?

He was very good.
However, there was a few lyrical flubs ("Sloop John B" was one of them), and there was a song where I think he didn't realize his turn to sing had started, so Al jumped in and took over until Brian started singing his part.

Someone needs to post some video, especially the new songs!  I really wish I could have made the trip.

I regret so much I did not go there.

I really want to hear Hold On Dear Brother as well, I love that one.  I would be surprised if all of this makes it to the broadcast, I was at the all star tribute in 2001, and probably about half of that made it to the special.

After the concert was over, I had the great pleasure to meet a mister Ray Lawlor. We talked about Brian and the concert for a while and he was also mightily impressed with Nate's performance of "Hold On, Dear Brother". He eventually had to go backstage to meet up with and say hello to some people, but it was fun while it lasted. He's a very kind, friendly guy.

Sounds like great times.

Thanks to everyone for your posts...clearly a spectacular show.  It's really generous of each of you to take the time to share - now go win big $$$!  

I think I may regret missing "Hold On Dear Brother" almost as much as missing the new songs.  Brother Fataar was a kind, gentle soul, and I'm so glad he was remembered a la Denny and Carl.

And those new songs!

I have said both to, and about Jeffrey F. that I think he is an amazing singer, so this isn't about him.  Yet, I confess that when I saw Ike (Brian) Eichenberger back in 2007/2008 (forget which exactly) it was the first time I saw someone who reminded me THAT much of Brian W. performing.  Having been a little fan girl of Brian W's back in the 60's and 70's (even a little screamer between songs - not during - it was kind of like clapping only louder, then - honest!), I just sat there transfixed that while Ike was doing Bob Flanagan's part, it was so much like watching Brian onstage - talk about a thread through generations of amazing singers!  I can't wait to see Ike working with BW band in the future.  There is so much promise for 2015 shows in addition to the new recorded work of Brian's that I am still one excited old fan girl at this point in time.  

Of course, it would have been better if my favorite Swede was there :)

There is always a next time. :)

Debbie, thank you for your perspective.  I really appreciate posts from you and Ray and those that have or have had a much closer relationship with Brian than most of us here will ever have or hope to have.  I have a feeling that we are seeing the beginning of the end of Brian's career as a pop music songwriter.  The inclusion of Pacific Coast Highway and Summer's Gone to the last Beach Boys album and this show, coupled with the possible inclusion of the song titled Last Song with Lana Del Ray on No Pier Pressure leads me to believe that this is a swan song period for Brian.  Do you think this is pretty much it for him as an active performer/recording artist? 

Ray's an awesome dude...one of the nicest people i know and great sense of humor.

Man...i wish I'd been at that show. Sounds incredible,  and i pray that the airing isn't too doctored.

Most artists contemplate mortality at some point ... Brian definitely seems to be there now. But just because someone writes about the subject doesn't mean he one she won't record or write again.

Take Time Out of Mind -- it was seen as Dylan's death album. And it had a haunted sound and lyrics to boot. Ditto for the early Johnny Cash / Rick Rubin things. But in each case, popular response and incredible acclaim -- not to mention their own satisfaction -- prompted them to record a bunch more. In Dylan's case, his post "death" albums have been downright lively!

I expect Brian to write and perform until he can't physically do so any longer. But I think you can also tell from his touring schedule of the last few years that he's slowing down. And that's okay!

‍

Good Vibrations:  
Wouldn't It Be Nice:

Wow.

My thoughts from show:

.
12/12/14 Brian Wilson and Friends at Venetian Theater, Las Vegas, NV

Cool venue. Crowd was slow to get in- started a couple min late. Taping for pbs special to air in 2015. Hopefully somewhere full show will be available and not just a version edited down to an hour. All inbound flights to Vegas we delayed today so I hustled from airport and made it just in time for show. The other BW fans around me had similar experiences. I tried to note as much as possible that I thought other fans would appreciate, but as show went on it became clear this was a once in a lifetime show and became harder to remember to jot stuff down. Some of below is from what I noted during show, other from memory this morning. Bottom line: a great show that was clearly a one-off. So happy to have had the opportunity to see the live and am thrilled those who weren't there will get to see it on tv.

General details/ thoughts:  no break and no encore. Maybe this is due to the taping aspect. A few songs were done twice. Brian didn't sing nearly as many leads as usual, but when he did he sounded as good as I've heard him live. It was really cool to hear others singing a lot of the songs I'm used to Brian singing live. He seemed to really like watching the others bring the songs to life.

I thought I'd finally get to hear Little Saint Nick live as it is mid-December. Sadly, I didn't. But I'm not complaining because I got to hear Brian, the band and the special guests all rip through a unique and ambitious set list. It was a treat.

Al was front and center for a lot of the show, except when the guests we singing lead. Brian was to Al's right on the white piano and darian and Scott keys stations were set up to Al's left. This is second show I've seen with Brian Eichelberger in the group and I gotta say he is my favorite of the "falsettlers." His voice is so great on top of the rest of the group. I love the blend they all have together and he sounds to my ears the absolute closest to what Brian sounded like on the records. Blondie, Ricky, Billy and Matt Jardine were in an out throughout playing and/or singing on various songs. Matt seemed to be there for all the stuff from Brian's new album and some others, Blondie and Ricky mostly on the 70s stuff and at the end, and Billy whenever he wanted.

Ok on to the set list.

Our Prayer (beautiful-Brian E sounding just like BW in the 60s) into

Heroes- BW with a fantastic lead. The best I've heard him sing this. Ever.  By this point, I knew this was going to be an amazing show. Brian was "on" vocally. And then they do the cantina section! Woohoo!

Sloop John B- Brian lead first verse, Al comes in with harmony "hoist up the john b sails" and it's sounding like 1966 all over again. I really hope they release this whole show as a live album as well. Both guys are just locked in. Al takes lead on the Mike and Carl verses and sings them great.

Dance dance dance- band in great form and really shines. Brian E soaring falsetto and rhythm section drives energy level way up here.

Then I Kissed Her- Al sounded just like the record. Dude is amazing.

She Knows Me So Well- Brian E sounded so much like a young BW here, especially on the line "I really love her." Wow.

Good Vibes- BW clap on breakdown then adamant "stop clapping!" Before crescendo ahhh. Was funny.

This Beautiful Day-  off new album. slow short number. Mark Isham comes out and plays on this.

This Beautiful Day second take- "life goes on and on like your fav song, what we feel inside on this, wayward ride , if we could glide away we would, only stay, we could hold on to this feeling and this beautiful day" sublime vocal group tag at end.

Runaway Dancer/Talk of the town? - Song from new album with Sebu from Capital Cities and Mark Isham "we can't let go and there's something in the air tonight..."- dance song with a disco feel.

Don't worry baby- Sebu on leads, arrangement was very different could it be on new album? Weird to have Sebu singing lead on this with Brian E and Matt Jardine on background vocals but he did a great job.

Al intros Blondie, Ricky and Billy Hinsche "core beach boy touring band from the 70s."

Marcella -just rocked. Brian W lead. Ricky on drums. 

Wild honey with Blondie lead. Killer vocal.

Sailor - maybe the best version I've ever heard. Worth noting how much Probyn was shredding at this show. Nick was great on his solos as well. Blondie some licks at end.

Sloop type song from new album- Blondie leads then Al on chorus "sail away with me" Brian leads on second verse- cool key change on final chorus "imagine how our our life could be if you could sail away with me" "oh ohhhh oh" sing along part at end.

Don't talk- isham instead of vocals beautiful

Half moon bay- inst from new record stopped mid through isham

Half moon bay take two isham- instrumental

Al brings Matt j back out to "support his old man --we need all the help we can get"

The Right Time- new album- "whatever happened to me and you"- "right, could it be the right, could it be the right time for thinkin it over for getting to know her"- Al on lead

California saga- al in fine voice. Cool breakdown in middle with drums, harp and vocals before final verse.

Wouldn't it be nice- in key of E- al lead not doubled by Brian E. Al on his own just murdered it. As good as he's ever sounded singing this. Great background vocals from band.  Al "thanks Brian for writing that great song"

Rhonda- loose and fun- dancing guitar hook, sax, bouncing bass, al having lots of fun leading group. Last get her out of my heart Brian comes in strong with a harmony with al. Big finish.

Nate Ruess from fun comes out. "What a great evening this is." Song from new album-  "You got me thinking bout all the people that helped me come out from within" chorus "Saturday night on Hollywood blvd...just where I want to be spending my time here with you." Brian sings bridge.

Hold On Dear Brother- Ricky Blondie back out. Nate sings lead. Another from from Carl and the passions! Soaring powerful vocals. Felt like he could've filled room without using a mic.

Darlin'- Nate "I know this one" Murdered it. After song calls out band for being unbelievable. Carl Wilson is smiling real big right about now.

God Only Knows- Nate on lead, Brian sings Bruce part at end softly and beautifully. Brian E sounds great at top.

Pacific Coast Highway- from new album- starts with a four freshman type vocal tag, slow ballad Brian lead "sometimes I realize days are gettin on" Brian singing falsetto here! Short sad ends with "goodbye"

Summer's Gone- slow ballad - BW lead vocals. Some keys in there remind me of Wonderful -instrumental break in middle, nice falsetto stuff in here from Brian E and almost atmospheric background vocals from band.

Cal Girls- really brought house down. Brian on lead here. Singing well. Darian and Co locked in and up in the mix. Add in authenticity of Jardine and man it sounds lush. Probyn singing the Bruce echo superb. Loves hearing the backgrounds hotter in the mix. 

All Summer Long - also lush and awesome. Brian W lead.

Barbara Ann-Sebu back out. Hinsche. Matt j. Good lead by Brian E but missed opportunity to have Matt j double him like Brian and Dean Torrance on original record. Loose Solo breakdowns Paul, probyn? (Someone on lead guitar) , billy piano.

Surfin usa- cool surf guitar from Nicky here. Brian missed first line but sang Great lead. Organ solo by billy. Was cool to see Darian and Scott let billy do his thing.

Fun fun fun- al doubling probyn lead gtr to open. Brian good lead.


No encore.

Played for 2 hours. Only real complaint is that the show wasn't 5 more hours!

Al's back on lead for WIBN:

DC310, the way you described Pacific Coast Highway and Summer's Gone sounds like you're under the impression they're new. Just FYI, they're both on the 2012 Beach Boys album.

Oh that makes sense as they seemed a little familiar.  I was not a fan of that album-- only listened to it once.  After enjoying those songs last night, perhaps I should revisit.

Al is just amazing. He sang WIBN beautifully. He must really take good care of himself. He sounds as good as he ever has. He needs no help with it, and that is one tough song to sing. Bravo! :)

This will sound like a cop out, and it probably is, but I tend to agree with Wirestone on this.  Part of it is a function of age that he makes reference to mortality and wonders if a song will be his last work.  Then there is the reality of age, things are tougher physically and there's the feeling that you've seen it and done it all before.  I remember people commenting that they thought it was odd that Brian was the last Wilson brother living, yet I never did. With all that vulnerability, there is an amazing strength.  The man is tough.

I'm glad that someone also pointed out that Brian was a pro when it was time for the show last evening.  He knows who he is and respects himself as an artist, so I know when it's "show time" he'll do his best.  It's got to be boring sometimes, and tiring, but he does care.

I guess we all wonder about the future, and frankly don't know.  Brian will stop when he gets tired, and there may be days that are questionable in that area all the time.  He may decide to quit.  Then he may get bored and write and perform again. I have a "wait and see" attitude at this point, and love every minute that he still wants to share his work with us.  If he stopped tomorrow, I'd accept it and wish him the happiest, most relaxed life possible.  Heaven knows he's filled my life with more than I could ever ask for - the joy and the beauty have been astounding.  Was it tough sometimes?  You have NO IDEA how tough.  Brian's world isn't an easy one - least of all for him, but it is sure worth it.  Ask his wife (speaking of amazing strength), who lives it everyday and has for a long time, and I'd bet everything she'd agree with that statement.

I also think, with everything he's been through, that he knows he's well-loved.  He has great friends and family who genuinely love him, and I've never met anyone who could "read a room" like he does, so he has to get how much his listeners love him, too.  I suspect that's energized him for awhile, and we'll see how that works in the future.

Loving these reviews and commentary. Dying to see the broadcast eventually! Thanks all.    :)

To put it mildly...

Cali Girls



No offence to the poster but 'ed' must be a greatest hits fan. How about something new, Blondie and Ricky?

Exact same thing I was thinking, New Songs or Blondie & Ricky

Man Brian sounds great! He actually kind of sang the stop clapping line lol

Joe will delete that! :lol

Nah, Joe will autotune that until it becomes a command from our new robot overlords.

Am I the only one hearing an extremely insecure Brian? In WIBN he ruins Al's great performance coming in late and flattering badly. In GV he also sounds like he's looking for his gone vocal cane (JF)

Great to see Al singing Wouldn't It Be Nice again!  He really owns that song when he does it, he has such an incredible voice.

I was sort of thinking the same thing, but didn't say anything since everyone is so excited lol.  Of course we only have a few samples, but it seemed more like an off night to me.  

A "gone vocal cane"? Is someone using Google translate?

BW seems a bit tense, but his overall pitch, diction and phrasing are pretty good -- especially in CG, which he usually just shambles through. Sounds like a good night to me.

