The Smiley Smile Message Board

Does he know about this board, it's much more popular and more active..

It would be incredible if he popped in now and then

Perhaps he's seen the 'Would You Share A Bath With Bruce' and 'Are There Any Photos oF Bruce With A Moustache' threads and was put off...

Perhaps he's aware of the two or three bi-polar wankeurs who post here and reduce threads to pissing competitions

Both great points, perhaps he should stay away  :lol

I don't think he will register to post. That's the reason, I believe. Although I think the BBB board is register-only (?).

I don't think forum bullying is a problem for him. He used to pop in the Male Ego board regularly, which used to be a place for the tough. He took a few punches but delivered them like crazy when needed.

You can't even register at BBB, I tired....Just to tell him about this place  ;D

Maybe has something to do with Management over at BBB. That wouldn't explain Male Ego though...if it was Bruce at Male Ego.

IMO he's probably made the decision to post on just the one board due to constraints on his time and other commitments and chose BBB. Quite enlightening to read Bruce's take on things, but I wish he posted on here instead of there.

1. Because everyone at BBB always kiss Bruce's white ass.
2. What Smilin' Ed said.

Bruce Johnston
Surf's up in Montecito
February 25, 2012

I think Cam's right - pretty sure it was Bruce back on Male Ego, but if I recall there was always some jerk or another took a pop, or a side swipe, and made it unpleasant. BBB might be quiet but it tends to be a devoted, respectful place; sh*t still happens like it does anywhere on the interweb, just less so there…

Oh, and it's policed by A Genial Dedicated soul who won't stand for some of the sh*t other boards put up with. If I was Bruce (and I'm not saying I am) I'd post there.

Male Ego separated the men from the boys.

Sure 'nuff. And if you're into flowers, it's a great place to grow pansies. ;)

Sad to say, but I completely understand why none of the band members post here. I have nothing to do with the band, and I am often offended by some of the opinions expressed in here. It is not just a question of being critical of the work. Often times it is just being rude and disrespectful while hiding behind the Internet to do so. Even the arguments that breakout between members in here would never become as heated were they to argue face to face. These boards are much like sports talk radio. The biggest station in Philadelphia is so critical of the sports franchises here, that the very players and coaches who are talked about rarely, if ever come on and do interviews with the show hosts.

no. People are polite to Bruce there (generally speaking) because he posts there in the first place. He's been postin at BBB long before some of the most opinionated people here heard Pet Sounds for the first time.

I do too, but on the other hand this would be a boring board if the band(s) weren't "critiqued" objectively here. I didn't contribute to the anti-Foskett thread as I thought posters here were getting too personal and actually he's a good guy. Totten has posted here on and off and I think for the most part he got accolades, which he deserves. Matt Jardine posted here a coupla times and I wonder what he thinks when his Dad is joked about. But sometimes I cringe at some of the posts here and am not surprised why band members don't sign on here. Again, these guys are not immune, they're professional musicians and celebrities and it would be somewhat boring to come here and always read, "Oh, Bruce you were great last night. How's your Volvo running? How's the surf in Santa Barbara?" Even though for the most part all he does is walk across the stage in his white shorts smiling and clapping and waving and ocassionally singing a gem or two like Disney Girls.....

And by the way, what happened to Bruce. Didn't he say a couple of years ago that if/when there's a Beach Boys reunion that he'd sit about five rows back in the audience and watch the concert as a fan? Money talks, eh Bruce? Gotta put that last son through college! How's Oprah?

"And by the way, what happened to Bruce. Didn't he say a couple of years ago that if/when there's a Beach Boys reunion that he'd sit about five rows back in the audience and watch the concert as a fan? Money talks, eh Bruce? Gotta put that last son through college! How's Oprah?"

I take it that he was being careful not to invite himself to the party.

