The Smiley Smile Message Board

From the BBBritain site.

Personally I'm not looking at a 'next album' for me. I focus more on music behind the scenes (my song writing with an emphasis on television & film).
As a 'next album' for the 'Beach Boys still standing' I'd like to see a 40 song CD/DVD live concert performance with Al, Mike, Brian, David & me (lot's of extremely well known Beach Boys anthems along with the great yet rarely performed album 'fragile songs'). I'd also include a bonus CD of one solo track studio recording from each of us.
It would kind of be a controlled 'reunion' of sorts without running the financial risk and expense of a full blown tour. The economics of a 'When Surf Freezes Over' concert tour are very difficult.
The CD/DVD producer? Definitely David Foster (he's my first ten choices). Brian or any of us? Not really because I'd like us to function as the 'artist' and just concentrate on the music.

Bruce Johnston
Beverly, Mass.
December 6, 2009

That'd work for me.

Replace Foster with someone good, and that might be crazy enough to work.

David Foster? Wow. I think it might be safe to say he's never produced anything I like. The only possible exception would be if he happened to do some of the Michael Jackson I like. But otherwise, jeezus. Yikes. I wonder if by solo studio songs, Bruce means they're each contributing at all to each other's, or literally solo, as in "I did it, it's done, here it is. Put it on the album." a la the Starbucks (or whatever it was) live album + solo tracks.

another 15 minute 5 track bonus CD...  Yawn...
make it 3 tracks from each of them and you might have something worth having....

other then that issue.. the rest sounds pausable and possibly sellable...
IMHO

...Yawn...Why bother with such a lame idea? Oh yeah, finances according to Bruce. How about a NEW ALBUM with NEW SONGS and ANY KID WITH A 4-track before Foster Producing.

I don't think kids need or use 4-tracks anymore. Computers. But point taken!

I'd rather not have Brian join Mike and Bruce, why bother? he's doing his best work in years on his own.

But please, somebody give Al something to do.

Brians dogs need walking!

I still think something will happen as soon as Yoko..I mean certain interested parties think Brian's solo career has tanked.

Yeah, computers. But I'd RATHER any kid with a 4-Track do it. I'm one of those analog guys. Boo to the computer-recording crap where they do everything they can to make it sound analog. I've been recording 4,8, 16 and 24 track analog for 20 years and no one I worked with has ever had any complaints. Of course none of them are on the top 40...Anyway I'll stop now before I derail this topic! 8)

Hey, I had a Tascam 4-track as big as my stovetop, so I can relate. But I love my Mac, too. So there you have it.

I knew Bruce had some kind of psychic energy about him because he's managed to jump ahead an entire year! Check the signature.

need emphasis on the music without them touching the production?   kind of an oxymoron isn't it?

No, not necessarily. And he said "artist," meaning performer. I think about it like in sports with coaches and general managers. Many is the coach who think he can control the entire club, personnel, strategy and game decisions. But sometimes the big picture is just too big. Sometimes it's best to do something and do it well. Brian, in OCA, was a performer. He was allowed to not worry about "oh, this is a Brian Wilson thing" and just sing as VDP wanted him to. And he did, to general acclaim of fans (although not this one...). I think Bruce is going along those lines: let someone else talk big picture. Let someone else tell us what to do. And us, we'll sing. (But of course, choosing a producer is sort of slanting things in your way right off the bat...)

Is it me or Bruce is trying to convey Brian doesn't have what it takes to produce them  :o

Well, depending on the scope intended by the term "produce," he may well be right. When is the last time Brian truly produced an album (assuming credits don't necessarily tell the whole story)? Even Love You had "mixdown producer" Carl. But really, I think what he's saying is that removing the Boys from producing removes some harmful competition. If Brian is pushed as producer, it makes the others ask "why not me? I want to produce a song or two."

Yes, and he's taking a page right out the Brian Wilson solo career playbook. Don't let Bruce (and Mike) fool you; they've been watching how Brian's "system" works. Let somebody form the band, let somebody do the arrangements, let somebody produce, let somebody workout the setlist/sequencing, let somebody write the songs (just kidding). All Brian has to do is show up, sit on his stool, and sing.

I'm not being sarcastic, I think that approach would be easiest on a bunch of aging rockers approaching 70 years old. But, the trick is finding the right person. And that has not been The Beach Boys' strong suit for a long time, well, since Brian gave up that role about 42 years ago. If they pick the wrong person, it could be a very unfulfilling product, and the woulda/shoulda/coulda's will be flying. I think the perfect person for this project would be a person who has PROVEN himself to be a (Beach Boys') scholar and a gentleman - Darian Sahanaja.

I don't believe they can win. Too nostalgic and you get fans like me talking sh*t about it being a cheesy, backward looking piece of sentimental trash. Follow more modern trends and you get fans like me talking about how they're just hopping onto current formulae and abandoning what made them great. Go middle of the road and you get fans like me talking smack about them avoiding any risks by being too white bread.

But geez, haven't they tried that approach enough already?  With Levine, Melcher, Thomas, etc.  Sure they got one huge hit out of their partnership with Terry, but they couldn't really follow it up with anything but tired formula-ic ghosts of Kokomo.

Hey, I'm not favoring any of it. See my last (before this one) post...

Remember BB'85? A good idea. Bruce was into it. Everyone presumably in their best behaviour. Only problem: the outside producer sucked and most of the material sucked as well.

Now, we can't do anything about their recent material sucking (kidding, but not so much), but Darian sounds like a good name, given that he has the required skills. He goes out of his way to avoid being Brian's new-best-friend-and-partner-for-one-project. You gotta admire that in him.

Darian is the only one I can think of who covers ALL of the bases (I don't need to list them, we all know 'em). And, most importantly, it would probably get Melinda's stamp of approval, which is a prerequisite for any project involving Brian Douglas Wilson anyway.

Exactly.  Brian is doing fine by himself.  Let those other guys worry about the Beach Boys.

I wouldn't wish that job on Darian.  He's too nice of a guy.

Oh, he's been working for Brian & Co for almost ten years. Maybe he enjoys it.  :-D

Brian can easily stand to do one or two concerts for a DVD.  Be silly not to as:

1) It's easy money
2) It'll revitalize BB record sales
3) Spur interest and new releases from the vaults
4) Bolster interest and sales in Brian's solo efforts
5) The fans deserve to have closure in celebrating 50 years of the Beach Boys
6) Per Dennis Wilson "Brian Wilson is the Beach Boys"

Are we talking David Foster, producer of Céline Dion and the friggin' Bodyguard soundtrack?

Anyway, here's my guess for the 4-track bonus disc:

BW: The Sprit of Rock'n'Roll
AJ: Help Me, Rhonda
BJ: Rock'n'Roll Survivor
ML: Santa's Goin' To Rishikesh

 :angel:

I don't think Melinda (or whoever runs Brian's business) will agree to an outside produer without Brian's involvement. Maybe Darian AND Brian prducing would get an ok.
But at this moment in Brian's solo-carreer (the success of TLOS) I don't think that they are so keen on a reunion. That's probably Brian's thing. If he really wants to get together with the boys, then maybe, but as long as he let's the decision in the hands of his management.... well, I don't know...

I wonder what Brian really wants as far as the group. I mean does he even know anymore? Not saying that he's dumb but I wonder does he get told the truth.

What truth? Brian, here's the truth. You can work with the Beach Boys, who have not made a good album in three decades, whose voices are shot and who don't always get along. Oh, and who lost two key members years and years ago. Or, you can continue your solo career, which has seen creative success of late, with a band at the top of its game that sings well, plays well, and appears to get along great, with "good vibes." What do you think?

I don't see why most people are so negative about this. I think this is really good news. Seems to me like a reunion of some sort is finally a serious option again...

Agreed... the BBs' reputation stands on their 60s/70s work so nothing they do now can harm that any more than the stuff they've done since the 80s. And there's a chance that some great material could still come out of it -  not because I think anyone's particularly pulling their weight at the moment but because anything with a Brian Wilson involvement has the potential, no matter how slim and dependent on the astrological charts it might be, of greatness.


I think the enthusiasm is coming from the prospect of a reunion for the fans' benefit, not because it might further the careers of guys who would in other walks of life mostly be pulling their state pension by now.  There's no way it would seriously further any band member's career.

There will be fans who consider it a breach of tradition for the BBs to get along together, even for the duration of one gig, just as there are those who spat on the disco version of Here Comes the Night.

But I think there's more acceptance of the idea of a reunion among the fans than there has been for a while; perhaps because Brian's back, perhaps because Al and Mike, despite their albums stalling pre-release, are active creatively again, perhaps because David Marks is back on the scene. There's so much activity yet...

... yet it doesn't matter how well received the work by any one of those individuals is, they'll always be looked on by the public, and referred to in the press, as "Beach Boy" or "former Beach Boy".

They might not play together but they're still the Beach Boys even when they're miles apart.

For the fans' sake, I really hope they do have some form of reunion.  I hope no-one tries to claim it's a return to artistic triumph (like Kokomo !!!), I just hope they can do it for the sake of singing together again, of having fun making some music, of putting old woes behind them, and for the sake of making a few diehard fans happy.

They should make Brian Eno the producer! :P

That would be odd

Surely he can do both.

It would either be horrible or amazing, that's for sure!

To Wee Helper- that was an amazing read your post was. I commend you for that.

in response about the revalation (like Kokomo), I think Mike Love's days of being a douche is over, for the most part.

Aye, if Robbie Williams can ache for a re-union with Take That AND maintain a solo career, surely Brian can do the same?   ;D

I wonder if TLOS is considered by Brian's camp a success, if it surpassed expectations or if they expected more from its CD release.

