The Smiley Smile Message Board

After reading the Pitchfork inteview, it made me realise how disappointing it could be to meet or talk with BW if you're a fan. Conversely it could probably be a great experience, but definitely a gamble I would say.

So has anyone here, talked, met or even interviewed him and if so, how did it go?

Twice in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The first time was freaking amazing. It was after the Smile show in Philly and for some reason he was so on that night! We got some pictures together and even though we didn't talk a whole lot, I was so taken aback by his presence! I just remember being shocked how really blue his eyes are. Second time was later that year with the Katrina calls. I remember I had just gotten done playing a Doors album when he called. I just remember being in panic mode that this was Brian Wilson on the phone. I asked some stupid question I probably already knew and he thanked me a billion times for the collage box I gave him when I met him the first time. I was so excited he called, immediately after I got the call, I called my dad from work to tell him. My dad was all like "why would Brian Wilson ever call you?" and then he found out why later.  Third time in 2006 was cool because he remembered me but I was so distracted talking to other people that night. 2007 had to be the worst because he was SO out of it! Jeff got him to come over to where me and my mom were, but he just looked so sad.

I could attend a meet&greet after the March 2004 SMiLE-show in Amsterdam. I offered him two items to sign (one being the SMiLE programme of course) but he stammered: 'no, just the one, please', but not in any unfriendly way. We shook hands, his turned out to feel clammy and cold (which is natural after such a show). His face was quite pale, but he looked good in general. Because he was sitting on quite a low stool at a table, he actually seemed to be small (which was intimidating for me!). We exchanged a few lines. The photo, taken by another attendee, misfired totally, so I only have a very cherished memory.

Brian is a very spacey guy. There are points where he will say some god damned clever things, but I think he's very socially awkward. It's tough being a hero, and pretty easy to disappoint people.

Met Brian first in 1985, and many times since then, in varying situations. If he's comfortable, he's great company, and one of the funniest guys on earth. Peversely, he's probably least comfortable during the post-gig meet-and-greets, and it shows.

Andrew, were you at that BBs Britain convention in 1988? I recall Q Magazine running a news story then that left me flabbergasted... there was a decent BBs tribute band at work, a technical glitch was announced, pause, curtain fell, then was lifted again, and there was Brian behind an electrical piano. First sighting of the recuperated legend after all those years... must've been magical.

Likewise during the Q/A portion on the yahoo live performance linked in another topic. He was stammering, and looked like he was nervous. Not because of mental illness but rather extreme shyness. Interview wise he varies, but during the Rolling Stone interview he apparently was much more relaxed.

I was there, and one of maybe six people who knew what was going to happen. As the NME memorably had it, "when the curtain lifted again, the silence was broken only by the sound of 300 jaws simultaneously hitting the floor".

Damn, I wish I'd written that.

The place then proceeded to go bananas for fifteen minutes. Guess who else was there that day, but was too shy to go up and meet Brian ? Hint - big hair.  ;D

Sahanaja. That's so funny that he was too shy, since we know what happened later...

These are great stories - thanks for sharing

I was at the Stomp convention in 1988, funny thing was I only found out about it the day before and almost wasnt going to go, but decided last minute to do it - I would have been sick if I had missed it. it's true that the curtain opened and everyone in the room thought "who is that person who looks JUST like Brian Wilson but cant be" and then the place went ballistic for, yeah, probably at least 10 minutes - Brian played "Surfer Girl" "Night Time" and (I think) "Love and Mercy" just him playing Sean McCreavys DX7 (which I later offered him my car for, turns out he didnt need an old Datsun!)and then signed autographs for everyone, My turn came, completely surreal, I had a promo poster from the BW '88 album, I said "Hi Brian, My Name is Tony (which he signed to me) I shook his hand said thanks and moved on. fortunately My Dad was there and organised someone to take my picture at the time (A guy named Ken, who if you are reading this, thanks again!) I was a skinny 18 year old with a Stripe shirt on, BW, was wearing a red Hawaiian Shirt, White Pants.

the poster he signed now resides, framed on the wall in my studio, cant believe that its 20 years! good memories.

Can we change identities now?

I went to a tiny ESQ convention in San Diego in about 1991. Brian surprised everybody by showing up (with Landy).  I bought a nice little print of the SMiLE cover and he inscribed it for me, and it's beautifully matted and framed in my entrance hall, where I smile at it every day.

I shook his hand and told him that I thought his 1988 solo album was the best album of the eighties.  He got a serious look and pulled me closer to repeat that to his good ear.  When he got the comment, he looked stunned by it, and said "My album?  WOW, Thanks!"

Whatever album he puts out, whatever show he does, I'll be there to support it. It's impossible to say "thank you" to that guy enough times.

Really awesome stories guys, keep them coming!

Brian Wilson once came to me in a dream. He whispered in my ear: there's a life after this one. I already have booked Western & Gold Star for many, many sessions; and I'm planning to draw in Carl, Denny and the rest there. So: there's no real need to worry. All we all need is a little bit of patience. That, and a good vinyl turntable.

I met the Beach Boys for the first time (Bruce, not Glen) in the summer of 1965.  I never had any contact with Brian until 2000.

The PS Tour came to Minneapolis on September 14th of that year.  I was at the venue early just to see what I could see and etc...  Most of the band arrived earlier but Brian, Melinda and Jeff got there at 4:15.  Jeff assured the few of us there that Brian would be available for autographs later.

After sound check, about 6:15, Jeff and Brian emerged and spent 20 or so minutes walking/jogging through a wooded area on the campus of the University of Minnessota.  There were 8 people (only) waiting for Brian to have something signed.

During the course of this 'contact' Brian only...grunted...when some question or comment was directed his way.  It really seemed like it was the best he could do, not something intentional.

I was the last person and asked Brian to sign my David Leaf book.  When he took about ten seconds to do so I thought..."Great, I'm getting a full signature, not just the famous Brian squibble"!  Once they were gone I looked and saw tha Brian had taken that time to write a shakey "BW" in my book.

I knew I'd be telling this story from time to time during the rest of my life so I thought about this carefully.  Hypothetically, if I had asked Brian if he were in Minneapolis or on Pluto I don't think he would have been known what to answer.

90 minutes later he put on a very good show.  No signs of any disfunction at all.  AGD and others have talked about this kind of scenario before and that is if he doesn't feel comfortable in a situation then Brian withdraws.  This was early in his tourning career and undoubtly (mostly) the case.  But boy!!!  The experience sort of rattled me at the time and certainly affected how I watched the concert (which again, was great for Brian 2000).

GLarson432 wrote:

Hypothetically, if I had asked Brian if he were in Minneapolis or on Pluto I don't think he would have been known what to answer.

