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In this exclusive interview with Mike Love, he discusses the possibilities that lie ahead for The Beach Boys in 2011 and beyond.

http://www.examiner.com/beach-boys-in-national/mike-love-wants-something-new-and-fresh-the-beach-boys-50th (http://www.examiner.com/beach-boys-in-national/mike-love-wants-something-new-and-fresh-the-beach-boys-50th)

Saw that plugged on Facebook David, nice one!

Any news on the arrival of that issue of ESQ in the UK? I know it takes a while to sail across the pond but I'm starting to wonder if it missed the boat?  :(

Thanks. That sounded good. I was afraid Mike would again mention a concert with guest stars.
Now that Brian is finished with the Disney-record I guess he and his management have more time to think about it.

REad between the lines all you want, all Mike siad is the same old same old; 
I want to write with Brian, we write good together;
I'm open to whatever any of the others is open too( nobody is really talking about getting together) 

There is almost no chance that we'll get a new Beach Boys recording, and an even lower chance that we'll get a good new album.
Lets face it, unless a magical space radiation came down to give Bruce and Mike special songwriting powers there's no way they'll be able to contribute anything that would please critics or die hard fans. Al doesn't fare much better than they do, just look at Postcards, after an endless gestation period how many brilliant new tracks did we get?
Not to knock them, but at best we're likely to get something mediocre and inoffensive and at worst we'll get a total disaster of overly sterilized crap. We're talking about the guys that aborted Soul Searchin' and You're Still a Mystery in favor of Stars and Stripes. Something tells me that in the last 15 years there isn't much chance anyone has changed their tune.

And what about Brian? He's done better for himself in the last 10 years for sure, and I'd like to really believe that he has one really great classic album left in him. But even if that's the case, is a collaboration with Bruce and Mike really the best way to coax it out of him. He's straight up in recent months come out and said flatly, "I don't like working with those guys". It hasn't worked out since 1977, why would it work out now?

I think a concert is far more likely. Just a reunion one shot filmed for dvd with some nice guests would be nice, and would have little risk of disappointing anyone. I personally would like a larger tour of major us cities so that we all have a chance to catch a show.

For anything to happen though I think they'll need to run some damage control on their career, which is why a SMiLE release would be a good sign and a good way for the band to test the waters.

What came first?  The "the next record will be a rock'n'roll record" or "we might get together with Brian to write songs"

Please let it be Pleasure Island: A Rock Fantasy

Great interview, thank you for this. 

first, I notice Mike is inventing words again.  Add to the list (which already includes legendary made up b.s. like "Excitations") the new word "Complimentarity".  Just like Excitations, you can't really define what the f*** it means.  LOL I LOVE MIKE LOVE.  This guy is awesome.  I can't believe most people don't notice that Mike has the same talent the Wilsons had, just in a different way.  They were great, he's also great.  Some would say a great big asshole, but I digress.  I mean look how he looks even.  He has the balls to DRESS like that.  He has the balls to wear hats like that... and has the balls to have an ego as big as all outside.  There's something about that, that has to be respected. 

I think Mike is very old, and he knows it, and he's thinking "Damn we better do something if we're going to", so he would love nothing more than working with Brian.  He's got Bruce, Al's easy, he'll drop everything and go play with Mike at any moment.  David Marks I think Mike could give two shits about.  Brian is of course the hard one.  I think Brian has plenty of reasons not to want to work with these guys, and I can understand that.  If he decided he didn't want to do a damn thing for the rest of his life he's certainly got that right at his age, and with his history with these guys.  I would hope he would do something with them, though, but understand if he doesn't.

My ultimate 50th anniversary thing would be something like this.  Brian refuses to participate, so they set up some major show somewhere.  At the last moment (the day of) Brian decides hell he'll do it anyways, and shows up to do the show.  When he gets on stage, he basically just has a great time like he's at a party, half-ass sings everything, shouts the lyrics, claps his hands while he walks around the stage slapping everybody on the back and singing into their microphone, decides to play a few bass licks horribly during the surf stuff, and then does some impromptu acapella stuff with the guys like "Their Hearts Were Full of Spring".  I'd prefer that the guys just have a good time and don't take it to seriously.  That would be more entertaining to me, then to see these guys try to be perfect or make some sort of statement or whatever.  Frankly, they're legends who have paid their dues, and if they want to just have a good time and jam a little bit, and all get along and be friends for a couple hours, that would be much more interesting to me as a fan. 