Brian and Alan both sound excellent! Great setlist...can't wait for this special...and hopefully a good full-length bootleg  :hat

I was wondering when the criticism train would roll through

Barbara Ann & Surfin' USA:

It's 2014. Why hasn't the new material leaked yet?!
 >:(

Someone must be taking the proverbial on youtube!
Barbara Ann shows up before anything new!

Lots to look forward to next year...

I wasn't sitting close so it was tough to tell-- it did seem like Brian was a little disengaged at times, but I chalked that up to him not having to sing as many leads as usual.  When he did sing, he sounded as good as I've heard him live.

Didn't you really understand what I said or were you making an irrelevant lateral point? Please help me with english and I'll help you with some lucidity.
No, I didn't use google translate. In Brazil - and I believe everywhere else - people use the word CANE or crutch metaphorically as something you can't get along without. Jeffrey Foskett's dubbing was a mental cane which made Brian forget a little bit that everyone was paying attention to him, but now Jeffrey's GONE. You already knew it anyway, so please help me re-phrase in 3 words the non-existent thing I said.
Now, some light. His phrasing is good? wait... pretty good? where are your standards at? In your blueprint California Girls he sounds like an exaustated runner behind the song, even bypassing some words. Brian pays people to give undeserved compliments to him, no need to do it for free. He would never do it for you, unless you're named Phil Spector

That's the Ella Award-winning spirit!

Ever performed with a camera stuck right in your face? I doubt it! What I hear is solid vocals with some nerves brought on by the recording of the show. It really does pull you out of what you're doing, and makes playing or singing well that much harder.

I wasn't there, but I wish I had been. Brian sounds great, and the whole band sounds really tight and in sync. In the clips I've seen of the more recent shows, the BW band has sounded a little sloppy, though very energetic, which makes it more fun if they're playing greatest hits. In the clips from last night the band sounds as solid as they could be. Now I'm just curious what the new material sounded like!

This reads like a poem.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN.  :ohyeah

Would anyone do a full analysis to help me out?


In all seriousness I'd like to know what this means:

Brian does not pay people to give him compliments. He pays professional musicians to play his songs, because he can not play all instruments by himself simultaneously. This is very common. Most bands consist of more than one member.

Do you think Brian hires non-musicians to give him underserved compliments in his every day life? Like when Brian goes to the store some hired guy says: "Cucumber, great choice Brian!" or "Nice, Brian! That's where you place the shopping cart once you are done shopping!".

I have only met and talked to Paul von Mertens and Taylor Mills, but from what I can tell the band members are all very nice and courteous. When you are on a team (a band or a sports team) you try to lift people up by the means of pep talk. This is also very common.

Well its got Blondie and Ricky but come on ed, stop toying with us man!

I looked through Ed's channel. My guess is that he only records what he knows  :-\

Ed Only Knows.

 :lol 

Everyone should have a person like that around them!

Right now - green with envy.

This was posted by Billy Hinsche on FB:

"Summer's Gone" - right now ...

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10868295_1043419359017690_4117402783251184266_n.jpg?oh=2a83ea067352c50fc981e9218419d5b4&oe=54FCA58D&__gda__=1426361012_f5b53c3d03a15ca60227045f05ecd1a6)

I would say that's the best anyone has sung WIBN in the past 30 years since Al was in his vocal prime.  I know that's a pain and he would probably rather not have to do it, but Al just nails that.  I love Carl and technically he was good, but he never sounded "right "on that song. Neither have the others who have sung it. That song needs a certain youthful "whine" to the vocal that only a younger Brian and Al can truly pull off.

wow, what I would give to have been there.

Thanks for all the reports, so jealous of all who attended.

You guys making fun of the poster who's primary language isn't English - that's really gettin' down, man. Give him a break!

That said, Brian should loose that "clap"/don't clap" routine on Good Vibrations. Personal opinion: I don't think it's funny or cute. If anything, he should bring back the extended "Gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations a-happenin with her" with the crowd singing. Now the girls! Now the boys! That kinda deal. Good to see he doesn't do the cigarette liter joke or "Michael Row The Boat Ashore" anymore. Or worse yet....."I'm A Little Teapot".  ::)

Good for you , Mikie; coming to the defense of some negative spouting guy that can't be bothered to learn enough of the language to convince us that Brian isn't young anymore.
 Brian sounded GREAT!!!
Super glad I made the trip,  I wouldn't have missed it for the world! Rich, tell whomever punked out that I'm super glad they did.

I'm with you Mikie on the language and courtesy.

I think it is adorable that Brian likes to emulate Mike with illustrative hand gestures, the non-uber fan is probably cringing I'm sure but who cares.

Al and the band sound terrific but Brian does not sound good to me. I'm going to write it off as down to the audience hand-held recording and I'm sure he will sound as good as he gets on the sound recording because it looks like a lot of energy in the room.

Felipe is a big fan, Bgas, with 20+ posts (in English) under his belt. He was being subjective. Nothin' wrong with that. Also, he knows two languages - you know one.

Gotta agree with this. I'd like to see him enunciate his words better. We know the words, but some members of the audience tuning into the PBS special may not. He's use to jamming through the songs and reading the teleprompter and not pronouncing some of the words worth a damn. Watch Good Vibrations and especially the words at the end of the verses are rushed and garbled. Otherwise, he projects fine and is lucid.

For what it's worth--which is approximately nothing--I am a lot more understanding of the occasionally awkward flubs of non-native English speakers who are brave enough to post in a secondary language than of the mistakes of native speakers (your/you're, their/there/they're, "definate," for a few prominent examples).

On topic: I thought Al sounded good, surprisingly enough on the higher notes. I thought the medium and lower ones were shakier. For example, in the opening line, I thought "have" was maybe the weakest note, as in "wouldn't it be nice if we were older, then we wouldn't have to wait so long." That sounds flat. In the second line, the "nice" sounds off. Don't get me wrong, overall he sounds great. That's a hard song to sing for most anyone, much less a guy his age. And I can understand those slips, with so much attention (and breath) paid to the tougher notes, sometimes a person can let his guard down on the easier ones.

Anyway, I'm really excited to eventually see and hear more of the show. I'm sure whatever flubs there were barely registered for anyone there, in the excitement of the night. And no doubt they'll be fixed before it airs, anyway. I just hope it ends up a 2-hour show, not a 1-hour one! Full setlist! (Not betting on that.)

I would almost bet money, that YES, at one time in Brain's life (probably around 85 or 86) Brian DID pay somebody to follow him around and compliment him all day :) 

Wow! Hold On Dear Brother is outstanding!

Seconded , superb

I'll try to put up more of this show when I get home later.

I enjoy the new song: the refrain in particular sounds really strong to me, very memorable. And I think the intro will translate better on a studio version. It sounded a little lacking live to me. And then "Hold On, Dear Brother?" Oh my. Just stellar, from Reuss straight on down through the whole band. Must have felt good for Ricky and Blondie to hear it done live at that quality for such an appreciative audience.

For those who were there, what was Brian' demeanor through or reaction to HODB? Obviously, it wasn't a song he had any particular involvement in the first time around. Was he into it here, or just kind of there?

I wish I could say, but my eyes were glued to Nate Reuss.

Thirded, exceptional performance of a good song, the vocals on the 'I want your love...' sections in particular .

I'm guessing this is the first time this HODB has been played live since about 1974/75?

I don't blame you. One thing, though: didn't Brian say in an interview how Nate's voice reminded him of Carl's? (I don't think I'm making that up.) I didn't see it at the time ... and still don't. It's so sharp, brassy, more like Al's, if anyone's. It's great, though, don't get me wrong. I just don't hear and and think, "Carl!"

Nate knocked it out of the park! Can only imagine how it was live.

Really enjoying the YouTube stuff, especially Al on Wouldn't It Be Nice, and Nate Reuss on all his leads, but who's doing that horrendous falsetto tag on California Girls?

No. That statement is definitely worth something. Good one, Cap. And let me add the continuous mistake of using the non-word "alot" in a sentence.

Deleted

AHH, the master of misspelling on his normal rant referencing alot; GET OVER IT Mikie!  
You'll probably feel alot better when it's gone from your psyche

That did kind of stick out.

I'm waiting for the new songs or Hold On Dear Brother.

That said, if Felipe is writing something that you disagree with, in my opinion it would be better to say that he's a moron who doesn't know what he's talking about than to question his English skills. Funny how someone's skills with a second language are never questioned when you agree with what he said.  :)

I think an important question to ask (applied to this situation) is "Is my Portuguese better than his English?"

(Edit. Sigh.)

(And this too, while I'm at it.)

Never Mind!

The event that dare not speak its name.

You decided to remove your posting mentioning the mods had removed all the Youtube links for this show yourself?  
Or you were warned to do so, by one( 2,3?) of the mods??  

I realize there is a policy about boots, but does this mean that every link EVER posted of a YOUTUBE Video which may not be "legal" has been wiped from the media?  
There are hundreds of them there( or were; I haven't checked)
 Or is it only the new Brian links?   done quietly and without notification here.  

Ohhh, it's suddenly a time of massive censorship on this board

I can understand the possible reasoning for taking the links down, but I hope an explanation is being crafted at this time.   

To avoid copyright issues and issues surrounding posting or sharing copyrighted material that could potentially effect the board, please do not publicly post or re-post any links to recordings of the concert which was filmed in Vegas on this board. Thank you, everyone, for your cooperation and understanding.

That's kind of odd...  Was an issue made about this or is the board being (overly) cautious?

Mickey Mouse with a sore throat?

Can the words 'Ed Pinchak' and 'Youtube' be used here?

Craig, are you at liberty to tell us a little more about this?  I can't imagine that the board mods decided on their own to delete the previous links and request that no more links be posted.  After all, YouTube is a legitimate site, owned by one of the largest corporations in the world, with millions of copyright holders happily monetizing, via YouTube ads, the appearance of videos containing their material.  As I'm writing this the videos previously linked are still up, but if a removal request has been submitted it may have not yet taken effect. 

I am looking forward to the PBS Soundstage presentation, and although it would not be a true representation of history, personally I'm in favor of just about any vocal post production and sweeting they wish to add, short of giving BW or anyone else a robotic sound.  And I'd be really surprised if they don't go to the trouble of sweetening the performance with some newly recorded vocals here and there, as was done a half century ago with the BB's first live album.

Is the concern that some entity doesn't want the public to see and hear the concert in it's original form?  Comments on this board have been quite positive, but are they concerned about some that have been less than stellar, such as some jerk on this board using the term "horrendous" to describe the falsetto tag on Calif Girls?  I can tell you unequivocally that the Calif Girls vocal tag done in the concert (by Brian E?) is ten zillion times better any vocal tag attempt that could have been attempted by the poster who made that comment.  "Less than stellar" would have been a much better description than "horrendous".

They are still on Brian's own message board.....Go figure? ???

Which is why it seems silly to have yanked the links from this board

Are the suits all up in here, or is it me? It really is a mystery....

If the mods the links they yank, they're still on Youtube to be frank, now what the hell?


Strange, really. All the links are still on YouTube, though a nice video of Sail On, Sailor has been taken down from an Instagram account, leading me to believe the suits are involved somehow. Don't they know that zero people who use the internet watch PBS, and zero people who watch PBS use the internet?

Just a reminder that you can always download streaming media before the powers that be try to pull it from the internet in their attempt at what I would call "damage control."

YOU CAN REMOVE THE VIDEOS BUT U"LL NEVER TAKE MY LOW BITRATE BOOTLEGS!!1!1111one!!!


Suits probably don't want people to know how good the show actually was before Joe Thomas gets his fuckin' robot singing hands all over it.....

 :lol

We were informed that a certain record company is giving YT movies from Brian's Vegas concert more than average attention at the moment, regarding copyrght infringements. Which is the reason why we don't want to take any risks right now. There wasn't any reason to warn about this prior to the concert as we only got word on this after the performance. So we understand it might come accross as a sudden and hurried decision. Call it 'overly cautious' if you will, but we'd rather do it this way than getting official warnings about it.

When it comes to posting links to YT we usually don't make a problem of it. And one can question if even so much as posting a link (in this case) would harm this board. On the other hand we know this is one of those boards that is monitored on a regular basis. And by posting links, we actually make it an easier job for a record company (or for that matter anyone) to easily look up these movies and get them removed. I'm sure more movies will pop up on YT these next couple of days. So if you really want to see and hear Brian's new songs or parts of the gig in general, my advise would be to actively screen YT, and if they do surface, enjoy them while you can. Posting a link here will only get them removed even more quickly.

Please believe us that we wouldn't do this if we didn't take these signs seriously.

Probably get something along the lines of this I got in 2008....


YouTube | Broadcast Yourself™


Dear Member:

This is to notify you that we have removed or disabled access to the following material as a result of a third-party notification by Brother Records Inc claiming that this material is infringing:

The Beach Boys - Then I Kissed Her: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=nOlMkUDaS2U

Please Note: Repeated incidents of copyright infringement will result in the deletion of your account and all videos uploaded to that account. In order to prevent this from happening, please delete any videos to which you do not own the rights and refrain from uploading additional videos that infringe on the copyrights of others. For more information about YouTube's copyright policy, please read the Copyright Tips guide.