I do think Mikie has a point, he posts there because its a friendly environment. First off, the English or UK fans, in general, think of Bruce in more "original" status terms than many veteran US fans because he was in the Beach Boys when they became popular in the UK...here they were popular for years before Bruce was a member. And since Bruce basically introduced the UK to Pet Sounds he has tremendous respect and cache there. The BBB has a core of people who post there who are pals with Bruce, and even AGD is probably closer to Bruce than any of the other boys. Elements of this board, on the other hand, can be highly critical of Bruce...and in general of all of the boys. This board can be pretty nasty at times, but I would also say its the most honest, and certainly the most knowledgable of any of the Beach Boys boards. I think all the Beach Boys, or their wives, read this board. The fact that they don't participate is probably down to the unpredictable and exposed quality that reigns free here. That said, I do think Bruce posted here at least once a few years ago. He is def the most directly engaging of any of the BB's in an online sense. That may also be because he's the most confident at handling an open forum.

Agreed. What I meant was that Bruce was a crucial factor in building that environment of calmness and respect at BBB. He's been a regular contributor for over a decade now.

BTW, I think the world beheld the uncovering of "someone who would know" ;D

So can anyone explain Male Ego if he was looking for asskissers? Right now fans at BBB are busting his chops 'cuz he didn't kiss their ass enough.

I've been on a band board before where people from the inner circle got involved, and it ended up turning the board into a completely repressed circle jerk of fake, rah-rah positivity, and where any remotely critical viewpoint or lack of deference got shouted down by the people trying to curry favor with the insiders tossing them breadcrumbs of "access".  Ultimately I much prefer the woolier, less stifling atmosphere we have here.

Mikie, if the music and personal stuff was critiqued objectively, I doubt that would affect whether or not they would visit the board. Actually, it is the subjectivity that gets in the way. I mean, this place is a in your face opinion board. It is all the personal smack that goes on here that keeps them away. Brian seems to be about the only one that people lighten up on, though at times his personal situations get tossed around here worse than dirty laundry. Jon's reason for them not participating is dead on correct. There is a lot of written (verbal) abuse that transpires here for band members and for some of the supporting guys like Jeff Foskett. These are just different times, I suppose, and anything goes.

Better to reign in hell (smiley smile) >:D, than serve in Heaven(BBB) :angel:

I think he posted there for the sake of it. He took some beating as you may remember. But backfired promptly.

If I were in Bruce's position, I wouldn't exactly be jumping out of my chair to join a message board where members claim that they use some of his solo records to spiral slice ham..

Nope - that would be "someone else who would know".  ::)

Maybe he pops in here under an alias? (and no it's not me!!)

No, we know you're not Bruce.

I'm actually Al.

I just had a dream about this thread, in which posters at the Blue Board were commenting on various posters here and the environment they created.

Man, I must be spending too much time here ...

Most famous Bruce quote from Male Ego. When asked if the band was going to start to do super market openings soon, Bruce replied, " no, but even though we are quite busy, we'd still find time to play at your funeral."

Damn, Bruce torched that guy :lol

I think "We'd Still Find Time to Play at your Funeral" was originally a Bruce song that Manilow passed on.

That, and the sliced ham quote, both had me on the floor.

I'm with ya for the most part. Maybe I shoulda used the word "subjective" instead of "objective" in my post above.  ;D  There's no real need to get personal with these guys, but again, it's part of the territory. They make the big bucks and we expect a lot of them to be part of one of the top legendary Rock bands of the 20th Century. When they do and say things that are obviously wrong (or even "wrong" from our perspective without knowing the whole story) they're subject to criticism on a public forum. Would we say some of these negative things to their faces? Doubt it. It's easy pickens here. You know, if the criticisms were productive, like the band member was ineffective, inconsistent, and slacking on a professional level, that's one thing. But going after the personal stuff is not right. Really. I've been guilty as the next guy in the past, but....how would you (or a family member) like reading this board and seeing your name come up and it was total B.S. lies or there was another side to it than what was written about and your hands were tied because you couldn't respond to it?

