The Smiley Smile Message Board

I know I am.We keep getting all these mixed messages.Mike says one thing.Big Al says another. Bruce chimes in as well. If Brian says he's not in than its just a glorified Mike and Bruce show.Seeing Brian uncomfortable on stage makes me uncomfortable and a reunion in the flesh will not be pretty. :-\

Brian's always uncomfortable on stage, it's just the degree varies.

I'm sick of the heel-dragging by all aparties, sort it out as you won't get another chance at this, either come to an agreement or don't bother.

I am interested in it as I was interested in Evel Knievel. You wanted to see him jump over 20 cars and live but there was always the chance he would crash!

Yeah. Suppose you'd paid $ 1,000 for at ticket. Event of a lifetime. Lady Gaga as the warm-up act. Then VDP directs a little overture. Then the lights go out completely. There's Mike first, then Al. Bruce. Adrian Baker (ai), Taylor Mills (nice surprise); all instrumentalists are on their seats.

Nothing happens. An unsettling silence has set in. It's rather chilly in the Royal Festival Hall.

Weird sounds from the back of the theatre. Someone is struggling with a guard. Finally he manages to get through, and walks to the stage, his pace is surprisingly brisk. Turns out he's wearing a bathrobe. The audience is awestruck. Brian, for it is he, mounts the stairs at the right side, and gets seated behind his keyboard.

He gives off a few signs. A loud drums 'n' synth pattern thunders through the hall.

It's what everyone feared. Two solid hours of 'Shortnin' Bread'.

I'd actually be willing to pay $1,000 for this!

 :lol :lol you nearly killed me...

Not sick of hearing about a reunion, or hearing well-informed (or insane) ideas of how it should be constituted... but I am decidedly hacked off with being told (mostly on A. N. other MB) that it must never happen because it's not what Brian wants.  Hello ? Brian Wilson we're talking about here, remember, they guy who will 98 times out of a hundred tell you what he thinks you want to hear. Catch him at the right (i.e. bored or disinterested) moment, tell him that the sky outside is McClean tartan with orange polka dots and he'll likely agree with you. Consider the following:

1 - the 50th anniversary will happen. Fact.

2 - it will be commemorated in some form or other. Fact.

3 - irrespective of our personal leanings, a physical reunion of Brian with the other remaining Beach Boys in whatever form is the one event that might engage the imagination of Joe Q. Public. Very reasonable assumption.

4 - if it turns out not to be a full-on reunion, whoever opts out, for whatever reason aside from serious illness, is going to get bad press. Near certainty.

5 - despite my previous comments over the years, I cannot believe that anyone's management is that dumb. Possible whistling in the dark.

6 - come the 60th anniversary, Bruce, Brian & Alan will be 79, David will be 73 and Mike will be 80, assuming they're all still with us. Fact.

7 - the guys know this. Fact.

I agree with you on every point except the one I've highlighted.

Cheers to AGD for telling it like it is. One of the man's finest qualities.

The guy who tells it like it is is Jimmyboy with the thread title. I'm with ya, Jimmy boy!

And why is Brian's management so dumb? You want the Gerschwin and Disney albums drowned out by rumors and recognition of a prospective Beach Boys reunion? If you're Brian's management, don't you want to focus on promoting Brian's solo albums before they get swept under the rug, never to be heard from again?

And with the release, promotion (or lack of) and press on the Gerschwin album pretty much already under the bridge, let them get the Disney album out and THEN talk about a reunion. Again, if you're his manager(s) wouldn't you want to get his solo albums outta the way first? You know damn well the upcoming Disney album will be totally overshadowed by ANY form of a Beach Boys reunion. Until then, it's a waste of time speculating on what may or may not happen next year.

Unless he is under contract to have it out by a certain date I'd go Reunion - raised profile - Disney album.

I'm tired of it because it's just another chance for everyone to re-state his opinions about who should or shouldn't be involved. Virtually no news has been released (aside from some examples of wishful thinking and a few quickly retracted statements) is added to the conversation. It just devolves into Brian's well-being; Mike as the a-hole; Foskett v. other falsetto singers; Wilson band v. Beach Boys band v. original members' families; and the like. Not only does none of it matter--because of course, as a message board, none of this matters at all, ever--but it's all just repetition. So yeah, I'm tired of it. And no, I'm not especially grumpy this morning.  ;)

Yes, Luther... but it is our repetition. Don't forget that. It is our religious service, our bread and Holy wine. We must repeat ourselves on a daily basis to stay mentally sane. If we would not worship anymore at the altar of St. Brian Douglas Wilson, we would have no life to speak of anymore.

Please don't forget that, son.

