The Smiley Smile Message Board

In the 1970s did he side with either faction? Or did he pretty much stay out of it.

I'd have to guess he had a Carl bias, even after the divorce.

My distinct impression over the years I've known Billy is that he's firmly on the Wilson side of the fence, more so since he got kicked out of the band in the late 90s.

Thanks. Did he have a say in anything concerning the Beach Boys? A vote or whatever?

I don't think so.
He did a nice solo 45 though, released August 1971 on the Reprise label (1030):
Music is Freedom (co-written by Jack Rieley) b/w Don't Know Why - no BB involvement.

Interesting that he was "kicked out", my guess is there must have been a vote to do that..with Al, Mike, and Carl voting.  I would guess that would have been a 2-1 vote?  I wonder what that vote was like. I have to believe Al was the 1 since Billy ended up playing with him not long after and continues to do so. Would Carl stand by and let his ex brother in law/good friend get fired????

When did he get fired? If it was after Carl's death, its possible that Bruce and Mike voted Al down.

Bruce has no vote, although Brian does, in BRI matters. Not sure how that extends to issues of backing musicians for tours.   My memory, however, is that Billy was gone prior to Carl's passing.  I could be mistaken.

Before Carl's passing because I saw them in spring 1996 and both Billy and Eddie Carter were gone by then.