The Smiley Smile Message Board

Taken from a short convo in the Tour Dates sticky above, I thought it'd be good to start up the thread as a placeholder for the first gig tomorrow.  Hopefully this will start a trend where each specific gig gets their own thread here on the board.  I think it'd be a better way to organize the posts considering I'm sure everyone will be posting their reviews/pictures/videos/news articles about each gig.  Might be best to organize it this way so it's easier to find later?

Meet and Greet Reviews by SonoraDick starts on page 16 of this thread:
http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,12772.msg265565.html#msg265565


Set List (with thanks to Manchini!)


Anselmo Valencia Ampitheater, Tucson, AZ 4/24/12

Do it again
Catch a wave
Don't back down
Surfin safari
Surfer girl
Little girl I once knew
Wendy
Then I kissed her
This whole world
Why fools
When i Grow up
Your so good
Cotton
Be true
Disney
Please wonder
Dont worry baby
Little Honda
L deuce coupe
409
Shut down
I get around

Intermission

Sloop
Wibn
In my rm
All this is that
Forever
Sail on sailor
Heroes and v
God only knows
That's why god...
Ca dreaming
Ca girls
Dance dance
All summer
Help me Rhonda
Rnr music
Do yu wanna dance
Barbara Ann
Surf USA
Kokomo
Good vibes
Fun fun fun


(http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/io.AW40jbInWMSqcNj6O4w--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD02MTI7cT04NTt3PTQwOQ--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/gettyimages.com/beach-boys-50th-anniversary-concert-20120424-221649-429.jpg)

(http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/73wGOg5E1aoO_L5RRnI8IA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD02MTI7cT04NTt3PTQwOQ--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/gettyimages.com/beach-boys-50th-anniversary-concert-20120424-221659-271.jpg)

(http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Ai2WDU7_Ubj1I.heIUEomg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0zNDI7cT04NTt3PTUxMg--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/gettyimages.com/beach-boys-50th-anniversary-concert-20120424-221659-315.jpg)


(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/43/4437e0a0-8e91-11e1-8f94-0019bb2963f4/4f97810c5c4a4.image.jpg)
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/54/45409dc0-8e91-11e1-ad02-0019bb2963f4/4f97810e1b818.image.jpg)
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a03e8c-8e91-11e1-9b40-0019bb2963f4/4f97811066137.image.jpg)
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/75/4756997a-8e91-11e1-8cae-0019bb2963f4/4f97811198441.image.jpg)
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/9a/49a1e266-8e91-11e1-aa10-0019bb2963f4/4f97811570c7b.image.jpg)
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/a6/4a636210-8e91-11e1-9517-0019bb2963f4/4f978116b2454.image.jpg)
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/c5/4c505a6a-8e91-11e1-a61b-0019bb2963f4/4f978119eaffe.image.jpg)
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/d1/4d19389a-8e91-11e1-ab55-0019bb2963f4/4f97811b43279.image.jpg)

Great idea, but that should probably occur in the Concert Reviews subforum rather than here.

I hearya anazgnos...I definitely would love if everyone would just direct themselves to that section but I can't help but see that the General Discussion section will be flooded with pics and videos anyway--especially since most of the traffic comes through here than any other section.  When the TSS was released--a side-board was created yet most of the converstaions about TSS still happened right here in the General Dicussions section. The current tour is sort of unprescendented around these parts because there hasn't been a tour of this size (or importance) in the history of this board...so I suspect we'll be all over the place! 

If the moderators care to step in and lay down some rules I think that'd be real great.  How about this:  Perhaps we can START each new thread for each gig here in the General Discussions section and then after about a week or so after everyone's posted their pictures and videos etc for that specific gig...the thread can then be moved over to the Review section?  I think that'd be the best method since it will avoid this section being flooded with 50 or 60 threads for each gig.   In the end it promotes some organizing and makes it clear to everyone that there is one thread being setup for each gig and will hopefully discourage multiple threads setup for the same show.  Just my thoughts....

One thread for all shows makes more sense to me

I kinda like the separate thread idea. I know it's more threads but it helps organize concert photos better imo.

Yeah we'll see, Runaways.  I  can't imagine clicking through (no doubt) 100+ pages of reviews and pictures trying to find something.  If the moderators have any suggestions or thoughts on my suggestions above; we'll see what they think but if it turns out everyone prefers just one thread, perhaps I'll just update the title of this thread to reflect the entire tour...

Yeah... Having everybody post pictures, videos and reviews for all these upcoming shows in one thread is going to turn into a mess real quick.

Yeah, plus it can be rather frustrating seeing two or three threads on the same subject.  I think if we all get used to the fact that there will be one "official" thread setup for each gig, that will hopefully regulate us from seeing two or three different threads just for the Hollywood Bowl gig or whatever.

Sorry folks...don't mean to be so OCD about it!  I'm totally excited for this tour and just hope that the board doesn't implode on itself during the whole thing!  :lol

I'd say post in the concert section or one thread per concert each ion this board

With the cooperation of the moderators I think we can ease the situation by creating a thread for each gig here on this board and then after about a week or so after everyone's posted pics/videos/reviews etc, the moderators can then permanently move the thread out of the General Discussion section and into the Concert Reviews section.  This way, we won't end up with this section being taken up with 60 posts about each gig.  Since this section contains the highest traffic, we'll start the thread here and then when the thread starts to waiver--off it goes to the Concert section.

Any youtube clips up?

The first pics are already in!

(http://www.zvents.com/dynamic_images/6/7/7/7/807776_470-50x250-50_2.jpg)


Womp womp womp.

It's already April 24 here in Australia.

Where's the concert reviews.

You Americans are so behind the times!!

 ;) ::) ;) ::)                ;) ::) ;) ::)                           





This is going to be an interesting 48 hours ...  ;D

(http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m079s6u2Ci1r0s86o.gif)


SO EXCITED!!

Perhaps a sub-forum in the Concert Reviews section completely dedicated to the reunion gigs? 

I am going to be attending this. However, my procrastination knows no bounds, withstanding even my Beach Boys obsession, so it sold out and only lawn seats were left. Now I'm sending out some e-mails to craigslist sellers, scrambling to find better seats. Regardless of where I sit, I'm excited and it will be fun!

(Hopefully my bitching about seats isn't too annoying to any UK people out there!)

stubhub

Not as long as you're recording it on good quality equipment.

This is a grat idea, the thread I made was made to discuss the dates and we did just that

A thread for each show will be really cool... In the main section  ;D

f*** yeah. Now I'm set.

you're welcome

Any guesses to the first song opener?

I'm gonna say "Do It Again"...but if it were up to me it would be "Can't Wait Too Long" as the curtain opens and reveals the guys on stage.

I'll predict "California Girls". 

Mate, it's clearly going to be Ding Dang

If they dont' do "Ding Dang" anywhere in the set---this tour is one big FAIL  8)

I'm like 30% serious.

You're close.  It's been confirmed that they will open with "Rollin' Up To Heaven".  

Sorry if this has been posted , but a very interesting quote from Bruce on the BBB Board

Steve:
There is one song that I know of going on the set list that has a couple of small sections sung in spanish (but it's not "Kokomo")...

Bruce Johnston
Tucson, Airzona
April 23, 2012

I'd imagine "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times".  But very interesting. 

Just maybe a NEW SONG that hasn't been mentioned anywhere yet , lets hope  8)

And per the attached the BB's will be singing live along to Videos of Carl (GOK) and Dennis (Forever)

http://atlanta.metromix.com/entertainment/3047287


I really don't know how I initially feel about this 

It's kind of a shame, as Brian and Bruce can both sing GOK nicely, and that's more fitting tribute.

No holograms, at least?

Doesn't say it will be them singing, just video. Perhaps it'll be like how they did Can't Wait Too Long.

By the way, saw tomorrow's venue on Google Maps. They're literally playing in the middle of the desert! Very cool.

Or they're singing "Forever" and GOK live, while videos of Dennis and Carl play in the background. At least, that's the way I understand it....

Yep, that seems far more likely. Interesting that the show will have this amount of multi-media stuff going on. At least we know they're spending some of that ticket price on something more elaborate!

I'm not big on needing this sort of thing, but if it's only video in the background, that's cool. If they start flying in old vocals, that will get pretty weird.