If you elect to send us a counter notice, please go to our Help Centre to access the instructions.
Be aware that there may be adverse legal consequences in your country if you make a false or bad faith allegation of copyright infringement by using this process.
Sincerely,
 
YouTube, Inc.


Copyright © 2007 YouTube, Inc.

I put it on for my own pleasure..... Never again Sir!

I love Saturday Night On Hollywood Blvd! Reminds of We Are Golden by Mika.

Thanks for the clarification, SMiLE Holland.

The labels really need to look at themselves in the mirror when they're wondering why the music business continues to evaporate.  Is there anything more daft than shutting down free promotion?

No.  Every 'play' is a free 'ad' for the artist and/or the album in whatever form it's available for the use of the consumer...or in this case...eyes on the show and then on the dvd.  At NO time since the advent of the 45 rpm disc has anything remotely connected to the music industry been done with any kind of 'smarts'.

As for 78s and sheet music before it?  Up YOURS"...I'm not THAT old. ;)

Saturday Night on Hollywood Blvd. is fantastic!  No Pier Pressure looks like it'll be a great one. I just don't want one of the artists to get too much fame singing one of Brian's songs.

Anybody see Brian hobble off stage and knock his chair over after "Fun, Fun, Fun"?  Is he having back problems again?  I thought he was on the mend, he seemed to be doing better up until I saw this.

It's kind of Brian's Kokomo.

why

because it sounds slightly tropical? right. just like kokomo.

sry, its just not cheesy enough to be comparable to ol' kokomo

Seems to me that Mike Love, Carl and Dennis Wilson and Al Jardine all did well singing Brian's songs.  Didn't hurt Brian any.

Brian isn't necessarily perfectly suited to sing lead on ALL of the songs he composes.  He hasn't been all these years.  That, in fact, was one of the best things about the Beach Boys...variety.  I can't wait to get the dvd and hopefully a cd version too when this airs on PBS.  You know they won't show it all.  They never do.

It's much more insturmentally advanced and has a sweet bridge that reminds you it's a Brian Wilson song. BW utilizing the banjo is always sweet. I could easily see a music video for this song and it garnering a lot of attention.  I haven't heard many of the other songs, I'm sure it won't be as great as some of the others on the album.

I think it would be GREAT if one of the guest artists got "too much fame" singing BW's songs. If his work can connect with still more people than it does, that's spectacular. if the songs suit their voices, what's the harm? It certainly doesn't diminish BW's stature any.

I agree, and I love the new song.

It was a very good show with very good performances even though BDW did not sing some lines at certain moments. I'd wager someone is now trying to figure out if they can pitch-shift his silence.

Saturday Night on Hollywood Blvd seems like it could actually get some airplay assuming Joe Thomas doesn't ruin it.


Nate Ruess is already famous for being the lead singer of the band "Fun.", who've had a couple big hits ("We Are Young", "Some Nights").

He also guested on a Pink song that hit #1.

I do agree with Brian that he kinda sounds like Carl.

What an utterly asinine statement.

so, Im confused. On This Brian Wilson/ Beach Boys fan site, where the only reason any of us are commenting at all is because we owe all of these guys a big thank you for their music and contribution ESPECIALLY BRIAN !!!!!!. Someone ( Stack o Tracks) is  suggesting that the T V Producers should ? YOUR OPTION , Show the world, PBS and whomever else is going to air this, that Brian did not sing the part he was supposed to, forgetting  that even  thru all of his hardships at 72 years old he may deserve to be cut just a LITTLE slack…..THAT the only HONEST THING TO DO would show every mistake in it's entirety so that when Brian sees the show he can be reminded how he  TOTALLLY F**KED  UP…… Rather than maybe take the  part in question from a rehearsal or something and present to the world a truly enjoyable concert that Brian could be proud of and at peace with until the day he dies. Which  probably will be pretty soon if he has to re live every mistake he made during the concert, WHICH I ATTENDED, and there were not many. It was a wonderful show! and the fact that  two of the guys( Brian and Al )were a combined  145 years old ! was a F**king MIRACLE! And as for this dispicable Joe Thomas Bashing , Unless Joe F**king Thomas was elected the  SINGLE Benevolant Dictator of not only Brian's and the Beach Boys  last few albums , and if you  don't understand the meaning it means the ONE WHO HAS  BEEN GIVEN ALL OF THE POWER! then lay off the guy!  There are many decision makers that weigh into the making of any of these projects, and I am certain that any decision on auto tune, or overall mix has been vetted and opinionized by a gaggle of folks. INCLUDING BRIAN! who has to have heard it at some time and said WOW! I like the way this sounds! I have been lucky enough to have been at this show and it was Beautiful! Sounded Great Looked Great and yes it was live TV, it had a few rag tag moments , and that i hope are tastefully edited to present an accurate description of what the 2000 or so lucky enough to attend got to see, PURE MAGIC! 

Sry, cheese is in the ear of the beholder.

 ithink you   should    learn HOW ! to write   with   proper spacing capsPUNCTUATION !!!! ,etc. Before you vomit this    UNREADABLE cr*p  onto   the   board ever again!  !!!!!

I love fun.  However, I think he has more of a Freddie Mercury quality about his voice.

And for what it's worth...I always thought the bridge from "Walking The Dog" had a very "Kokomo" quality about it. The melody and phrasing is very similar to the verse of "Kokomo" as well as the chord structure.

Walking The Dog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCisO0YCjaI

It was not live TV, it was a taping for later TV broadcast. Also you may know the meaning of benevolent (actually, you don't) but you sure as hell can't spell it.

CS, I hope you or anyone else were not offended by my comments. Maybe I should have used the words "less than stellar" as far as Brian's vocal deliveries:

"Brian should loose that "clap"/don't clap" routine on Good Vibrations. Personal opinion: I don't think it's funny or cute. If anything, he should bring back the extended "Gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations a-happenin with her" with the crowd singing. Now the girls! Now the boys! That kinda deal. Good to see he doesn't do the cigarette liter joke or "Michael Row The Boat Ashore" anymore. Or worse yet....."I'm A Little Teapot". I'd like to see him enunciate his words better. We know the words, but some members of the audience tuning into the PBS special may not. He's use to jamming through the songs and reading the teleprompter and not pronouncing some of the words worth a damn. Watch Good Vibrations and especially the words at the end of the verses are rushed and garbled. Otherwise, he projects fine and is lucid".

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8639/15843734157_d287800349_b.jpg)

Fig. 555. Joe Thomas experiments with properly lighting Brian's Kokomo and Al's suit

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7468/15842237710_f1a1b7b6a7.jpg)

Fig. 556. Proof that Scott Bennett is an artist.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7464/15407228534_9a62d38599_k.jpg)

Fig. 557. Rehearsals and permagrin engaged.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7526/16028810362_795e86d721.jpg)

Fig. 558. Postshow reaction of yours truly.

Now back to our regularly scheduled squabbling.

Al hasn't changed that white suit in years.  He should come up with something new when he goes the formal route.....

I'd be kind of offended if he did. That suit gives him +2 against fire attacks, too. Comes in handy.

I know who he, and all the other guests, are. (I still don't think he sounds remotely like Carl, though.)

Oh, Mikie - Al can still rock that retro late 60's white suit and it sort of brings a slice of that era.  I'd really hate to see him trade it for anything else.  He looks very comfortable in it. 

And as far as Brian directing the audience to "do or refrain" from doing something, during C50, at PNC in NJ, (I think,) there were beach balls flying all around, which might look cool, but can be a stage hazard, and potentially cause a musician an accident. 

Brian did what security couldn't do.  He told them to "stop" and they amazingly complied.  He had that very commanding and authoritarian posture, like a general, and snapped everyone into shape. 

It also dispels the concept that Brian isn't "connected" with the performance or the audience.  My take is that Brian doesn't miss a thing, when performing.

But, I do get what you mean about that really fun refrain of "first the ladies, then the guys" during GV.  Brian might just want to switch things around.  But, I guess he can't do the cigarette lighter thing because "incendiaries" are generally banned in public places. And, the cell phone is the very reasonable substitute.  ;)

And I enjoyed seeing Billy Hinsche onstage in those photos...

That's correct. Here is a picture of Al from the 20/20 photo shoot:

(http://i1.ytimg.com/i/XK0tZoy4zpwCDHtoo0m8nw/1.jpg)

Might want to check the LP cover... ;)

They must think he does, or why else give the guy a series of Carl leads to sing. Including songs that Brian used to sing in his solo concerts, but were originally Carl leads on record (Darlin' and GOK).  It's almost like they want to prove they're the "real Beach Boys," complete with a fake Carl. And video screens with cheesy shots of girls in bikinis during CG  and attempting to get people to show their phones during a song (something that Mike's BB's apparently do now, or at least he posted a photo of it a few months ago on his Facebook page). I don't think the guy sounds a thing like Carl, either. 

Wow, you talk about the show as if you were there!

Does it get you that pissed off when Totten or Cowsill sing a Carl lead?

By the way, they um, totally proved they were the real Beach Boys. Mike Love's legal maneuvering around two dead guys, a mentally ill guy, and Al Jardine notwithstanding. They didn't need a stupid baseball cap with a logo on it or legal threats. They had the sound, the architect of that sound, and Blondie/Ricky/Billy... and they fucking KILLED.  Cheers!

I think they think Nate is a great singer, which he is. So is Carl. I think you answered your own question when you stated Nate does not sound like Carl. Nate does not sound like Carl - which points to the fact Brian does not see him as Carl either. Or anyone else. That does not mean however he is not able to handle Carl leads. Here are some other leads I am sure Nate is able to handle:

• Brian leads
• Al leads
• Blondie leads (you have to trust me on this one)
• Ricky leads
• Bruce leads
• Mike leads

Shouldn't a fake Carl stick around for the entirety of the concert? Not just a few songs? And not just for one single concert? Guests often participate in just some of the songs, which makes Nate more of a

• guest

than of a

• Carl

The CG footage is the same as the footage used in C50. Maybe JT owns those images and decided to use them again. He is the producer of the show after all.

Glad you liked the concert!

Bruce has been a fake BW in touring band since 1965. ;)

Brian had mentioned that Nate sounded "a little" like Carl. Not exactly like him. I'm sure they gave Nate the Carl leads because he is great at singing them....it's ludicrous to think that they used him to replace Carl.

Also, I assure you that phone waving is a common activity done at many concerts. Mike and Bruce did not invent this. So implying that this is Brian's band trying to emulate the Mike and Bruce of the Beach Boys tour band is also ludicrous.

Actually, due to the ridiculous nature of your post (it reads like satire), apologies if you were just joking around :lol

Kittykat is a first class intellectual and full-time satirist.

(http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/2014-07/10/22/enhanced/webdr08/anigif_enhanced-buzz-16557-1405045299-4.gif)
cheers.

Way more classy and tasty than club Kokomo's bud lights.

Nice review on Brian's Facebook:

http://www.punksinvegas.com/review-brian-wilson-friends-feat-al-jardine-nate-ruess-blondie-chaplin-december-12-2014-venetian-theatre/

Is it common for a show's producer to order the audience to wave their phones around for the benefit of the cameras? It's usually a spontaneous thing or the performer requests it, not a show director.

BTW, why exactly did Melinda sue Joe Thomas to get rid of him? The ease with which Joe managed to pull this special together, get it on PBS, and pull out all the stops to make it look good does kind of make one wonder why Melinda claimed it was Joe trying to benefit from Brian's name. I think Joe already had a name even back then and was working with a lot of fairly big names in country, and Brian's solo career of the past fifteen years might have had a higher profile if they had stuck with Joe.

For TV production the crowd is usually told what to do at certain times. It's show business.

Kittykat, enjoy M&B at RAH. ;)

I told you how recording shows work on page 4 (this thread). It is OK being a slow learner, but you are kinda derailing the thread. Send me a PM next time and I will go over it again.

Nice that this board has turned into Blueboard cubed. There's more leeway in opinion on Brian's board than on this one as it is now. Not to mention the fact that every thread turns into personal attacks. I have my opinion and it's as valid as the Brian fanboys. I have seen several Brian shows, and used to enjoy him but it got tiresome after awhile and I came to realize I was more a fan of Brian's band that him as a performer, most of the time,though he was really into it for the Pet Sounds shows. Now that Brian barely performs in them, and is said to be missing cues and not performing as well as he used to, and now turning over large numbers of lead vocals to guest stars, I'm not sure what the point is, for me. I traveled to see Brian a couple of times a few hundred miles out of my way. That was years ago.Now,I'm turned off by segments of his fan base.It's like Apple discussions on tech boards.  You're either for Apple or you're against it. And we can't have that!

Whether one is an avowed "Brianista," a slave to the funky grooves of M+B, or somewhere in-between, the simple fact is that, when a show is being readied for television broadcast, producers and directors have a long, loooong-held tradition of trying to instruct audiences on their vision for the production, and of doing their darndest to get the crowd to go along with it.

Nothing -- I repeat, "nothing" -- I've heard described having taken place at BW's show sounds even the slightest bit out of the ordinary.


Anyone is free to think it lame, cheesy, or whatever they please, but it's par for the course, folks.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7576/15411531113_25f0a4a21b_k.jpg)

Fig. 24244. BW considers wearing a hat with his name on it to make up for sharing leads like he's done all his life, discards notion. (What with having a full head of hair and having shared leads all his life.)