It's funny how positions change within this band. During a 2005 interview I conducted with Bruce, this was his final word on the subject: "I told Mike, if there's a reunion tour, I'm going to be there -- in the fifth row. I would not be there. Why would I do a reunion tour without Carl and Dennis? Y'know, where's the reunion? Go buy the albums."

Exactly, Dancing Bear. And, BTW, you've been making some excellent points/posts lately, too.

This reunion topic has been coming up frequently, for good reason, and there are a fair share of posts about how well Brian is doing in his solo career. But, how sure are we that Brian - and I'm just talking about Brian - is happy about the way things are going? AGD has been good at pointing out the lackluster sales figures over the years. Is Brian happy about having the 27th best album of the year in one publication, enough to keep recording? I'm reading positive concert reviews, but in less than full venues. And how does Brian feel about his solo music? He rarely performs any of it, other than "Love And Mercy". Will he include any of TLOS after this tour?

Some posters are questioning why Brian would want to go back to all of the old problems in The Beach Boys. First, many of those old problems were caused BY Brian, a direct result of his (and Dennis's) substance abuse. And, second, could it be that those problems were from a different time, with different personalities (the guys have changed over the last 20-25 years), and, with proper management/guidance/production, could be avoided? That is a rhetorical question.

Yeah, Brian remains, well, different, that's for sure. But, I would find it hard to believe if he doesn't at least think about getting back with his old family and friends - THE BEACH BOYS! - and maybe having some fun. Yeah, fun.

I know you love the Brian camp but you are misrepresenting what I am saying plus grossly underestimating the others talents. As the recordings of Soul Searchin and You're Still A Mystery prove the Beach Boys could still make great records under the right circumstances. As recent tours by Mike and Bruce as well as Al they can also artistically stretch out on stage. He wouldn't have to give up his solo career for a few sessions or a concert or even a tour.What I am saying is that if Brian is reminded of bad things about the others (which you cannot deny Melinda has done publically see Mojo 1996 interview Larry King etc.) he naturally wouldn't want to work with them.  This is not uncommon because artists are often manipulated, but Brian is more vulnerable for obvious reasons. I am proud of many of his solo achievements and I cannot speak for anyone but me, but I am here because I love the Beach Boys and that means every one of them. Brian obviously is the head talent, but I am just so tired of all the crap said about the others.

Great post, MBE, so true!

Yes, and this was when Carl was still alive.  That is no longer the case.  I've said it numerous times and will continue to do so: the Beach Boys are long finished. 

And I think you're misunderstanding what _I'm_ saying. I did not say the others aren't talented or can't make good music. I'm saying I'm not sure they'd work well together in 2009. Look, all their voices are shot, including Brian's, meaning "not what they used to be." So this idea that they'd come together and re-create the Beach Boys sound is not realistic. And considering that 90 percent or whatever of their latter-day output was crap, I don't know what the chances are that their new stuff would be good. And I'm not saying Brian isn't partly to blame for the problems among them. But I'm just saying it has not, by and large, been a positive experience, so I can understand why Brian or whoever might not want to do a reunion. I mean, this idea of "closure"... it's a band. I mean, it's like how Lennon kept telling people to let the whole Beatles thing go. If they want to get together again, fine. If it will help them achieve some sort of peace, great. I'm just tired of all the negative stuff said about Brian's stuff and then these calls for a reunion, as if the only way any of them can make good music is together.

Amy, I'm the first to admit - and have admitted - that a lot of the talk about a reunion, especially the success of a reunion, is pure speculation. Would the material on a new CD be any good? Could they get along in the studio? On a stage? Would there be a power struggle? And on and on....

But there is one thing I am sure of. Listening to Brian's recent recorded vocals, Al's snippets on his website, Mike's unreleased album, and Mike and Bruce's recent concerts, I am pretty sure that, with the right producer, this configuration of The Beach Boys, in 2009, 2010, whatever, would sound good.

Negative stuff? TLOS is highly aclaimed here. Those who don't think it's THAT special keep to themselves, mostly. I think the calls for a reunion are more in the 'why not try something different?' field than 'solo Brian sucks, put him together with the Beach Boys and he'll write twelve magic masterpieces in one week' negativity.

Now, being blatantly against a reunion because they don't wanna see f*cking Mike Love hopping the gravy train? THAT's negativity.

Why the concern if Brian could work with The BB's again. The way I read Bruce's post is a one off show, 40 songs nothing more.

So sort out a band, set list (the Mike and Bruce 40 song UK list would do), orchestra for certain tracks. No need for Brian yet.

Gig day. Brian required for ET fluff-piece, sound-check and sings 12-15 leads plus a few oooh-aahhhs in concert. Out-a-there!

One day max. Easy money. ;)

A one-off concert taped for a DVD might come off better than expected because it would be "safe"  *it would be the old songs) and everyone might be on their best behavior. 

Now if you're talking new music..... Brian should just stay solo.

AGD hasn't been so good at comparing these with the sales figures of new material from all the other Beach Boys put together over that time.

Which consists of, two thirds of a gold album twenty years ago, and "Summer In Paradise".

Even the new live albums of classics like Knebworth barely troubled the charts.

Brian, unlike the rest, has a career for new material.  AGD puts down the fact that Brian keeps going to new labels?  So do the others, but in their cases none of the labels have said yes.

If he's going to be interested in a reunion, it's not going to be for sales reasons.  The millions of people who are only interested in the greatest hits aren't going to be amazed by a bunch of 70-year-olds singing songs from when they were 20; the people who will be excited by Brian rejoining the Beach Boys are pretty much the same bunch who bought "Lucky Old Sun" and "Pacific Ocean Blue".  If he goes for it, it'll have to be for the publicity (which boosts his own career), for the fans... and, as you observed, the fun.  Or at the very least the chance to lay old ghosts to rest...

Cheers,
Jon Blum

I get what you are saying better now, but check my posts on the Chicago show last month. I think Brian was terrific. LOS is so much better then anything I would imagine. Still  I wonder how Brian would feel if he sat down with each ex-member alone and talked to them a few hours. It may make him feel differently then he does now. I see Smile as a great burden he managed to overcome. I see the next step in getting rid of more bad feelings from the past is to do something with the others. Even if they just had a BBQ together I see it as a healing thing. Who knows if anything new would be good, but I feel that each Beach Boy has become a lot more creative since the break up. If this was 1998 I know it would be wretched but the last ten years have seen them all do some very creative work. The voices weren't the same by 1975 but the potential remains. Awsoman the Beach Boys as we knew them can't exist I agree, but I hear still hear Brian writing parts that Mike, Al, and Bruce would sound great singing. I know it would personally make me feel very happy if they could finally find some peace with each other.

Overlooked by seemingly everyone in this thread is the fact that this might be a very good thing for Brian. Much like finally finishing SMiLE lifted a great weight off of Brian, making peace and doing a final show and/or recording with the surviving BB may be great closure for Brian, and may indeed provide a great relief for him.

The idea as suggested by Bruce isn't so terrible I think. Jonathan is 100% right - the resulting product might not sell as well, or sound as great, as people seem to think. But there would be minimal risk attached.

What makes people "protective" towards Brian is the idea that he would jettison his current support circle and band in favour of Mike and Bruce. Because there seems little doubt that he needs this support circle, perhaps more as time goes by.

EXCELLENT post, Jon.

If a reunion were to ever happen, I hope it ends up being more like the Pet Sounds or Jack Reiley era and less like the 15BO era or the Kokomo/SIP era.

Any concept that brings Brian, Mike, Al, Bruce and David together on a stage or in a recording studio is good enough for me... If anything worth hearing would come out of it, than that would be a bonus.

In which era would "Forever she'll be my surfer girl" fit ?

The Brian Wilson Band era  :)

A heavily tweaked reunion show shown (and re-shown) on PBS would be a tremendous success regardless of any musical or creative shortcomings. It would garner major, major press. As we enter an era where the over-60 crowd is doing less-and-less newsworthy "events," something like this will play huge -- and be an incredible earner for the band. As far as doing anything for love -- how much of the band's professional life has been played out in the name of "love"? The public loves a reunion. The Beach Boys loves being paid for being loved. It's not brain surgery.

One thing you can't deny, this band is obsessed with one another -- I'm not calling that "love", but they sure do spend a lot of time thinking about one another.

Although I think Bruce's proposal is the most sensible reunion idea I've heard, I think Amy B. nails it.

Can I just ask this question:  why do we need a Beach Boys reunion?  I just don't see what possible use it serves on any level other than possibly commercial for some of the participants (and I agree that if Al wants back in to the Mike & Bruce show that it would be great if that could happen)?  In fact, if Al & David & Bruce & MIke could pull something together, that would be a more interesting Beach Boys touring act than what we have now; but we're talking about more than just the traveling oldies show...

All of the guys have lost vocal ability.  Al can still cut it on leads, and the others can pull it off occasionally, but in terms of weaving the harmonies together, which requires multiple people in good voice, I can't imagine it would be there. 

Moreover, the guys have not shared the same vision of the band since 1966.  That's why their history is so tortured.  They managed to make it work for 20 years -- sort of -- but this is a basic difference in outlook that would have only worsened in the last two decades.  A reunion would only cause more friction when some of the guys don't seem to get along that great to begin with.

From a fan's perspective, I simply don't see the point, other than "wouldn't it be cool..."  If Carl were around, if the guys could agree on a single vision (or at least get close), if the principals' pipes were in better shape, if there weren't already bands touring the songbook....OK, then I could see it.  But what purpose would a reunion serve?  The only one I can think of is to put Brian back in the Beach Boys, and it's clear he doesn't want to be there.    Moreover, if you know their history, that's a perfectly reasonable way for him to feel.  And I don't see how, given the personalities and politics involved, it would be a happy situation for him.It doesn't make much sense artistically to me, since whatever the merits of Brian's solo work I doubt it would be improved by the other BB's participation...their heads are in a different place.