Well, they HAD to include Carl and Dennis in some way. Whichever way will be fine. Fans would jump on them if the two deceased brothers weren't represented. And, as stated above, it's great that they're putting some production into the shows.

Edit: spelling corrected.

That made me laugh.

Thank goodness for penicillin.

To tell the truth, I'm a little disappointed that they removed the surprise element of this from the show - although, come tomorrow, the shows will be discussed ad infinitum, and the surprise will be gone anyway...
That being said, "Forever" is mindblowing... and I'm not just saying that because a photo of mine kicks it off!

Like

I mentioned the possibility of this in December.


Would now prefer the band singing with just soundless video playing overhead. We will see tomorrow.

That's wonderful to read.  So glad they did the Dennis tribute right.  I'm sure the Carl tribute will be just as memorable.

Yes, since I'm active on facebook, I feel the need to give a thumbs-up to every post I like.
Perhaps they could include a thumbs-up function here.

Too bad there are no holograms.
I know, I'm probably the only person in the world who would've loved that.

I'm really excited for this..

It's gonna be fun following this show tonight

How long is it until the show starts?

It's hard for me to believe that there's going to be a Beach Boys concert later today featuring Brian Wilson.

I remember we talked about that. I'm happy it will be done. Maybe our suggestions were seen by the powers who look onto this board. Anyway, I'm really glad Dennis and Carl will be heard and that with such great song. Wonder which versions they'll use. Live versions or the - easier to isolate - studio recordings ?

"Gotta get a ticket cause I really gotta go
There's a party goin' down at the rock'n'roll show
Baby get ready if you really wanna go
Now everybody's goin' to the rock'n'roll show"  :thewilsons

Like 12 hours

Could me 'at my window'

That's French.

So of the lucky people going to opening night of the tour tonight...can we expect live updates of the setlist as it happens (I know, now I"m getting greedy!)?  Or will we wait till after the show's over for reports? 

I vote for live updates. :D To everyone going to the show, have a wonderful time, and let's hope they are spot on.

Enjoy the show
and record, record, record audio & movies,
but first of all, just enjoy!

News from the Beach Boys for their VIPs: 

 Dear Beach Boys Meet & Greet + Soundcheck fan,
> Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater, TUCSON, April 24th, 2012
>  Meet & Greet + Soundcheck Package
> Here is your itinerary.  This information is REALLY IMPORTANT, so please read
everything VERY CAREFULLY!  You are in charge here, so please let everyone in
your party know the following information. 
> Please note the early afternoon check-in time, which is necessary to attend
the scheduled soundcheck. Most venues prohibit re-entry once you have checked
in, so please plan your day accordingly.
> 
> The Basics:
> 
> ·       This package is NON-TRANSFERABLE.
> ·       Meeting time: 3:00pm!
> ·       Meeting place: VIP Nation check-in table in front of the AVA Box
Office, located on the West side, closest to the casino.  Look for the VIP
Nation sign.
> Doors open to the public at 6:00pm.  The show begins at 7:00pm.*
> 
> Just a reminder…   These packages are not transferable.
>>> Please don’t bring recording devices, or any other prohibited items. No
personal cameras (not even cell phones) allowed during the meet & greet, please.
> Due to time constraints the Beach Boys will not be able to sign any items.
>
> The Details
> Please meet your host, at the VIP Nation check-in table in front of the
AVA Box Office, located on the West side, closest to the casino, at 3:00pm.  If
you arrive late, you may miss the meet & greet and soundcheck. Please bring
PHOTO ID matching the ATTENDEE NAME on your order.  Please bring your order
confirmation as well just in case it’s needed.
> You’ll receive your exclusive Meet & Greet laminate, specially designed tour
shirt, collectible tour poster, commemorative ticket and an exclusive tote bag!
You’ll have special access to the Beach Boys soundcheck! You’ll have a meet and
greet with members of the Beach Boys!
> Then out to enjoy the show from your great seat(s) in rows 2-5!
> Doors open to the public at 6:00pm.  The show begins at 7:00pm.*
>  Any questions regarding your itinerary can be directed to the customer
service number.
> If you are running more than 45 minutes late, please call us or
text your host. If you are late, you may miss the meet & greet
and soundcheck.
> 
> *All times subject to change without notice

Thanks for that bgas.  No autographs at the meet and greet...makes sense.  It will no doubt be a quick in-and-out thing--autographs would take up too much time.  But we do get individual photos with each Beach Boy taken by a professional photographer, yes??  ;D 8)

I can deal with no autographs, but no pictures???

Well I expect that the "group picture" with the whole band will be taken by someone in the organization and will email out the pictures to us later.  No doubt it's going to be a substantial group of people at these meet and greets...so that picture with the group will be a little like "Where's Waldo?" when you're trying to spot yourself later, sadly.

Pictures were advertised in the packages that were sold. And not group, but a "personal picture."

http://vipnation.com/programs/beach-boys/

Ah yes, that's right.  Thanks Wirestone.  Well, I think that word "personal" picture is up for interpretation.  I cannot see the guys standing there for maybe 20+ pictures with each individual fan when they can do the whole thing in one shot with the whole group standing around them.  Especially since they would have to do that on every gig on this tour.  I would obviously prefer the individual picture hands down...but I'm trying to be realistic (perhaps even a touch pessimistic).

Could be that they will have a photographer (or several) on hand taking atmosphere & candid shots throughout, so people can get prints after the fact.  That's basically what was done at the Brian signing at Fingerprints, to prevent people slowing down the line trying to get personal shots.  You might not get a posed, staged smiling photo but you would have pics of yourself standing in close proximity to/milling about with/talking to the Beach Boys.

I'm sure the touring band will be around too right?

Yeah I remember that at Fingerprints.  That could definitely be the case too.  I guess we'll find out soon enough...be interested to know how they arrange that.

For as much as I paid for that ticket, I expect more than a group photo. We deserve a little one on one.

I have a feeling this is going to get interesting....

I think everyone here would agree with you, and maybe you'll get what you expect, but this is the Beach Boys you're dealing with...

I hope someone who attends the first concert will post some during the intermission

Some of the Boys will be more sociable/chatty than others. That's just the way it is. But I doubt you will leave them disappointed.

On the VIP Nation Facebook page they've setup a few photo albums of recent meet and greets for other artists (Bryan Adams, Sugarland and Big Time Rush).  It appears that they do in fact set up a small area for each fan to join the entire band for a personalized group shot.  Here's a group of fans with the band Big Time Rush:

(http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/547158_10150715816592661_145321232660_9264104_1573243_n.jpg)

If the BB do this---that would be VERY cool!

I DEMAND a picture of Mike and OSD hugging!

With OSD hiding a taser behind his back.

I WANT BRIAN POSING AS JAMES BOND!  :3d Please, make it happen.

Guys, it's the part where Mike introduces 'Bluebirds over the mountain'....

Yes, and then the taser being wrestled away from OSD by Jeff Foskett and John Stamos!

Nothing earth shattering but:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/steve-wright-in-the-afternoon/webcam-of-the-day/


Webcam Of The Day
The Beach Boys begin their 50th anniversary reunion world tour in Tucson, Arizona tonight.

They formed in 1961, and it’s 50 years this year since the Boys released their debut album Surfin’ Safari.

Founding members Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Al Jardine, plus Bruce Johnston and David Marks - who replace the late Wilson brothers Dennis and Carl – will perform together for the first time in 20 years.

The Beach Boys are one of best-selling acts of all time, having sold an incredible 100 million albums worldwide.

The band was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and performed Good Vibrations at this year’s Grammy Awards.

So today’s webcam is in Tucson, Arizona ready for the start of their reunion tour.


Check out our Arizona Cam


------------

The camera is just in commemoration of the tour...if you follow the link you'll see that the webcam simply points to a random spot in the city and is absolutley nowhere near the venue.  Sounded too good to be true!

I can understand no autographs but no personal pictures even with a cell is kinda weird.

I saw a video of Alice Cooper during a VIP thing and it the guy was able to record for a while. In addition, I've seen KISS signing although that was specific in their package that they would.

But KISS' greatest hit 'I Was Made For Loving You' was derived from the chorus of H&V  ;D

That's the spirit !!    ;D ;D

Why. Why do the people in this photo exist.