Go here for M&B fanboys.
http://www.boards2go.com/boards/board.cgi?user=Bellagio

Saturday Night on Hollywood Blvd. has been stuck in my head since Friday night.  Very catchy hook.

Really is fantastic isn't it?
 If it's any indication album will be Fantastic!

You do realize that Beach Boys Britain buys ads on this page, along with Endless Summer Quarterly. I notice David Beard of ESQ has been made to feel unwelcome here, too, even though he supports Brian and has interviews with him in many issues, including the newest one. And BBB fans seem to be Brian fans for the most part, as well. I'm surprised either of those groups would want to continue buying ads here, modest as though their financial support may be.

Here we are in the year 2014, with Brian still making music at the age of 72, performing with Al, Blondie, and Ricky, putting out new music that could be pretty amazing.  I remember, back in the late 1970's, frequently wondering if Brian would live another year or two, and since then, look at all that he has given the world.  This man is one of the greatest musical figures of the last 100 years, and we are lucky enough to have him still with us today.  I think we should all keep things in perspective.  

If that happens, time for some sort of fundraiser instead of dripping bile all over the carpet like that! You know how hard bile is to clean!

Viiiicious, ya hit me with a flow-errrrr...

If BBB is such a hotbed of bearded Brianista activity, weird that they haven't discussed the Vegas show! Or posted links or pics or reviews... I'm told in Britain they have "internet cables" and "chip and pin" that does something with the air that lets them download stuff over here. I dunno how it works exactly but funny they haven't talked about it for being such big Brian fans.

Oh well, maybe we can go back to talking about the Vegas show here instead of the advertisers. Classy move there. Real subtle stuff and kind of gives away where you're coming from, hmm?

ya do it every HOUR...

Agreed.

.....or you don't have to post ridiculous claims like Brian's band is possibly trying to make Nate Ruess a "fake Carl", or implying that because Joe wanted swaying phones out that they're trying to emulate the Mike and Bruce of the Beach Boys band....

I don't care if you've got 100 Brian solo shows under your belt: if you post something that makes little to no sense, be prepared for posters to call you out on it. What is so wrong with Joe asking for the audience to get their phones out? It is a common practice for TV/DVD concerts for the audience to be told to do certain things...It's not worth making a fuss over. What is wrong with Brian dueting with talented modern singers? Nothing. What is wrong with Brian working with Joe again? Nothing (It helped The Beach Boys get a #3 charting record in 2012, and arguably got some of Brian's best recorded material released).

You nitpick about many aspects of Brian's solo career. Don't be surprised when fans of the Beach Boys argue with you when you constantly nitpick about one of their founding members.

Maybe no one from BBB went to the show, and don't feel competent to discuss it.  Plenty of Brian shows have been reported on and although the board doesn't have the same setup, there is a greater tendency for restraint, respect and politeness. Nothing wrong with that.  

If there is anything I'd consider bilious, it is at least one of the "cobbled" films on your YouTube page.  You may not care for each and every band member, and no one has to, but raises the question of how much energy one puts into extreme dislike.  Wow.

Just sayin'...

Thanks a bunch for the touching art criticism! It means a lot coming from such a staunch champion of "Pisces Brothers."

You'll be surprised to discover that I was mainly inspired by the social critique in "Student Demonstration Time" and it gave me the courage I needed.  The Boston Globe agreed with you at first the other day, saying I started with "sometimes uninspired literalness" but soon ended up with a pleasing "repeated, retro images eventually coalesce into a tawdry, otherworldly miasma" and " images become less literal and more visionary, intensifying into hallucinatory, stroboscopic collages." So whew!

http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2014/12/11/movie-review-nova-express-never-gets-old/aONr6237hlE0O3VKtPaGwN/story.html?p1=Article_InThisSection_Bottom

But what the hell does that guy know about Pisces Brothers, am I right?

So... Vegas show, guys? Any more reviews up or are we really gonna start slicing and dicing my collected works? In which case I always thought "I Was a Teenage Beatnik!" needed more love.

Talk about a rude and uncalled for "low blow" on Ontor.

Naw, perfectly fine! I mean, I'm not a big fan of "Guardians of the Galaxy" and people went nuts for that! Taste makes very little sense and I never get worked up about my things not appealing to more than fringe folks with complicated haircuts. It's just weird that we're talking about this stuff instead of I dunno, the Soundstage thing. But I guess that was sort of her point?

So! Filming with Zooey Deschanel and Kacey whassername for it soon. That sounds like quite a lot of these songs will be cut. EXPANDED DVD PLEASE.

 :rock

Strange that there is a huge analogy as between the "I Can't Breathe" marches/demonstrations, today, and those "Vietnam War" protests in the late 60's and early 70's.  

And no one believes everything in The Boston Globe, who have been owned by the NY Times, and now the Boston Red Sox.  Their opinions are largely driven by their owners.

Pretty much this again. Thirded. Underlined. Bolded. Italicized.

It's pretty goofy to try to turn this thread into attacking MY art n' questionable hobbies, dear filledeplage --  as I'm not remotely interested in yours. No doubt there would be witty wisecracks to be made aplenty at your work, and I could do a decent attempt to reduce you to filetdeplage, but let's stick to BW, shall we? The big guy had a good night. Cheers.

Altho I must admit, I'm glad the Boston Red Sox have mixed but basically positive views of my work. Play ball!

Yes! Was out for drinks with work mates tonight and I had the song stuck in my head all through the night.

I am very excited for the NPP album.

We are in for such a treat with the new album, it should make for a lot of good chatter. Someone may also go on a Runaway Dancer vendetta... and then there's the question of all the outtakes and where they went! The alternate  versions. The Ones That Got Away From Al! I want him to mention Run, James, Run in every interview from now until they release it.

Also... question. Who were the string players at the show on PCH and Summer's Gone? Tasty cello.

The chorus melody has been stuck in my head for days. Can't wait to hear the studio version!

This, this and this again.

Be thankful, as Brian Wilson fans and as Beach Boys fans we are in for a wonderful 2015, let's enjoy it.

Yeah, I can't wait for the album! ;D

It should be a brilliant song. I just hope it doesn't get touched up too much, it has a great live sound and I hope that comes through on the studio version.

You have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. Your ignorance about music is only exceeded by your cluelessness when it comes to journalism. Perhaps you'd be best refraining from commenting on either in the future.

Wirestone - I've read the Globe daily, for many decades, and so my opinion is very well-informed.  I did not say not to believe "anything" but "everything." Some is credible and some is not. And it is a fact that it is owned by a sports team, and formerly owned by the NY Times, which was not that kind in its' review of The SMiLE Live project, as I recall.  It has not always been kind to The Beach Boys in general.

And since we live in these United States, we are protected by the First Amendment.  This is a fan-based forum and where you may not agree with my point of view, your ability to restrain the commentary is quite limited, so long as I follow the rules of this forum, as well as everyone else.

As far as my "ignorance about music" well, that is your opinion, and you're entitled to it.  It does seem that any poster who, supports "all" the members of this band, and is not factionalized and hating one particular member, for no "personal" reason becomes problematic. But, not my problem.

These type of attacks need to be stopped on this forum, they're happening way too much lately.

Still, at least the fine tradition of citing the first amendment on an internet message board is being kept alive!

What did you have, Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Shirley Temples, Smoothies, or Cool-Aid over the rocks?

About 8 pints of Guinness

Well, ontor, wasn't there a link to a review in a print media publication from The Boston Globe?

It is lovely that your one of your works, which I'm not familiar with, got print recognition. Not a problem, but that isn't BB/ BW related. Maybe it could be in another part of the forum not in this section.

That wasn't the clip that I watched which was BB/BW related and what I commented on.

Isn't the press and free speech all about the First Amendment?  

Gone now. All a bit silly really isn't it.

Oh, I was just teasing and having some fun since the whole thing was sounding pretty absurd. You seem pretty worked up about it so I'm going to do that backing away thing again and have dinner since to be honest, I care more about spicy duck salad than the first amendment. I didn't capitalize it, that's how unpatriotic I am when in need of spicy duck salad. You can have the last word now and really show 'em the true meaning of Christmas, or maybe talk about that Soundstage special some guy from some band did. C'mon, FOR CHRISTMAS. Don't ruin Christmas. Sorry to get you all riled and hope you have a good night, tho!

Well, this thread itself has turned surreal without any filmmaking involved, I must say.  Does anyone have anything more to say about the Soundstage Special perhaps who actually saw it?

Dunno, but the mere mention of duck salad has me drooling now :lol

That's Kool-Aid with a K.  :ohyeah

(I just love an excuse to use that smiley)

Enjoy your duck salad...what I really want for Christmas...(pun intended) is to see posters look objectively at every band member and look at the good stuff they brought to the table.  Is it possible?

And I'd love to have seen that show...the YouTubes looked and sounded great!   ;)

Yeah, my mouth's watering just thinking about it. I really like roast duck. Bet it's really good in a salad. And with Kool-Aid. Or a Guinness.

Didn't see it Debbie but a couple of thoughts. About 10 years ago, maybe longer, I made a couple of comments about Brian, and his band. The first was Brian should write songs for some other, perhaps younger singers. The ones who often cite him as an influence.

The second. Should Brian not be up to touring, maybe Al Jardine, having the best voice, could use the skills of Brians band. This remember was years prior to Al hooking up again with Brian.

Both these suggestions, especially Al using Brians group, were howled down. I've listened to the singer on the new song with more artists to come. Al has become a staple of a great Brian Wilson show.

I haven't hit 100% but I'm sitting here today with with a smug self satisfied look that AGD would be proud of.

[rant]


Andrew! Was it necessary to point that out? I had managed to ignore it. And I'd personally appreciate if you worded your criticism in a more civil way, whether my appreciation means anything to you or not.



If it bugs you, don't read it.


KittyKat: There's people posting on this board whose criticism you should just ignore. There's only a few of them, and claiming the whole board had become a "blueboard cubed" is an insult to the reasonable posters.

[/rant]

Now, any more opinions on the show?

I wonder how they're going to edit the ending of  "Fun, Fun, Fun." 

Kittykat, I hope you realize your talking points are weak at best. You say every opinion is equally valid - that is not the case since every statement is not automatically a correct statement.

Kittykat - Brian does not do all the leads.
Reality - Brian has NEVER done all the leads. Listen to any Beach Boys album and you will find that Brian wrote most of the songs, but that they often feature Mike or Carl as lead singers. Sometimes even Dennis and Al. Brian does not want to do all the leads, he wants others to sing his songs. During Brian's solo years he has done more leads than during his Beach Boys years (percent-wise).

Right now he is doing some of the leads in concert, when he stopped touring in the 60's he sang NONE of the leads in concert.

Kittykat - Nate Ruess is Carl because he can handle Carl leads.
Reality - Nate is NOT Carl, but he can handle Carl leads. Attacking Brian for having a competent guest singing 4 of the songs is pretty baffling. I would understand your criticism should Brian have invited someone who sucked at singing. Someone who would ruin his songs. Nate was there to sing and to give the audience thrills, not to adjust the mic.

Kittykat - Brian used cheesy girl pictures during CG.
Reality - Joe Thomas used those pictures, the same ones were used during C50. JT is the producer, not Brian.

Kittykat - Joe Thomas has a smart phone fetish.
Reality - Joe Thomas wants the released product to sound and look as good as possible. We all hope he manages to capture the spirit of the concert, because based on accounts of people who were there it was one great concert!

Sigh! :(

...Two of which aren't even Carl leads.

Even more baffling.

This whole complaint seems to come down to a guest singer doing two songs of Carl's, one of which has been given to one supporting singer or another for years.

Wibble,
Jon Blum

"Wibble"? Can't find that in the dictionary thus I don't know what it means.

I would hope that the whole YT issue is a one-time thing since it concerns a television product prior to broadcast. Hopefully that makes it a special case - with regard to this board. But when the band (in whatever manifestation) takes the show and album on the road, then it's game on with live show YT links. That's been the case throughout C50 and the shorty tour when Al and Dave set sail with Brian.

If that's no longer the case, then that would be sad (and typical of a dinosaur recording industry). Powers that be...whatevah.

You are absolutely right, Jon.

The evidence of recent releases casts serious doubt on the "sound as good as possible" part of your statement.

I agree.

This is the best ever. That setlist is the best ever. Hopefully it will be heard in its entirety by us all in not too long!

I'm really excited about the new album. Hollywood Boulevard was a great tune imo. If the remainder of the album holds up to that quality we are really in for a treat. All the titles on that setlist read more promising than most of the TWGMTR tracks.

Before today I always passed Hold On, Dear Brother, but now I realise that it's a great track. I love when I discover songs I didn't give a chance before.

I know it's impossible to recreate this type of show, but it sounds like his show is better when he deals out leads to others. After all, as has been said before, Brian never did all the leads and I still don't think it comes natural to him. GOK was sung by a guy I never heard of, but it was really good and I know that Brian was sitting right next taking part and doing the harmonies and the tag vocal. That legitimises the lead performance. Brian just has to be present for the concert to be HIM.

I'm not surprised that your thoughts were howled down...sorta par for the course on a message board...EVERYBODY knows best...and it is fun to be right.