...didn't you know that Pluto's too far to see?

I think Brian should have about 10 women around him constantly wherever he goes.

That's when he's most chilled...with the ladies.

It would be quite easy, you could get 200 volunteers from the blueboard

And probably a few of the guys, too :D

The STOMP convention in 88.. (TWENTY YEARS !!!??)
I was there, two rows back from the stage ( a very nice,slightly balding chap* sat just in front and I noticed a cassette recorder in his bag 'ready to go'.. something was going to happen.. surely he was'nt recording Mr Rivers and friends?)
Tech hitch curtains close... a few fingers (THE Fingers) hit a few keyboard keys..silence....   ..curtains pull back as keyboard plays (Surfer Girl I think was the song)..   My only thoughts were 'my god I can tell everyone I 've met Brian Wilson from now on !!!'.

He did three songs , S.G, N.T and L&M (w/ extra 'praying to ' verse)
There is a video of the event somewhere so I won't comment on Brians movements as such but we now know the cause which has long gone.

Great day.. I subsequently met ( in 1989) via work, another fan (still friends today) . Probably by our third conversation things turned to music -- B.W/Beach Boys - was I brave to admit I attend conventions? Only after realising what a real fan he was (i.e. he'd done Brighton early 70's, Knebworth etc) and what do you know?.. he too was there in '88!  BUT.. left early and missed Brian !!!

Ofcourse I still have my signed 'Brian Wilson' poster.
*Sorry Mr G.H  if your reading

Hey GLarson432. Any memory of the 65 BB meeting?

Maybe not many of us around at the time. Other posters early 60s Beach Boys memories would be appreciated.

 

Like some others on here, I was fortunate to meet Brian at the Stomp Convention in 1988. Since then, and owing to a long standing friendship with a member of Brian's band, I have met him several times but probably the most memorable would have to be the 25 January 2002 Pet Sounds concert at the Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow.

I managed to get eight of us into the sound check that afternoon, sitting in the same row, but spread out near the wings, as Melinda and a couple of sound engineers. We were asked quite forcefully before we entered the hall to refrain from staring at Brian, as this was liable to freak him out :o. Of course, that proved impossible, as nobody could tear their eyes away from him. He sat there behind his keyboards, dressed in the mightiest padded jacket we'd ever seen, and sporting huge wrap-around sunglasses. For the best part of 45 minutes he ran through about half of Pet Sounds, but seemed to spend a disproportionate amount of time on "Friends", where he struggled with the high notes until Melinda finally suggested that he should try it in a lower key.

After this, I got invited to the band's pre-gig dinner which, given the occasion, gave everyone the opportunity of sampling traditional haggis, 'neeps and tatties. Most went for it, but Nick Walusko bottled out and had mackerel instead. Jeff, on the other hand, had two portions of each course and growled like a pit bull if anyone (er, like me) approached him for a photograph. Brian decided that he would have dinner in his dressing room whilst having a massage, so he left early. Which was probably a good thing, as there was a definite atmosphere in the room.

I found out from Andy Paley that this had to do with their previous show a couple of nights earlier in Berlin, where the band had arrived wearily on the morning and had mostly gone to bed for some rest. The caterers had laid out a sumptuous buffet in a room at the venue, and Brian, who obviously had different sleep patterns to the rest of them, stumbled upon it and seemingly scoffed the lot ;D The others were not happy bunnies when they arrived hungry that afternoon for the sound check.

The show at Glasgow was phenomenal, and quite colourful too, as many Scots had turned out in fancy dress for the celebration of their bard. Brian kept his enormous parka on during the meet and greet afterwards and as I sat next to him I said "Who have you come as - Eskimo Nell?" There was the briefest of pauses then he just erupted in laughter, very genuine and very warm. He met many fans that night and was the happiest and most comfortable that I can remember. Very different to the next time, which was Newcastle on March 6 2004 during the Smile tour.

Nice to see you on here Peter!! I know which band member you are talking about by the way  ;)

I heard that as well (about Glasgow). Wish I'd been there. Instead I went to Newcastle... darn, those bodyguards were terrible, a very tense atmosphere. On top of that Brian wasn't feeling very well. We heard that the afternoon before the concert when I was at the SMiLE-party at the Pet Sounds Shop. That explained that the 1st part of the concert that evening was a bit shorter than usual.
Got backstage afterwards. Still a very awkward atmosphere, with nervous and unfriendly bodyguards. We were divided in 2 groups for the signing, unfortunately I was in the 2nd... after the 1st, Brian decided it was enough and left. Vibrations were apparently not that good for him... So far my "meeting" with Brian. But I must mention that meeting the band was a great thing as well. Several of them (Hines, Foskett, Gregory) attended the SMiLE-party, John P. introduced us to Jeff, telling him we (I was there together with a friend of mine) were the Dutch freaks.... ehm and - yes - we were then.  ;D   Good memories...
O, and I got an autograph from VDP so that was cool. Which means my SMiLE tourbook has every single autograph, except for BW's...

... which he was still wearing days later in London and when accosted by some fans while out for a walk, explained why.

Fan: Hey Brian, how are you ?

BDW: I'm fucking freezing !

Didn't meet Brian but did interact with him, just a little.

I was in the 4th row for the SMiLE gig in Portsmouth in August 2004. And I had a pretty darned big camera. I also knew 90% of the words to the SMiLE songs.

I didn't want to freak Brian out with the camera so during the first half of the show I used it sparingly, as he visibly got a lot more comfortable as the first half of the show proceeded.

I did notice that every time I lifted it to my eye he seemed to actually lighten up. During the SMiLE set I took quite a lot of photos (though not during the quiet parts, my mechanical camera is a little noisy) and mouthed the words to the songs. Brian spent quite a lot of time observing me, and made sure to grin whenever I pointed the lens at him...and as far as I could tell they weren't forced grins, he seemed happy up there. So I got some great photos.

What pee'd me off was that the local press were there, at the foot of the stage photographing Brian during the first 30-40 minutes of the first half...when he wasn't yet totally comfy. They probably got the "deer in the headlights" photos whereas he looks truly joyous later in the show. By the time Brian was introducing SMiLE, every one of the press photographers had buggered off.

BTW best gig I've ever been to.

At the RFH, the photo passes came with the stipulation that you were only allowed to take shots during the first four or five songs.

From The Other Anonymous:

Hey GLarson432. Any memory of the 65 BB meeting?

Maybe not many of us around at the time. Other posters early 60s Beach Boys memories would be appreciated.