Well, when a man and a woman love each other very much, they make babies.

Sadly, some of these babies are douchetrains.

I honestly can't tell who in the photo is in the band and who the fans are  :lol

When a man needs a woman, they make things like you, my son.

....daddy?

I thought the same thing  :-D

It's quite easy really. The people that look like utter wankers are the band, and the people that look like complete tossers are the fans.

:lol

Speaking of Carl... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-vsynsE8RQ

Just over 3 hours till the show

Board member Manchini has agreed to help us out and provide a few live updates throughout the show!  It won't be song-by-song updates but  he'll be emailing me and I'll be posting whatever info he can share.  Anything we can get is much appreciated!  Thanks Manchini!

Man, I hope there's at least ONE crazy song in the setlist.

There is a guy on the Bloo giving soundcheck play by play....

Good catch!  Here is what, Prodigal Son, has posted on that board.

SPOILER ALERT





Do It Again
Forever
Catch A Wave
Surfin Safari
Don't Back Down
This Whole World (Brian on lead vocals)
Honda
Cottonfields
Then I Kissed Her

I just watched that entire thing. Why...  :'(

AMAZING!

Two songs from sunflower! Great.

That's a really great setlist, I'm particularly loving Don't Back Down, a surprising choice, and This Whole World with Brian on lead.  Then I Kissed Her should also be stellar.

I really wanna know what the first tune will be

Fantastic!

California Girls.

Hopes are up for a great tour.

Some more random comments from Prodigal Son:


Brian just asked for surfer girl

Band still working out arrangement for don't back down

Dave took the lead guitar solo on catch

Mike sounds really good

Set behind looks a bit like an old drive in marquee

Brian and Bruce are on short round red risers

Brian barking orders : )

Brian is stage left behind the big white grand. Al next to him. Can't see Bruce..then mike to Al's left ans Dave far right.

4 surf boards behind stage...huge vid screen behind w beach scenes

Key 5 up front. Backing band well behind boys

I'd be pissed if I paid for VIP tix and couldn't even get an autograph or personal pic to prove it happened.

When someone says "stage left" do they mean as if you're on the stage looking out at the crowd?

Another comment from Prodigal Son - Sail On Sailor (Brian lead).
He also said Al was taking the lead on WIBN.

:rock :rock :rock :rock

Al singing lead on WIBN! I wonder if they're doing it in the original key (doubtful) or in the same key Brian did it in when he sang it at his solo shows? If it's in the lower key then Al will nail it!

Um yeah, so this tour officially rocks.

FFS Why aren't we all there ??

More from Prodigal Son:

Car set w/ coupe and 409

David takes all of the guitar leads,!!

Shut down (also)

No kidding!  It's finally happening folks...they just might be doing this tour....the way we had hoped.

Damn! This is fantastic! I'm loving all of this, especially hearing that Brian is ordering people around. I love thinking about that in my head  ;D

Just read the bloo , and can I kindly say ?? Just cum in my pants  :o

SORRY !!

Concert hasn't even started and this is already sounding awesome.

Okay, well ... remember that stupid thread I started a couple of days ago?

Forget it.

So far, this seems about as good as I could have imagined.

Now, about this "Spring Vacation" song ...

Thanks for sharing.

That's the spirit!

At least you said it kindly!

LOL The pleasure was all mine  :lol

Interesting about Forever. Not what I was expecting but it sounds like it will work based on Prodigal's comment.

I wonder if he is going to revive his look of death when people screw up during songs? 8)

It's sounding like the setlist is along the same lines as the 2008 Mike/Bruce/David shows -- lots of crowd pleasers but with a handful of early-70s stuff to please us fans, and a few early-60s songs-that-sound-like-hits.
Which is exactly what I both hoped and expected (and those 2008 shows were astonishing, so this should be too).

That's what the first couple of years of Brian's shows were like too -- some of his finest live work.

More....

Cal dreaming
And just heard the full version of Radio

And ASLong

I think Brian is taking over Carl's stink eye

David does a great job on that one. I wonder if Totten or Foskett is doing the "Baby  baby my baby" bit? Foskett used to do it when Brian did the song on tour, but Totten sounds *spookily* close to the record when he does it...

Andrew ( hope you are well mate ) sounds like maybe Scott Totten is the MD

Brian's early live shows were slightly more weighted towards the obscurities and late 60s/early 70s stuff than the Mike/Bruce/David shows. I would *love* to see a setlist like the June 2002 UK Brian tour (best gigs I ever saw), but I doubt that'll be on the cards ever again. But the 2004/2008 Mike UK shows were almost as good and it sounds like we're getting that kind of setlist but with Brian's band.

The sad part is you used it as a request, not the past-tense that might make it funny. It reads even worse than what it should have. LOL

Alas, I can overlook it because the updates on here are outstanding.

This is incredible, such fun times

Interesting, if true. I'd hoped for Darian to be in charge of that side of things, but Scott's created such an improvement in Mike's band, it'll be interesting to see what effect he has with Brian's.

This seems great. Brian playing the white grand piano, yes!

Prodigal Son has signed off and will report back later after the show with a review and setlist.

End of the rollercoaster ride...for now!

It's all in the timing ( British Humour )  ;D

Darian hasn't been in charge of the BW band for some time. Apparently Mertens has been the MD recently. As for this tour, who knows? Hard to imagine it's one of Mike's guys, though.

Damn. Well ill be keeping tabs on twitter for pics

Nice, Slim, that'll be cool.

Yes, I can see. I am American, but greatly love British humo(u)r. ;) With so many from the UK on here, it makes it even more enjoyable for myself.

Brand new news article from Tuscon tonight....note the highlighted section:


The Beach Boys Are Coming to Phoenix (And Playing Tucson Tonight)

It hurt back in February, when we had to announce that The Beach Boys were visiting our lovely neighbors to the South (some weird town nobody had every heard of called Tucson.

I suggested a road trip -- and if you were into the idea you're probably packing the car up now to head to the Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater at Casio Del Sol.

But fear not if the thought of the two hour trek on the I-10 sounds a bit much: The Beach Boys have announced a date right here in Phoenix. Mark your calenders: the band's 50th Anniversary tour (presumably featuring Uncle Jesse) is coming to Phoenix on Saturday, July 7 at Grand Canyon University.

"The songs are 2-minutes long, but they manage speak volumes," says Danny Zelisko, longtime Phoenix promoter and host of "The Regular Guy Radio Program" on 93.3 KDKB. "They're the guys."

Zelikso was in attendance for show rehearsals, and says the sets are lasting up to three hours.  

"Honestly, it's like seeing The Beatles," Zelisko says.

Featuring Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks, The Beach Boys are scheduled to perform on Saturday, July 7 (weekend show). Tickets go on sale on Monday, April 30, through gcuarena.com.

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/2012/04/beach_boys.php

Well its nearly 1am here in the UK , looks like (again ) I'm in for a very very late night/early morning ( thankfully I'm working from home tomorrow/today ) but hey It's worth it  8)

That works out for ya nice eh Rob?  Put on some coffee (or tea??) and have yourself a mini-Beach Boys show tonight/this morning!

Good for you, man. Similar situation over here, but I gotta hit the sack soon... can't believe I'm going to be asleep while the BBs play their first reunion concert.  :-\

People, I'm expecting photos, reviews and (if possible) a clip or two in the (German) morning, to go along with my Kellog's.

Man this is awesome..."This Whole World" and "Sail on Sailor" is like the top level of the obscurity level I was hoping for, but I was worried they wouldn't even do that much.  As long as songs like those are in the mix I'll be totally satisfied.

perhaps they're just playing all these gems in the soundcheck, and then they'll simply play the hits in the actual show.

This time of night Justin it has to be the British way TEA all the way , coffee gets me too wired at the late hours - Big big time for me , like a lot of Brits the last time I saw Brian with the Boys was at Knebworth in June 1980 ( I was then 16 , a bloody life time ago - Married, then four gorgeous daughters and divorced - yes a life time ago )

It's certainly possible that we won't get every one of these tracks in the setlist. Artists often do stuff in soundchecks that either isn't in the actual setlist or is something that is rotated in and out of the setlist. I would imagine most everything they're doing in the soundcheck is a candidate for the tour and will more than likely be rotated into the setlist at some point. I don't think they are a typical artist that just jams on random stuff in soundchecks that never make it into setlists. It's sounding like they are working stuff out for inclusion in the show.