Loved the quote in the review (link posted previously in thread above and on Brian's FB page)..."The initial announcement that he would be working with modern acts was met with mixed reaction online, but the guy who was willing to give up lead vocals on a perfect track like “God Only Knows” 50 years ago should probably be trusted to know who is best to sing his songs..."

Yeah, when it comes down to Brian's ear and my speculation about what he's doing, I find it best to go with Brian's ear...D'ya think?!  Great that you had the same thoughts as him...

 

Why edit it? Brian trashing the stage is certainly part of his new cooler persona :-D

Actually, you have no idea what you're talking about.  Those of us who have spent any decent amount of time reading the Boston Globe know that it has a strong tendency toward pandering bullshit.

.

The sound on his video productions seems to be okay usually (even the C50 BDs sound better than the live CD). I also own several episodes of his "Soundstage" on DVD and Blu-ray (and have seen a number of others on TV) and they sound great.

I wonder if Burt Bacharach will get a mention for inspiring "Saturday night on Hollywood Blvd."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kafVkPxjLYg

IIRC, Brian has said that "Love and Mercy" came from him fiddling around with another Bacharach tune, so he's nothing if not consistent!

It is the last song of the set, the big finish. Since he's the guest of honor, or host, you would think they will have to make some kind of edit to show him there without showing how he actually made his way off stage. It will be interesting to see how it is shown on the final edit. I'm not sure why they didn't figure out a better way for him to get up and out at the end. He must still have a pretty bad back problem, he couldn't get out of the chair without help.

Isn't another, similar taping scheduled to get the Deschanel and Musgraves tunes? Maybe they'll use the finale from that night instead (or at least some video footage from it).

I just heard there would be another taping -- but I don't know if that means it will be a big deal in front of an audience. I suspect they'll do a day or two of reshoots in an empty theater, and schedule Kasey and Zooey for that stretch.

Aww, isn't it cute how concerned you are? You're so concerned! In between all the blasts of venom and passive-aggressive acid. Just like you are for the advertising on this website... pure milk of human kindness stuff. Yeah, clearly his back was bothering him that day. It seemed pretty bad during rehearsals... but he managed. I'm told in the final edit he'll fly to the ceiling suspended by wires and thank his "Cousin Mike" for teaching him what a hook was and letting him help out on his Cousin Mike's masterwork, Good Vibrations.

Dunno if that song will even make it into the special, there are too many new songs and duets that seem like much better choices. What an "embarrassment of riches," as the other fella put it... I'm sure you'll be watching the special with a big smile plastered on your face. Maybe fingers digging into a pillow or white knuckling a bit, but... still... smiles, everyone! Smiles!

Ontor, you are wrong. The concert will end with everyone in Brian's band shouting/singing "Jamaica!!!".

Works for me!

Thanks for your input, Mr. Per-twat. I don't give a crap what you think. You're a smug asshole and your YouTube videos on the Beach Boys are copyright violations. F off.

What a lovely personality... ;)

Aw, I'm soooo stung. Fair use & satire issues aside, I don't monetize anything and make nothing off of silly YouTube videos, those are just for fun. In fact anything identified with a Beach Boys track is noted by YouTube and serves ads that pay the right people. I don't see a dime. And who are you to be sooo interested in copyrights over stuff that makes no money for anyone but the people that own the music? Boy, what a weird putdown to make to someone if they weren't benefiting themselves financially.

 Let's just go back to the Vegas special, ok? I feel like one of you is going to start attacking old term papers next. "You pronounce HORROR as HORRA!" "What's that got to do with Brian's show?" "Your NYU student films sucked!" "They were made out of films I found in the trash! It was just a joke! By the way, didn't Al sing great?"

And now for something completely the same... Soundstage Special. Now WITHOUT the great taste of insinuating threats and personal insults!

Gee, time for you to meditate. ( or take a board breather) Or both

Is that the deal, just a taping, but not a show? I didn't (and don't) recall. Anyway, my point would remain: they could certainly use that for footage to replace or cover up the end of Fun Fun Fun if a) Fun Fun Fun is indeed included, and b) they for whatever reason are worried about it.

As to whether to include FFF, that's an interesting question. On one hand, the setlist already proves there is more than enough great stuff to fill whatever length show they intend to air. (60 minutes? 90?) And that's before we get those additional new songs sung by (and possibly other old songs sun by) the other artists from the upcoming taping. It's not like they lack for material. But on the other hand, FFF is certainly among the top half-dozen or so Brian Wilson/Beach Boys songs and makes a great closer. I could see it either way, but maybe it depends on whether they want to give that kind of nod to that kind of fan, or whether to emphasize (in addition to the new material) some of the lesser known or more exotic material in an attempt to push harder toward "anti-greatest hits/anti-classic rock" types? I don't know.

If anyone knows for sure whether the upcoming taping is a live show w/ audience, I'd be curious.

Luther: This was the quote from way back on the thread ... seems like two weeks would be a short amount of time to set up a big new show, especially because according to his site BW doesn't have any appearances scheduled. They could have an invited audience, I suppose, as was used for the BWPS taping.


On an unrelated note, let's address some earlier concerns. If you look at the following post, it seems pretty clear the person instructing the audience at the show wasn't Joe Thomas -- but was in fact Billy Hinsche.

I was referring to overhearing Joe Thomas discuss the shoot in two weeks, not Billy Hinsche at the opening of the show. All I heard was that they were shooting those two in two weeks. No other details.

Now back to meditating...  

Ah, thanks. For some reason I was recalling a more formal announcement, but frankly it's not such a big deal to me that I'd pay so much attention, I guess. Anyway, I'd agree, if that's the case it definitely doesn't sound like it would be a typical show with a standard, paying audience. If they're going invitation-only, though, I'm available.

Especially if Ms. Musgraves needs a date.

So, Mr. Whateverhisname is is cool to attack me, but not for me to defend myself against his very nasty, very personal attacks? Okay.  I don't need to take a board breather or to meditate. Maybe you should. You seem to enjoy attacking other posters yourself.

If anyone wants to know what the old Male Ego Board was like, this board has started to turn into that.

BTW, Fun, Fun, Fun was the big finale. So, yeah, I expect it will be included. And they'll cover for the inelegant exit somehow. Even though Brian is the star of the show, supposedly.

Joe was speaking to Billy and telling him what he wanted the audience to do.
Billy was sort of Joe's interpreter.

You can very easily fade FFF out or roll the credits over it like they did WIBN without ever having to capture Brian's awkward moment. That is a super easy fix. There are other more challenging ones. such as editing WIBN to get Brian's "maybe" in there so we can have one of the best recorded lead vocals on that song in many decades.

Guessing that can easily be picked up from one of the rehearsals.  whichstarted Tuesday, tho I'm not certain when they started recording,

I think it's just as likely that they'll film other "insert segments" for any additional guests (Zooey, etc.) that could be staged totally differently, and/or a "live in studio" bit. I would tend to doubt they'll re-create the stage setting from the live show at a later date and try to pass it off as if it all happened on the same stage on the same night.

For all we know, the PBS special may be presented sort of like the old 1998 "Imagination" special with studio footage and interviews and whatnot intercut with live footage. Not my preference (separate "uncut live show" and "making of the album" bits would be preferable), but it could happen.

"Soundstage" typically is simply a live show presentation, but they could make an exception, or air this under a name other than "Soundstage." Thomas' main PBS deal is "Soundstage", but the 2012 C50 thing was presented as "In the Spotlight" or something like that.

When Brian tours next year with this album, do you think band members might take over singing leads on the new songs that feature Nate Ruess and Sebu on the album version? I'd like to see that.

They could. Though we also don't know how many of those songs they would do on a tour of the new album. There have been a lot of "whole album" tours from BW, but he might also just go the more traditional route and throw in a few new songs here and there. So some of those guest-sung songs may never be introduced to a regular setlist.

One thing that was said near the end of Billy Hinsche's talk: this is the first of many shows they're going to do at the Venetian, and I think they said they'd be for Soundstage shows.  Can't remember who it was, but he got up and talked to Billy from the seats on the side of the theatre which had the large boom camera, which is how the announcement developed.

In any case, seems likely to me this will be an all live show also, with the Zooey and others segments added on a similar set. Perhaaps even the same stage. After all, other than those of us that were there( and those that read this board)  the PBS audience won't know exactly which songs were done when/where, unless it's stated as such on the air.

I've got an inside scoop that for the 2015 M&B tour, the beverage selection will be, shall we say, enhanced. Bud Light Straw-ber-ritas and Lime-a-ritas will be made available for purchase ($18 a pop), as they fit in nicely with the "tropical" theme of Club Kokomo. Of course, regular Bud Light will still be available for all the beer connoisseurs out there who insist upon only drinking the finest.

I found his attacks on you childish and unnecessarily belligerent, but the words you threw back at him are IMHO unacceptable. You had better just report his attacks to the moderators. I don't know whether they would have stepped in, but it would have been a better way than to use swear words. IMHO.

I'm totally hooked on Saturday Night on Hollywood Blvd. It's a really great song, better than most of TWGMTR. Would be great to know more info about the song, who wrote what and when. But I guess we have to wait.

I really really like "Runaway Dancer" the most so far

The melody is stuck in my head too. :) I am sure the studio version will rock.

I thought i had postef ths before but for some reason it didn't take.

In any case...both of you (not you Micha) need to take it to PMs and leave it off the boatd.

Just found this on Blondie's facebook page:


(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/s480x480/10849936_868878533133278_573497931472692003_n.jpg?oh=6f48d71ce4fd9ef4dd692098099c6d1d&oe=54FA8E0B&__gda__=1425971596_93d2355e9b39f94469d00f028a2174f9)

Photo from rehearsals Dec. 12 at the Venetian for PBS Soundstage. Photo courtesy Mary Ann Jardine.

 :woot

Damn i hate typing on this phone. .so many errors lol

Wow, this thread sure turned into a crapshoot since my last post a couple days ago.


A thread about the most interesting show Brian has done since the BWPS shows a decade ago pretty much just turned into petty bickering and cat fights about stuff that doesn't even matter.


Kudos, forum members, you do a great job of making interesting and well-connected people want to stick around and continue posting on this forum.

That reads like Brian's doing a residency of sorts at The Venetian...

That would be some sh!t. Some good sh!t. And if Axl Rose and his band of buffoons can do it, I'd say Brian Wilson is more than up for it.



He would get all the steaks and cakes he wanted without having to leave his high rise suite.


And since you didn't flat out deny it...... WHAT DO YOU KNOW THAT WE DON'T?!

Oh, sorry!  What was said was the first of many shows by many artists to be done at the Venetian. Nothing was said about the other shows being Brian

do we know when any new shows will be taped?

I'd like to address this. I'm happy to be proven wrong and will gladly step up and admit it if I am. If I'm wrong, I'll have some questions and concerns of my own to take up.

But to the best of my knowledge no one buys advertising on this site. Anyone who posts or lurks or simply supports the site is able and always welcome to make a donation to help keep the site running and cover associated costs, this is done via the yellow "donate" icon at the top left of the screen. That icon goes direct to a PayPal account which can accept the payments. Those banner "ads" which rotate at the top right of the screen are simply image links to related websites or boards and are not offered for a fee.

But let me state again, there are no ads or advertising space for sale on this board, to the best of my knowledge. How this came to be posted as such on this board, I have no idea, but it is important for several reasons to correct it.

Second, a notion that someone has been made to feel unwelcome here. If this is the case, it would be news to me and news which would be worth following up to get to the reasons why. But as of today, I have not been made aware of someone made to feel unwelcome, and if this is the case, I'd definitely ask that the person(s) get in touch with the admins to pursue it further.

There is a difference between posters getting disgusted with the board at various times and choosing not to participate or to take a break, versus suggesting someone is being intimidated into not participating. The latter is a pretty serious issue which will be addressed. If the latter is the case, it should be addressed to the moderators privately.

Regarding Beach Boys Britain - What another board does or says is entirely their own business and the business of those who post and read there. It has no effect on what happens here, and to suggest there is a financial connection beyond anything else isn't correct. If someone from another board wants to contribute here, or vice versa, that's everyone's prerogative to donate or not to donate.

But suggesting there could be something punitive done to this board in the form of "pulling" advertising or funding...in any way, that's just not the case and couldn't be the case since no one buys advertising here.

BGAS is right regarding future Brian shows at the Venetian!

The person who mentioned it to Billy Hinsche (who was onstage at the time) was the venue manager who gave the impression that he had made a deal with Joe Thomas to do more Soundstage tapings at his venue.  Other artists for different shows.  No additional Brian shows at the Venetian were implied at all.

Thanks so much for sharing this info.  I must admit I was thrown by the idea that people were buying ads on this Board, as this was news to me.  Obviously it wasn't news at all as it appears to be untrue.  I'm afraid, from my point of view, this was one of a litany of odd comments from pretty much a single source attacking Melinda, Brian and anyone else in the line of fire.  I realize that this is common practice on message boards, sadly.  The comments appeared to me to be a blatant attempt to derail this thread that had interesting posts from a number of people plainly excited about a show they had just witnessed.  With that in mind, I chose to ignore the attacking posts.  What the motives were, I don't know, but I hope people choose to ignore such posts in the future and maybe they will just go away so that good threads can continue.