My memories of that day are fleeting for the most part.  I was 16 and had just gotten my drivers license about two months earlier.  I went to the airport in Tulsa, OK with the idea of checking flights from nearby cities that it was likely the band was flying in from (Kansas City, OKC, St. Louis Dallas primarily).  I spent about 90 mins going from gate to gate with no luck.  Finally, checking a 1:25 or 1: 30 flight I was headed down some concourse for an incoming and there they were!!  The flight had come in early.

I remember thinkng I didn't want to come across like a 13 year old female Tiget Beat reader although that was exactly how I felt.  At this time in their career there were no chauffeurs, limos or any other such things.  There was also no manager or Murry so it was just the five of them.  There were pre-arranged rental car and motel accomadations in place I learned when I finally mustered up the courage to interject myself into their world.  All were milling around the Avis counter while one of them ( have no idea who) was taking care of business with the car rental.

The car turned out to be a station wagon.  White.  They had their own personal luggage, guitars and preamps (I think) but that was all.  It was minimal whatever it was but enough for something larger than one car.  During this discussion I learned that they were set to stay at the Trade Winds West in the Brookside area of Tulsa. They had no idea where that was or how to get there but I knew it like tha back of my hand.  I offered up the idea that they could follow me and that was fine with them.  So after arranging a spot to 'hook up' we were on the way.  It was about a 13 mile, mostly Interstate, drive to the motel.

What is the most memorable thing about this whole encounter is this.  Dennis was the driver of their white station wagon.  He drove the entire 13 or so miles with his arms crossed across the steering wheel.  Imagine crossing your arms in front of your chest and then reaching up and driving a car in that position.  Left had at two o'clock and right hand at ten oçlock.  He was hunched over the steering wheel like that for the entire trip to where they were staying.  It blew me away to keep looking in my rearview mirror and seeing that!

I was invited to come back later that afternoon which I did.  To the best of my memory there were three band members that were in/or around the swimming pool (although for the life of me I couldn't tell you who).  I've thought of  trying hypnosis to try to bring some of these memories back in better focus but that will probably never happen.  I was 16 then and nearly 60 now. so what does it really matter at this point (rhetorical...don't try to answer).  But that's my story of when I first met the Beach Boys!

Wonder if it was the same for the later tour? A shame because Brian visibly became more comfy as the concert progressed.

Maybe he got more comfy because the lensmen left him alone? !!

At the time it struck me as disrespectful. Here is a true legend in modern music, presenting a suite we thought we'd never hear and which was widely regarded as his greatest ever work...and the damned press bog off after 20 minutes, and before he's even got to said magnum opus...

Thanks for that great story, GLarson432. That might be the earliest meeting (year-wise) that I ever read on this board.

I highlighted a sentence or two which raised a question. We know that various Beach Boys had specific roles. For example, Carl was the leader on stage, and that maybe Dennis was the designated driver ( an odd choice, don't you think :o). But the fact that there were just five of them traveling - with no manager - I wonder who the contact person was, who had to keep in touch with whoever by telephone, to get the itinerary straight, to get from point A to point B? On time. Mike maybe? 

Even then-this wasn't always the way it went.  Earl Leaf mentions in his articles about their Nov 1964 tour of Europe that 5 people including then Road manager Don Rice and roadie Ron Swallow were with them.  On their April 1965 tour they were accompanied by 8 people (according to an interview in the April 21 Wilmington, DE papers) -including Al's wife Lynda, Ron Swallow and probably new road managers Dick Duryea and Terry Sachen and their cousin Steve Korthof.  So-that Tulsa appearance with noone else accompanying them-was the exception not the rule-even in 1965

Thanks GLarson432. Great story. As someone else mentioned, that may be the oldest first-hand story on this board!  ;)

I met Brian briefly in a post show meet n greet after the Cleveland Smile show (he signed the '88 cd booklet in my avatar). Can't say we really connected, although he was kind enough to shake my hand and sign. I then was asked by another party to sit next to him for a photo (which I've never received btw), and I stupidly spoke animatedly concerning the upcoming Vancouver Smile show - in his deaf ear. No wonder he never said a word :-D It was a brief meeting and whattheheck, I can say I 'met' Brian Wilson.

I'd like to however relate a great story from a friend of mine in Portland - the original guitarist for the Kingsmen, Mike Mitchell. I related the meeting on the Shut Down board, but I thought I'd rewind and share it all for those who haven't heard...



I've recently moved down to Portland Oregon. Last Sunday I was having a cigar at a cigar shop on the SE side of town, where I couldn't help but overhear a conversation between a couple of guys at an adjoining table. There was lots of talk about 'we opened for them...we opened for those guys...toured Europe, et al'

A couple nights later I run into the guy working behind the counter at the shop. I mentioned that I overheard his conversation and that I'm a musician as well. He introduces himself as 'Mike Mitchell - guitarist for the Kingsmen.' Great guy, (and unfortunately a Yankees fan ::)). We had a quick exchange about NW garage punk - the old Sonics, Wailers, et al and he seemed pleased that a Cleveland guy would know about that stuff.

On Friday night, I'm sitting there in the lounge buzzing over the Indians victory and he stops in and sits down. I decide that I'm going to talk to him about the old,old days - and he mentions to me that the Kingsmen opened for the BB's on their '64 summer tour...21 guys jammed in a Greyhound. Then the reminiscing kicks in; his memories of all the guys.

Turns out that he lived in LA at the time, and formed a lifelong friendship with Carl, hung out with Dennis and even visited Brian after he put in the sandbox in the living room. He went on with tales about Glen Campbell, Hal Blaine, and hanging out with Terry Melcher and the Raiders (the Raiders being Portland guys as well).

This will knock you out - - when I asked him for his memories of Brian, he told an amazing story from the tour bus. Apparently in the middle of the tour, in the middle of the night, Brian wakes up and announces that he had just conceived two songs in his sleep and just HAD to teach everyone the vocal parts. The rest of the guys were not into it, and wanted to get back to sleep asap but Brian was adamant that everyone try out these new vocal parts for his new composition - Wendy. Dude wrote it in his sleep and the vocal parts were prearranged in his head when he woke. For the life of Mike, he could not recall the second tune, but he swears it was another well known classic.

Apparently there were lots of high jinx on the tour bus; he recalls numerous shaving cream fights and wild scenes at outta the way desert towns. Apparently Brian purchased a super 8 camera and was filming some guy getting his entire head covered with the cream. Then when the bus stopped, Brian thought it would be funny if the guy went into a convenience store with his head covered with shaving cream and asked the guy for razors - sounds like Brian humor! The clerk got angry and threatened to call the cops - until Brian said 'haven't you heard of Candid Camera? You're on Candid Camera!' The clerk saw Brian's 8mm and thought he was about to be featured in that famous 60's show hosted by Allen Funt. No one told the clerk that it was a put-on...(an in-joke among the lads). Oh and then there was the time that Carl threw his pants out the window of the bus and boarded the plane in his underwear (but that's another story  ;D). Mike told me that the next time he sees Brian he's going to ask him if he still has the vid tape, because he wants a copy of it.