I strongly disagree. If they get together, then it should be done right. It's not about them having a party to me, but about the music. The music is all that counts and must not step back.
And also it's a business and I wouldn't want to pay money for some "half-assed"-show.  Why should I pay to see how other  people have a party? They are professionals and have to deliver

You might think that, but you'd be wrong.

You're right! Whatever they do, they shouldn't charge for it; then there can be NO complaints that it cost too much

You guys are in a fantasy land if you think they're going to show up and break out some flawless awe inspiring verison of ANYTHING.  They're ancient.  You're setting yourself up for dissapointment because you're expecting the impossible. 

They've already been great.  They were the greatest!  Nobody could sing like that.  They don't have to do it again, they already did, and until somebody tops it they're still the best. 

One member of the band is mentally ill.  Two members of the band are deceased.  Two other members of the band have made mediocre stage music for 20 years.  Al is like the red headed step child.  David is estranged (musically) from all of them.  This will never be a Beach Boys reunion, it'll be an anniversary, and anniversarys are by definition cheesy and nostalgic.  The best thing they could do for their fans, is all bury the hatchet for a couple of hours, and have a good time. 

OR, they could attempt to do at 70 what they did perfect at 20.  Personally, I've already got the album, I don't need to hear one more version of Surfer Girl that's not as good as the original.  I would be interested in seeing them on stage having a good time singing what Surfer Girl sounds like at 70, though.

The anniversary will happen whether they do something or not. And, there will be a reunion.

The word "sentimental" isn't in your dictionary, is it ?  ::)

Ahhh, finally someone comes up with a strong dose of reality-how refreshing for a change. :3d

I have a vague memory of having read somewhere that it was Mike who embraced David back into the fold when their paths crossed again, and delighted in his company. I may be misremembering. Was great seeing them on stage together in the UK just a few years back.

On the reunion that's getting knocked prospects again:
Dave and Al are probably the two original members of the band whose live performance capabilities remain best intact.
There's your reunion:
Let Al handle the lead vocals
Let Dave handle Carl's (and Ed Carter's) guitar parts.
Let Mike tell the jokes between songs.
Let Bruce wear the shorts.
Strap a bass on Brian for Fun Fun Fun during the encores.
Fill out the harmonies with Jardine Jnrs and Wilson girls.
And decide the backing band with a big pre-gig fight between BW's band, the Endless Summer Beach Band and the Mike & Bruce band.

Gloves on or off?

Forget the reunion. The band fight sounds better! >:D

Best post of the thread

And who's going to fill in for Carl's voice...?  I'm guessing Christian Love, but does he have what it takes???

Please, not Jeff Foskett. Respect for his achievements and all, but more Sha-na-na than "run-run-wee-oooo".

Ron - you said "one member of the band is mentally ill" - I think you're selling the band short...

for my ear, Christian Love is no Justyn Wilson (or Matt Jardine...)

*NEW* best post of the thread.


Thank you, I actually laughed out loud.  I rarely do that on this board anymore, even though I type lol alot. 

If the creative people behind Lucky Old Sun put together a Beach Boys 50th anniversary album, I'd feel good about its prospects.  Whether that's even remotely possible with all the factions involved, I have no idea.

You mean Brian and Scotty?

I'd pay good money for a song written by Brian Wilson/Scott Benett/Mike Love . 

http://www.clashmusic.com/feature/beach-boys-behind-the-hits


With their 50th anniversary now looming, fans have been speculating about a possible re-union which could even include Brian Wilson. “Well, y’know, I just had a conversation last night and due to follow up today with a producer who wants to do a 3D documentary as well as a performance including the Beach Boys. We’re even talking about having some guest artists involved in the performance, celebrating our 50th. There are lots of conversations that are taking place. I’ve had a couple with my cousin Brian about getting into the studio and working together again, which would be a lot of fun I think. There have been many suggestions. I think the Grammy awards next year may have a 50th anniversary recognition for the Beach Boys, and there’s one or two other big events that we have been talking about” explains Mike Love. “There’s been a couple of outreaches too. I think you’ll see some pretty good stuff in 2012 and beyond centred around the Beach Boys 50th. There’s been a lot of conversation but I can’t tell you that on such and such a date we’re going to play here, tour there. We’re working on it but hopefully we’ll be able to announce the main things that we’ll be doing pretty soon

NO GUEST ARTISTS FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE !!!!!!!!