Thanks a lot for another backhanded credibility attack, Debbie Keil. A name I have to admit I only know from reading the Steven Gaines book and Nick Kent's book as well. Otherwise, I wouldn't know you, either, as you don't know me. I have about as much credibility as you do, though granted, I never knew Brian as well. I have his autograph on a copy of his autobiography and on a copy of Pet Sounds, both obtained at public signings,and that's about it.

Sorry, I did not realize that offering opinions in any thread is verboten, nor anything construed as the slightest criticism of Brian, Melinda, and Joe Thomas. I'm not sure that having Brian doing shows or albums where he minimally sings is that great of a direction for his solo career.Granted,he did give vocals to the other guys in the Beach Boys, but he is a solo act now and has been for the past fifteen years. For this Soundstage show, he (or his show producer) parceled out vocals that he used to do himself in concert, including "God Only Knows,"which was a highlight of seeing him solo, which I have seen him do about  seven times. Brian was doing solo albums where he sang as recently as his last one. He even was hired to as a solo vocalist on albums where he didn't write the songs (Disney, and most of Gershwin). So,I'm not sure what he lacks now that this latest project has so many guest vocalists, but maybe it's what he needs to do. Or needs to do to get more press attention or sales, which even folks like Paul McCartney are getting into.

I do know that he had a hard time getting off stage after "Fun, Fun, Fun," and I'm not sure how anyone who claims to care about Brian could fail to notice that and wonder if he's physically up to touring. Or that at least they should consider making adaptations to his back problem, including possibly not using a riser for his piano. Placing him in a chair with arms so he can lift himself up easier,  and perhaps using a cane or walking stick so he doesn't need someone to help him off. Or if he has to be on a riser, using a ramp instead of a step to help him get down.

Nobody ever said it was forbidden to offer opinions pr criticize Brian (for f***'s sake...just the other week some people were saying that this board was anti-Brian, pro-Mike), and it's not, but statements like this to Debbie of all people are what people generally have an issue with.

 I agree that if Brian's back problems are indeed as severe as they seem, then there should be at the very least more comfortable seating...at least something with a back to it. I seriously doubt anybody in the audience would have an issue with that. At the very least, have the mic position up a bit and maybe have the prompter raised a little...I've seen some videos were Brian looks like he has to bend a bit to reach it, and 2 hours of that would be uncomfortable for *anybody*.

Pretty sure that the set list showed Brian sang leads on at least half of the Soundstage show, which doesn't seem minimal to me.

And given that no one has seen a track list for the new record, I'm not sure how anyone can draw the conclusion that he will be minimally featured on it, either.

EXACTLY.

Brian had a padded chair with a back to it.

Okay cool...the two times I saw him, he was just sitting on a piano bench that didn't look comfortable in the least.

So, Al Jardine on Facebook posted a link to YT video from the Venetian show ...

https://www.facebook.com/aljardine

Huh...interesting...

Al will be getting a visit from 'the suits' very soon.

Actually, for the benefit of that earlier thread, if Brian's people had left those clips up on his message board and the label took action, would that classify as Brian suing himself? ;D

Nah. Al *IS* the suit. At least, according to the rave reviews of his white suit lately.....  :lol

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l6G-zJOIGBw/T8xxk2uUTQI/AAAAAAAAJXg/CcsXMGCJiEQ/s512/IMG_5404.jpg)

Ya, Hey Jude - Al rocks the white suit!  :lol

Thanks Billy.  As I said, I don't choose to reply to these attacks on pretty much anyone in general, or they will never stop.  The reply was immensely predictable, I must say.  Hope springs eternal, though.

There is really no cause for personal attacks on this board.  Debbie knows Brian better than anyone else I can think of. Board members are fortunate to have people like Debbie and Ray Lawlor contributing here. The good news is that it IS POSSIBLE to love Brian AND the Beach Boys.

.

No, not when the disks of his back have deteriorated with age. Brian is over 70 years old. If you've been around older people, you see that sitting them in the wrong type of chair not only leads to discomfort, but the risk of falls. That footage from that show appeared that Brian is at risk of falls. He's bent over, for one thing. That's why older people with his type of condition are better served with supportive, height-appropriate chairs with arms they can use to help pull themselves up. It's not so much comfort, even, as safety.

So you know the specifics of Brian's back problems?

I seem to recall reading that it's a congenital defect, which Carl shared.

Man...the quote box is all sorts screwed up. Not sure what's causing it.

Is this site related to Sony? ;D

:lol

Or, in Brian's own words…

.

That's good, but not news; and I'm always baffled when certain posters on this board pour all their life's anger over either Brian or one of the other BBoys - and over the people who don't hate them.



Maybe so, but wouldn't the chair arms be in the way when playing the piano? I know I can't play the guitar sitting in a chair with arms.

That might not be too far off the mark.  I've had a bad back forever, and in school with the low tables for the kids, and the piano, I had one of those weird looking "back chairs" (like some of the computer chairs) never had a sore back, because it takes the pressure off the spine.  And, I was more at eye-level with the kids, and not a giant towering over them. They behave much better. That was in my 20's.  

And use only bar stool height chairs, as regular height chairs give me an immediate backache. The bar stool height usually has a rung to rest your feet on.  

Kitty Kat might be on to something.  And even with some armrests (or something similar) to get some leverage to get up.  And a ramp is a really smart idea.  Those platforms are just an accident waiting to happen, on a dark stage.

Nothing worse than a bad back that is genetic.  Bad back, brilliant brain.  No one gets it all. Even Brian...

  Why even this discussion? Brian's not an invalid;  why presume he's being forced into a chair he doesn't like?
It seems obvious Brian can have whatever chair he desires and was happy. Had he not been,  I'm certain he would have traded out after the first bit of rehearsal, not waited four days
As far as the raised platform /required steps, again, that's Brian's choice! Evidently he likes being closer to eye level with Darian/Al/Blondie/the other vocalists than having to look up at them; it's BRIAN's SHOW.

bgas - I thought so, too, I first saw it, here. But sometimes people come up with a solution that wasn't thought of by some very expensive doc.  Just practical stuff that might help. Poor guy has had a bad time of it. 

Platforms?  I don't know.  Maybe some 20-something stage set designer thought it was a good idea.  I don't know. It might be pretty, but not so safe.  I watched some guys have to help him on and off the stage during C50.  Nearly any mom (or dad) who has lugged a toddler around knows a bad back.  :lol

Hmmm....   
He has back problems, yet wants to play his shows. what to do, what to do... 
He wants to be eye level with his guys...   what to do? 

 Brian AND Melinda aren't going to allow Brian to be forced into situations where he's not comfortable, it's that simple.

But nice to know there are those here that are smarter than that

No one is trying to be smarter than anyone else. Despite the very caring attention Brian got, he still suffered with a bad back, notwithstanding his great desire and will to play these shows.  No one ever knows where an idea will come along that will help solve a problem or make it less of a problem.  

Lots of people just "putting their heads together" often  come up with solutions.  

They saw him go though surgery and still the problem returned. People just care about Brian. They can't help it.  His music helped them.  And they want to maybe be of help to Brian.  

I'm not sure why Brian would want to have to depend on someone else to get him out of a chair rather than being able to do it himself. The video of "Fun, Fun, Fun" showed him needing some assistance, actually quite a bit if assistance, in order to get out of his chair and gingerly walk down a single step. A few modifications would make it easier for him to do it by himself, and to do it safely. That's all.  Nothing more than that. It's his choice.

The riser wasn't part of the stage show until the C50 tour, probably to make his presence stand out on a stage with multiple keyboard players. Before then, he was in a keyboard downstage, on the floor, facing the audience instead of the band.

Just to annoy you personally.


Rhetorical question: Who does presume that?

Brian's back (is fine). ;)

Huh, sorry; I thought you were literate

As I'm illiterate, you need to point me out the quote where someone presumes Brian is forced by someone into an uncomfy chair.

I read the thread, I saw it

Page 17.

This is so unimportant a topic - but I still can't find anybody insinuating Brian does not get the chair he wants because of the ill will of others, just that there might be better suited chairs for him in general.

And this is what the thread has devolved in to:
http://youtu.be/XnS49c9KZw8?t=1m30s (http://youtu.be/XnS49c9KZw8?t=1m30s)

About 2 and a half of them are worth reading

Hulk Hogan has a really screwed up back from all his years fake wrestling.  He had a 'cutting edge' procedure done four or five years ago that made it feel great for a few weeks, but it always came back.  Eventually other doctors clued him in that he was getting a treatment where they go in and clean up some bone spurs, and cauterize the nerves in the area.  After a couple weeks when the nerves grow back it's as bad as it was, plus your spine is now weaker with less bone in it.  He had full-out fusion surgery two years later, after doing the minimally invasive procedure a dozen times over two years.

So here's hoping that's not the same type of procedure Brian's had done, there's lots of lawsuits flying around about it, Hulk's is just the most famous. 

This is going to air April 9th, per the ESQ facebook page.

Excellent news. I wonder if there'll be any international airings? BBC4 in the UK would seem like a good fit.

Somebody should post it on Youtube, for a short time, so anyone can save it to their computers. But before, announce the time limit, just so we know & don't miss it. alright?Then wrap it.

Great idea! After all, all music should be free, right?   ::)

I'll have it up for one minute the day after it airs here

For those searching your local listings, keep in mind that different PBS stations air these types of things on different dates at different times. An “air date” usually gives a good frame of reference for the week or weekend that it will air in most markets. But some stations will sometimes take several extra weeks to air something like this (or will re-air it again within a few weeks). Folks following the “Doin’ It Again” PBS airing from back in 2012 will probably remember that different areas/stations got different air dates in some cases.

My recollection is that my local stations usually premiere episodes of things like “Soundstage” and “Austin City Limits” on weekends, so I’m not sure April 9th (a Thursday) will be the date here.

Set air date

… and from Blondie's FB page:

Here's a couple videos:

Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GGmDPtrpWE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GGmDPtrpWE) (Includes clips of: Our Prayer, Saturday Night, Runaway Dancer, Half Moon Bay, On The Island (in studio), Sail Away, Wild Honey, Sloop John B., Hold On Dear Brother, and Good Vibrations)

The Right Time:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3ZOilWHcYI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3ZOilWHcYI)

Jesus christ Carry me home...

Here's Runaway Dancer too! :)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=FgQQKnT0hv4

I'm so excited for this!

Looks like a pretty good show. 'Sloop' seems to be a bit processed for my liking though.

well, I suppose that I deceived myself in thinking that Dave would be there playing the parts he recorded in the studio, but unfortunately I do not see Dave playing on this video, so I remain deeply confused about why he is not there on a song that is billed as featuring him.

quote author=GoodVibrations33 link=topic=18540.msg505558#msg505558 date=1426644661]
Here's a couple videos:

Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GGmDPtrpWE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GGmDPtrpWE) (Includes clips of: Our Prayer, Saturday Night, Runaway Dancer, Half Moon Bay, On The Island (in studio), Sail Away, Wild Honey, Sloop John B., Hold On Dear Brother, and Good Vibrations)

The Right Time:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3ZOilWHcYI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3ZOilWHcYI)
[/quote]

These live recordings sound great. Can't wait for the official release.

Isn't it obvious? David Marks is on Team Mike Love now.... He's going to be touring with MIKE LOVE AND HIS BEECHWOOD BOYS in the near future, not BRIAN WILSON AND HIS BAND OF MORE ACTUAL BEACH BOYS.... He's got the matching baseball cap and everything.... He's turned to the dark side, "once you go black", etc. Goodbye, David Mark, enjoy your days with the traveling jukebox.




Nah, but for real, if Ricky freakin' Fataar who isn't even on the album is at this show but David Marks who IS playing on the album isn't there, that's definitely a whatthefuck moment. But outside of us weird ass freaks who actually care who's playing with Brian Wilson..... Nobody is going to give a damn that David Marks isn't at this Soundstage or whatever it's called taping.... Sad, but true! Let's all get really uppity about it, because nobody else aside from the members of the SmileySmile.net message board are going to!!!



Aside from that, I got the goosebumps during the last 1/3rd of that trailer or so, and they didn't go away until after the whole thing finished. There better be a DVD of this show, because it was obviously a very special night, with great guests and great performances. And they would rather take my money than have me download it illegally. Which I WILL be doing, unless they offer me the opportunity to give them money for it.  :)


And just so they know, Brian Wilson's people who read this board, if Brian Wilson's people who read this board don't make him do another "fuckyou, Mike Love, look at all these people who will work with Brian Wilson on his album but aren't working with Mike Love as he tours the county fair and casino circuit" album, it's going to be super disappointing. Blondie Chaplin is an ASSET. Ricky Fataar is an ASSET. Al and Matt Jardine are ASSETS. The clips of this "let's all pretend it's actually recorded live" stuff sound killer, and if you don't get 'em to play on BW2017, you'll be doing a disservice to the people who have stood in wait for the next chords, melodies, & harmonies from BDUB.



Any Brian Wilson solo album that's just a Brian Wilson solo album after this one isn't going to be able to hold a candle to what's about to be unleashed on the world.


Just keep that in mind, Brian Wilson's people who read this board.