A good guy - he's very happy to hear of Brian's rebirth and the new album doing so well.

I remember reading that "Wendy" story on the Shut Down board...absolutely mind-blowing if it's true.

Thank for this subject matter, by the way.  I've met Brian at several meet and greet opportunities, mostly in the UK (I'm a Mainer).  I saw several shows in England and Scotland in 2002 and 2004 and was almost always offered a chance to be backstage  after the shows.  The meetings were always awkward and somewhat forced leaving me with a mixed feeling.  (perhaps it's better to go away from a show on a high as opposed to meeting Brian...  But it always felt good to at least thank him for his music, or something like that...)  I would only be more awkward in front of Woody Allen, I think.   The most relaxed meeting with Brian came in August 2002, a great show at the Avalon in Boston.  Brian was sitting on a futon sofa in a small room behind some black curtains.  I just went in there and sat beside him and tried to talk.  I'm not sure what I said, but I remember trying to be cool.  I probably wasn't.

I'm a cameraman and once I saw a documentary crew shooting BW and band backstage on his 1999 tour, I decided I should be that guy.  By 2004 I had made it come true.   David Leaf called me to say he might need my help in London for the Premier of Smile.  I showed up on day one and received my all access pass from David.  I was so exhausted with pleasure, I hardly remember the next few days.  I ended up shooting all of the fan interviews for "Beautiful Dreamer" as well as the interview of Brian by Van Dyke Parks.  (I operated the camera on Brian).  Then I ran to the RFH and waited outside of Brian's dressing room in case Paul McCartney would come back to with Brian well.   What a rush!  Brian kept popping his head out and then closing the door.  I could hear him playing boogie woogie riffs on the small upright piano they had in there for him.  (I guess that's what he does before performances..)  All of the band members were coming and going and most were giving me smiles (to my camera, etc) 
I would then be released by David Leaf and would then race to secure my camera equipment and take my place in the audience.  I remember telling Paul Adsett that I had just filmed Brian and Paul McCartney!  Amazing!  Then the show started!  Almost too much for me to handle! 
The worst part was David Leaf asked me each night if I needed a ticket...of course I had already paid dearly for mine.   

Good stuff. 

cheers, Phil

Phil, not only did you get to meet Brian Wilson, you were part of history!

Hopefully no one minds me bumping this topic back up, but after yesterday, I can finally say that, indeed, I HAVE met Brian Wilson! 

This weekend, he was signing new copies of the "That Lucky Old Sun" DVD at two Guitar Centers around L.A. (Hollywood and Northridge, to be exact) and then a Guitar Center in La Mesa, which is in San Diego.  Even though I'm far closer to the first two locations, things didn't work out Saturday and so me and a friend ended up driving two hours to SD to meet him.  We head over there, get there about two hours before the signing and I'm 12th in line.  The line built up around the time he got there (it was due to begin at 1 P.M.) and he shows up in a nice Saturn that was parked two spots next to my car (as I was walking back to my car you could see on the windshield that he was a guest at the Muholland Estates the night before).  We're able to film him walking in (brought my camcorder) and then the signing starts.  They let in 5 people at a time and, first, you'd have to buy either TLOS on CD or the new DVD in order to get him to sign, plus one additional flat item.  So I buy the DVD and then walk right up to him.  I was beyond nervous: I was walking up to THE MAN, my musical idol.  I hand him my TLOS DVD and "Pet Sounds" vinyl for him to sign and as he's signing, he says: "Hi, how are you doing?!"  Inside, I just sort of turned into a 12 year old, thinking: "Oh My God, Brian Wilson just asked me a something!  Oh My God, Oh My God, Oh My God!!"  I answer him and then once he's done, I ask if I could shake his hand and he says: "Sure!" and I shake it and I said something like: "Thank you for all the great music, you're truly a genius, sir," and walk off.  Of course, it sounded incredibly awkward, and I had even rehearsed saying it (at least I didn't go with my other line: "Brian, I love your music as much as you love "Be My Baby!"), but I said it, nonetheless. 

We were able to film him walking in and my friend (I didn't know this until afterwards) asked Brian before the signing started whether he could take a picture of him, to which Brian said yes.  So I have a sweet photo of Brian posing directly into my camera with a little smile (my newest desktop, by the way).  Unfortunately, the moment of me being up there with him wasn't really captured because security didn't want photographs taken with Brian AND the person he was signing for (just Brian was fine, though).  My friend tried to sneak one anyways, but because he rushed it so security wouldn't see it, and because people were coming up, the photo blurred, so the closest thing I have is an incredibly blurry Brian and part of my body and face... you can barely make it out, yet it's now one of my most valued photos.   

All in all a great day.  He seemed to be in good spirits and he looked good, I'm happy to say.  I had heard reports that he only signed for 15 minutes or so in Northridge the night before and took off because he was tired, so I was a little nervous how he'd be, but he really did look good.  Keep in mind the following note, though, which I didn't say before: I suffer from kidney stones around once a year, usually in the fall.  When I woke up yesterday morning, I woke up with that horrible pain.  Out of all days.  Somehow, I managed to brave it out and still go to SD, and in an act of divine intervention, the pain managed to subside nearly the whole time I was there, until coming back near when I got home.  I wasn't missing this for anything. 

So there you go.  Not as awesome as some of the other stories on this thread, but thought I'd add it! 

I first met Brian in 1979 in L.A. and since then I've met and talked to him more than a dozen times... 1980, 1981, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007...and the last time was Sept. 2008, I expect I'll be talking to him this Friday night as well. For me, its never really comfortable. I'm too big a fan to relax around him...and he makes me nervous because he's Brian freakin' Wilson, and that makes him nervous...its always a little weird between us. But I feel lucky that i live a life that allows me to interact occasionally with some of my childhood heroes...Brian being a major major one. He's usually pretty cool, sometimes hilarious, sometimes he's very polite, sometimes he's pretty sketchy. I hope by maybe the 25th time I'm with Brian I can finally chill out, and he'll get a good vibe from me, and then we can get down and be buds. Might happen, but if it never does I'm still honored to occasionally stutter out a few words to him.

Cool that you may meet him again Friday Jon. Maybe you can do another post after?

I've never met the master but I was front row at the Torrington concert 25-30 feet away from him.