That's just one man's perspective but I honestly don't get why so many people want to see this happen, other than on a fantasy level of wishing for a happy ending outcome that, given the situation, is highly unlikely.  As I said, I think Bruce's idea is the best one I've heard, but even that would require everyone to agree to it. 

Well at the risk of being shouted down. In once sense I would say Brian owes the Beach Boys a good show!

Not to take anything away from his musical contribution as a song writer to the band, his live performances were poor after the early 60s or not at all.
To have him now singing what, 25 plus songs as lead vocalist with his own band today is incredible.

To have him sing lead on 12-15 songs on stage with a reunited Mike and co would be unheard of, even at their peak.

I like the shows Brian did in 1967 and 1970 too.

Adam, couldn't all this reasoning be also applied to Brian's solo career? It's not really advancing his legacy.

Wow.

Adam, thank ypou for being the voice of reason.

Sometimes I think the fans want a reunion more than the members themselves. 

I agree with the sentiment and rest (unquoted) of your post. All I can add is to the above: sometimes? Sometimes?

You don't think finishing and touring Smile redefined Brian's legacy?

How about proving he could do a good album as a followup?

Cheers,
Jon Blum

I don't think Brian could do anything to advance his legacy in the way the people seem to think he should. What could he do-- resurrect the young Beach Boys from the past and write and produce another Pet Sounds? I think what will need to happen to turn Brian into a legend on par with the best of his peer in the public's eyes is, sadly, for Brian to die and people to start talking about how great he was. Until then (and I hope that's a long, long time), I hope Brian does what makes him happy.

And Adam said a lot of what I meant-- I don't really see the point of a reunion and can't see how it would end up turning into some lovefest. Extended contact has always resulted in friction with those guys, at least, in the last few decades. They aren't even able to show each other respect in the press, so in person?

No. Smile is still an abandoned and beautiful project that Brian worked on when he was 24/25 years old.

BWPS made some waves back in 2004, the CD was a nice celebration, but Smile will always be a sixties beast. Officially releasing more than the twenty-something minutes of Smile contained the GV box set would do the job just as well, or better. Probably better, IMO.


I don't think it's a good album, and I doubt anyone cares outside the diehard fanbase.

I totally agree with Howie here!

Not only would it be a celebration of 50 years of the Beach Boys but a recognition of the music of Brian Wilson.  Mike said recently in an interview that things were being discussed to mark the 50 year anniversary.

Mike, Bruce, Al and David could tour but have Brian join in for at least one show.

And, I would add, the Capitol Records rooftop get-together in 2006 went great!  Brian and Mike were cool. Brian truly looked like he was having fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT9iT3L_5AY&feature=PlayList&p=85CE512363DE5A89&playnext=1&index=27

 Things are even better these days now that Mike and Al have made nice.

I don't even think he needs to advance his legacy. Honest.


If it may be hurtful to Brian, there are people whose job is to take care of him, don't worry. Anyway, he didn't want to revisit Smile but it was important for his career. You know how those things are.

I REALLY don't understand why Brian croaking songs he wrote four decades ago is swell and dandy if it's a solo gig, but it's turned into this disaster waiting to happen if the other Beach Boys happen to be on the same stage. What can they do, give him an atomic wedgie?  :-D

With all respect, Adam, I'd like to take a shot at that question....

First, The Beach Boys could benefit from a reunion. A reunion - to reunite. To heal some old wounds. Lingering wounds. Have some laughs, enjoy each other's company. Friendship. Old friends getting back together. A group of guys who did some great things together, getting a last (?) chance to stand on a stage together and be recognized for it, not because they need the praise, but maybe for them to share the moment with the fans. Sometimes I look at Brian, Mike, Al, and Bruce and they appear lost, like something's missing. Like they're just going through the motions - literally. Maybe it's because they were together for so long, that I /other fans will never accept them as solo artists. I wonder if they are truly comfortable in their present situations? The guys have been apart for awhile now, but they, all of them, will always consider themselves Beach Boys.

The fans. Mike Love (and Bruce) have stated many times how neat it is to see their fans grow up with The Beach Boys, and their children, and their children. Millions and millions of fans have bought albums and tickets over the last 50 years. This would be a great opportunity for the group to give back. No, they don't necessarily "owe" us anything more, but it would be nice to say "thank you" by giving their loyal fans one last highlight.

Capitol Records, PBS, the guys, their families, etc. could benefit financially by a reunion. A filmed concert on PBS could be shown for 7-8 years. CD's and DVD's could be marketed. The back catalogues would benefit. The guys could extend their touring careers by a couple of years by riding the momentum. The initial investment is minimal, the long-term gain is substantial.

Brian. For many years, Brian wanted to get back and produce The Beach Boys. Circumstances prevented it. After Carl's death, Brian said that The Beach Boys were done. But that was over ten years ago. And a lot of things have changed. Can anybody - including Brian - deny that a part of him would like to get back in the studio with his old buddies (yes, I realize the loss of Dennis and Carl leaves a gaping hole) and just record some music. Was his time in the studio with Mike, Al, Bruce, and David so painful? Wouldn't he get a kick out of trying to get some harmonies out of these guys? Guys who are his age? Who maybe have similar musical tastes? No, Brian doesn't have anything to prove, nothing to add to his legacy. Other than another great Beach Boys' album. You don't think that would make him happy?

For nuts like me. Even though I am in a small minority, I share a common feeling with millions of Beach Boys' fans. I would rather see and hear The Beach Boys than any of the solo projects and tribute bands. I have been musically unfulfilled by ALL of the solo albums, with the exception of Pacific Ocean Blue, which was 31 years ago. I am bored, especially with Brian's solo albums. I listen to them a couple of times, and put them away, rarely getting them back out. But I continually play The Beach Boys' albums - all of them. The Beach Boys as a whole are so much more interesting and basically "better" as a whole, rather than the separate, individual parts. I think they've proven that. And I think I speak for a very, very large percentage of Beach Boys' fans. Not the people who post on this board, but the millions of fans who go to the shows and buy the albums. If you stand in the lobby of a Brian or Mike & Bruce show - after the show - and ask the fans if they'd like to see a Beach Boys reunion, what do you think the percentages would be? Doesn't THAT really answer the question?

Sheriff I think you raised a good point. I don't think anybody (except maybe Dion without the Belmonts) is better as a solo act. I can rattle off many groups who I feel sound better as a group.
The Beatles
The Stones
The Who
and of course the Beach Boys
Even if they were more popular solo I also think artists like
Ike and Tina Turner
The Jackson 5
Kenny Rogers and the First Edition
had something as a group lacking later.

Now there is somtimes a stray solo album like say Pacific Ocean Blue that measures up to the group work, but I find that most groups who get sucessful (especally if they are family) get that way because of the special blend. I like some of Brian's solo stuff much better then Sheriff, but I do feel that every one of them would be better with the other Beach Boys doing back up.

Well right on John, but I think I can sum up your post thusly:  you'd like it because you, personally, as a fan, would like to see it happen, based on your own conception of how it would turn out and how Brian and the others ought to feel about it.  You have a right to that dream and just because it's a dream doesn't mean it isn't a good dream or that it couldn't possibly work out in reality....but nearly all the evidence points the other way from what I can see.

As to the other question, how does this reasoning differ from Brian's solo career?  Well, a bunch of ways.  First, I would argue THAT LUCKY OLD SUN is the first unified, good all-the-way through album Brian has done since PET SOUNDS (except BWPS).  Mike Love didn't get that out of him, nor did Al or Bruce or Dennis or Gary Usher or E. Landy or whomever else has tried.  Scott Bennett did.  As Van Dyke pointed out to Scott at the outset of the project, he was a guy Brian had toured with for 10 years and was comfortable with.  Whatever else we fans would like to project on our idols, they are real people and they can't just create in any old environment, even ones where they've had past success.

Second -- let's assume that TLOS is a pile o' shite (as some feel) and all of Brian's solo career has been lacking (I would argue that for whatever its faults it's still been more interesting than what the Beach Boys were doing, WITH OR WITHOUT BRIAN, after around 1979).  Brian has the same right to go out and play and make a living as Mike or Al or Bruce does.  It's his music.  If he's good, or he sucks, then we have the right not to pay to see him.  That's not the same as saying that Brian owes us to get back to the Beach Boys because we think he'd be better with them than without.  Heads up to music listeners out there:  entertainers don't owe you ANYTHING other than value for your money when you pay for your CD or concert ticket.  Musicians spend their life in the public eye having to do a lot of things they don't necessarily want to do in order to keep food on the table.  They have to put up with a lot of people yelling the equivalent of  "play Free Bird" all their lives.  When you get to the point where Brian has, where he's wrecked his health and had to live for 40 years with people asking him stupid questions, he has a right at the end of the day to play with the people he wants to play with.  It's that simple.  He's already given up much of his life for you and CONTINUES TO DO SO.  No one who hasn't done it themselves has no idea what a grind promoting an album can be, no matter how famous you are.  It's amazing someone as fragile and damaged as Brian is pulls it off.  If Brian doesn't feel like he would enjoy a Beach Boys reunion and it would be harmful to him, he has a right to say that.  You can say "he can do it just this one time," but first off, "one time" literally means months of promotion, interviews, photos, studio touch ups, etc.  It's not as simple as just jumping onstage, doing it and jumping off.  It's a big pain in the neck, and in this case, it's a pain in the neck that involves dealing with people you may not want to deal with.