The reunion, should it happen, will be poorly conceived, cheesy, and reinforce forever the stereotype that the Beach Boys were a band that sang about the beach and have no legitimate place in the greater Music Pantheon.  Fact.

I for one hope it doesn't happen.

Music as a whole is the god, not BDW. Hang on to the wine, though. Sometimes rituals really hit the nail on the head. Really good one, that.

Ya got plenty of company, brotha :h5

Jeez, How Big a fella are you? ;D

If there's even the slightest chance that it could let The Beach Boys go out with some dignity, I support it.

If'n it does happen, what a strange sight it would be to see Bruce sitting in the audience. And I don't think he's worried about any bad press. ???

Not that I'm sick of it, but I do not seeing this going off well. The Beach Boys will f*ck this up...they always do. Something always gets in the way no matter how old or whatever. And when the next one dies it will be too late.

Exactly.  Their history is littered with bad decisions.  I rather doubt the hip decision-making process is better at near 70.

Too many cooks spoil the broth.

I totally agree with AGD's facts.  That's the truth.  That's a fact Jack!  (or whatever Bill Murray says)

Jimmy boy gives an 'opinion' lot's of us share.  Look at Al's album.  We all got sick of hearing it was coming out.  And even with a new BB track "DFTS" and some great guests and Brian, it seems to have quickly died with a whimper.

Absolutely!  Like AGD said, the 50th anniversary will happen, regardless.  I'd like to see BW, ML, AJ, BJ, and DM together on one stage, to commemorate this fact, at least once, if not a number of times.

Regardless of AGD's "facts", I'll stick with my perception of how Brian's management should/will work. In Brian's best interest, he's under contract to finish an album for Disney, and his management will make that a priority whether there's a reunion or not. I'm sure you've read his wife/manager's comments recently regarding a reunion. I predict they will stick by that premise through the release of the Disney album. If there's a reunion sometime in 2011, Brian has plenty of time to compile and get into the studio to record it. I don't think they want this next album anti-climactic to a Beach Boys reunion (if it happens).

Personally, I'd rather see a reunion than an album of Disney songs.  :P  But like I said before this subject was talked to death, without Carl Wilson (and Dennis), it just won't be the same. And Bruce can sit in the audience and watch all he wants - I don't give a rat's ass.

But I don't see a one-off appearance with the Boys as a big detour to Brian's career.

He just has to show up and sing a bit one evening.  I'd love to see something more but will be happy to see anything with the five of them together.

This just in: There will be a reunion show at a haunted house in Hawthorne, CA featuring Dennis, Carl, Murry and Audrea.

I don't see grand slams. Maybe a bunt.  :lol

Agreed!

Interesting how there has been no mention of a BWRG tour which makes me wonder if either he needs the estates ok to play the original songs live and/ or sales have indicated the interest is not there.

Reunion statements from the band have died in the last few weeks so maybe talks are going on behind the scenes now.

I'll put it this way: I'm way more excited about the possibility of extensive archival releases (::)) than any new get-together of the surviving Beach Boys in concert or studio.

I thought it was Audree, not Audrea, but who knows?

The Beach Boys could screw up a collective blow-job.  What's different than to think 2011 will/would be any different?

I go with the suggestion above of digging through the hundreds of hours of tape and film and get that out.  It just seems the logical thing to do.  Let 2011 happen however it ends up happening.  Record all but don't try to 'force it'.  It will be what it will be.

What did Brian's charming wife have to say? I haven't heard ???

Good thread!  Yes too on the archival releases (but they need the PR from a live reunion to make it financially viable).

And yes, think Melinda may be the wild card here (if there is one).

You know, Greg.


Is that as bad as screwing up a wet dream?

I'm thinking that in the wake of the distribution/promotion fiasco, Brian's management very likely have a different view of Disney. That said, I can see Disney pulling out all the stops to push the Movie Songs album, if only because this is something they know how to promote in their collective sleep. If BWRG is any indicator, the Disney album could be finished by February 2001 (possibly sooner, as I think the OzTour is all that Brian has to distract him), leaving ample time for reunion rehearsals. Assuming by then he hasn't got some other album project in mind, of course: don't know about you, or him, but I wouldn't want the last song of his studio career to be something like "Feed The Birds" or "Whistle While You Work".

About what ?

Um, a potential reunion? ???

I have an unsettling idea about the reunion:

It will happen. There are exactly 1683 fans over there. The setting: a very intimate venue, capacity 842. The thing is: only 842 fans do have tickets. The remaining 841 don't. The party of 842 is all in for an 'oldies but mouldies' evening, as Mike Love would have it. Brian will do 'Ding Dang' and 'Shortenin' Bread' with the band. The group of 841 fans are there to protest outside. They're chiefly out to cut all power to the venue.