I've seen Mike Love get raked over the coals many times here and elsewhere. I've seen Jeff targeted here and I saw Kawalski take some major hits a few years ago before Cowsill took over. Whether they've deserved it or not is.......well........subjective. Does Darian deserve criticism for his hair? Hell YES!  ;D

That sounds like something Bruce himself would say with his humble self-deprecating humor!  ;D

Right on the mark.   It's either this board, Beach Boys Britain, or Brian's bored.  I know which one I'd much rather be on!  And I think I know where AGD himself spends most of his time!  :-D

What? NO!

...yeah, the boys stayed and squabbled while the real men didn't waste their time there...

Mutter,
Jon Blum

The is Melinda a model thread? on Male Ego ... the thread that launched a billion laughs  :lol

Bruce showed up on another board too - was that Male Ego? - around 2005(?) I can't remember. Anyway, he had a week where he started posting and went into his influences, among them "I Only Have Eyes For You" by the Flamingos which is one of the most beautiful and haunting records ever made...I'll never get over how they got those sounds...and arranger Nelson Riddle. I passed on some info about a Nelson Riddle biography that an alum from my high school had written, and it was neat to interact with him.

I always wanted to know if he had a chance to pick up that Riddle bio and what he thought of it.

And if Bruce is reading this, it would be a thrill to hear "I Only Have Eyes For You" added to the reunion set list. I've often though what a killer of a cover song that would be to hear those full Beach Boys vocals.

Love that. It is so gorgeously atmospheric.

It's a record that you can't shake off or forget, you hear it and you just get lost in the sounds. I can't explain what it is, how they did it, etc etc...it leaves you speechless once you've connected with that record. Incredible. I wasn't surprised to hear it was a favorite of Bruce's, it was really neat to hear him mention it, though.

I'm a big fan of those "Desert Island Discs" interviews as they reveal a lot about the artists,  and I'd love to hear one of those lists from each of the Beach Boys. Although we can guess Brian's top choices...Be My Baby, Rhapsody In Blue, etc... :)

But what fun we had!

Wow...gotta agree big time with you, Bruce and Cam..."I Only Have Eyes For You" is one of the most dramatic arrangements ever put to wax. The song absolutely turns me to jello. The Platters "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" has a similar effect on me...as does the BB's "Kiss Me Baby"...and DW's "Thoughts of You". We could start a thread...Songs That Make You Cry. Those four would be high on my list.

It's always a nice thing to see others who share these kinds of thoughts on certain songs, albums, etc. Bruce for one notable example, that was awesome when he posted that stuff! He grew up with it when it was a new record - at the time I got obsessed with "I Only Have Eyes For You" it was the farthest thing from what was in the popular culture - but a record like that transcends generations, the great ones always do. But I'm glad I had oldies radio to hear it unexpectedly for a "drop everything, crank it up" moment, which is the best way to hear a great tune on the radio - and well before "oldies" radio turned into a sterile place to hear things like the fucking Footloose soundtrack and John Mellencamp.

And I'm not Bruce... ;D

To understand what the real fan has to say, this is THE only site and for that reason I have always been of the opinion that Bruce at the very least reads this board.

As many of you guys have bet your testicles and lost on this board, I'll wager mine that he also posts. :P

You loose.  ;D

How loose?

One of the best recordings ever ! And imo "Don't talk" from Pet Sounds has the same feeling. Both songs, while technically quite different, are very similar in that sense and there's some deep connection between those two recordings imo

I think AGD is saying that Bruce doesn't post here, Ed.

Remember that time Michael Vosse posted here and it all went sideways? Good times. Bruce can def handle himself on the BB boards.

OT: Where was "I Only Have Eyes For You" recorded. It has a lot to do with that studio's echo chamber wouldn't you say.

"I Only Have Eyes For You" -  I adore that recording...