That counts right?  :lol

I really hate to be a spoil sport and ruin a good story...but nevertheless it needs to be said....The Kingsmen toured with the BBs on the Summer Safari tour (July-Aug 1964) and "Wendy" was recorded before that tour (April-May at the latest)....so there's a memory problem there...Clearly Brian didn't write Wendy on a tour bus in July 1964....That's the problem with memories....it was probably another song

A more likely song to be written on that tour would be "She Knows Me Too Well" or "When I Grow Up"

Met Brian after Australian premiere of That Lucky Old Sun at the State Theatre in Sydney, January 2008. I'd planned some sort of indepth conversation or another but when he came out I realised I wouldn't get much time. "Hi Brian!" I said. "That Lucky Old Sun's amazing." I shook his hand; I remember how kindly his eyes were, like Father Time. Then he disappeared backstage.

Oh, and from the next day: I was waiting out the side door of the theatre to get Brian to sign my copy of All Summer Long, but the only people I ran into were Wondermints members. I asked Sanahaja to sign it anyway, for the hell of it. He told me straight up that he refused to sign such an album as he had nothing to do with it.. but he knew someone who did. With a gleam in his eye he disappeared inside and came back ten minutes later with Brian's signature. Thanks Darren!

Ok, first got toge this out of the way......Soundcheck PS 2000.....Hi Bob, my name is Brian..I mean Hi Brian, my name is Bob.  :p

First time - 1979 at The White Hall hotel in Houston. Just a handshake and a hello.

1981 - Hyatt Regency Houston. That story is on the board somewhere.

1982 - Brian was hold up in his hotel room and would come out. Missed the show (although I talked with Mike for like 40 mins. Very nice to me!)

Brian didn't come around these parts for a long time. He did come to Austin to SXSW several times, but I always found out after the fact.

1999 - Jeff H. invited me to see Brian in Wisconsin. Saw Brian before the show. Didn't say much.

2000 - PS tour in Houston. Was there for the entire soundcheck (about 90 mins). Scott was late and DS asked me to come up and play the organ for the Vibes run thru. I got up on stage, started to walk around to the organ, and Brian appeared. I was NOT going to play keyboards in front of Brian Wilson. I can play vibes in my sleep....but not in front of the Big Guy. Brian was also going through his "I think some one is going to shoot me" OCD thing. So I had to tell him I was ok. We took pics together, and I asked him to sign my copy of LOVE YOU. He asked if I liked the Lp cuz he loves it. I do, that is why i brought it here.

2004 - Showed up to meet with DS and Brian. DS was down with the flu (he looked awful on stage) and Brian was horse. I decided since I too had the flu, it would be better not to push it.

Now he just needs to come back!

I met Brian at the end of the US Smile tour at Disney Hall in L.A., the first night.  I was sitting behind John Stamos and Mick Fleetwood (and wife), and next to a couple with two kids.  Turns out the kids went to school with Brian and Melinda's kids and the wife knows Melinda, so after the show they get me in to meet Brian backstage.  Brian seemed a little uncomfortable so I just stayed in the background, even though I had with me a signed Frank Holmes Smile cover poster that I had Van Dyke Parks sign during intermission.  Next thing I know, Brian is coming towards me with his hand outstretched, saying hi how are you and did you enjoy the show.  After stammering I told him how great he sang (which he did - the band members had just complimented him on the same thing as I went backstage, he was really "up" that night) and asked if he would sign the poster.  He said sure, signed it, and then went on to talk to Melinda.  Got Darian (Smile architect) to sign it the poster as well and I was on my way.

I had to return home the next day but Bob Hanes came in for the second night and I'm sure would have gotten me backstage, but work and duty called!

In October 1991, I drove about four hours into Washington D.C. to meet Brian at a book signing at a book store. I arrived early at 10:30 AM, Brian arrived at around 12:00 noon. He looked great, wearing black jeans, white shirt, black leather jacket, and that great hair. He walked over to a table, stopped, looked around at the large assembled crowd, and said in a funny voice, "Oh my, that's a lot of people." I don't want to sound weird but he puts out a very powerful vibe.

He sat down and immediately began tapping his foot while singing a song (I tried desperately to dicipher it, but couldn't), and was bopping his head to this song. He was real mellow, as if he just smoked a joint or something. The book store manager gave these instructions that "Mr. Wilson will only sign his book, NO MEMORABILIA!" I was upset because I brought along an original vinyl pressing of Pet Sounds to get signed. The manager also said that "Mr. Wilson will sign a short greeting in addition to his signature." I was fourth in line, but the very first person ruined it for everybody. She had written out on a piece of paper, "To a long-time fan from Washington D.C. blah, blah, blah...." And Brian couldn't write it. His hand was shaking as he wrote, and he had to have his bodyguard/aide Kevin Leslie read it to him. Well, Brian couldn't write that much. I'm not being disrespectful or demeaning, but Brian - at that time -could barely write his name. It was very sad. So, the manager saw this, intervened again, and said, "Mr. Wilson will write only your name and his signature." It was for the best.

Just before it was my turn to meet Brian, I gave my camera to some guy behind me, and told him, "Just take as many pictures as you can. Just keep hitting this button." So, I gave my book to Brian, and stood next to him as he signed it, so I could get in the picture. And, as fate would have it, just as Brian was signing my book, the manager was called away. I quickly got the Pet Sounds album out of a bag, handed it to Brian (he accepted it from me), and I politely asked Brian, "Would you please sign the greatest album of all-time on the white goat?" How corny was that? But he did! He signed it fairly legibly, right in the middle of the white goat! I put out my hand to shake his, and he obliged, shaking mine. I said, "Thank you for all of the great music, Brian." He looked me straight in the eyes, never said a word, didn't bat an eyelash, completely expressionless. Well, I was so excited, and didn't want to get apprehended, so I burned right out of that bookstore, signed Pet Sounds in hand. After I walked several blocks to my car, I realized that I sped out of there so fast, I forgot to retrieve my camera. So, I went back to the bookstore, and luckily, the guy was still in there - with my camera. I thanked the guy for taking the pictures (I got one good one out of it) and left again. I often wonder why I didn't just stand there and admire Brian in person; you know, just watch him, observe him. I mean, you could stand literally a few feet away from him. I guess I was overcome from the excitement of meeting BRIAN DOUGLAS WILSON!

In 1984, the Beach Boys returned to Washington, D.C. to play at the Washington Monument.  The day before a reception was held at a local hotel, which I attended.  Mike was there and some other members of the group, as well as Brian and Dr. Landy.  Brian was physically fit, but his behavior seemed strange to me, raising his voice at times, with Landy following him around the room and taking him aside and talking to him, as a parent would do with a child.  Odd.

In 1987 I ran into him at a running track where he was by himself and looked kind of surprised when I asked him when he was going to do a solo album.  He said he was working on one and took off around the track.