On the other hand, if they're rigging video stuff synced to songs and other lighting stuff, then the setlist would probably have to be tied down relatively firmly.

Phil? Is that you?

What is showtime tonight? 7 pm pacific?  8 pm?  Remember, Arizona oddly does not observe day light savings time

8pm PST as far as I know.

More like every state oddly DOES observe DST.

Better be some strong tea...Hope it keeps you up well through the night to see the show unfold!

wow,  never been more disappointed a UK tour never happened

I wish Greg Larson could have seen this. Smile finally coming out and a reunion?? He'd be over the moon.

Both Greg and Bob Hanes would have been over the moon....

Well said Peter , lets raise a glass to these great guys ( and others as well )  :'(

Well I guess that means no holograms! Dennis singing forever with live harmonies from the band will for sure be quite a highlight no doubt. Wonder if they'll do the same for Carl...?

Yep, "God Only Knows" is confirmed as dedicated to Carl.

Too awesome.

Too late! lol

I suppose the show will be starting in about an hour or so?  I'm on the east coast.  I'm hoping they all enjoy themselves!

I just did.  Those two guys were the uppermost of the toppermost of Beach Boys fans.

"This Whole World"!!!!!!

 :bow :love :happydance :woot

That's what I was thinking, MDH.  Obviously they have open minds.  I think more surprises are coming....

Keep the album cuts coming, Boys!

Crazy too that Brian's doing "Sail on Sailor" doesn't he always say the lyrics suck?  lol

So I'm guessing this is the merch

(http://distilleryimage1.instagram.com/366a88268e7b11e1a39b1231381b7ba1_7.jpg)

Young people! Those shirts look great  ;D

Yeah, tiny shorts!

Nice (o)(o).  Is she part of the VIP package?

My friend who is at the show just sent me this pic.

(http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/7330/img0001whn.jpg)

Shows you just what the stage looks like.

That looks pretty cool

That is awesome!!

I wouldn't mind if the image on that girl's shirt wound up being the new album's cover art.

(http://distilleryimage10.instagram.com/eea2ccd48e7e11e19e4a12313813ffc0_7.jpg)

From Manchini

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx347/justinmsosa2/Misc/e-1.jpg)

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx347/justinmsosa2/Misc/photo.jpg)

Man that's a really nice set up..

Brian on the high rise

gahhhhhhh, I feel like a little school girl.  ;D

Don't get too excited and keep your knickers on. ;)

More notes from board member, Manchini:  

Brian's got his white piano setup with built in prompter in the sheet stand, thought it was neat. The rest of the guys are stage left from him. 2 drum kits, crazy.

Thanks for the updates!  LOVING THIS.. closest thing to being there :)

The show is already about seven songs in, they just played Surfer Girl. My friend, who is a casual Beach Boy fan, just told me that I'm going to have the time of my life when I go. He said the set list is fantastic so far from what they've played. Some very good signs.

From Manchini:

Ok here goes:

Do it again
Catch a wave
Don't back down
Surfin safari
Surfer girl
Little girl I once knew
Wendy
Then I kissed her
This whole world


(so far)

Brian sounding real cool on this whole world.

They all sound great, Mike sounding awesome. Al f*cked up during LGIOK and mike shot him a hilarious stare. That struck me as very funny. I'll try to keep going with updates, photos hard to get unfortunately

WOW! Love seeing "Wendy" in there!!  8)

Very glad to see "The Little Girl I Once Knew", too.

I'm just going to do some high pitched squealing noises in the background here ala the TAMI show if you don't mind.

I guess I'm not getting any sleep tonight!

This is awesome!! My wife is telling me I am looking giddy! I am so there for the show at the Woodlands!

Just a heads up to all that Manchini would be providing updates every so often throughout the show and not necesssarily after every single song...so don't expect too much after you refresh the page every 5 seconds!  ;D :lol

Thank you Manchini!

You do realize I will be refreshing the page every five seconds anyway, right?

ha!  Had to do my part and just mention it!  ;)

This.

Nearly 100 people reading the thread, very cool

Is it just me or has anyone else had "This Whole World" stuck in their head for the past 20 minutes or so?? It's morphed into the Spring version now...oh boy!

me too man!  a couple others from here will be there too

I honestly can't believe this is actually happening. I think my Jeff dislike has melted away. If he had anything at all to do with engineering this amazing feat, then God bless the man!  ;D

These updates are all amazing to read, huge thanks to Justin for relaying them!  Really digging some of the song choices I'm seeing too.  

I can't help but be reminded of the BWPS premiere as we all gather to hear the latest news...the best kind of deja vu for sure.  

This is great stuff tonight. Thanks Manchini and to you Justin for keeping us up to date all evening.

What I want to read here is that they did an Our Prayer intro into a full Heroes & Villains.

(Ok, and I'm greedy, have Al do Vega-tables!)

Really thinking about getting tickets to the north carolina show next week.

My pleasure, everybody...this ocassion really doesn't come around too often so it only makes sense that we all share in the opening night festivities.

But obviously, big thanks to Manchini for being generous enough to send the updates out.  I'm sure he's having a great time...it's been about half an hour since his last update  :lol  Let's hope the next ones comes soon...

Amazing thread!  I'm so excited too!  I wonder if they will perform Country Air?

Same. Mostly the beginning of it ("I'm Thinkin' bout a this whole worrrrld!")

It's because it's got everything.  It's a psuedo-crazy Brian song that just happens to be incredibly good.  It has that balls-to-the-wall harmony in the background, beautiful lyrics, and just 2.5 minutes of pure positive energy.  Then they kill the music and sing acapella like nobody's ever sang before.  

It was hard to make it through work knowing I'd be missing out on this thread. Glad to see I didn't miss all the fun.

I want to hear some audio!  :o

Usually the first place where audio or video is posted is on Twatter. Of course you have to find somebody willing to sift through thousands of twats twatting about what songs they're listening to in order to find what you're looking for.

Looks like I was pretty far off in my prediction for this tour:

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,12566.msg258346.html#msg258346

:D

And that's not even going into the Spring version, which is quite a track, too!

Thought this was a funny twat:

Beach Boys light show is circa 1985. There's more action on all the Hawaiian shirts In the crowd. And there are lots.

This sure is fun.  Excited for Darien Lake!

2nd Update from Manchini (complete set list up to this point)

Do it again
Catch a wave
Don't back down
Surfin safari
Surfer girl
Little girl I once knew
Wendy
Then I kissed her
This whole world
Why fools
When i Grow up
Your so good
Cotton
Be true
Disney
Please wonder
Dont worry baby
Little Honda
L deuce coupe
409
Shut down
I get around

Intermission

So good so far. I don't want it to ever end. Brian doesn't care to be honest, haha. At intermission somebody yelled his name and he waved dismissively, but everyone ate it up anyway. I don't mind though, because he's really putting everything into it vocally. I think the pressure of the rest of the bb's is making him step up. Their harmonies are sounding great, and yes they're all audible, at the front of the mix as far as I can hear. Marks is a really good presence, great singing and Gtr and rocking the shades like a baller. Mike is doing his banter (which I love. Always been a highlight for me) and has great energy, don't let his hoarse speaking voice fool you cuz his singin is awesome. Bruce did a beautiful performance of Disney girls, seriously. Al rocked the sh*t out of cotton fields. I'm not being unreasonably positive, of course others may find it different when the guys roll thru their town, but to me this is the greatest. They are working out the kinks obviously, it's the first show, but it only gives the show life and reality in my opinion. Too many good words to type. I will keep you in on the set list. Lots of cameras so everybody will see this sooner or later, thankfully.

That's pretty disappointing to hear

ohpleaseohplease now do Our Prayer after the intermission ohpleaseohplease

Eh, who goes to a Beach Boys concert for the light show?

Another one: I am looking at the set list and know I gonna lose it when Carl and dennis wilson join in singing on video.

and this: Saw it in sound check last night and it is brilliant. As of they were here.

I think he means "as if" so looks like the band will be singing along with videos of Dennis & Carl. Sort of do not want....