Click for source: (http://www.pophistorydig.com/?tag=the-flamingos%E2%80%99-%E2%80%9Ci-only-have-eyes-for-you%E2%80%9D)


Doesn't reveal the studio, though...

I reckon Bruce doesn't post here because too many people would disagree with his recollections of how it actually was.

Anyway how could anyone disagree with the one Beach Boy who says Pet Sounds shouldn't have had 'Sloop John B' on it!

I was just being obtoose.

He played on At Garfunkel''s Breakaway album which featured a great version of I Only Have Eyes For You (not to mention a pretty good version of Disney Girls).  Don't think he played on the track, however, and I'm too lazy to look it up.

Oh YEAH.  Count me among the admirers of this disc.  Thanks, guys, for making me think about this record again...

I thought he played the Rhodes on that?  It's a damn good record, for sure.

Don't you suppose he knows more about it than you do?  He was there; he sang on that particular song, for instance.  When was the last time you and Brian Wilson went and had a steak together?  Bruce and Brian are probably out bowling together right now.

Bruce probably posts on BBB because he's old and set in his ways, and that's the board he's signed up to and can remember the password to.  Nothing more, nothing less.

The rough and tough atmosphere here or anywhere else wouldn't keep him away, you think he hasn't heard it all before?  Do you honestly think you guys are the first to make fun of his white shorts?  His hot-ass girlfriends probably never made fun of them.  He probably comforts himself from all the hatred with

A. his beautiful wife
B. his beautiful family
C. his beautiful bank account
D. his beautiful music
E. his beautiful talent
F. his beautiful life
G. his beautiful fans


It's delusional and narcissistic to think that this message board is too 'tough' for someone like him to handle. 

It is, however, entirely reasonable for him to think that a room full of bitchiness just isn't worth engaging with...

Regards,
Jon Blum

Bruce is on record saying that 'Sloop John B' is a great song but shouldn't have been on Pet Sounds. That is an example of where he's prepared to say what he thinks without falling out with anyone else in the band.

I posted a message that says that Bruce tells it like it was and that's why BBB members enjoy his posts on their board.  Equally they like to ask sensible polite questions. At times this board has too many rude responders who also seem unable to read properly.

So true. And, I'll admit with so much to read here that I've mis-read a post or two or three. Yes, if anything would keep them away from here, ir would be the rudeness, for sure.

Ok. I'll join the long line of eunuchs here. ;D

I'd love it if Bruce (or any BB's) would post here!

But I can see why he's not. The things people say about him around here is quite disgusting, and I don't think he would want anything to do with this forum.

Maybe if we clean up our act, stop with the Bruce bashing (Why did it even start? I certainly never found it funny...), he might consider joining this forum.

BTW, is anyone also a member of the BBB forum? If someone is, it would be great to send Bruce a PM requesting him to check out this forum!

Bruce is well aware of this forum, as he is the Bloo, the Hoff and the sadly few other BB fora. Now OSD is history, maybe he'll consider posting. Maybe not. I have no idea.

Speaking of rough and tumble, was it really Bruce posting to the old Male Ego board?

Yes, it was. Junk emailed me, saying there was some guy claiming to be Bruce who wanted to register and before he told him to go f*** himself, he thought he'd check with me to see if it was. Asked him for the email then told him he could tell the guy to GFH but, as it really was Bruce, maybe he shouldn't. Junk told me later that was the moment when he fully understood the phrase "my blood ran cold".

I forgot all about that.  Man I miss the Male Ego board.  Mike's daughter used to post there too.  Dunno why those people would subject themselves to that board.

I participated in the discussion with Bruce a few years ago on Steve Hoffman's board. He was indeed very engaging and answered my questions about the early version of Tears in the Morning. He also agreed with the feelings on that board about the deficiencies of his solo album.

I think it would be an honour for any of The Beach Boys to post on this board. 