Why doesn't Denny get mentioned ?

You know who should really join the band for the 50th?

David Lee Roth.

Brian loved David Lee's version of 'CA Girls'
he said he wished he'd come up with the "I dig them girls!" before every chorus.

i think they should totally do something along the lines of the Musicares Tribute to Brian with some well-respected guest artists.
Brian's peers. People like Neil Young, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon... and I'd love to finally hear Merle Haggard's BBs cover.

I have lots of trepedation about new ML/BW songs.  One would have to go back over 40 years to find a great collaberation (All I Wanna Do).  Everything since has been drek except "Goin' On" "It's OK".

The post Holland era might have been a lot better if somebody had clued Mike into the fact that the ML/BW magic was gone.

Guest stars does not equal 'new and fresh'! More like 'We Are The World' and Live Aid.  The thought of Elton and Macca plus the usual suspects turns me off any project they may come up with.

If a band that has been active in one form or another for 50 years, playing iconic music, needs unrelated guests then its not worth celebrating.

Don't understand the harshness towards inviting "special guests" to perform.  What's the big deal?  As long as any special event isn't just overflowing with people, I see no harm in having some considerably big names participate.  Besides, a few special guests could attract interest into a reunion event.  Hate to break it to everyone but the remaining members of the band getting together probably won't spark tremendous interest alone.  No one who attends Beach Boys concerts every year seems to care that Mike Love is the only original member.   And no one outside of Beach Boys fans gave a crap that Al Jardine rejoined Mike and Bruce for the Reagan concert.  So inviting some special guests (and I'm not talking about just Danny Hutton from Three Dog Night) couldn't hurt.

And the "3-d" documentary sounds far more stupid than having special guests perform at a reunion concert.

Ok. I'll allow you Stamos as back-up drummer  ::) and your guests for the Fun Fun Fun encore. Nothing more!

Include the cheerleaders too and it's a deal!

New ones or those from the early 90s? Not sure I want to see too much over-hang. :-\

'Be True To Your School' only! Agreed?

Cheerleaders make anything better. 

How anybody can think it's cool that the band sings "Surfer Girl", "Wendy", "California Girls", "Be True To Your School", "Girls on the Beach" etc. and think it's a problem if cheerleaders are on the stage? lol

This is NOT the most serious music ever recorded. 

To think that, for all of my desire for the Beach Boys's music to be as loved and respected by the general public as, say, The Beatles, I am then reminded that they willingly wrote and recorded "Be True To Your School".

But then taking this not-so-serious music quite seriously is what BB fandom is mostly about, isn't it? Nothing wrong with that as far as I'm concerned, though I wouldn't expect anything bordering on actual taste from the group's 50th anniversary celebration.

Well, I guess Brian for one took the music seriously.

I don't see the problem. BTTYS is a classic song. Perfect for the time it was written when school spirit was huge among high school/college students. School spirit gave you something to be proud of.

I was out in my garage tonight, alone, my fortress of solitude with my california and beach boys memorabilia and 64 chevy, and my stereo.  I was sorting through and playing my collection of boots, really listening for pieces I might have missed, and I happened on to the rocky pamplin version of California feeling...and decided to put all the versions I have on one playlist.  This song has been tossed about and rererecorded and still not done right.  Al came close recently.  .      For the anniversary,  perhaps they...I mean all of the surviving members, could practice,  rehearse, really step upto the plate, and produce for us the ultimate version of this elusive song and concept.    Get together in a venue and perform some key bb classics and culminate with this song...with feeling and full classic bb harmony.     They aren't going to do a new album.   But to get closure and some truly good vibes is within the realm of possibility.

I think at this point a whole new album is a pretty tall order but I could easily see something similar to the Beatles Anthology releases being possible, a career spanning rarities and alternate takes collection (isn't it about time they officialy released one the superior earlier versions of Back Home) with a handful of newly recorded songs. Doing a new and better version of California Feeling is a great idea and they could do something with a Carl Wilson vocal track in the style of Soul Searchin'.

Yeah, but didn't they kind of do this already with Endless Harmony and Hawthorne, CA?  Not that I would complain; those albums have easily been the most satisfying Beach Boys releases to come out in the last 15 years.  

But honestly, another version of "California Feelin'"?  Am I the only one who thinks this is a pretty ho-hum song any way you slice it?