QUESTION: Did Mike do an extended "when" on Be True!?

Don't understand this. He doesn't care? And yet he's putting everything into it vocally? Please explain.

I was just thinking that...ha. My bet is he did!

"Be True..." is definitely one song I had hoped they'd omit from this tour.  Please, oh please, tell me at least they sang it straight and Mike didn't do that 2 minute long "Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen"

Ha---I just asked Manchini...waiting on his response.

man i hope they're still this into it on june 8th.  I NEED VIDEOOOS

Amazing setlist. Always look at them as though they're a mix tape, and that's a pretty good Beach Boys mix tape. Love going from the ballad section into the car section through DWB -- which is, of course, both.

Sorry, I really hope Mike does the nasal domination on Be True. It's hilarious.

Brian gets to do This Whole World?

Mike gets to do WHEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeEEEEEeeeEEEEEEEN ....

That's how compromise works.

lol I actually thought of this as well. classic youtube video.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen

I doubt Mike has ever had so many hanging on that one note as he does now

wondering who took the lead on Don't Worry Baby?

Just noticed "Please Let Me Wonder" in the setlist. This makes me very, very happy.  :-D

Jeff or Al I wonder

I would guess foskett, but Brian did it on the Live at the Roxy cd.  So many questions...

Is it safe to just be unabashedly excited now? This all sounds too great.

Thank you to all involved in getting these updates.

Twelve years and probably hundreds of Foskett leads ago. :(

i actually liked how it sounded when brian did in lower key for Roxy

22 songs so far, my count.  I'd guess perhaps we can expect another 10 or so obscure/deep cuts and then the usual 10 songs which will be the usual greatest hits songs to close out the show.  Just a prediction...

When I first saw him in 04 for Smile. he was still doing it. I guess it was after that the lead changed on that.

Wow,was that really 12 years ago?  I was at that Roxy concert

Here comes dennis wilson singing forever on film! They are choked up on stage like all of us are.

wow

I'm getting choked up at the thought that I'm gonna see this on Friday in New Orleans. Oh Man!

isn't foskett kinda in the back? hows he gonna get a lead

A few years ago, in Italy, Brian and band did Don't Worry Baby, original key, with Brian singing lead (Jeff doubling I think).  So he could do it if he wanted. 

Carl doing God Only Knows. I honestly would rather hear Brian singing it with a video tribute to Carl.

And now it's the new single.

This guy right here has been updating pretty regularly: https://twitter.com/#!/DZPresents

What happened to our updater Justin? Did he go to bed?

Haha..still here. Only posting when there's an update from Manchini...I suppose the next one will be coming soon; he seems to be sending it out once an hour or so.


Don't have the exact running order but the guy on Twitter that stack-o-tracks mentioned, posted these songs were played:

Sloop John B
Forever
God Only Knows
Heroes and Villians
That's Why God Made The Radio

Nother picture from Twatter:

(https://p.twimg.com/ArTQZyQCIAEzrA8.jpg)

Damn, can't make the band out

According to Twitter feed, they have done Sail On Sailor and H&V too ...

Based on that guy's tweets, looks like second set has been (so far):

Sloop John B
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Forever
Sail On Sailor
Heroes & Villains
In My Room
God Only Knows
That's Why God Made The Radio
California Girls
Dance, Dance, Dance
Help Me Rhonda
Do You Wanna Dance?
Fun, Fun, Fun

my god, that second set. 

i was thinking it'd be odd to have them singing with carl and dennis, but the more i think about it, i think that's really cool and touching.  I'm really looking forward to seeing that for myself. 

man i can't wait for my show.  I haven't even seen brian or mike/bruce. GAWD I CAN'T WAIT

ok, obviously getting near the end.  What was the song with the spanish line?

Can't wait to hear about the crowd freaking out for GV

I'm curios if they'll do the "hum be dum" part for Good Vibrations.

It's like a Mike set and a Brian set.  Perfect.

I just noticed something interesting while going through the set list. No Kokomo?

encore

Savin' the best for last.

As if.

It'll be more poignant if they just DO it, and don't even mention what's going on.  You know what I mean?  Just start playing God Only Knows (has there ever been a more beautiful intro?), and have the video with Carl smiling, and then when it gets to the vocals.... it's Carl singing on the video.  

I hope they don't explain what's going on, I hope they just DO it... that would blow everybody away.  

That would be cool - any odds on the encore being Barbara f*ckin Ann, Surfin USA, Good Vibes?

Thanks for the updates everyone - indoor weather in my part of the world, so this is makin' my day

Good Vibrations was their last number 1, before Kokomo, so they may do both back to back or something.  I love Kokomo though so that would be great to me.  I'm with everybody in their distaste for Barbara FUCKING ann. 

Forever, Don't Back Down, Little Girl I Once Knew, Wendy, Then I Kissed Her, This Whole World, You're So Good To Me, Cottonfields, Disney Girls, Please Let Me Wonder.    Very cool!!   Looking forward to hearing those.  Where's Darlin'?

Do we know who all's on stage?  

Let Darlin' rest with Carl.  Nobody can do it justice.

Does Brian have an ashtray on his white grand piano?
 :smokin

https://twitter.com/#!/DZPresents
after California Girls:

Dance Dance Dance
Help Me Rhonda
Do You Wanna Dance
Fun Fun Fun

Gawd twitter is awful. Nobody gives a flying fucq what song you're currently listening to. At least a lot of people are retwatting stuff about the new song & album and most of it has been positive.

Couldn't you just ignore twitter, if you don't care what he's saying? 

(http://p.twimg.com/ArTXRjZCEAA7-Gq.jpg)

 ;D

Bruce isn't wearing shorts!

I'm not just looking at that guy's, I'm looking at every mention of "beach boys" and the hashtag of "#beachboys"

I'd like to see videos of the performance as soon as humanely possible. It just sucks having to search through a bunch of people "omg don't worry babby is such a good song" or lyrics from Wouldn't It Be Nice and posting pictures of their media player showing the cover to Endless Summer. It's like f***. I think twitter is responsible for making people hella stupider than they already were by having to get as many words as they possibly can in 140 characters or less causing them to forgo the use of proper grammar and spelling.

3 hats- oh my!  Is Brian's hair brown?

How involved was Brian? When he wasn't singing lead, did he sing backing vocals with everybody else? Did he play the piano? I know he sat behind it, but did he actually play it on all the songs? Did he leave the stage at all?

Good Vibrations was the last song apparently? Waiting on any tweets regarding an encore.

whatever's happening during the encore, it must be so amazing that people are unable to give us more updates.

and also it's 40 minutes long.

probably not.

Heh. Yeah, pretty sure it ended with Good Vibes. No mention of Kokomo.

Have to say, the show sounded great. But I'm surprised at the lack of online chatter. Ah well, maybe tomorrow.

So any confirmation on who is in the backing band?

Shamelessly stolen from the Bloo:

Do It Again
Catch a Wave
Don’t Back Down
Safari
Surfer Girl – with a huge ovation for Brian’s lead vocal
Mike asks for requests
Little Girl I once Knew
Wendy – Dave Lead Vocal
Then I kissed Her
This Whole World
Mike Intro’s Brian to a standing ovation
Why Do Fools Fall In Love – incredible harmonies
When I Grow Up
Your so Good To Me – Great Brian Lead
Cottonfields –Al rocked it out
Mike referenced the Dodgers opening day appearance – says that when they started…they were the Brooklyn Dodgers ha ha ha
Be True to Your school
Disney Girls – Song of the night!!! Incredible harmonies
Please Let Me Wonder – Brian Lead..Bruce says” I Love You”
Don’t Worry baby – Jeff lead vocal
Little Honda – some GREAT dave surf guitar licks
Little Deuce Coupe
409
Shut Down
I get Around

Band takes a Break – 20 minutes

Sloop John B
Wouldn’t it be Nice
Forever – Dennis video vocal and band backs him up with Harmonies and music – really nice video trib with pix
Sail On Sailor – Great Brian vocal
Heroes and Vils – traditional version but with the SMiLE acapella ending
In My Room
All This Is That – Darian takes Carls part
God Only Knows – Same video trib as Dennis with Carls lead vocal and the band backs it up – Mike very emotional and says “Carl is with us tonight”
That’s Why God Made the Radio – Crowd LOVED it…very nice tune
California Dreaming
California Girls
Dance, Dance, Dance
All Summer Long
Help Me, Rhonda
Do Ya Wanna Dance – Dave on lead vocal
Barbara Ann
Surfin’ USA

Encore
Kokomo
Good Vibes
Fun Fun Fun

Final update from Manchini:

Ha yeah Mike did the "when" bit (he shortened it for sure!) and it was funny to watch BW stare blankly into space while he did so. Actually Brian transformed during intermission and came back with smiles and sweet karate chop hand gestures and cooks eating grits pantomiming during his lead vox. I was thankful everytime we were able to just hear him singing without being propped up because his voice has great character! Wish they (or he) would let it shine more. He ended "SoS" with a cool sustained note. The forever and GOK videos were very tasteful. Mike paid tribute before each song and it was very sweet. They actually played the track and sang harmonies over video and live leads from Dennis and Carl. Everybody I watched around me was gracious about these bits.