And let's say he did it, when does it end?  Didn't Brian come back for the fans and for the band in 1968, and 1970, and 1976, and 1983, and 1996, and...you get me point?  It's been very difficult for Brian to establish his own identity apart from the group.  Regardless of how WE may feel about, Brian thinks he's happier without them, and we don't have the right to second guess that.

I've been as critical of Brian's solo career as anyone.  But the Beach Boys have not been, in my opinion, doing good work since well before his split with the band.  He's given plenty.  He owes us nothing.

Heads up to music listeners out there:  entertainers don't owe you ANYTHING other than value for your money when you pay for your CD or concert ticket.

Hey the best stuff still comes out on vinyl too you know. ;D

All kidding aside Adam you may be right here, but I still have to ask the question does Brian get to have a fair reading of who Mike, Al, Bruce, and Dave really are today? Does he think things were worse then they were because he was stoned or paranoid at the time? Does he remember things as they were or as he is told they were? I think these questions are valid considering Brian's condition and some of the people around him who have made negative (and sometimes disproved) statements about the Beach Boys. He owes us nothing but in my eyes he owes it to himself to lay the past to rest. Maybe he has come to terms with it, maybe I am way off base,  but I observe him carrying around a lot of hurt. I mentioned before I don't care if they do anything together in public, but I do feel he should sit down with the group and just talk things out. No wives, no lawyers. At least then he could let go of the past for good.

Adam: Thank you again, you said it all.

Mike: I may be misreading you, but I don't think he really needed Landy, Leaf and Ledbetter to encourage any anti-BB feeling he may have. growing up in a dysfunctional family can breed tons of resentment that don't need any outside provocation.

Well I am sure there were real hurts or perceived ones. Again how much of that came from Brian's own somewhat hyper sensitivity? Even Leaf and Melinda acknowledge that Brian is hurt very easily. Read his reaction to getting benched on either the senior baseball or football team (I forgot which) in Peter Carlin's book. Even then he had a very thin skin.

I don't fully blame Landy, Leaf etc etc. for how he feels, but I do think it's a valid theory that they have made the situation more prickly.

Well crafted, Sheriff. I concur that the individuals are weaker than the sum of the parts. And indeed I would be delighted
to purchase any tickets, DVD's, albums, etc. with far less trepidation as the revelation of BW's most recent sleeping pill.

Let's cross our collective fingers. Good for Bruce to expound on this idea, I believe if the all the concerned parties stay on
the throttle we're inching closer to a magical time as fans. We need it, they need it - everyone wins.

Hell, I want a cheerleader for my posts too. :-D

As far as i know, Brian doesn't read this board and isn't tied to a chair listening to our little debate. So, the notion that we're DEMANDING a reunion is a bit far fetched. Sheriff John Stone has Brian's phone number, but he promised not to call.

Of course a reunion is a possibility after the Capitol roof event, given that Brian didn't jump to avoid the others. Of course a thread about it will show up once in a while. Unfortunately, around page two, it unvariably turns into Brian vs. untalented assholes aka the Beach Boys. A nice guy like me ends up saying how he really feels about BWPS and TLOS. That's a shame.

Why not let the guys fantasize about reunion setlists, flying elephants and Beach Boys Central? Maybe we'll have world peace.

Has the  backing band been  discussed here?

Who will do drums and bass?  Who will help with the vocals?  Keyboard?

Don't mean for this to set off a wave of speculation but..........Jeff? Darian? Scott and John?  Ed? Mike and Al's kids?

I would put Bill Hinche on base and Ricky Fattaar on drums. Also, bring on Blondie Chaplin! If you can't get Chaplin/Fataar, then bring on the Dragons!

Ricky and Blondie would be great!

Someone like Jeff Foskett or Matt Jardine needs to be there to sing the falsetto parts.

Personally, I like Matt Jardine's falsetto the best, and it just seems less awkward when you keep things in the family, you know?

I'd love to see Blondie and Ricky come back, that would make for an awesome rhythm section.

Al and Dave on guitars.

Bruce, Billy Hinsche, and Brian can all swap keyboard parts.

Additionally, I hope Brian performs in his traditional bathrobe, and that they include life-size cardboard cutouts of Carl and Dennis as a tribute.  >:D

Let Mike and Alan handle the majority of leads. Brian should get a few, but stick with the ones his current vocals sound good on. I think he sings the Pet Sounds songs best still out of current setlists. What do you guys think?

Brian sounds best on lower pitched ballads these days. He sounded really good on Girl Don't Tell Me when I last saw him.

Mike, Brian, and Al still have the pipes.   And sure, keep it in the family with Matt and Christian.

I would also think Jeff and Darian would be a good bet for a solid foundation.

Ed Carter on bass or Brian's current bassist (forget his name but he is very good).

Drums?   I'll take Kowalski or Cowsill.  Cowsill sings really well too so maybe he would be best (and he reminds me of Dennis up there pounding the skins)

There are several choices for lead guitar but after seeing Scott Totten this fall I think he would be hard to beat and he does some great BB sounding vocals.  And he has excellent stage presence.

So far that would be 13 I think........including Bruce and David.

I'd pay top concert dollar to see that.  Without flinching.  And I'd fly and rent a car to get there.

Who among us wouldn't? :)

I don't know.  Who's a better judge of that...the guy who has dealt with them to various degrees for 40 years, or you and me?  I'd argue the former.  I might think your ex-wife is awesome and that you both should reconcile.  I might be right that she's a great person, but if you don't want to be with her, what business is it of mine?  If you'd rather hang out with some heavy metal chick, I might think that's not as good of a relationship, but I'm not living your life.  YOU are.  If the Beach Boys want to reconcile, great.  I still don't quite see the point, but if everyone was into it, beautiful.  But it appears they're not, and here we are telling people how they should feel about things they've lived through and we're just observing from a far, far distance.  I know it's not like Melinda's got a direct line to this board but that kinda bugs me, frankly.

I think this is a fun parlor game, and by all means speculate away about the fantasy band.  But let's keep it at that:  a parlor game.  In the real world, you have real people who have suffered a lot and again, don't owe us anything. 

This question is funny if you think about it site-wide (as opposed to just this thread). Because in that sense, oh, about 50 million times!

Ok, so Matt Jardine, Christian Love. Ed Carter is a must. Cowsill works for me. Billy Hinsche needs to be there, strong pianist.

Mike, Brian, Alan, Bruce, & David. (Blondie & Ricky would be a total plus in my book).

Anyone want to start writing up the setlist, who sings what? Mwah ha ha ha ha! ;D

I for one wouldn't tell anyone what to do. I don't feel owed at all, my lone contention is that direct communication is the only way to resolve issues. If they don't want to no skin off my back. but I still feel that asking questions about why they don't  is valid. Don't let it bother you, it's all for the sake of discusion at least from my end and I have stressed that.  These are real people and I respect that, but they live public lives that are going to be examined and I think most of us do it in very good taste. Besides they have always been very public about their issues why would a message board thread hurt them? Particularly one as intelligent as this.

Yes, MBE, nobody is saying that The Beach Boys owe anybody anything (including me, if anybody READS my post(s), I specifically said that). What I did say, and believe, as one of the reasons to reunite, would be for the guys to do it for the fans. Not the only reason, not even a major reason, but a reason. What's wrong with that idea, actually showing appreciation to loyal fans. Didn't Alabama or some group do that before? Aren't there "farewell" tours and things like that? I guess I'm naive....

And, addressing again, what's in it for The Beach Boys and/or Brian....The Beach Boys as individuals are soooooooooooooo different from you and me. But, is it possible that they and/or Brian are sentimental, wanting to forgive/ heal old wounds, want to "do it again" for old times sake, maybe share a few laughs - at each other's expense, and just enjoy making music with each other. Just making music together. Money can't but that. Psychotherapy can't manufacture that. Settling lawsuits can't settle those things. Can writing songs on a computer in a bedroom bring that? Maybe. Maybe not. Are The Beach Boys that different from us that those things mean nothing to them? Again, maybe. I'm not trying to decide for them, just speculating that, yes, they might get a lot out of it.

I wouldn't.  No Dennis, no Carl, no thanks.

Sure there are. Ask the Who, the Stones, Cher, KISS, the Eagles, etc. But unless the Boys plan to go on with the tour endlessly, year after year and to ever-increasing ticket prices in sports arenas, they ought to avoid the term.  ;)

Avan, you seem pretty adamant in your view, and I respect that, because I'm like that, too. Do you mind if I ask you an off-the-wall question?

After Dennis died, The Beach Boys held a press conference, and Carl Wilson said (and I'm paraphrasing), "We know that Dennis would like us to carry on in the spirit and tradition of The Beach Boys....", or something to that effect. And they went on. After Carl passed away, it was decided/voted on to continue The Beach Boys, for reasons that I don't want to get into in this thread. If, in some magical way, you could ask Carl Wilson if he thought The Beach Boys should reunite - with a line-up of Brian, Mike, Al, David, and Bruce - what do you think he would say? If you don't want to answer, no problem.

^ Great question. For the record, as you know, I'm also not interested in a reunion. I would not attend a local show, much less travel to one. I would buy the CD/DVD, but am more than a little skeptical about what I'd hear and see. But I'll answer your question. (I know, you're thrilled.) He'd without question say to do it. Doing shows and selling albums is what the Beach Boys--and pretty much every other band on earth--have always been about.

My point, which I KNOW you got, was that a "farewell" tour or concert can be a mutually good thing. Obviously, it gives the fans a last chance to see one of their favorite artists. But, it also gives the artist a last chance to give back, take a final bow, and enjoy the ride. And, yes, we don't know that The Beach Boys either need or want that....