Entirely, if sadly, true.  :)

No sadly, this place is an outlet, a form of self-help, that allows us neurotics to feel even just a modicum of what the outsiders call "normalcy".  ;D

What a day!  First blasting out Runaway Dancer and The Right Time on the car stereo on the way too and from work, then to come home and catch these videos of Brian Wilson and Friends live at the Venetian in Las Vegas -- this is all just stunningly great stuff!

Al, if you don't know the chords, you can put away your guitar! :-D Hearing this again now, I think The Right Time will not be my favorite track on NPP... :-\

Still, my favorite record store reopens on Saturday after renovation and enlargement (!), so that's going to be when I preorder NPP! :)

Creepy: Just when I had written that, I received a mail from Amazon in which they advertise all their Brian Wilson CDs... they didn't read I was planning to go to a real record store, did they? DID THEY??!? :o

Al does a good job with the vocals...considering he looks like he had never seen the lyrics before.  :)

Al came up with the lyrics on the fly right there on that stage.

Trailer really reminds me of Stars & Stripes.

In what way, other than having guest stars? Most of the guest starts were singing new music, not BB covers; other than “Hold on Dear Brother”, which regardless of who is singing it, is about a million times more inspired of a song choice and performance than hearing Toby Keith sing “Be True to Your School.”

But maybe you dig “Stars and Stripes”, so maybe the comparison is favorable.

Just seeing the two full songs and the extended “trailer” with many clips, this show and presentation looks and sounds a million miles ahead of anything to do with the “Stars and Stripes” project, even if one is inclined to not be into any of the guests. Frankly, I’d rather hear even a potentially kind of douchey guy sing “Hold on Dear Brother” with Blondie Chaplin than Brian and Al run through “Barbara Ann” (which, for all I know, is *also* on the TV special!).  :lol

The PBS Soundstage thing is looking (and sounding) much better than I had anticipated. Al sounds great. Cool to see Matt and Billy and Ike on stage. Cool to hear multiple tracks with Blondie. And, while I doubt we’ll get it on tour, I have no qualms saying that Ike and Matt singing easily trumps Foskett even in his heyday, and I say that having nothing to do with Foskett’s new band choice. I’ve been saying since 1999 that I thought Matt would work well with Brian’s band. Ike also sounds good (it sounds like we get to hear them both doing falsetto over the course of those clips), and a bit more Brian-esque (as Matt is) compared to Foskett.

If they can somehow afford both Ike and Matt on the upcoming tour, please do it!

Al sounds quite good on “The Right Time.” Yes, he’s clearly reading off the lyrics. I don’t mind. The guy still messes up “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” nearly fifty years later. It’s a new song that he probably hadn’t touched on since cutting the vocal in the studio in, for all we know, 2013.

The Soundstage show looks great, and Brian looks very comfortable on stage.
 The only quibble I have is that the vocals sound way too perfect, to the point where I was wondering how much was actually live. I guess they fixed too much in post-production for my taste. Our modern age. But I will definitely be watching.

Brian often sounds kind of flown-in or processed on the live video stuff. Most of the footage on YouTube sounds pretty normal to me, though. Al sounds great, not processed, and it looks and sounds genuinely live. All of the stuff, including the guest spots, has pretty beefy backing vocals anyway.

Al sounds really good on “The Right Time” here, less processed (whatever the processing/double tracking/mixing heard on the studio version). The guy is freaking barreling towards 73 and he still sounds like he did 30 or 40 years ago. Any of the BB camps that don’t do whatever it takes to add him on are crazy.   

Blondie looks like Darian's stoned uncle.... love it!  :afro So good to see Blondie, Ricky, Matt and Billy Hinsche and of course Al with Brian

I need to see the whole special, but other than "On the Island," it sounds like the Vegas show and rehearsals to me, not overly processed and ridiculous like the C50 live releases. Glad there aren't too many stupid audience shots either... and gee, look at all that gray hair. Remember when some people were worried about evil forces filling the place with hep young things?

Don't expect any of those making those claims before a single note was played on the stage or a single frame of the video recorded to come back and say "man, I was wrong, my bad...". Or maybe they will!  :lol

I am enjoying everything and I agree with all of the positive comments here. I will be wanting to watch this over and over again in its entirety for all the good reasons given here and simply because it's so exuberant and musically excellent. concerning Dave, his story has always been of the Lost beach boy, and to see that YouTube video and this performance without him even though we know he is on the record and is billed as a featured artist, is just another crazy chapter in his unfortunate invisibility. I wish that Brian and whatever powers that be had made a special effort to make sure he was present as an artist on the two songs that bill him as such on the upcoming album. also because this looks so great, imagine that Mike and Dave and Bruce were there, with this band, and with Matt singing, and with this vibe and production. It would be one of the best products one could have hoped for from the Beach Boys. Maybe there is still time for them to do it but not today.

One aspect of the show that was special for me to see was Brian, Al, Blondie, Ricky, and Billy lined up across the front of the stage playing music together. A lot of fans have a special affinity for that early 70's live lineup that could play the heck out of a live show, and bringing those musicians back together in 2014 was a pretty special thing. Having Blondie there especially, man the guy just brings it every time he plays live and it's wonderful to see him there, and with Ricky on drums...that's the good stuff.

Ahh... After being disappointed by production of the studio version of "The Right Time,"  I assumed I would like it more live.  This will be my definitive version of that song.  (Although, I still think it is need more verse and less chorus.)

I'm looking forward to having a nice recording of a recent performance of Blondie doing Wild Honey, as well!

I haven't read or contributed to these movie and Stoundstage and Pier Pressure threads because I saw the 'spoiler alert' and want to be surprised.

I did see the Vegas clip though and was pleasantly surprised with Blondie and Ricky being there for Wild Honey & Hold On Dear Brother. I'm really happy that Brian recognizes these guys and is bringing Blondie and Ricky back into the fold, albeit temporarily. I wonder who's idea it was to do that. I really hope they do "Hold On Dear Brother" this Summer when Brian tours. The song really brings back memories of playing the CT&T album in the 70's, a time when Brian was really out of commission. It was really Carl's idea to bring Blondie and Ricky on board after Al saw them play. So I wonder if it was Al's idea (or Foskett) to bring them back one more time. Good for Brian on this move!!

Is Soundstage being carried in the Atlanta area? I can't find a listing for them on GPB's website, which is the only PBS outlet I can get (the cable co. doesn't carry the second PBS channel).

Oh, well, there's always the DVD releases....

I’ve assumed (perhaps wrongly) that most PBS affiliates carry “Soundstage.” It appears the show may not be currently airing a “season” of the show, so there may not be any listings for the show on any program listings just yet.

I may have also seen somewhere that the Brian episode is a “Soundstage Special” or something along those lines, so it may not even be a “regular” episode of the series, and if it goes under an alternate title like that, may not appear under the normal “Soundstage” series listings.

I pretty much just keep a BB and “Brian Wilson” search going on my box to look out for this stuff. If it’s like the 2012 “Doin’ it Again” thing, it will air on all sorts of different days and times around the country.

A good idea may be to contact your local area's PBS station and ask them when the Soundstage will be broadcast. I'm pretty sure that's one of the series that gets picked up by almost all PBS outlets, but as mentioned it's up to each station when they decide to actually air it. Also, if a local station may not have plans to air it for whatever reasons, if they get viewers calling in asking about it, they'd see a demand and possibly make plans to add it to the schedule.

Note: I got that tip from watching Bob Ross' "Joy Of Painting" years ago when he'd say "call your local PBS station and tell them you'd like to see more of our shows" or something like that.  ;D

Wow, the Professor agrees, big time. We all love Billy so much. That Nate guy, whom I had never heard of before, is singing up a storm. This may be a Grammy winning album.

Sometimes things just don’t work out timing wise. Last Nov / Dec, David and I went on a month long trip around the world to celebrate our 15 year wedding anniversary. I believe we were in Thailand when the special was filmed. 

Carrie,

Thanks for the info!  I hope that will help settle some of the odder posts that assume every inclusion/exclusion is some sort of political statement.

Thank you for commenting Carrie. You know the professor is somewhat urgently protective of Dave as an artist and as a historical figure. As long as he is happy with his work and his art and his varied relations with his BB brothers, then I can rest content. One cannot but hope, however, for as much just accolade and proper celebration of Dave as is possible. I would love to see him play that song live with Brian and Al at some point and for the fans to know it was a collaborative artistic effort by three BB.

Not to go off topic, but the Professor was once a professor at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, in 1987-88 so he knows Thailand well. I hope you enjoyed the deep spirituality of the many temples.  We all here have seen some of those photos, including Dave at what I recognize to Sanam Luang at Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha.

Thank you for commenting and updating us on "the great David Marks," whom so many of us cherish in the BB universe. I will continue to dream of more BB unity and more of Dave playing with any and all of his fellow BB, as he is clearly planning with Mike and Bruce in some upcoming shows.

I'm amazed you didn't interrupt your anniversary celebration to fly back and be part of the special

By the way, congrats on 15 years!

I think the album credits Dave on the tracks he plays on. He actually gets a billing on the track title itself (e.g. “The Right Time (featuring Al Jardine & David Marks)), which most musicians who play on Brian’s tracks certainly don’t get. I feel like he’s getting ample credit on the track for having played guitar on it. I’m sure they want to connote the Beach Boys connections where they are present on the album, but it’s still a nice credit I think. In fact, when I purchased the track on Amazon, they actually left Al’s name off of it. It read “The Right Time (featuring David Marks).”

I think Dave has received an appropriate amount of mentions and credits for the new album. I don’t think they need to mention Dave played guitar on the studio recording when they perform the song live and Dave isn’t there. I actually wouldn’t be super surprised if Brian ends up tackling one or two of the “duet” songs on his upcoming tour by himself. I’d be intrigued if Brian does “Runaway Dancer” for instance on his upcoming tour on his own.

I dig Dave, he’s a cool guy and was an awesome part of C50. I’m not trying to say one negative word about him. But I think fans have been given more than ample indication of his contributions to Brian’s new album.

Loved the trailers - thanks to everyone who shared them - truly gorgeous.  The raves posted here by those in the audience back in Dec are coming to life.  As to those of you bitching about whatever personal obsession you have, I'm wishing you the peace of mind to just enjoy a real gift.  Like over 50 years of gifts and still counting...

I did find it on my local station listings and will be seeing it, thank heavens.  Best to go on your local PBS station website and search Soundstage if you have a problem finding it.

Trailer was outtasight. Can't wait for the whole thing. Blondie for mayor!

Well hot damn, ain't that something ?  ;D  Major props to Nate for having the titanium balls to sing "HO,DB" with the original vocalist within arms length. And nail it.

That whole trailer was pretty mind blowing, from Our Prayer through Good Vibrations.

It all sounded so good.


Can't wait to see/hear the whole Soundstage special, AND hear what future Brian Wilson collaborations we have in store.


Hearing Blondie/Brian/Al trade off parts in just that small little part of the video shows how much those 3 complement each other. AND to have Ricky Fataar there playing his tunes.


Can't call this a good time to be a Beach Boys fan, but it sure as hell is likely the best time to be a Brian Wilson fan since the mid-1960s.....


Mazel tov, Mr. Wilson & co.!

Carrie. Any truth to this story from yesterday stating Dave will be touring with Brian from June? Its the only time his name has been listed.

http://www.sgvtribune.com/arts-and-entertainment/20150318/steve-smith-las-brian-fest-celebrates-beach-boy-brian-wilson

In June, Wilson with Jardine, Marks and Chaplin in tow, will embark on a 17-date summer tour that includes a June 19 stop at Humphrey’s in San Diego and June 20 at L.A.’s Greek Theatre. Opening for Wilson will be folkie Rodriguez, the topic of the Oscar-winning documentary, “Looking for Sugarman,” who recorded a couple critically acclaimed LPs in the ‘70s and then vanished.

Waiting...  :-D

The only thing I didn't like about the trailer was the utterly insipid vocal by Deschanel. Far too ikkle girly, especially in such august company. Bleh.

Otherwise... well oh my oh gosh oh gee.  ;D

Amen, St Andrew. I had that bit of poison in my head all last night.  Her posture and mien were sickeningly cute and solipsistic.

One of the big criticisms of Deschanel’s music is that her voice is very average, and it’s the whole package (the look, the inflection, the “whimsy”) that attracts people to it. This clip reinforces that. It’s a kind of bland, but totally on-key, performance. She has a pleasant voice. But it’s the whimsical, retro nature of the whole thing that probably attracts people to it.

This clip probably makes things worse because she does give the visual impression to me that she’s kind of bored. She probably isn’t, but it kind of seems that way. It also appears they are either lip-syncing to the finished take or that they used different recording footage compared to what’s actually on the recording.

Did we see the same trailer?  Zooey was note perfect - the way Brian likes it - had the Jobim jazz thing down and she's beautiful. The visuals? - She looked like she was singing into a microphone in a recording studio to me. ;-)  That struck me as consistent with portraying the idea of recording a song for NPP for the trailer since she wasn't at the live show.  I'm unclear what the problem is.  I happen to love the song, too.  Ah, we all have our opinions.

I love the sound of it and BW needed to be doin' some more bossa nova anyway. Accept the bangs!