I'm just listening to people talk post concert. Everyone I've eavesdropped on enjoyed themselves. They think it was slow at first but that it picked up, and that Brian came back after intermission with more energy.

Anyhow, they smashed the 2nd half of the set. Don't know what else to say, I could go on with my commentary all night.  They did play that's why god made the radio, did it justice. I'd like to write more of my thoughts, and I will later, but if you have any questions let me know. Here's the remainder of the set list. I plan on adding who sang lead etc.

I'm not trying to over-dramatize the whole event, overall it was just really a blessing to see my favorite band reunited with good production value (lights, stage setting etc), an extensive setlist and everybody giving it their best effort and the outcome was - honestly - what I'd hoped it would be.

I f*cked something up in the post-intermission setlist. It's out of order somehow but I can't remember why. Anyway here it is:

Sloop
Wibn
In my rm
All this is that
Forever
Sail on sailor
Heroes and v
God only knows
That's why god...
Ca dreaming
Ca girls
Dance dance
All summer
Help me Rhonda
Rnr music
Do yu wanna dance
Barbara Ann
Surf USA
Kokomo
Good vibes
Fun fun fun

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx347/justinmsosa2/Misc/d.jpg)

From PS:

The band was Jeff and Scott immediately up behind the boys and kind of co-musically directing. Nicky, Paul, Scotty, Darian, John Cowsill, Nelson, Brett, Probyn.

So that does it for me, folks.  Hope you all had a good time.  It was a magical night!

A big round of applause to Manchini for the set list updates and for coming in with the very first reviews of the night!  

"All This Is That"

 :thud

Great stuff

Can't wait for the vids...

I'm feeling worse than ever that I might not see this show

weird, manchini says they played Rock and Roll Music but Andrew's post of the whole setlist doesn't mention it

Hot damn.  That right there is the song I desperately needed to hear on this tour.  YES!!  When I met Mike (and had that picture taken with him) I asked him how many songs they'd rehearse and he said about 40.  I said "can I request "All This Is That?"  His assistant said "Ohhh that's a beautiful song!" and Mike said to me, "You like that one, eh?"  

I don't care if it's a coincidence...I'm going to think he added it to the set because of my suggestion!  And that's that.  This is that, that is.

Be hugely surprised if they didn't do that. The setlist will emerge in a few hours.

The setlist looks Ok, but not great.

Personally I think the setlist, and all the news from the show was fantastic, sounds like it was one hell of a party, wish I were there.  It's really cool to see these guys drop the b.s. and get back to doing what they're GREAT at.  We should all be so lucky to have such a calling in life!  These guys never have to wake up in the morning and wonder what their purpose is.  

It is quite a fantastic song but the Carl parts are going to be tricky.  I understand Mike and Bruce have done it before, I wonder how they handled that beautiful, really, super, "columnated ruins' high falsetto part Carl did towards the end on the original?  I've never heard any of the backup guys sing quite THAT high.  BTW, if anybody's reading this, anybody care to take a stab at what that note actually is?  The "Jaiiii......  guru dev" that he does after the last verse. 

I'm pretty sure Mike D'Amico was there. He was in rehearsal pics with Al and Nelson, at least. So that would be the whole BW band, right, sans Taylor?

Awesome setlist. I wonder how many will be rotated in and/or dropped in the upcoming weeks and months. June 3 can't come soon enough!!!

That's just a C#. He goes up to a D on the repetitions.

Where all tha media at?

And here we go:

(http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/io.AW40jbInWMSqcNj6O4w--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD02MTI7cT04NTt3PTQwOQ--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/gettyimages.com/beach-boys-50th-anniversary-concert-20120424-221649-429.jpg)

(http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/73wGOg5E1aoO_L5RRnI8IA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD02MTI7cT04NTt3PTQwOQ--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/gettyimages.com/beach-boys-50th-anniversary-concert-20120424-221659-271.jpg)

(http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Ai2WDU7_Ubj1I.heIUEomg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0zNDI7cT04NTt3PTUxMg--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/gettyimages.com/beach-boys-50th-anniversary-concert-20120424-221659-315.jpg)

Hi Phil.

That's Mikey, right?

(http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/574706_346341542090814_100001449127373_994650_246019145_n.jpg)

Looks like, but might not be.  What would he do?  Two different drummers playing side by side?

"Bruce isn't wearing shorts!"  ;D

But he is wearing the bloody cap!  ::)

They look ecstatic

Geez... now whenever somebody is not excited about something he's pulling a Phil?
It is ok to have different opinions!

I was actually listening to the Glasgow 2004 Mike/Bruce show throughout the night and on came "All This Is That"...not sure if the line up was the same then as it was before this current tour but whoever did the falsetto (bass player?) did an ok job and hit the notes with no issue:

http://soundcloud.com/justin-sosa/all-this-is-that-glasgow-2004

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx347/justinmsosa2/Misc/d.jpg)
[/quote]

Brian just wants out

Go back and read your comment a few times, closely. See anything glaringly incorrect?

Just been Skyped by someone who was there - seems Brian took Carl's part for at least part of the song.

Also, I'm told Mikey D'Amico was playing bass and Brett was nowhere to be seen.  :shrug

Thanks man.

Of course all songs in the setlist are great, I love them all.
But the WOW-effect isnt' there for me. Not that it has to.
It's more or less exactly what I was expecting. Greatest Hits & few half-rarities.
Wouldn't it have been great if the 5 BB did a song like "Surfin'" alone, that would've been mindblowing for example.
But it doesn't matter, it's still great, fantastic, groovy.

@ABC: There's a board called Blueboard for people like you.

Bizarre!

SOH failure much ?  ;)

That's just their "kickin' ass" look.  They came to kick ass.  Mission accomplished. 

No I don't... enlighten me, please. 

We´re talking about "All this and that". The "columnated ruins'  is in "Surf´s up"

Brian just wants out
[/quote]

Yeah, it sure looks that way.  Here's hoping he makes it through for the entire tour.  At least he'll hopefully be there for Atlanta.  :-)

I think Ron was simply using the lyric from "Surf's Up" as a reference for Carl's high vocal which he does in the outro during "All This Is That" as well. 

Well Brian was always one to exit the stage early.  Even when he toured solo.  I wouldn't put much into it here.

Justin; thank you for restoring my faith in humanity.  LOL  Although I believe Brian did it on Surf's up, but yes that's what I was alluding to. 

Brian just wants out
[/quote]

Earlier somebody was talking about "Brian Doesn't Care" and laughing about it, suggesting that it was funny...  And Wirestone or somebody was asking wtf because he obviously does, since he spent so much effort trying to sing well. 

This picture shows exactly what the guy was talking about.  Brian, like a lot of geniuses (and I do believe he's a musical genius) has problems understanding social ettiquette sometimes.  He doesn't mean anything by it, it's just for the life of him he can't figure out why the hell he's supposed to stand out there and bow for exactly 4 minutes instead of 3 minutes. 

Reading all this makes me so upset that no UK dates have been announced yet but so happy that it seems to have been a success. I am also relieved that they gave Carl and Dennis a fitting tribute and that must have been emotional. They would have loved to have been there.

I hope there are plenty of videos, pictures and stories as I will enjoy looking at them all!