I knew what you meant, of course. Just playing with the idea of those horrid, endless farewells.

I wasn't asking you!  :p

But, remember, it was Carl Wilson, when asked if he STILL enjoyed touring as a Beach Boy, who repeatedly talked about how much he enjoyed making the audiences/fans happy by singing Brian's songs, singing about the joys of everyday life, celebrating the simple things in life. I'd say he got a lot out of it. After his "solo career", he reunited....

I know. Like I said, I think he'd be for it. I don't know that the reasons I gave are all that different than the ones you gave, or at least not mutually exclusive.

Brings to mind the interview where Brian was asked "Are you still a Beach Boy" and Brian says "Of course, I'm just doing my own thing right now."(paraphrased)

Anyone who thinks it's just the fans who want a reunion are kidding themselves.  I'm sure they're all yearning for something different after 10+ years of the same ol' thing:

Al - a yes for sure
Mike- dying for it
Bruce - obviously a thumbs up
David Marks - green light
BW - I'm sure Brian would love to hear how they sound together again

Ronnie James Dio is 67 and he still belts it out.  Recently saw 63 year old Brian Johnson of AC/DC and he sounded fresher than he has since the mid-eighties.  If these old timers can still perform their savage vocals, The Beach Boys would have no problems vocally, studio or otherwise.  A little rest from their busy touring schedules and it would shape up nicely....

The problem with that is that it's factually wrong. We KNOW the Beach Boys' vocals are nowhere near what they were. They WOULD have problems vocally. It's not an insult or a slight. It's a fact. Brian, Mike and Al (in descending order) have all suffered losses of their vocal abilities. Bruce, i'm not sure, but I'd guess he's not in his mid-20s form. And David, for his talents, wasn't ever such a great singer. I'm not saying a group around them live, or a good producer in the studio, couldn't make it a decent end-result product, but to think those guys with their current, true voices could "have no problems" is simply wrong.

Actually David Marks has a fine singing voice that's really mellow,and laid-back. He did a great job singing "You And I" in Hawthorne at the dedication ceremony.  To say he wasn't ever a great singer is wrong, IMHO.

I'm sure they'd have his blessing if that's the direction they wanted to take but I can't really say beyond that.  I suspect Luther is right.  What I can say is that I don't believe that's what Brian wants to do.  I saw him in Nashville last month and during the hits set he really looked rather bored, like he was just going through the motions - for the fans.  It was only when it came time for TLOS that he absolutely came alive and became completely immersed in his performance.  It was really remarkable to see the change come over him.  You could tell his heart was in it 100% and to me that says it all.  I think at this point he just wants to be in an environment where he's free to create and collaborate with a supportive group that he feels comfortable with.  Could that be the Beach Boys?  Possibly, but 40+ years of history say otherwise.  I don't see where he would fit into a current incarnation of the Beach Boys either, since he and Mike are essentially in the same vocal range now and he can't do all his old parts.  I know not everybody is a fan of Brian's solo stuff but in my mind he's still moving forward and a Beach Boys reunion would be a big step back.  I understand why some want to see it happen but it's just not for me. 

Your argument is self-contradictory. You say Brian does the hits sets at his solo shows for the fans and doesn't appear to enjoy it, but he does it anyway "for the fans".

So if it's clear he's not enjoying himself anyway, would you rather see him not enjoying himself with his current band, or with his old band? I vote old band.

Hm. I take AvanTodd's argument to be that in the TLOS programme BW is at least happy for the 40 minutes of that work, whereas he wouldn't be really well at any point during a BBs reunion recital. Plus, I think that Darian, Taylor & co. revitalize him, make him feel youngish, and I don't see Mike doing that ever again in this life.

I remember reading that during the 2006 Capitol rooftop event, "Don't Talk" was playing in the background and Mike asked Brian if he could still sound like that.  Brian laughed before telling him he couldn't. Either Mike is kidding himself about Brian's voice, or he still likes to goad Brian. It could be that Brian then turned to Mike and started making fun of his nasal voice-- I don't know. But even though they apparently had a brief discussion about working together again, nothing came of it. I think if Brian were really excited about it, it would have happened, or at least he would have mentioned it in an interview. Melinda's not always there to control what he says.

If--and that's a big if-- everyone is into it and really wants to do it (I still say Brian is doing pretty well now and has no reason to want a reunion unless it's for personal reasons), then maybe the thing to do would be to have Brian make a surprise appearance at a Beach Boys gig. If everyone feels comfortable after that, they can explore the possibility of a reunion event.

I don't like his voice at all. (Sorry if you're reading, Carrie. Just being honest.) But "wrong' is the wrong word, considering it's a subjective matter, I suppose.

There isn't anything contradictory about that. The argument is that fans want Brian to do his old songs, so he does them (despite not enjoying it himself). That isn't a contradiction. So then it becomes a matter of whether he could not-enjoy himself with his new band (with whom he also gets to play his own, new music and presumably has a good time on a personal level) or not-enjoy himself with his old band (with whom he presumably would do less new music and has a checkered history on a personal level). Again, no contradiction involved. I don't know what he likes and doesn't like, in that I've never so much as met the guy. But AvanTodd's argument isn't self contradictory.

Luther! I wrote words to that extent already! Why didn't you credit me for that? I love you man!

Because I didn't get to (and thus read) your post. Got to Aegir's and clicked "quote." But I'll credit you now. Everyone, the Heartical Don already said something apparently similar to what I said. I don't know this for a fact because I have not yet read the post in question. But I have no reason to believe he'd make such a stupid thing up. Therefore, let's all believe him and offer him a hearty thanks for being so damn swell besides. Thank you. That is all. Good?  ;D (Oh, and by the way, it's blizzarding here. There is one thing for me to do. And at 10:05 a.m., I'd say that's a good time to begin. My posts will become increasingly sarcastic, stupid and typo-ridden from here on out.)

No offense taken...it is subjective. A lot of people don't consider Dennis a great singer, either. I also know that David's voice wouldn't be the strongest of the five....but I disagree that his voice would not add authenticity to the Beach Boys vocals should there be a reunion. 

Al Jardine said David sounds like Mike Love and Mike Love said David sounds like Dennis Wison.  Paul Schaeffer didn't think David was a singer (based on myth) until he heard him sing with Al - and after that he raved about how David's voice sounded like "a Beach Boys record" - he even made a point of telling Mike and Bruce what a great singer David was when we saw him at a BB show the following year.  Lastly, as an example of recently recorded voices, I think David and Al's voice blend beautifully on I Sail Away, which was on the ESQ Dennis tribute CD and is also on David's MYSpace Page...it makes my ear crave hearing Mike and Carl's voice on there with them! 

I also disagree with you that they all would have trouble with their vocals today in a reunion-type situation.  The Beach Boys have always been bigger and better than the sum of their parts...I've seen first hand how adding just one extra Beach Boy to a current configuration exponentially increases the authenticity factor, whether that be Al on Brian's Pet Sounds tour or David on Mike's UK tour or a hundred other examples over the last nearly 50 years.  None of them are solo artists, but together they have put out one of the greatest catalogs in music history...so don't discount the power of 1+1+1+1+1  equaling more than 5! 

Now, whether it happens or not is not up to anyone responding on this thread, and it may or may not happen in any number of different scenarios...but I don't think lack of talent (or voice) among the 5 surviving Beach Boys is one of the reasons  it won't (or shouldn't) happen.

[quoteI remember reading that during the 2006 Capitol rooftop event, "Don't Talk" was playing in the background and Mike asked Brian if he could still sound like that.  Brian laughed before telling him he couldn't. Either Mike is kidding himself about Brian's voice, or he still likes to goad Brian.[/quote]

Ever thought he was just kidding with him?

Thanks for that informative post, Carrie. In all honesty, I've never heard David sing, nor heard any of his solo work. Now I know I need to check him out!

I don't think I said David's voice wouldn't add authenticity, and if I did, I'd take that back. No question about that part. The primary point of my complaint about the guys' voices was actually more intended as a question about Brian's voice (and then the unstated lack of Carl). Mike's voice seems to me diminished. Al's is diminished less than the others, but it clearly is. So it comes down for me to Brian being incapable of doing his "real" parts, and then the guys who would traditionally cover for that absence being either losing some capability (Al) or dead (Carl). That's my issue. Anyway, I'm well aware that my opinion is moot. If the guys want to get together, go for it. If they don't, go for (not) it. It's not my thing: the albums are.

Being as passionate as you are about The Beach Boys (even covering some of their songs), I can't believe that, if a reunited Beach Boys came your way, you wouldn't buy a ticket.

As far as Brian singing "live", I know it's a no-brainer", but the first guy I would sign up would be Jeff Foskett. Just stand Jeff on stage next to Brian, and have Jeff cover for him, double him, talk to him, dress him, whatever. Basically, what he's doing now....

And, then recruit Matt Jardine for percussion and the high parts....

I'm not a big fan of live shows in general, actually. While I used to get out a couple times a week, I've probably seen half a dozen shows in the past year. And I'm all but certain the TLOS show was my last Brian Wilson show. So I wouldn't be too sure, if I were you, what I'd be inclined to do. (But hey, who knows. My mind could change. It's just that usually those mind-changes lean toward inaction.)

Ever thought he was just kidding with him?

Thanks for that informative post, Carrie. In all honesty, I've never heard David sing, nor heard any of his solo work. Now I know I need to check him out!
[/quote]

Billy start with the first Moon LP he sounds like he would be right at home on Smiley Smile.