I did an interview with him in 1999 where he was alert, friendly, and seemed to have a decent memory. He was short with his answers but was very polite and tried to recall the somewhat obscure questions I asked.

Here are two stories I remember fans telling me that took place in the sixties.
One was Brian shopping in Tower Records about 1969. He seemed normal and friendly but was dressed very formally suit and tie for no apparent reason.

Another was of a backstage meeting with the group in 1964. It was recalled that Brian came off as an studious intellectual, Mike kind of like a class clown, and Dennis the most outgoing. Dennis was also  conscientious of his visitors. making sure they had a drink or something to eat etc. I like this story best as it's Brian and Dennis as more who they originally were.

(http://www.jarsworld.com/chris/bw.jpg)

This was at Borders on Michigan Avenue in Chicago around the time Imagination came out. I remember Melinda being there, and also Jim Peterik from the Ides of March was there. It looked like Jim had brought a guitar for Brian to sign! Maybe someone else can elaborate on the Jim Peterik thing. I also remember Dan Addington being there, and I remember Dan talking with Melinda for quite a while.

I purchased Imagination at the store, and I also brought my copy of the Pet Sounds box set to sign. I was not allowed by security to shake his hand, but I was able to tell him that "That's Not Me" was my favorite song of his, and that it was a great song. He politely said "thank you", and signed my Pet Sounds Box Set booklet on the front cover near his photo.

I still remember that day fondly!

I've met Brian (somewhat) twice. Both times at the Keswick in PA, 2004 and 2006. First time I met him, I walked up with my BWPS CD and held it out for him to sign. He did, and I politely thanked him for the concert (it was a rare great show on an inconsistent tour) and his music, and he never said one word to me!

Second time I saw him, I didn't get too close to him as a certain horizontally, follically, and generosity-challenged individual was pushing everyone away. And I don't mean the Lovester. Either way, it was a thrill just being in the same room as the guy, let alone a few feet away.

Have never met Brian Wilson but I've met both his daughters when the performed with Al at Stone Mountain, GA.  They were both nice; even had a brief instant message chat with Carnie at one point.  Worked backstage at Chastain Park in Atlanta and got my picture with Mike Love (which happens to be my avatar).  Drove the backup band from the hotel to the venue; Chris Farmer in particular was a really nice guy.  Tried to talk to Bruce but he was coming and going.  Seemed friendly enough. 

Considering that I don't know what kind of Brian Wilson I might be encountering if I ever had the chance to meet him, I'll be ok if I don't get that opportunity.  I get the impression he would be totally fine with being left alone.  :-)

And on a side note, a girl I knew in high school once told me an encounter she had with the Beach Boys.  She went to one of their shows when she was very young and it was particularly cold that evening.  She was up front near the stage and one of the band members noticed she appeared to be rather cold.  She told me one of the Beach Boys gave her their jacket to warm up.  I asked her if she remembered which one and she didn't know for sure, but seemed to think it was Carl. 

cool story... good ol' Carl :)

I met Brian after a Smile concert in Stockholm back in 2004. He signed my Pet Sounds cd booklet, or atleast draw two blurry lines on it :D I will never forget his eyes, he seemed like he was insane. Those eyes were on fire. I remember the look exactly like it was yesterday. Made me feel sad for him.

When I met him he signed my Pet Sounds cd booklet too! I was going to bring my Pet Sounds vinyl, but I didn't want to carry it all the way into the city (ie: Sydney) as it didn't fit in my bag and I wasn't sure if he was going to be there to begin with (but I had a feeling he was).... I also got my photo with him which was pretty cool cause it turned out pretty well. All in all a great experience... I was just really happy to see him perform live, so to get his autograph and a photo with him topped off a great four days!!

As for Brian's eyes, well he has been through a lot and as they say, the eyes are the windows to ones soul.

The first picture where I think the eyes look scared is on the back of Holland.

Scared? More like haunted. Yikes...

I was there too man I think I was talkin' to you for awhile in line if you remember. Anyway that was the first time I met Brian too. There's so much I wanted to say and all I could come up with was "thank you for everything you've done" or some sh*t. I've wanted to meet him since I was a kid when I became a Beach Boys fanatic at 7 years old. He looked at me and kinda nodded and that was it I didn't even know we were aloud to shake his hand since the security there was strict about giving him his space and how and when photos could be taken. I got him to sign my Good Vibrations 45 and TLOS DVD. Prior to that there was a radio station doing a promo for the his upcoming show in San Diego where you spin a wheel and have the chance to win tickets and I won 'em! I was so excited. But yeah man I think I was talkin' to you in line.
-Josh (kookadams@hotmail.com & myspace.com/adams)

I got to "meet" Brian at a few backstage meet & greets during the initial SMiLE tour of the UK in 04.

Most of the time he was quiet as folk came out with the "thanks for the music" lines and was in production line mode, signing, occasionally shaking hands but saying nothing.

But on one occasion as he was signing my programme (or some such...) I mentioned to him how the performances seemed to be getting tighter and more confident every night (I went to 10 of the gigs!), he suddenly looked me in the eye and came to life: "Yeah, we're getting better every night, real strong..." he said, or something like that.

He went from one extreme to the other in a flash, and the new extreme was a guy fully alert, enthusiastic and fired up about the shows. I was so gobsmacked I could only mumble in reply, shake his hand and, erm, thank him for the music!

The next time I went to a meet at greet, at the Birmingham gig, it was the last of that tour I was attending. I didn't take anything to sign; I just stood in line, and when it came my turn I just thanked him for the wonderful tour.

He looked a little surprised that I didn't want a signature but wasn't phased.

I also got to meet & greet him at one of the RFH Pet Sounds shows in 02 -  he signed my copy of Kingsley Abbott's book "he Beach Boys' Pet Sounds: The Greatest Album of the Twentieth Century" which was already signed by the author earlier that evening, inscribed very nicely indeed as a memento of that great gig.

Does Kingsley post here. or lurk, I wonder?  Very, very nice guy, & very knowledgeable.

Since the story's already ruined...  ;) Of course it's very well possible (even likely, if you ask me) that Brian writing songs in his sleep was a put-on too... If they were constantly trying to fool people it could very well be that they were just fooling their support act with a song that they'd written before the tour...

I never thought of that, but you could very well be right.  I can see them doing something like that.

At the same time, I wouldn't be surprised if it was true.  Macca fell out of bed and wrote "Yesterday," so I'm sure Brian could have written a song in his sleep too.

I'm willing to believe that someone can come up with a melody in his sleep, but a complete vocal arrangement?

Well, why not?