I am grateful that this thread exists because I just now for the first time heard this beautiful recording by the Flamingos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvzNeh4Mq1o

Not sure how I missed it all these years. Gorgeous.

Not-so-Smilin Ed H

Nobody seems to post on BBB anymore. :(

That's a good sign. It can't & won't top the Smiley Smile board. I thought it's a well-known fact by now. So remove the sad smiley, it's unnecessary.

The BBB interface is disgusting. I can't stand it, so I only ever go over there to see what Bruce has been posting.

Those were my thoughts exactly. The design of this one board is more stylish. No wonder every BB celebrity got over here, eventually or gradually.

So... What are the odds that a member of this very board  ;D, who has direct access to Bruce, asks him to post on a Q&A thread here? I suggest that such thread be carefully monitored so as to avoid a Stephen Gaines Thread-like fiasco.

I'll be writing him shortly.

Just 4 U Lenny

Lovely. Just in case, do not mention Male Ego poster Karl Rogers.

Come on. Let's be honest. That person very much loves to rub in our face that he has a connection to Bruce, and even doing as much as having Bruce directly answer questions for us would lessen his "power," so I doubt that'll be happening.

But I do think it's a great idea.

It'd be great indeed.

I feel compelled to say that while AGD --who I infer you are talking about- certainly had his clashes with people over here, he's shown to be generous about his knowledge and gracious when proven wrong. His Bellagio site, an open and incredibly comprehensive database, is proof enough of said generosity. But it's not like it's up to him to have Bruce post here.

Agreed. And why would a veteran band member subject themselves to the argumentative and contentious crap that explodes here? That is just conjecture on my part. He posts more "newsy-type" stuff on BBB.  That is Johnston's choice. Why should he be bullied into posting here? He doesn't owe a forum anything.  It isn't our business, I think.

And, I like BBB for several reasons.  First, I like the simple set up.  Second, I like that there is a certain "civility" that isn't present in all fora. I'm not singling this one out.  Third, it tends to be less "revisionist." because there are more posters who actually "grew up" with this music, and didn't learn it second-hand, who were in college during the Vietnam War, who get SDT.  And many of us would have loved a place to debate and discuss the music in a time when we would have been "laughed out of town!" It was not always cool in the mind of the public to be a BB fan.  Seriously! So, I generally ignore the nonsense, to discuss the most important thing, the music.

And, Andrew is not bad, and I've not always been in agreement, but that is fine.  I truly respect his scholarship and research.  Reasonable minds can differ.   ;)

If you want me to, I will. Just don't give me the anticipated sh*t if he says "no".

I would love it if he posted in a very structured manner with mods watching to avoid disaster. To be honest, I haven't been the biggest fan of him here though.

Ah, I see I didn't even have to wait until I asked him for the sh*t to descend. Seriously, you think Bruce is my sole source of BB info ? As for this "power" you mention, if I had the first notion as to what it was, hell, I'd flaunt it endlessly just to annoy so-called fans like you.  ;D

No need for that: he handled the heat on Ego, and if it gets too annoying to him, then he'll just sign off as any sensible poster would do.

And... We can all name the members who are likely to - and if it comes off, almost certainly will - piss him off.  ;D

OK, invite issued.

Nice one!  Here's hoping. ;D

Wonderful!

Very cool.  You surprised me. Go Andrew!

To give Bruce some credit. On the ego board a topic was raised about what royalties were worth to Brian, and Bruce joined the discussion in a very open way. So much so that he used his 'I Write The Songs' sales information and how much he received not just when it was released but even today. I seem to remember a poster expressing surprise about how much personal info he was giving out and he just sort of shrugged it off with a "all here at this site have a interest in the music business so why shouldn't you know?" comment.

I think anyone needs to read not just the good, but the negative now and then. This site sure has that and I feel any posters who cross a poor taste line will get dumped on pretty quickly should he log in.

What if - and hear me out - What if Bruce is already here, posting as "Surfer"?