Eventually, after the band will have fled the hall, all 1683 fans are put into custody, sans bail.

Officially, nothing, or nothing that I've read.

I imagine that she will be in favor of a single concert, as classily arranged and presented as possible given the inevitable tensions involved.

Hopefully we'd all be in favor for that scenario. But I don't see that happening.

Post of the decade. Only thing I would add is that after Mike Love nearly walks off the stage in anger demanding another song he goes into a 15 minute rendition of Ding Dang.

Heck, I can't see that happening, cuz both songs demand a Mike vocal part and Mike loves to be center stage singing.

The Beach Boys have never stopped touring.  Anyone who has wanted to see a Beach Boys show has had the opportunity.  So to the general public, would a big 50th anniversary reunion show be a big deal?  Does the general public know or care about Al Jardine or David Marks?  I think the only way a reunion show would be a big deal was if Brian was there.  In that case, it would not be about the Beach Boys; it would be about Brian. 

For those who think it would not be a totally embarrassing spectacle, just check out the 25th anniversary special from 1986/87.  Now this was when the BBs were still a viable recording act, having just put out an album and several singles with videos on MTV.  Denny was gone, but Carl and many of the strong sidemen were still there.  The special was aired in primetime on ABC.  It can't get better than that...yet the special was really uneven and hokey with too many people doing that goofy "hang loose" hand gesture!

Have there been any recent mentions of the possible 50th reunion in the media lately?  I suspected that it was all meant to just ride on the coattails of (or even overshadow) the BWRG promo, and the lack of talk now just fuels that suspicion.  **adjusts tinfoil hat**

How much do you think it would cost to bribe Mike Love into doing a Brian Wilson tribute show where he sings Solar Systen, Ding Dang, Hey Little Tomboy, Let Us Go On This Way, Cabin Essence, Surf's Up, Ding Dang, Hang Onto Your Ego, Roller Skating Child, Cold Cold Water, A Day in the Life of a Tree, Til I Die, Let the Wind Blow, Aren't you Glad, a sax solo to Trombone Dixie, and 3 encores of Shortnin Bread?

I know there's a number and I want to know what it is after tax so I can start saving up.

well, sure. they never stop touring; what else would Mike do?  
And, not that I think there's going to be a reunion, but if there is, it can't have any of that extra bullmerda crap artists' appearances, it has to be ONLY the BBs; Brian, Mike, Al, David, Bruce, Ricky, Blondie,Billy Hinsche, Daryl Dragon,  John Frank Rieley III,( did I miss someone?) and anyone they pick from the two backing bands to be their backup band, but only people that have been in those bands, NO guest stars.  

^^
Going by what you said Stamos qualifies both for drums and lead on Forever.

So would Mike love pick Stamos or Cowsill to drum for such a high profile event?

But Stamos is a pretty awesome drummer.

I am torn.

Drums, sure, If eall the BBS  agree, but vocals? nah, that'd be like a guest star.
Maybe they'll have 3 or 4 drummers.

All the names bar the 5 early 60s members mentioned should not be involved. Too complicated.

As I have said before, Brian's people have the upper hand here and will call the shots if he is interested. If so I would say one gig for Mike, Bruce, Al and David with the BW band will be as good as it will get.

I think the anniversary is happening now with the rereleases of Carl and Dennis, BWRG, and Al's Postcard.  It's like people waiting for Jesus.  He has been here all along but some folks can't see it.  The Beach Boys are among us.  The music is alive and well and you can buy tickets!

If that's the case then I cannot see it happening.  Quite rightly too.

Stamos is a very, very average drummer: John Cowsill was a better drummer when he was 12.

Dennis ? What did I miss ?

I think he's referring to the POB re-release although that was over 2 years ago.

... and may I add the 2010 re-release on vinyl as well (1 single LP this time, no bonus-cuts, pressed by Music On Vinyl, The Netherlands)

...or maybe the movie?

I missed a vinyl reissue and a movie ?  :o  Merda, I should turn my badge in, I'm slipping bad.

as for that most recent re-release: I can't remember that much publicity was given too it ("not at all" is a better description). I happened to find it in my local record-shop (the seller apparently has a secret crush on that album as well).

Information to be found here:
- http://www.musiconvinyl.com/news/mov_releases_in_may_hitting_the_100_number_and_beyond
- http://www.musiconvinyl.com/releases/Wilson,_Dennis/Pacific_Ocean_Blue

Released in May 2010. This release is a true replica of the original. Gatefold cover, Caribou labels, insert with lyrics. Only difference is the addition of the Music On Vinyl logo + the catalogue number. Sounds pretty good.