Signing off for the night. I'm very pleased. This setlist really hits a sweet spot for me, and is better than I expected. They got the big things right -- good mix of songs, rehearsal -- and the little things -- that white piano!

I look forward to following (and hopefully hearing) this in the next couple of days.

I do what I can  8)

I'm off to bed...good night to all.  It was a fun evening and I hope to wake up to find a gaggle of videos and reviews waiting for me in the morning!

God Bless The Beach Boys.

I realised that after I posted my comment. I apologise. I wasn't trying to be rude or anything to begin with. I knew it was probably just a little slip. Andrew G Doe is right...sometimes a smiley or two comes in handy.  ;D

Does anybody know where Carl and Dennis's vocals came from? It would be awesome if they used previously unreleased concert tapes from the archives.

Absolutely great setlist!  It not only includes my top 3 all time favorite BB songs - Forever, God Only Knows, and Please Let Me Wonder, but also features This Whole World, You're So Good to Me, Disney Girls, Wendy, Cottonfields, etc, etc.  Really looking forward to their Southern Calif appearances.

Every non seasonal pre 1976 LP is in there except Friends and Wild Honey. Pretty impressive.

I'd love to hear stuff from these two, but damn - "Heroes And Villains"? "Forever" with a Dennis vocal? "The Little Girl I Once Knew"? "You're So Good To Me"? "Cottonfields"? "Please Let Me Wonder"? "Sail On Sailor"? "All This Is That"?

I just did not expect the likes of most of that stuff to appear in the setlist, and that's just the bigger ones. Pretty cool.

Just got home from the show. I've glanced through the previous posts & will try to add something new. If I missed it & it's old, sorry!

Merchandise- Saw a couple of pics of shirts on an earlier page. There were several available. I think all were in the $35-40 range. The one I bought was made in Honduras. I didn't spend too much time at the stand but also saw some hats & the usual other junk like key chains. The tour program is a pricey $25.00, but it's big (about 12''x12") & roughly 40 pages. It's arranged chronologically by decade & is almost entirely graphic... I only saw one page of text.

Soundcheck... Scott Totten is CLEARLY in charge. No division of duties or power with Jeffrey at all. He's the one giving direction on stage, too. However, I did hear someone say "Brian's had enough" & the soundcheck abruptly ended.  Brian, by the way, was walking with a noticeable limp. He was way behind the others leaving the stage at intermission and held tightly by someone (couldn't see who) when the band returned to the stage for the encore. I thought he sounded dreadful during the soundcheck, but just fine during the show. Maybe just bored by rehearsing?

Introduction of the band... In a word, none. No "America's band, the Beach Boys", or any type of announcement. The backing band came out & immediately started playing the intro of "DIA", & then the Beach Boys followed. The start of the show was similar to the old days when the band would rattle off 5 or 6 songs without comment. Tonight it was different songs & only four, but they showed up ready to work.

During Dennis' video portion when the band wasn't playing,  I saw Al , who was watching the video same as the audience & had his back turned to us, raise his water bottle in a definite toast to Dennis. A very nice gesture. Mike was somber during both videos. The audio portion wasn't quite as clear as it might have been, but overall, I thought both tributes were done very tastefully.

Overall, I thought it was a terrific show. I envy those of you who are still awaiting your turn & am sorry for those of you who might not get a chance to see our amazing band.  

I was sort of skeptical that the tour was really a good idea. I don't know, I felt like it wouldn't be real, that they wouldn't be the real Beach Boys that I care about on this tour. But now I feel a little better. How was the audience reaction during the show? Was there a lot of response from the crowd?

So no one taped it eh?

If they'd played the UK first, I'd have had the audio up for you by now.

Just saying ;)

That was just a quick expression of his demeanor. He obviously cared where it counted, because his vocals were a thrill to me and he was clearly throwing himself into them. I just meant that he didn't care to smile or interact -- which doesn't bother me, but just calling it like I see it. Anyhow it was only in the first set, because he did a 180 after the intermission.

Mike & Bruce have played Tucson several times in recent years (Brian never) and always get a good turnout. Tonight's crowd, however, was certainly more "into it" with several SO's... the final began as they started "Cal Girls" & continued throughout the rest of the show. Eleven songs with everybody indoors standing, & I suspect the lawn-people, too. There was definitely something special in the air tonight.

I'm the wrong person to even be hazarding a guess about this ... partly to me it sounded like the Central Park '71 vocal and it also sounded like the album, so what do I know! And Carl's I was pretty sure was from Knebworth but that may be wrong too ... it's so hard to tell when the instrumental and backing vox are modern and the lead is vintage. Either way, wow, it was a really special touch to the whole show.

*koff* 2009 Fiesta Bowl Invitational show.

I'm also a little disappointed that they did Kokomo in the encore after Al dismissed the idea during his record store day set.

I would have liked to see a more diverse setlist though. Add Some Music should have been on there for sure. Friends would have been another great choice.

Good To My Baby would have rocked. I'm sure a Love You song like Johnny Carson or Honkin' would have been a great crowd pleaser. Of the more than 40 songs they did only 7 were from the Wild Honey - Holland period. 3 were from Pet Sounds. Good Vibrations and Heroes from the Smile era, that's 12 songs total from the years 1966 to 1977. Barley a quarter of the setlist.

1 song from Party
3 songs from Summer Days
5 songs from Today
5 songs from All Summer Long
3 from Shut Down Vol 2
4 from Little Deuce Coupe
4 from Surfer Girl
2 from SS/SUSA

plus Little Girl I Once Knew, California Dreaming, and Kokomo.

That's 28 songs from before 1966. 66% of the set. 12 from 1966 - 1977, 29% of the set. That's a little out of whack if you ask me...

He sang backing vox and he was spot on, I could hear him very well. My vantage point was good for watching him play keys. He plodded along but fairly inconsistently. He would stop for a portion of the song and then pick up again. But he played it on nearly every, if not all, songs. It was really cool to see him behind that shiny white baby grand versus a digital keyboard.

Brian and walking off early. He does seem to be in some pain when standing at the moment. Take a look at some of the footage at the Dodgers gig and he can not stop moving from foot to foot. In the Grammy interviews he is mainly sitting down.

Age maybe but I hope he is ok.

Was the show sold out? How was the Attendence

Yeah I hope it's just a temporary strain or something. It would really ruin the whole thing if Brian worked himself too hard on this show and got himself seriously sick. I know it must be hard for him to go through all the hassles of touring, I just hope he's able to enjoy it....

Loving all the details, thanks to those keeping us updated
Any word on who sang WIBN or This Whole World?

 :)

BAN

Brian's had a bad back for some time now. He doesn't make a fuss about it, but it's one reason why he sits a lot.

ATIT! PLMW! Wow.. video clips, please...  :)

(Just reading about the Denny & Carl videos on stage got me teary-eyed...)

 
Attendance was good. It sold out as far as ticket sales, but a lot of people I talked to bought tix for their friends who ended up bailing, thus there were some empty seats here and there (from what I saw).

Brian sang on "This Whole World." I can't remember who sang "WIBN," that's embarrassing! But I know Mike took the middle section.

I was lucky enough to run into David Marks shortly after the show ended and I got to say how happy I was to see their great performance. That was cool!

Great night. Best show I've ever seen, without a doubt.

Very rough setlist analysis:

US charting songs
early classic cuts
deep cuts

Do It Again
Catch A Wave
Don’t Back Down
Surfin' Safari
Surfer Girl
The Little Girl I Once Knew
Wendy
Then I Kissed Her
This Whole World
Why Do Fools Fall In Love
When I Grow Up (To be A Man)
You're So Good To Me
Cottonfields
Be True To Your School
Disney Girls (1957)
Please Let Me Wonder
Don’t Worry, Baby
Little Honda
Little Deuce Coupe
409
Shut Down
I Get Around

[intermission]

Sloop John B
Wouldn’t It Be Nice
Forever
Sail On Sailor
Heroes & Villains
In My Room
All This Is That
God Only Knows
That’s Why God Made the Radio
California Dreamin'
California Girls
Dance, Dance, Dance
All Summer Long
Help Me, Rhonda
Rock And Roll Music
Do You Wanna Dance
Barbara Ann
Surfin’ USA

Encore

Kokomo
Good Vibrations
Fun, Fun, Fun

Thanks, Doe. Good job. From that overview it's clear that it's a rather early/mid-60's heavy set. That was to be expected, and it's a comfortable place for the Boys to start out, but I do hope they will incorporate some more classic late 60's / early 70's stuff later on the tour. "All This Is That" is a huge suprise, though.