I don't think anybody as they enter their sixties can claim to sound exactly the same, but it's only Brian that sounds totally different. Mike can still do bass vocals very well, his front range is a little shaky but he did do Here Today perfectly when I saw him. Bruce is fairly hoarse compared to his youth, but he still does sound like Bruce. Al sounds almost the same if not able to hit the higher part of his range. Dave sounds older then his 1960's self but has a very nice tonal quality. Blondie really sounds good. So I think you get Matt and Jeff to do the high notes and the rest is covered. Personally if it happens as long as it's done with class I would be happy. If it doesn't happen we do have the records.

Billy:  just check out David's MySpace page (MySpace.com/DavidMarks) - I've got mostly covers up there now (his versions of BB songs) but you get an idea about his voice....there is also a you tube clip of him singing Forever with the Beach Boys if anyone cares to look for it. 

Luther:  I'm curious when the last time you heard Mike Love sing live was?  Because, one of the highlights of the whole spring '08 UK tour was his bass parts on Kiss Me Baby - he demonstrated that he still has his vocal chops, especially when singing that low harmony...it was GREAT!!! And Al, I don't see  this deterioration you talk about him having (even if noted as being less than the others) I have seen him do at least a dozen shows in the last few years and he sings every bit as good as he did 40 years ago...maybe better!   Brian half as good as he was in his prime is still better than most...and Matt Jardine and Christian Love can fill any holes while still keeping it in the family.   So again, there are lots of reasons why a reunion may or may not ever happen, but lack of vocal chops is just not one of them, in my opinion! 

MBE - looks like we were thinking the same thing but your post beat mine!

Dave sounds like early-ish Dennis to me. Ergo, his voice in the blend would be most welcome.

I don't want to sound like I'm criticizing anyone, here. But as MBE says, nobody in their mid-60s sounds like he did in his 20s. I'm not saying the guys lost the ability to hear or blend or sing in tune. But their ranges are reduced, especially on the upper end. I don't think that's me being particularly revelatory. And the voices--Brian in particular, but Al, too--lack the clarity and purity they once had. They don't suck. They aren't awful. That isn't (and wasn't) what I was saying. And if anyone else doesn't hear any changes in their voices (which I doubt), or likes the changes, that's cool. Some of you are more invested emotionally than me, I think, in seeing some live reunion. Cool. If it happens, enjoy it. I think I mostly agree 100% with MBE, at least, except for the end result of our own particular interest.

I think the debate about how a reunited Beach Boys would "sound", either live or in the studio, is getting into the area of relativity. Which is fine, that's part of the fun of the discussion.

Would a 2009 version of The Beach Boys sound like the original records? No. Would they sound like Live In London '69? No. Would they sound like In Concert 1972-73? No. Would they sound like Knebworth 1980? Now we're getting into some serious discussion.


Of course they've lost some speed off their fastballs, that's not the issue. The issue is how much. I think there's two different perspectives to consider. First, I'll bet most of us are harking back to the ragged days of 1981, without Carl Wilson. Are you picturing Brian ruining those songs, and a backing band - vocally - that was nowhere near what they could come up with today. I mean, basically, all you could hear was Mike, Al, and Bruce.

Are you picturing The Beach Boys in the 1990's, coasting through Kokomo, with not much passion? Are you picturing them going through the motions, with arrangements that didn't really highlight their voices?

If you think a reunited Beach Boys would be a repeat of those past days, yes, it would be a disaster. But, from what I've heard (and read), they've cleaned up their respective acts, and not only just "get through" the songs, but impress. I've mentioned it before, but don't you think they would realize the "last chance" opportunity, and being in the spotlight, under a microscope, rise to the occasion? Don't you think they could raise the level of their game, in much the same way Brian did with BWPS, and, in much the same way Mike & Bruce have been doing lately.

Because Mike and Bruce haven't recorded in awhile, it's hard to tell exactly what their best would sound like. Yeah, they'd sound older, but still good, I think. I hope... 

Yeah I think we are on the same page here.

I think David's voice is fantastic!!!!  One can only imagine what would have gone down if he had stayed in the BB  and what leads he would have sung.

I wish they had gotten David to do the 'Holy Man' vocal (nothing against TH).

If they do get together for a show, David should sing a couple Dennis songs.  Be great to hear him on 'Steamboat'.
And of course, with David there, the lead guitar is covered.

Carrie, I don't see the 'The Lost Years' 3 CD set in your online store (except in the package with the the book, which I've read and own), is that the only package available right now?

Ever thought he was just kidding with him?

Thanks for that informative post, Carrie. In all honesty, I've never heard David sing, nor heard any of his solo work. Now I know I need to check him out!
[/quote]

Goading, kidding...there's a fine line, particularly where we're talking about a sensitive relationship. When Brian had Al hold his nose to imitate Mike, a similar thing. "Oh, he's gonna LOVE that."
I've never heard David sing either. If there were a reunion I think it would be a must for him to take some leads, particularly with the number of casual fans who are unaware of him. That said, I still agree with Adam on this issue.

[/quote]

Kinda amazing to me that  'hard core' Beach Boy fans have never heard David sing.  David is not a beautiful singer in the 'classic 65-73 Brian Wilson' vein but  his voice is extremely expressive.  Think of the cool/hip BB of 'Surf's Up thru 'Holland' and David would fit right in.

I'm sure Billy is a hard core fan, being a moderator, but I'm really not. I have most of the albums, but no real ancillary stuff and am not a musician or anything like that. From your description, though, it does sound like David would sound great on Dennis's stuff. And if there _were_ a reunion, it would be great if they packed fans in and then sprung a whole bunch of late 60s/early 70s stuff on them. Traveling jukebox? Not here! I don't think that would happen, though.

David's singing voice is pretty cool, actually.  To me his participation is kind of the wild card that would make it more interesting.

Bottom line perhaps we can all agree on...if the participants all want to do it, then great, and if in spite of past experiences down this road they can make it happen in the way some folks here have envisioned, that's great too.  But they're all real people and if any of them DON'T want to do it, for whatever reason, we should respect that and not second-guess it based on how "we" think "they" should behave, or our vision of what's best for them.

I thought they sounded fine for:

15 Big Ones in 1976
Knebworth in 1980
The unrehearsed Campfire Sessions in 1989
Nashville Sounds in 1996

Don't see why things would change now....except for Carl of course....

Al sounds good on his own, Mike & Bruce sound good with each other and with Dave, Brian sounds okay on his own and with Al, so if you combine them all and have some (relatively*) younger guys around to sing the high end, everything'll work out fine.

*Matt Jardine has gotta be at least 40 years old by now, Foskett's older still. If only Brian could've kept his falsetto as long as these guys...

Goading, kidding...there's a fine line, particularly where we're talking about a sensitive relationship. When Brian had Al hold his nose to imitate Mike, a similar thing. "Oh, he's gonna LOVE that." [/quote]

Have you ever thought that it would take Mike ten seconds to veto the nose holding scene from the Endless Harmony docu? And it's there. Maybe Mike laughed his ass off when he watched it at home. Maybe Brian wasn't terribly hurt when Mike made the comment about "Don't Talk".

I'm not trying to claim that those guys don't have issues with each other. Sure they have. But I think there are some zones where they are able to get along. If making a reunion to revisit old material or writing new songs isn't one of those, so be it.

Carrie, I checked out the site... I freaking LOVE the version of Kokomo on there. 

Okay...I'm sold. If there's a reunion I want David there. All of those songs are new recordings? If that's the case, David's voice is the best out of the surviving Beach Boys, easily.

I'm really warming up to the idea of solo recordings... just let everybody sing on them, that's all I'm asking for. As an example, imagine Al contributing a few lines to a song like Cool Head Warm Heart and let Brian handle a bit of the background vocals. Other than that, lots of group vocals please! It wouldn't be a Friends situation for sure, more like 20/20 or even Still Cruisin' and I'd be perfectly fine with that. And don't necessarily go for a big production, I'd love a bit of a campfire vibe, which might even satisfy both Alan and Mike's aesthetic demands (think Postcard, 1989 TV special, 1993 unplugged tour). I don't mean sloppiness, just keep it simple and tasteful. Bring in some horns, some vibes, guitars, glockenspiel, and some basic percussion. Oh, and make sure Van Dyke Parks will play that accordion again! After all, he's a real nice guy according to Mike Love.

Thanks for asking.  However, someone just bought the very last copy as part of the 'set' on Friday. I believe there is still ONE left in stock through Amazon and 1 or 2 left at CDBaby if you'd like a last chance to get one!  Otherwise, the songs on disc 1 and disc 3 are packaged individually as the Marksmen Ultimate Collectors Edition, I Think About You Often, and the Marks Clifford live at Blue Dolphin. 

Holy Man would have been cool and I believe Jon Stebbins did throw David's name out there as an option.  But Taylor was also a good choice - and Carl B would have been another one that would have done a great job on it, too!

I'm glad to hear you liked what you heard! There is even more of a selection of original songs here: http://www.reverbnation.com/davidmarks

Angie was recorded in 1968 - but David's only playing guitar on that track (both parts...he's jamming with himself at the end).  Kokomo was recorded in 2001 and I Sail Away was recorded last summer...the rest fall in between that window.

Carrie, does David read this or other message boards? Also, have you two discussed a possible Beach Boys' reunion, just in passing - or seriously? If yes, are you at liberty to tell us his thoughts? Thank you....

I didn't say Brian was terribly hurt. I have no idea what the intent was behind those incidents, or what the response was, and neither do you. I know they both have a sense of humor. I wasn't clear enough in the point I was trying to make. I just mean that there is a point where joking around can degenerate into something more serious that stirs up old issues, if people spend enough time together. Obviously their relationship is complicated, and sometimes they get along great, and other times, not so much. If they want to do a reunion, fine. I'm just saying that I don't understand the calls for it, given what has happened in the past right now, and given that Brian currently seems to be in a good place. Do I hope their relationship improves? Of course. I think whatever happens, it's up to each of them, bottom line. But to me, if it never happens, it's not some sort of tragedy. Brian is doing his thing, quite successfully, and Mike and Bruce are doing theirs, also successfully. In their own way, each project is a reminder of the value of the Beach Boys sound.