 :o :o :o
 :lol :lol :lol

  ;D

only 2 or 3?

 :smokin

In 2012, someone on this board was impersonating Bruce.  At the meet and greet at Red Rocks on July 9, 2012, I asked Bruce if that person was him, and whether he posts on Beach Boys boards. He emphatically denied that he posts anything on the internet, ever.  That's from the horse's mouth. 

There's no way the BBB Bruce is not him.

It is indeed him.

One thing to remember as well...the BB may be legends, but they're still people like we are. And from personal experience, artistic disagreements spill over to other areas, and vice versa. If you don't believe me, try being in a trio with your wife and best friend :lol

Fantastic!

Very cool...hope he joins!

It is. No question.

It would be amazing if Bruce joined . We're kind of spoiled here, what with the wealth of knowledge built on sites like Bellagio, and the guests like Desper.
But having an actual member of the band here? That would be just incredible.

Any idea if David Marks would post here? Carrie Marks did post here answering some questions, so maybe David coming and posting is a possibility.

David doesn't post, period. Carrie handles all that sort of stuff for him.

I hope we'll be allowed to politely ask him 'challenging' questions though, such as in relation to band dynamics and poor artistic choices (HCTN disco version), without it being seen as trying to rub him up the wrong way. Otherwise it'll just be a gooey love-in and who wants that?

Turns out 45% percent of people want that  ;D

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,1019.0.html

Ya know id like to go sailing or surfing with Bruce..  Just hang and talk about life or BB or old memories.. Let him control the conversation.. Drink some Pacifico beer and chill..!

I bet he would be a great source of information here. Bruce has posted really nice things at BBB. Just don't ask him why the roadies always seem to have his mic positioned wrongly or call him BJ.

Well, we'd have to kick him off the board in about a year or two anyways.

Huh ??

Can't believe that one slipped over your head, AGD.

Goddit.  ;D

Migraine meds tend to mess with my usually swift thought processes.

Huh? I don't get it. Em... I have a cold and can't think, that's it.

Did he?

Yes, he did. Politely, but firmly.

Bummer.

Well this is disappointing. Did he give a reason why he said no?

Yes, they must come here for the stylish appearance of the board…   ::)

Does he really need a reason? All he has to do is peek in here and read through a few threads to understand why a firm "No" is all the answer that is needed. ;)

Appearance is not as important as interface. The way BBB works is so poor, its just not worth visiting. You can only read one post at a time!

The interface is very poor. But the appearance is atrocious.

How I feel when I visit that site:

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z72hrTmIkKc/TmGq1JN8nUI/AAAAAAAADLw/-6xKVPA3ncM/s400/8-seinfeld-Chicken_Roaster.jpg)

sh*t sent on a postcard to the usual address.

...

There was no harm in asking, but I think we know it would be something of a long shot!

Now, when will you be in the company of Mike again??

Darn it, our loss - either way, thank you, AGD, for taking the time to ask.

This summer, at the Hampton Court Palace Festival.

Really?  You think of it as a loss?  He can post all he wants at BBB and we can still hear what he has to say, without having our lovely board sullied by the, presumed presence, of an actual BEACH BOY

Andrew can you please ask Mike what he does with all his old caps?  I wouldn't mind him throwing some of his collection my way! ;D

 :lol

Thanks for asking Andrew. Greatly appreciated.

However, I get the vibe that he won't come near here because unlike BBB, most of us won't tongue his posterior. Shame though, because even those of us that might have disagreements with him very much respect his contributions to The Beach Boys. And hee was part of the Hoffman board and frankly answered questions, even stuff about how shitty Going Public is.

I suspect that he's staying away from here though because he would have to defend the indefensible position of Brian Wilson and Al Jardine not being able to continue on as Beach Boys. Most likely, Bruce is just fine with not working with Brian and Al, and that touring with Mike is easy.