There's a huge difference between just thinking up something as basic as a melody and something as complicated as a four part vocal arrangement. I think the first is something natural that everyone can do (some better than others obviously) and the second is a skill. And I know Brian Wilson circa 1964 was a more gifted songwriter and arranger than pretty much everyone else on the planet, but I find it hard to believe that he was so gifted that he could even use his skills in his sleep...

When I was a kid I could never master the skills of making paper airplanes until I dreamed how to do it. But I guess the four-part harmony equivalent would be dreaming how to build my own spitfire from scratch!

The key word there is gifted; where did that gift come from? Brian would say it was from God. If God could gift him with such an incredible ability to arrange in his waking state, is it so hard to imagine that he could also receive this gift in his sleep? This is how Milton was said to have composed Paradise Lost. He received divine inspiration in his sleep and then dictated the poetry to his daughters next morning.

I think it's more than possible that BW(or any decent arranger) could dream up part of a vocal arrangement in his sleep, especially when your "tool" is the Beach Boys who probably could have naturally done a vocal arrangement themselves, wake up, teach it to the others and finish it at the same time. Now if you told me he dreamed all the parts recorded for Breakaway I'd be skeptical...but "Wendy" or something? I can believe it.

Brian used to obsessively listen to Four Freshmen records. He knows how to harmonize anything. If he woke up with a melody in his head, he could easily come up with harmonies for it on the spot.

Meeting #1. In late July 2001. I was in NYC and stood in line to get standby tickets to Conan, specifically because Brian was the musical guest. I was the first one to not get a ticket, but I waited at Rockefeller Center anyway, determined to meet Brian. He finally came out, and one other fan was there as well. Unfortunately, Brian seemed catatonic that day (he was standing alone waiting for Melinda to come with a car), and didn't really respond to us, except to shake our hands.

Encounter #2 - about May or June 2005. I'm a journalist, and our entertainment editor knew I was knowledgeable about the BBs, so he asked me to interview Brian on the phone in advance of his Montreal Smile show. I was never so nervous about an interview in my life, knowing full well I could be getting one-word answers and knowing a phone interview is limiting. The interview wasn't too bad, although I couldn't resist some fanboy questions. But when he said "hello, Joel" in what sounded like his prime voice, I was in heaven! Brian was most enthusiastic when I praised the Smile DVD.

Meeting #2- I bought and won tickets for the abovementioned concert, which was fantastic. Got backstage in between sets, and Brian signed loads of things for me, and was encouraged to do so by his assistant Scott Bennett— Smile CD, Imagination, other things. You could tell that Brian is treated with kid gloves. Met Melinda (very nice) and some members of the band as well, including Taylor Mills. Not Darian though. The best product of that meeting with Brian is my new avatar.

Missed meeting #3. Saw Brian again for the Gershwin tour, but didn't get back stage.

Dream meeting #1: Had a dream I was in an obscure bookstore,and I hear an acoustic version of Sgt. Pepper playing over the speakers. Turns out its Paul McCartney and Brian busking, and I'm the only one watching them.

Dream meeting #2: Had the common dream in which I procrastinated and did not complete a school project. I thought of an essay topic, and asked Brian to link Gershwin and the BBs.

Dream meeting #3: Had a dream that I saw Brian flailing on stage with his bass circa '77, and then met today's Brian, asked how his kids are and got an enthusiastic but hard to understand answer.

I met Brian inside his house in Bel-Aire in 1976, at his autobiography book signing in the early 90's in S.F., at a Beach Boys convention in San Diego in the early 90's, the Lucky Old Sun signing, and at a SMiLE album signing in 2011 in S.F. There's been a couple of times when I knew he was off the road that I wanted to meet him at his favorite deli for lunch, but decided just to leave him alone.

I'm a youngin' (24 y/o), so growing up listening to the Beach Boys and seeing that they were in "black and white" caused me to think of them as history.  So, that I met Brian Wilson was a genuine surprise.

My dad & I went to a Brian Wilson show two summers ago in Iowa (which is another reason why I never thought I'd meet BW or any celebrity for that matter: I lived in Iowa lol).  Before the show, Brian was in his tour bus and evidently they decided to let the few dozen people near the bus step into the bus one at a time to have Brian sign something.  I didn't have anything for him to sign, and I didn't care: I just wanted to meet my hero.  So I stepped in, I shook his hand, I think I told him thank-you or something, he asked Jeff, "Is this the meet-and-greet?", and that was that.  Honestly, I'm not even sure BW knew I was there, so that's why I like to say that, "I met Brian Wilson, but I don't think Brian Wilson met me."  :lol

I imagine that's probably a terribly boring story for some of you older folk who grew up with the BB and met them when they were younger--but for me, meeting BW was like meeting someone from history.  It was an experience I never thought I'd have, so I am grateful to have had it at all.

I have never met Brian Wilson but through a friend in the radio business I have met David Sandler a couple of times. The most memorable was around 1990 I think. I got to hang with him in his house (we both live in Minnesota). He had great Brian Wilson stories, about Spring and seeing the album for the first time and how amazing that was. He sat at his piano and played songs and went through why Brian is so amazing. Then he would play songs without singing the lyrics and make me guess which songs they were. I got them all except the Love you songs (I hadn't gotten to that album yet!). He even gave me a cassette with a few original songs on it. Super amazing experience.

Neat connection: the band my dad was in recorded a single with David Sandler in the 70's:
'The Sunday Social recorded...“Too Heavy To Carry” in January 1972...in Minneapolis with David Sandler producing.' (From: https://www.iowarocknroll.com/inductees/247/sunday-social (https://www.iowarocknroll.com/inductees/247/sunday-social))

(I posted the single on MySpace back when MySpace was cool.  My dad's playing rhythm guitar; I think the song is pretty great: https://myspace.com/sundaysocialmusic/music/song/too-heavy-to-carry-23002308-22803493 (https://myspace.com/sundaysocialmusic/music/song/too-heavy-to-carry-23002308-22803493))

That was nice.  A bit of a surprise swing in the chorus, there, too.   :hat

Is your Dad one of the fellas in the picture, then?


Oh, and I've never met Brian, but I really enjoyed seeing him live with the 'Boys during C50!  If I ever had the opportunity, I'd love to play music with him some day.

I met Brian in Providence Rhode Island in November of 2009. It lasted about 60 seconds, it was backstage, he was very nice and signed my concert poster. We shook hands (I was so thrilled that I forgot to take my pen out of my hand when we shook hands...lol). And then he played an incredible set. It was at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel. My profile picture shows my meeting with Brian from that night.