Very true. It could be said this is the best time the Beach Boys world has had since ... the mid 70s? The Beach Boys band continues to tour, and with better reviews than I've seen since I've paid attention to such things (late 90s). People attending the shows REALLY speak up for them as good quality, which is awesome. Brian Wilson has a great band and seems as happy and healthy as Brian Wilson is likely to be, and has a good new album and quality touring show. David Marks's material--old and new--has been made available again, and when he joins the various live shows, everyone acknowledges his contributions, especially as a great guitarist (not to mention J. Stebbins's book got him a lot of his due credit, helping fight the myth of the Beach Boys being Brian, Carl, Dennis, Mike and Al). And Dennis's POB was rereleased, with Bambu material, no less. Al got good reviews when he toured with Brian a year or so ago, and presumably is nearing the release of his album (which does include contributions from David, Brian, Mike and Carl). To some that means a reunion should happen, and if it does, whatever--fine. Good. But regardless, these are pretty darn good times anyway. Sometimes it's good to just appreciate what we do have, rather than pine for what we don't.

Well, we know that Mike didn't mind, or it would have been cut from Endless Harmony.  ;)

Otherwise, yeah, we don't know, so I used "maybe" twice.

Re the posts on how the voice's may sound now compared to the bands prime.

I think for me, that would be a reason for my interest. A certain difference and freshness to what we have heard for the last 40 plus years in concert or record. A certain rough edge may add something to certain songs. One that springs to mind would be David rocking on 'Wild Honey'.

Remember the combination of Mike, Brian, Al, Bruce and David on stage together is new. Yes, for a band almost 50 years old something new. Why not think outside the square and make it interesting and tempting for all parties to say 'why the hell not'.

Could this also fall into the "what's in it for Brian/the group" department? It would be interesting, wouldn't it?

Mahalo Carrie!  Amazon was sold out but I was able to order one from CD Baby.  I've been meaning to order this collection since it came out but glad I got one before it was too late.

A 70% on metacritic and a #21 album says otherwise.  That's the difference between the die-hard fanbase, who barely got GIOMH into the Top 100 and gave it middling reviews, and where Brian's at now.

It's not about what you think, really; you don't get to define his legacy.  Neither do those of us on this board -- we're talking about a reputation that's bigger than us.  Among the much wider audience of people who've heard of Brian and Smile (who are still a fraction of those who've heard about the Beach Boys with no concept of the guys behind the music), the end of the biopic script is now that Brian finally finished it, got standing ovations, won a Grammy, et cetera.

And would a reunion concert add something to that legacy?  I tend to think, only if it was a genuine reconciliation, more than just a revisiting.  Personally I'd love to see it if it just gave us something as sweet as that moment of Brian and Mike singing one of their favorite Everly Brothers songs on Hawthorne CA.  Or let 'em each do a new track with all of them singing on it, showing the ability to collaborate one more time.  If it's just about getting them to stand on a stage together, I don't think that'll mean that much...  "doing it for the fans" impresses me even less...  but something which actually lays ghosts to rest, that could matter in the big scheme of things.  Or just matter to the people involved, which would be worth it in its own right.

Cheers,
Jon Blum

And BWPS got a 100% (or close to it) on Metacritic. The statement about TLOS that "I don't think it's a good album, and I doubt anyone cares outside the diehard fanbase..." You could probably say that about a lot of recent albums. It doesn't mean those albums aren't good. Just means you don't like it and many people aren't attuned to the albums. If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to hear it, it may not make a noise, but it still falls. Or something like that. Anyway, to get back to the reunion subject, I wonder what kind of material the diehard fans would consider to be good from reunited Beach Boys. I believe that TLOS is just about as good as Brian can get these days. I'm not sure what Mike can do as a lyricist these days, since he doesn't do much without Brian. So if you don't like TLOS, what would you be looking for?

I think to some degree, most everyone in the extended BBs organization is privy to what’s going on with the boards.  David doesn’t visit himself, but he is pretty much up-to-date with what goes on…and he will answer questions or get involved with discussions through me.

About the reunion….from his perspective it’s really a complicated thing with multiple layers. Mostly, he just wants to work!  He loves doing shows as the “Legends” with Al and Dean and it was really fun for him to play with Mike again – and he really loved getting to play with this new (for him) configuration with Scott, John, Randell and Christian.   And he’s constantly writing and recording, so it would be great to do more collaboration with the other guys where they ‘guest’ on each other’s solo projects.

Now technically there already was a reunion in 2006, but if [big IF] there was some one-off 50th Anniversary event or a new Beach Boys CD, then of course David would want to be involved. Not only would it be ‘right’, but I believe he would be an asset musically – especially if this fantasy project were to include recording.  However, if it doesn’t happen…I don’t think that means that all the other mini ‘reunions’ that have been going on over the last few years should be discounted. 

For example, Al wrote a really fun song and David played guitar on it and then they performed it together live at the Roxy to honor Carl.  I mean, rewind to 1963 and would anyone think that David Marks would be playing Blues licks behind Al Jardine at a club in the Sunset Strip?!?  That’s pretty cool, in my opinion!  It was also really cool for him to get to tour the UK as a “Beach Boy” this year for the first time, too.  So, whatever happens or doesn’t happen officially, there already has been several years worth or ‘reuniting’ that have all contributed towards healing and produced wonderful memories and some good music.  Hopefully there will be more to come…

Cool, thanks...I think you got the last one! 

Personally I've noticed a chain of events that I suspected may lead to an anniversary reunion of some type: the Capitol rooftop reunion in 2006, Brian re-signing with Capitol Records shortly thereafter....we all know Capitol was the original BB's label, so on top of the members themselves being interested in playing with each other again and what not to honor the songs, wouldn't Capitol perhaps see this potential when deciding to re-sign BW? And by going public ;) with his comment about a potential reunion, Bruce has shown that the idea is being given some degree of serious thought in the inner ranks of the BB's. I could see an event kind of like Led Zeppelin's recent one-off London reunion show working well for a Beach Boys 50th reunion

I know for a fact that the Hollywood Bowl would love to host a Beach Boys reunion concert. A member of my family holds a perfect position within the Hollywood Bowl organization to make this happen if the BB's wanted it. In fact, this party specifically reached out to me last year to see if I could somehow assist them in gauging interest within the BB's family. The whole idea was set aside before we even began the process of trying to get the ball rolling, mainly because all parties were busy and the timing didn't seem right. But the idea is still alive, and I know there is serious interest within the Bowl's hierarchy. Obviously a summer BB's reunion concert at the Bowl would be a huge L.A. event. One upside of doing it there is that the BB's would have the L.A. Philharmonic at their disposal for at least part of the set. Another is that there is plenty of history with the BB's at the Bowl, having first played there in Oct. '62...and nearly every year until the late sixties. The downside might be the sound, some don't like it there, although Brian sure sounded amazing at the Bowl this past summer, it seems the ability to project excellent sound for rock music has vastly improved at the Bowl in recent years. Another downside might be the issue of filming and recording such a concert, there could be legal, union and institutional issues to overcome, although I'd imagine for such a one-of-a-kind event these things could be worked out. Anyway, the Hollywood Bowl is one of many many possibilities for this potential event. My underlying point here is that despite the Beach Boys frayed nature, and ongoing legacy issues, there are high profile venues that see the obvious commercial potential and HUGE historical importance of hosting a Beach Boys reunion concert. With the 50th anniv. coming up, if everybody stays healthy, I would not be surprised to see it happen. I would probably be even less surprised if it didn't.

It's not about liking or hating it. From Brian's 2007/2008 works, I like (to varying degrees) Midnight's Another Day, Good kind of Love, Live Let Live, Southern California, Going Home, Message Man and What Love Can Do. From those seven, five were included in TLOS. So, I don't think it's a good album. It's so simple...

I look for a world where Brian only releases songs that I'll enjoy. Even simpler.  :)

I'm not as analytical when I listen to music, I guess. I don't listen to an album and say, "I like only 40 percent of it, so it's not a good album." I love most of the songs on TLOS, but for the sake of the argument I'll just point out that it's always been rare for a project Brian is involved in to contain all good songs, even back in the 60s (Today, Pet Sounds and Smile maybe being exceptions, but the earlier stuff had a lot of filler). With today's technology, you can just make your own album out of those 2007/08 works that you enjoy, plus some Paley sessions stuff or whatever else you like. Voila! Instant classic. 100%, A-grade album. Brian is back!   :-D

Thanks for your post about the bowl Jon. I mentioned a few posts back about this being a new on stage line-up and thinking outside the square.

How would you feel about Brian singing 'You Are So Beautifull' solo?

Carrie, thanks to you for your answer. It's great David is still int the loop so to speak. Would you care to share his and your opinion on the Brian, Mike and Al relationship or feelings at the present? That seems to have been the most strained.

That's an easy one, Amy. It's never been as much about Brian's material (although I find the "solo" years to be mediocre at best); it's never been as much about the lyrics (although I find Mike Love as good as any lyricist Brian's used), and it's not even about the production. IT'S ABOUT THE VOCALS - LEAD AND BACKING.

Brian's "solo" albums - all of them - have suffered from Brian's lead vocals and the times he layered his own voice as backing vocals. All of Brian's "solo" albums, as a new Beach Boys' album, would benefit from dividing up the lead 3 or 4 different ways, and using The Beach Boys' voices for the harmonies.