Bruce knows what this board is like: he dips in now and then. I honestly don't think he's that interested in forever raking over the past.

As for anyone "not being able to continue as Beach Boys"...

1 - most importantly, Brian, Alan & David will always be Beach Boys...

2 - the actual mechanics of the C50 agreement have been common knowledge for over a year now: who agreed to what, and for how long.

I totally get what you're saying. And C50 was agreed to for the time it was agreed to. And yeah, Brian and Al always will be official Beach Boys as they are co-owners of BRI and all "Beach Boys" stuff has to go through them, Mike, and Carl's estate. But obviously they wanted to keep on touring/recording/whatever with Mike and Bruce as The Beach Boys. Apparently, as far as public knowledge on the subject goes, Mike declined to keep working with them, and instead chose (and continues to choose) to go out and tour with Bruce (and other no names) as The Beach Boys. Despite whatever the behind the scenes problems there are, Brian, Al and Dave wanted to continue on and Mike and (seemingly) Bruce didn't. Obviously, I'm unsure whether Bruce wanted to continue working with the other guys, but his  giddiness during C50 in announcing that him and Mike would be back to their norm soon seemed to indicate that C50 may have been kinda a pain in the ass for him and Mike, and that they'd be happy when they returned to what they were doing before.

Also, funny that if Bruce isn't interested in "forever raking over the past", he sure knows how to do it night after night on stage, and the fact that instead of offering a new song to The Beach Boys for the latest album, he offered one which was probably about 28 years old at the time.

'Xactly: we don't know what really happened, yet.

He didn't post on this board before or during C50 so it can't be just down to that.

You can use the phrase. 'tongue his posterior' to refer to BBB if you like but the truth is that this board features so many petty squabbles that no sane band member would want to contribute.

The "petty squabbles" is what sets this board apart from the others, it's part of what makes this one of the best damn forums around!
I think it's all the Bruce bashing on this forum that put him off joining us

Two (or more!) sides to the story always.....this is Bruce (from BBB) on Brian/Al/Dave not being in their live shows video presentation:

Did it ever occur to you that Mike and I were were asked not to include photos of them during our video 'scrapbook' video presentation?

So sad to me....

Bruce Johnston
Montecito
December 12, 2013

And the general response from this site was it was sad and a bit petty. Hey we might knock M&B, but we are in their corner when warranted.

Try telling that to a modern day Brianista. There's only ever one side, Brian's, which to them is the unassailable truth.

Agreed. In that way they're worse than Kokomaoists. Much Worse.

Before I get jumped on, I know there are many, many, many Brian Wilson fans who are capable of reasoned discourse and who are able to appreciate the contribution of others without starting to foam at the mouth - pretty much everyone here, as it happens - but unfortunately the subspecies I described below are usually the most vocal: any discussion with them that even hints at Brian possibly not being the best composer, and nicest person, in the entire (and future) history of the cosmos is going to be like discussing evolutionary theory with a Christian Fundamentalist who also happens to be a Creationist. An exercise in pure futility.

I'm a huge, huge Brian Wilson fan - how could I be otherwise - but first and foremost I'm a Beach Boys fan, because he couldn't have done it without them... just as they couldn't without him. The whole is immeasurably greater than the sum of the parts, as C50 conclusively demonstrated.

Well put. Amen, brother.

Well said, AGD! We all have favourite members, but it's all the Beach Boys that make the band what it is/was, and that's Brian, Mike, Dennis, Carl, Bruce, Alan, David, Blondie and Ricky!

:lol You are correct, of course, they'd spoil all the fun should they come visiting

You're saying if one of the BB's join up here, we have to be on our best behaviour? No more silly threads or stupid discussions or laugh-out loud ridiculous topics?

This forum will simply not be the same then.

And imagine if Brian decides to join this forum instead of Bruce? The Brianistas will go crazy like little schoolgirls go crazy for 1D  :lol