My dad's the one on the left. :)  I believe he did some bgv's on the track, too.  Evidently David Sandler really liked their vocal blend, so he had them record as the backup band & bgv's (the lead vocal was by some other artist) for a song he wrote called "Alexander Bell".  (It was a love song called about the telephone lol: "Alexander Bell I thank you for taking the time for inventing the line, so I can put the call through to my baby to tell her I'm wrong, it won't be long till I'm home...")

That's awesome.  Now I want to hear "Alexander Bell."  :)

Well it's our lucky day, cause I just realized that I posted that song as well on MySpace all these years ago hah!  It's a poppy-er tune with some nice lady-bgv's mixed in--good stuff: https://myspace.com/sundaysocialmusic/music/song/al-bell-23002310-22803495 (https://myspace.com/sundaysocialmusic/music/song/al-bell-23002310-22803495)  :)

A partial reprint from an older post:

Late summer, 2004 - I get an email from a friend whom I had not heard from in years, though I was aware that she was producing most of Brian’s DVDs since his move to Chicago. She wrote to me (knowing full well my extensive collection, knowledge and love of the music) saying that they were going to re-film the SMiLE concert in LA (David Leaf did record the full London premieres, but for many reasons, BRI-MEL – especially MEL – were not happy with it. They wanted a happier, more upbeat and polished SMiLE, a smiley-er SMiLE, if you will). Maggie and I (and the director, John Anderson) exchanged lengthy emails (I sent a note by note dream shot list, based on the kind of instrumental coloring and emphasis that classical music DVDs use in their very useful and tasteful direction). I was listening to the Albert Hall concerts for my reference. Turned out that the director already had a 40-page shooting script, with every instrumental and vocal detail accounted for. They invited me to spend a week in LA to attend the rehearsals, to watch the taping of inserts, shoot some hand-held behind the scenes footage, and attend both shows. It was one of the greatest weeks of my life. Stayed at a hotel with the Chicago contingent (Paul, Jim, and Bob) and got to talk to them quite a bit. I was introduced to Brian within five minutes of arriving on the lot, and, as I was ready to tell him just how much his music has touched my soul or "was the soundtrack of my life" (like virtually everyone else who meets him), he quickly shook my hand and said “Thank you” and then walked away for lunch. I had lunch that first day with Darian and Probyn and they were just great, answering every question I had for them. Later in afternoon I walked into a rehearsal room and had a virtual “private screening” of the entirety of PET SOUNDS and some of GIOMH, as they were rehearsing all of it for Nelson, who was a newcomer and still learning his bits. That was incredible, glorious - standing up against the wall and hearing them so close, without any distractions. I kept thinking that someone was going to throw me out, but the atmosphere was so loose and fun and Brian was in great spirits and incredibly patient all week long. Met and talked with all most the people I had read about all those years, including David Anderle (who indeed remembered Brian’s inscription surrounding the Laurel Way pool – you can clearly see these cement squares in the Sloop John B "jumping in the pool" promo), Steve Kalinich (who was overcome with joyful tears after the show), Van Dyke (who, to our great consternation, told my friend that Song Cycle was “a waste of time…a waste of time.”), Tony Asher, and Melinda (who, I must say, seemed to be a remarkably benevolent presence for the crew and the band – and her husband). Left work one day and Brian was walking out by himself at the same time – again, I stumbled something out about how great the rehearsals were going, he said thanks, and then I watched him – rather shockingly – get into his Mercedes sports car and drive himself home on the freeway. So much for "braking for Brian Wilson…"

Well, Brian simply hit it out of the park for the first show, and it was unforgettable – a roomful of 250 of his friends, family, and these people who were all so deeply invested in this music. The whole thing, all of the above, came full circle for me when I turned around to the row behind me and saw Van Dyke Parks, with his head down, cupped in his hands, weeping during Surf’s Up…It truly was a dream come true, that whole experience, and offered me a great deal of closure to the part of my life that began by spinning BREAKAWAY some 35 years earlier. After the first show, I filmed Brian’s exuberance as he came backstage and proclaimed to John, Maggie, Alan (Boyd), and Stephen (Kalinich) that this was the very best performance of SMiLE they’ve ever done. I walked out in the hallway with my head spinning, and saw Van Dyke chatting it up with David Anderle and Jeff. it all seemed so dreamlike and yet so natural and right. The live DVD of SMiLE is it for me, much more alive and dynamic than the CD release. (BTW, I think its one of the best rock DVDs ever done, in terms of John’s detailed and knowing direction, Maggie’s prodding of Brian to be at his best and to stop constantly reading the video prompters, and Mark’s superb surround mix). I spotted myself in the audience in 16 different shots, so its become a great personal keepsake for me. These videos of my shooting of the SMILE DVD can be found on my Vimeo pages: https://vimeo.com/24394172

Excellent footage! Great to see Brian looking so healthy and relaxed. ;D

Wait, so the performances on the Smile DVD were taped in LA, and intercut with the British audience? Or did I misunderstand? Does it indicate as such on the DVD? I sold mine years ago (I tend to watch DVD's once and get rid of them), so I can't check.

Sort of met him at a cocktail party in Washington, D.C., the day before the concert on the mall.  He was walked around the room by E. Landy.

No. You misunderstood. You do see parts of the Leaf directed UK performance on his "Dreamer" documentary, which came in the package as a second disc you might recall. The Smile concert disc is all Burbank friends, family, invited, etc. (about 200?), from two shows in a row, with a short break (that's what you see in my backstage footage - between the two tapings). Taped insert close-up details are sometimes used for cutaways (you couldn't possibly have that level of visual detail from live onstage cameras), but the sound, except for possible sweetening, I imagine, is directly from the the 2 live Burbank performances.

The poster did say that David Leaf filmed all the London performances, and the reason they didn't make it on the disc is because they were not happy with the performances. I wasn't sure by that if they meant that the re-filming was going to sub the performing and then cut to the British audience. Which I'm sure would look pretty awkward, which is why I asked. I do remember seeing footage of people in the UK being interviewed and shots of them standing up and applauding, but that was probably on the documentary portion of the disc.

I wonder what happened to David Leaf's footage of the London concerts? I'm sure it couldn't have been that bad. It makes me a little sad that they had a person encouraging Brian to smile more in the Burbank show and look at his teleprompter less. I don't know if Brian not smiling a lot or looking at the prompter is a good reason to deprive the fans of concert footage from Brian't very well received, historic London Smile shows.

Outstanding!  What a fun tune.  You should tell your Dad that you've been spreading the Gospel of Sunday Social.  :D

"Alexander Bell I thank you for taking the time for inventing the line, so I can put the call through to my baby to tell her I'm wrong, it won't be long till I'm home."

Man, Bell Systems should have been using that hook for their jingles back in the day!  Catchy as all get-out.  "Reach out and touch someone," my arse!