I don't think it's so easy to name the Wall-o-Brian as the obvious biggest flaw. First, I'd say that the decision to use all Brian is a production decision, so your "it's not just the production" isn't really true. But second, while I do dislike a bazillion Brians, I don't know that having the others would make up for the various other flaws in Brian's solo material more than fixing any of the other flaws. For you it might, but not for me. I'll agree that other voices help in every case where they were lacking. But not necessarily more than the horrible drum machines, cheesy nylon string guitar noodling, synth pad keys, etc.

I don't mean to go off topic here, but I'd like to add a little about the argument at hand. BW88 had harmonies that were sometimes shrill and uneven, and the production speaks for itself. Imagination, well that one had awful engineering and way too plastic production. For the most part I loved the vocals on that one on everything but "Let Him Run Wild," "Dream Angel," "Sunshine" and "Keep an Eye On Summer." On GIOMH production is too busy and vocals are horrible by and large (though "Fairy Tale" rules almost entirely)...

But I think a lot of the production and vocal problems were fixed on TLOS; the blend is much better since not only are bandmembers contributing, they have distinctive voices (i.e. Scott has some of Dennis' tones, Taylor has some beautiful moments) and Brian's vocals, while spotty in some cases, are clearer, more on the money and warmer than they have been in ages. Granted, I don't care for some of the material, but that's another story...

I agree with pretty much all of that. Well, depending on whether you meant the BW88 production speaks for itself in a good way or in a bad way.

And would a reunion concert add something to that legacy?  I tend to think, only if it was a genuine reconciliation, more than just a revisiting.  Personally I'd love to see it if it just gave us something as sweet as that moment of Brian and Mike singing one of their favorite Everly Brothers songs on Hawthorne CA. 
[/quote]

How about this: After a full show, full of hits and album tracks, fast songs and slow songs and maybe some special guests (Ricky and Blondie, Glen Campbell, Darryl Dragon, Bill Hinsche), everyone ends the encore with a rollicking version of "Good Vibrations." As the crowd is going nuts thinking the show is over, everyone else leaves the stage, the lights are dimmed, pictures of Carl and Dennis are projected and Brian, Mike, Al, David and Bruce gather around a single microphone, and sing an a capella version of "Farwell My Friend" with the lyrics changed to "Farewell Our Friends."

That would be a nice way to retire the name "The Beach Boys."

The problem is, I don't think Mike would want to "retire the name". After this reunion concert/tour, Mike would most likely go on touring under the name "The Beach Boys"... And that is one of the reasons why you couldn't advertise such an event as being a "farewell" concert/tour.

"although I find the "solo" years to be mediocre at best

You're being a little harsh.  You're the man who loves Matchpoint of Our Love.  Surely there's plenty of BW solo material better than that!  MAD, Rio Grande, Melt Away, Lay Down Burden, Cry, Don't Let Her Know... to name, perhaps, the most obvious examples.  Sure, the production (and arrangement in some cases) can be a problem, but the songs are way better.

This is also why I think it would be hard to market a reunion to Joe Public, because "The Beach Boys" never went away.

Yeah, but Joe Public doesn't know "the Beach Boys" never went away. And besides, if it's just a one-off concert, I know that tons of hardcore fans from all around the world would be willing to travel to California to see the reunion.

I was prepared to cringe before watching the 2006 Capitol rooftop footage because I always
picture proximity to Mike as the one achilles heel in Brian's healing process (now clearly almost
complete) that could trigger old anxiety and unpleasant emotions, but he seemed comfortable and free from those reactions, although they could have been invisibly hiding beneath the surface.

It would be quite an event to have a single, ambitiously programmed concert incorporating
both hits, lesser-known or never performed live album tracks (She Knows Me Too Well etc.),
Unplugged or other SMiLE material, Dennis and Carl songs, some solo Brian material, and
just a generous gala overview of both the better-known and lesser-known or neglected gems from a cross-section of band and solo eras. Plus a comprehensive group of pivotal guests who would contribute a spine-tinglingly improbable aspect (a la Glen Campbell doing "Guess I'm
Dumb" or an onstage reconciliation and performance of "Cabinessence" with both Mike and Van Dyke Parks.)

It is probably true that fans want this as a capstone and to provide healing and closure to
them, which may be impossible for the principals involved, and, like John Lennon said about a
Beatles reunion, they have given enough of themselves in that previous incarnation, even without Carl
and Dennis' presence, that fans shouldn't expect them to give that much more and
should be satisfied with the memories they have already.

It's possible, however, that it could provide some closure to the surviving band members themselves that they may not even be able to anticipate or comprehend until it actually
alchemically takes place. On the other hand, it could turn into a nightmare, especially for Brian, if he is not sufficiently armored against the bad memories and disappointments of his past
with the band.

Carnie and Wendy Wilson, Dean Torrance, Blondie and Ricky, Daryl Dragon and others could appear, and all the stops could be pulled out to make it the ultimate reunion. Whichever of Dennis' children is a drummer could be
enlisted, like Zak Starkey performing with the Who, Alan Boyd could do an absolutely definitive video tribute, and it would be absolutely wild!

 This is a pie-in-the-sky scenario and is based on my own wishful thinking
to see the Beach Boys long, strange trip have a triumphant and healing conclusion and is not
at all likely to happen in any form close to what I have described, but some form of reunion
event is seeming more likely of late.

I can't help it, I'm just a sentimental sap (to paraphrase Mike re: Brian is Back.) :afro

Could you imagine Cuddle Up (isolated Denny vocals - maybe a video montage) backed by the L.A. Philharmonic at the Bowl? Just think of that - wow. Add Forever to the mix, and that would be a powerful moment. A standing-O moment.

I don't mind the guests, but dont have a recap of the 25th anniversary concert! Don't give the guests a lead vocal either, (unless they sang it originally)  no offense but its the Beach Boys reunion, I want to hear them not Dean Torrence or Carnie/Wendy sing lead vocals. The guests seem like a nice idea and then when you watch it 10 years later, you are like why the hell was this person here?

Gloria Loring should sing "He's A Bum."

Yep. "This is for Rhonda ... any Rhondas in the house?" Ricky Martin. Ugh.

Maybe I went a little overboard about the guests. I was just picturing Dean on  "Barbara Ann", Wendy on her eponymous song, Daryl Dragon and Ricky or Blondie 
on the appropriate tunes (Sail on Sailor etc. I agree, Cuddle Up or Falling in Love would be fantastic.)

There are so many interesting possibilities.

If there is a reunion I would be happy with Mike. Bruce and Al joining Brian's band.

Honor Carl by having a video of huim singing 'God Only Knows' to the music and background vocals of the live band.  Do the same for Dennis to 'Forever'.

My guess is that it would have to be a one shot thing - a tour would probably not be a much higher draw than the current Mike and Bruce show.

This is coming from someone who stood by Dennis on stage as he played the piano, and I’m conflicted on the reunion issue.  Half of the time I think that the bands should just retire and let the great moments in their history stand.  To me, there was nothing better than seeing the band in concert while Dennis and Carl were alive.  If you’ve ever seen a concert with them and then seen one without them, you’ll probably understand what I mean.

But then on the other hand, I wouldn’t want to deny fans today from hearing some of the nostalgia that their present concerts provide. Brian plus his band is an amazing show to witness, and although I strongly miss Al Jardine’s voice and presence, the ML BB band does a fine job, too.

All in all, seeing them all together (including David Marks, Blondie and Ricky) for ONE concert to celebrate their 50 year anniversary would be nice.

Nice post Lady and one I agree with.
For me the legacy of the band is a good one but a few points still disappoint. Al's departure, however the reason. The last official 'new' album (Nashville), Various and numerous court cases and the bad feelings between members, and Brian contributing more leads to Beach Boys songs now than anytime during his time in the band.

I am thinking of the last time members of Pink Floyd stood together onstage in 2006 after a fantastic set. Since then they have lost one of their band-mates. How special they could put their differences aside for just one night for both themselves and their fans.

If Brian, Mike, Al, Bruce and David are willing to work together well for a short project such as a one-off concert and played music that Carl and Dennis sang, contributed to and enjoyed during their career, then that would honor and be worthy of 'The Beach Boys' title.

Oh BTW Lady...If someone close to you happens to wear a Captain's hat, it would be nice to see you both involved in some way also. ;)

 :)

Actually, "TheOther Anonymous,"  you make a great point.  The Captain & Tennille could be included in the show because, of course, the Captain, Darryl Dragon + Dennis = Rumbo... and Toni Tennille was, am I correct, the only Beach Girl ?

I was just watching highlights of some of the Obama Inauguration performances in front of the Lincoln Memorial. It was quite an impressive list of performers; all of them, of course, invited by Obama.

It must be impossible to say "no" to the President Of The United States when asked to perform. And why would you. It's quite an honor, it's historical, good publicity, and it's great for the career resume. Hypothetical question: What if John McCain would've been elected, and, what if he was a huge, life-long Beach Boys' fan; I mean a knowledgable Beach Boys' fan. And, what if he would've made some phone calls to the appropriate "people", and personally requested that The Beach Boys - Brian, Mike, Al, Bruce, and David - reunite for a set/mini-concert at his Inaugural Ball. Do you think they would've re-united for it?

Well Brian liked McCain so maybe. I think though that for any event like this there is too much to do. In other words there would be no time to expend the energy sorting the Beach Boys out.

If Bill Clinton could get Fleetwood Mac back together for one show when they weren't speaking, anything's possible!

Cheers,
Jon Blum

President McCain would have to get it past the first lady first. Melinda may not be a republican.