Everyone looks and sound GREAT in this clip...can't wait for the whole special! Wish we had David on it...and Mike...and Bruce  :lol

Yep, the bangs ruin everything, just like that L&M green truck that was so devastating.  While I'm way too old for sickeningly cute, I have been watching the trailer repeatedly to practice my solipsistic posture, though.  I'll let everyone know how that goes.

*cough* Julie London
*cough* Astrud Gilberto

Give them a spin and you'll hear where the style is coming from. Especially Astrud singing Jobim.

 *cough*  :)

Me too. Perhaps trying to find fault with something for the sake of finding fault and telling everyone about it? This board deals in that too often.  ;D

(http://i.imgur.com/9flyrgm.gif)

D'ya think, GF?!  Nah, not here!;-)

There is sometimes a fine line between solipsism and priapism.   :smokin

 :thumbsup  :lol

Haha, never here, no way...

Bangs...seriously?

As a huge fan of Nate Reuss, I must say it feels almost unreal to hear them singing together. Considering Nate's been talking about how much Brian has influenced him for the last decade or so, I'm sure the feeling is the same for him.

Why do we always have to be extra positive about everything Brian related?  There's NOTHING wrong with people not liking the Zooey clip.  It has nothing to do with with trying to find a fault in it, but of course a mod of all people had to bring that up.

Yes, let's be extra negative. That's so much more pleasant.

Here's the thing, nobody is being negative.  A couple people said they're liking everything about the Soundstage special so far, except the Zoey part.  Why do we have to criticize them for that?

Blossom Dearie was the best in that style. ZdC is cute like Betty Boop cute, but she aint in the class of Blossom nor of the others our leader mentioned. The song will be like TPLOBAS for me: if I am near the device I will skip it; if not I'll just bop along blithely until the next song comes on.

You're mixing up the genres and styles, I think. Astrud pretty much wrote the rulebook on singing Bossa Nova, and ironically the Jobim tunes that became the big hits and started the "craze" in the 60's were the first time she had sung professionally.

Julie London was very, very influential on Jobim and how he and fellow Brazilian musicians basically formed the Bossa Nova style and template. Her album Julie Is Her Name and to a lesser degree its follow-up vol. 2 influenced guitarists like Jobim who heard Barney Kessel's complex chord work as well as the way his guitar acted as percussion in a drum-less and piano-less backing band. It was Julie, guitar, and bass, and what piano and drums would usually do fell on Barney and the bass to fill those roles. Specifically, though, Barney's jazz chords blew Jobim away, and if you listen to his compositions, you can hear a direct influence in how and what Jobim wrote and played that became Bossa Nova as millions embraced it commercially.

Julie London's vocal delivery was *very* laid back, very quiet and breathy delivery, and sometimes barely a whisper. She delivered phrases a certain way, very much in line with what would be called West Coast Cool or even Beatnick Jazz as a deep sub-genre.

Her vocals on the "Name" albums also had a direct influence on the way Jobim's music was sung, specifically the major hits sung by Astrud Gilberto and even the sax playing of Stan Getz on other Jobim hits, to a point where some notes Getz played could be so quiet they were more breath than note.

I know Blossom Dearie's music, I love some of those modern singers like Katherine Whalen who show a deep influence in that style, but it is not Bossa Nova and it is not - in fact I'd say nowhere near - the style we hear Zooey using on "Island".

For all the comments about that style, it's important to note where that style is coming from and why it's being heard on what is a Bossa Nova tune from Brian Wilson. It's as spot-on for that specific Gilberto-London sound as such a track may call for to work in that style.

And it works terrifically and is a great nod to the classic Bossa style that most Americans in the 60's were familiar with. Of course that's just my opinion.

You should be positive in life, in general, as much as possible. 

If you don't like something like, oh, music (which by nature is usually joyous) or, oh, a beautiful woman like Zooey, perhaps the problem is you.

Obviously you missed the point I was making.

Don't sweat it, I forgive you :)


Man, Al looks so friekin' awesome in the preview.  Here, I'll describe my thoughts on the general appearance of both men in the preview video.  By the way, to clarify, I am a heterosexual male, lol.


"Oh sh*t!  Look how cool Al looks!  He's sitll wearing that same damn white suit from 40 years ago and it still looks cool somehow.  I know a lot of weirdos would say his suit is 40 years out of date but he's wearing it like a champ because he IS a champ!

Damn!  After watching Al, when they cut over to Brian's head behind the piano, he looks healthy as hell!  I think it's because Al's so wrinkled, and maybe since Brian's heavier all the collagen makes his face look younger, but damn he's tanned, smiling, maybe he's still going to be with us for a good while making music!  Man, he's so cool!

Back to Al and that great white suit.  Now he's pointing at the crowd like Mike does, but instead of being creepy it looks kinda cool.  If Mike's your creepy uncle Al's more like your fantastically rich uncle who only shows up at family reunions and lives in the Bahamas. 

Back to Brian.  I wonder if he just smiles when he sees the camera looking at him, or if he's really having a good time?  Either way, man he looks great!  Go Brian!"

I don't know if I'm going to be able to stand watching this whole fucking show.  I'll probably pause and start it so many times it'll take a day and half to see the whole thing.

Rest of the track & Brian's vocals were fine. Just that, IMHO, Deschanel's vocal - which was indeed technically fine - was too insipid for my tastes. I don't do ickkle girly singers, is all. Hearing the track in isolation on the album might change my mind, but in that particular context, it was incongruous. And as others have stated, she looked bored as hell.

Well that's me told and no mistake. I voiced my honest opinion. As for finding fault for the sake of it and telling everyone about it... I think others have that particular rancid market cornered. Oddly, the mods never slap their hands over it.

Given my immense and increasing age, I'm well-versed in these singers, thanks. The difference is that London could sing and Gilberto had an indefinable gauche charm. I've checked out some other Deschanel stuff. Insipid imitation. Bleh.

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnndddddd... done. It's entirely possible that I'll not be able to make any reasonable comments on the album version anyway, given the current (and possibly lasting) ridiculous state of my hearing. An increasingly deaf Beach Boys fan - fucking hilarious, ain't it ?

Rather than looking at her in a "she seems bored" way, look at it like she's "on the island" and she's so freakin' relaxed that she's almost falling asleep. Brian and her just shared one of the fattest doobies. The cigarette burn on the living room table is a marijuana cigarette.


What doesn't make a lick of sense though is why the "On The Island" footage that's obviously recording studio footage is there in the middle of a video promoting a LIVE AND IN CONCERT!!! television special....


They could have at least faked it. Gotten her to perform at a later date on the same stage, interspersed with shots of the audience when there actually was one....


But hey, if that non-live footage of that "very pretty girl" is the low point in this upcoming special, we've got solid gold on our hands.


Blondie Chaplin, Ricky Fataar, Billy Hinsche, and Alan Jardine performing on the same stage as Brian Wilson in 2015? Shoot me out of a cannon into the sun, I must be dreaming.

The “Soundstage” special looks f***in’ awesome, about ten times better than I expected, and we’ve only seen two full songs and a four minute trailer. To objective point out why some might not be superfans of Zooey Deschanel’s bit is not a terribly “negative” outlook. I don’t even dislike her performance. It seemed fine. I don’t want to start a s**tstorm by actually voicing a potentially negative opinion about a song or two on this album, but “On the Island” as a song doesn’t sound terribly interesting to me. Zooey Deschanel’s voice isn’t less interesting than the song itself, and therein may lie why some folks might come away with a sort of “meh” attitude about that one little clip. Some people aren’t super into the tropical, bossa nova sort of thing.

I’ve heard some of her other stuff, and none of it sounded bad. Her cover of “Christmas Day” was charming. I think there was some other “She & Him” stuff I heard that sounded better than anything BB-related she’s done. I have a recollection of hearing some stuff from one of those albums and it sounded a little more groovy and interesting, a bit of a hippy late 60’s vibe.

Deschanel stands there a little bit stiff, but I like her singing anyway. I haven't paid attention to what and how she usually sings, though.

Great live version of The Right Time! Works much better for me sans the Adult Contemporary 90s production touches.

As I said, we all have our opinions.  "Insipid" is not a term that I would apply to Zooey Deschanel on any level, even if a person doesn't like her demeanor or appearance in this particular video.  I personally love the Jobim style and I thought Zooey really nailed it.  As far as my further comments that clearly weren't referring to your post, I did find the attack on this beautiful young woman's appearance so over-the-top that it was absurd, so I had a little fun with it, as did GF.  The woman is being attacked for being "cute?"  That makes no sense to me, and feels a bit sexist, to be honest.   

She can come over and sing at my house anytime!  I'll be happy staring at her for hours...

Keep in mind that Ontor said "Accept the bangs" not "Except the bangs" -- nobody on this thread has complained about bangs.

And for the record, I think she sounds great.

Fair enough, but bossa nova has nothing to do with tropical.  In this case, the lyrics give the song a tropical vibe because the singer is 'on the island'.  Other posters have said, "I'm not into that Jimmy Buffet, Private Life of Bill and Sue type of music, while referring to "On The Island".  Not the same thing at all.  I've never heard anybody say that they don't like "Busy Doin' Nothin'" because they don't like Jimmy Buffet style island music.    :shrug

I think that's just getting bogged down by the semantics of what a technical definition of a genre of music is or might be. Tropical and Bossa Nova are of course two separate things. If one likes neither, they may not like "On the Island." I can see how someone who doesn't like "Bill and Sue" might not like "On the Island" or "Busy Doin' Nothin'", regardless of the semantics of whether they fall under the same style or genre. They have enough similarities to elicit a similar response based on some folks' tastes.

Yes,  know -  was joking with Ontor, which obviously didn't come across.  I know Ontor was kidding.  We all remember Michelle Obama's bangs.  You'd think she had made a change in domestic policy.  She changed a hairstyle.  It's all so weird.

Brian will rename the album No Pier Posture.

...and another video is released - this time for Wild Honey! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pF9k3I1sQSE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pF9k3I1sQSE)

Classy performance!

Stellar!

Great stuff! A real highlight of that night. Blondie/Ricky/Billy! Fantastic. One tiny minor quibble: let Darian do the solo on keys, Mertens' horn doesn't work as well.

Faneffintastic, man. What an incredible band that team Brian has put together once again! Five whole whoots goin' down on this one, baby!  :woot :woot :woot :woot :woot

If I'm guilty of doing anything it's trying to share some of my thoughts on a specific style and genre of music that I love, and suggest that some of the opinions and comparisons to other artists might not be accurate or applicable based on the premise. I am a fan of Bossa Nova, especially from the early to mid 60's. I have collected Bossa Nova vinyl, CD's, box sets, etc for several decades and I simply enjoy the music. Keep in mind this is music that for years going back to the 60's was derided and almost dismissed as "easy listening" or "elevator music", yet there were fans of it who ignored all that and simply enjoyed it because it struck a chord. Call it a sub-genre? Call it whatever, but if you're into it, you know the elements of those records and you like to hear them a certain way.

Some might not like the style, that's fine. Some might not like a certain song or performer, that's fine.

But what if a Beach Boys fan here were to play something like Wonderful for a non-fan, and that fan starts bashing it by saying the vocal sounds like Wooly Bully or something similarly disconnected. Many would probably debate that basis of the criticism rather strongly, right? It's the new listeners right to like or not like, but to base a critique on a vocal sounding like Wooly Bully that objectively or subjectively sounds nothing like Wooly Bully to that person who played Wonderful, they'd naturally disagree.

So when I hear Zooey's vocal on the various clips, I hear a very authentic vocal style and delivery that can be heard on many Bossa Nova records. And in some of those records, a style which goes back to Julie London in the mid 50's.

***Listen to Astrud Gilberto from the 60's. Specifically the songs she recorded with Brazilian organist Walter Wanderley, specifically when she sang Jobim with Stan Getz, etc. ***

From what I heard on the clips, Zooey is simply *nailing* that sound, tone, and delivery in her vocal on Brian's Bossa Nova track. Not just that, but the instrumental backing is very authentic to those records I mentioned.

So I see comments comparing it to Blossom Dearie, to me it's linking Wonderful to Wooly Bully. They're simply two different styles. I read comments comparing it to Jimmy Buffett and his brand of tropical music, they're two entirely different styles and sounds. I read comments about Zooey's girly voice and delivery, whatever the case, yet she is singing almost *exactly* the same way as Gilberto and with a damn near perfect emulation of Astrud Gilberto on those classic records from the 60's, and Astrud was the female voice of Bossa Nova for many listeners in that era.

So *I* think it's cool to hear someone doing that very specific vocal sound on an authentic Bossa Nova song and instrumental sound in 2015. It strikes a chord with me. And from how that vocal sounds, I'm guessing Zooey and I may have some of the same 60's vinyl albums in our collections, specifically the Gilberto records. Brian is already known to not only be a fan of Bossa but also be able to apply it very authentically to his own music going back to 1968. And my debate in this case was seeing criticisms whose premise seemed unrelated to what's actually going on in the recording, and where those sounds are coming from.

And if someone gets a chance to hear some of the original recordings I mentioned, I'd hope they'd do so, and maybe the way I commented about them would have more context than what it's being given here based on the reactions.

I do have opinions, and I can voice them as well speaking as a fan. And I will continue to do so.  :)

Agreed! This sounds flippin great. I'm really hoping they release a CD of this concert!

I can't wait to see the soundstage special! ;D