I heard today that attempts are being made to book the San Francisco Civic Auditorium for a Beach Boys reunion show. This is from a reliable source in  the concert production industry. The show is reportedly part of a tour. :(

Wow. If you're not taking the piss, that's probably big news.....

They have to tour, it's the right thing to do. There won't be another chance.

Yup. If it ever will happen, this is the time.

Is keeping a forward seat center vacant for Bruce part of the negotiation?  ::)

I wouldn't B.S. any of you . This is what was told to me.

You know, I love T.Rex a lot, and at some point somebody (Rhino?) released several "alternate" albums. Sort of fantasy productions that attempt to shed a new light on the album, they changed the title, cover art, and tracklist using all alt-takes and unreleased songs. I'd love to see that for the BB. A box set of all the albums between like Today and Holland or  even L.A. It would be a cool way to appease all the fans and help reassert their rock legacy without overly dwelling on well known material or including the regular material everyone has already bought 20 times.
If T.Rex can do it why can't the BB?

They could even play off the well known bootleg series and call it Unsurpassed Masters, the band is so hugely bootlegged already they could totally embrace that and release essentially mega-bootlegs. That's my dream 50th release and would probably do a lot for the band image wise.

Well, T-Rex were on Fly, while BB were on three major labels. It's more difficult to license stuff from major labels, especially if it's a big name like BB or Beatles. In fact, Beatles are never licensed, save for the Tony Sheridan stuff.

Brother have 70's and later decades material, they can license to every label. Knebworth (Eagle), Songa From Here and Back (Hallmark)...they can make a deal with Rhino (or Handmade) and release unreleased material. Projects like Carnegie Hall shows didn't fit in Capitol Records projects. Sound more like a Rhino project, especially Rhino Handmade.
One example for an artist of major label: Paul McCartney released his McCartney Years dvd box set with Rhino.
So Brother really can license unreleased material to Rhino.

Unreleased, maybe, but currently Capitol have the rights to anything released by Brother 1970-96.

Do you think it might end like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBaflWY7I5g&feature=related

i think brian and mike together again would be a sorta big deal.  that's the only way i'd see a beach boys show.  cause, seeing the beach boys def takes more than just the name on the banner. 

Stunning!

More sobering than stunning.

I also wish that the band, or at least Brian would work with a cool musician. A few years ago Jack White produced Loretta Lynn to great effect, I wish Brian would get with one of the cool, fringe psychedelic groups working today like Circulatory System or Akron/Family. I know it's impossible, but something like would likely go over just so well.

I wish Brian would arrange the vocals and work with the Pussycat Dolls.  No, i'm not kidding.  That would be fucking AWESOME

i wonder why they just don't do the big festivals next year.  If they're getting together.  The Eagles just closed the Austin City Limits Festival.  i'd love for the beach boys to do it.  festivals promise big crowds. 

You don't think the crowd would just stand up and leave, if they showed up in their striped shirts and white Levis?
Can Brian still fit into his white Levi's? 

Truth to tell, I'm getting sick of hearing about The Beach Boys, period. 50 years ?  Long enough - time I found a different consuming passion.

Oh no, Andrew.....


I am sick of hearing about the reunion, to be honest. I would really be surprised if it was respectful to the Beach Boys legacy of beautifully arranged recordings. I don't trist Mike & Bruce, or Al judging by that trite solo record of his.....

this makes me think about this sketch i heard by a comedian about how people throw out adjectives overly.  And i feel like this is a perfect example. 

Yes, I suppose it's come to that. 
Perhaps you could find something close to home to consume for passion.
I think "giving London back to the English" could be a fair way to spend your days.

Good points.  I'm sure a reunion would get some sort of attention, but you'd have to be delusional to believe this would be some sort of major pop culture event.

Now is the time to plan your change of obsession from 'Beach Boys historian' to 'Wishbone Ash historian' -- surely a more lucrative and creatively-potent market!

Yes! And he can earn good cash on the side, by acting out the role of the prime Wishbone Ash historian in the weekly comedy show 'Paul & Harry'. He should smoke a pipe, and tell us about his weekly progress! I would love that! I would sell my BBs collection! I am totally sick of those California whackos. I am going to ask my doc for an emetic.

I too suffer from Beach Boys burn out every now and then but I always end up comming back to them.

Perhaps we're being turned into evil zombies. At the point where this site will have 2,000 members, we're being directed to, and heading for Roswell. From there, we'll march up to Mike Love's house. With devastating results.

Let's each and everyone of us creepy crawl Mike's house and take a dump in one of his hats.

MB, If I die soonish, you are to blame  :lol

I'd love to hear a Dave Fridmann-produced Brian record!