Bashtud!

Andrew, I see your site lists the 2009 show in Tuscon (the town too tough to spell; US joke). However, the Fiesta Bowl is held in Phoenix, where, perhaps by coincidence, The Phoenician is located. Even though I'm 99.99% sure my original statement about Brian not playing here in Tucson is correct, I guess I'll only politely challenge your koff; not sure how to disprove it. I DO know I'd feel terrible if I missed a BW show in my own town.  :-D 

Al; no trading of verses with Brian.

Andrew: "Heroes and Villains" followed "SOS," I forgot to write it down at the time though.

Appreciate it when my bad info in corrected. Thanks.

So...

1 down, 60 to go (at the last count).

Not a train wreck, as some feared. Everyone seemingly acquitted themselves well, thoughtful and extensive setlist with a few genuine surprises, new single debueted and well-recieved, no-one ran screaming from the stage and even a little frisson of mystery in The Affair Of The Suddenly Absent Bass Player. A fine kick-off.

Maybe he simply got ill, or something. Jeez, you Beach Boys fans and your mysteries.  ;D

Who filled in?

WHERE MY VIDS AT?  ::)

Maybe Brett's touring with Taylor, Bob & Jimmy.

Mikey. I know, I never knew he played bass either.

::) ::)

So that sounds AMAZING!

No UK dates.... bah. Hopefully one of you enterprising lot tapes one of these shows  ;D

I don't have anything decent for field recording (as in portability and getting past security) but I do have fabulous seats. I'm just going to go and enjoy myself without having to worry about taping. I've done it at a few concerts a long time ago and I never got good results and wound up missing out on all of the fun instead. Let somebody else do it. I bet you that eventually at least one recording from each of these 60+ concerts will show up and we can do A/B tests on each version of "Barbara Ann" with detailed notes on what distinguishes each version from being unique.

http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/2012/04/24/20120424beach-boys-reunion-tour-launch-review-tucson.html

Review of the show from The Republic

As I noted some time ago , Brett has been rather busy with Melissa Etheridge , however he was at the Grammy's

i think Brian has to get used to the spectacle of this tour.  And like someone said, brian doesn't really get etiquette, he never has right?  I'm sure he'll be fine.  *please sitll be there june 8th*

Article says Dave had no lead vocals but from the info floating it says he sang lead on Wendy and DYWD, think I believe the latter. Glad they played Disney Girls otherwise Bruce really wouldn't have much to do since all his leads have been given away.

Aaah! The more I hear of this show the more it excites me! But it's so upsetting that the UK will miss out on this. I can't afford to go abroad for just one show so looks like I'll just have to watch this wonderful spectacle on youtube or a DVD.

Please sort it out now!

I don't know.. what are the chances of the management still trying to somehow fit in UK dates? Pretty slim, eh?  :-\

They just can't miss some of the biggest markets out! I am losing hope but I am keeping everything crossed that something will be done. I'll sort it out if they need me to! I can come up with loads of venues!

They'd be idiots not to release a Blu-Ray/DVD of the tour at some point.  I would guess they will set up the cameras at one of the venues where they're doing 2 shows.  Although there's actually no reason not to be recording at least all the audio of everything on the tour.


I'd be shocked if they don't have several UK shows but it might be an entirely different leg of the tour.

I hope they don't show up here.  They'll be nuked within hours.

It sounds like a good time was had by all last night.  I'm glad Bruce got to do "Disney Girls"  ;D

What's in the merch boooth?

I come at this more from a pragmatic point of view than a fawning “let’s be thankful for anything” mentality, but that is a surprisingly varied setlist. Only 12 songs from ’66 to ’77? That’s actually really surprising. Yes, it’s weighted towards pre-’66 stuff. But we’ve all seen past Beach Boys setlists, right? Despite some recent years of interesting setlist inclusions, we are all well aware of what a Beach Boys show from, say, the 90’s was like, right? Other than that late ’93 extended set, we often got 90-minute shows with the same 28 songs touching on not much post-Pet Sounds stuff beyond “Kokomo”, “California Dreamin’”, maybe “Summer in Paradise”, and a few other things.

On this tour, we have a Brian-led Beach Boys band doing “All This Is That”? That’s kind of mind-blowing. Hearing Al, Bruce, and Mike sing along with Brian on “This Whole World”?

Again, not trying to gush or over-hype this. But realistically, to start complaining that they didn’t do something from “Love You” or some other random 60’s song that you like, I think this is asking too much. We’ve got a setlist of however many songs, 42 or whatever it is, with a seemingly decent distribution of lead vocals.

I’m pleasantly surprised so far.

Al meant he wasn't going to do it that day in the record store.

No, that's Al.

He played bass on most of the 'Mints CD cuts, and quite well I might add. He played some guitar with the BW band during his first stint.

Yeah, what was the song with the spanish line?

I'd like to hear more about the VIPs - Were all the BBs at the meet and greet? What was it like? What about the photo? Was it an individual photo or group photo and were all 5 BBs in it? How much face time did you get with any or all of them? I assume that you at least were able to shake hands with each? What was soundcheck like? What was in the goodie bag?? Were the VIP hosts friendly??

I kinda expected "Hearts" or "Graduation Day," done in the traditional way — at least for a minute or so, as an intro to something else, maybe.

Just came back from work and still no video, aaaah I wanna see it!!!!!!!!

How did the lead vocals sound overall? I've only seen Brian live (5 times) since Carl died so I'm aware it takes him a while to get his vocals warmed up but how about Al and Mike? And how was the whole sound mix in general?

Agree that both of those ^ would work — they'd be crowd-pleasers, even for someone who wasn't familiar with them — I'd say the same about "Cool, Cool Water."

It's sounding great to me  ;)

Surprised Dave didn't sing "Forever".

Yeah, Dennis sang it! :p

My tickets for July 4th seem so far away. I sure hope they put these conerts out on DVD.

How can anyone let this slip by?

No you're all right, I can see how it looked screwy.  :)

All I know is....the Mrs. was pretty excited to show me the posts and setlist and stuff...this is EXACTLY how Beach Boys concerts should have been like all along instead of switching to the all-oldies-plus-"Kokomo"-plus-one-or-two-from-the-latest-album-that-we'll-pretend-don't-exist-next-year format in the '80s...

OK, since no one else is biting, Iron Horse-Apples, how are you hearing the show?

From memory, in 2004 Chris Farmer (bass player) took the lower Carl part ("two ways have I") while Randell Kirsch and Scott Totten (guitars) doubled each other on the falsetto part, while in 2008 Christian took the part Chris Farmer had been singing previously. Kirsch had the stronger falsetto voice, but Totten was more comfortable on the very high notes. I imagine they'll have done much the same this time with Foskett taking the part Kirsch was singing (they have very similar voices).

How was Mike's voice?  Did he sound thin, like in the Do It Again video?  Wonder if his voice will hold up during the tour.

Usually his voice gets better while touring. ;)

Well, from what I saw in the video and a recent interview, he's not off to a good start.  He didn't sound so good.  Like he was sick.  Hope it's temporary.

His SPEAKING VOICE sounds terrible in the promo video. :(  Seriously, it made my throat uncomfortable. I certainly hope it was just a bad day for Mike. (And for me to say something nice about Mike...wow!  :)  )

Dying to hear what anyone who saw the video thinks.  John Anderson, (who is directing the PBS show), directed the concert videos.  He sent me several different edits along the way, while I was sending him photos, but the final edit, the one everyone is getting to see, just totally blew me away...

Was so glad to read of Al's reaction in an earlier post.  I wondered if The Boys had seen/signed off on it:

"During Dennis' video portion when the band wasn't playing,  I saw Al , who was watching the video same as the audience & had his back turned to us, raise his water bottle in a definite toast to Dennis. A very nice gesture. Mike was somber during both videos. The audio portion wasn't quite as clear as it might have been, but overall, I thought both tributes were done very tastefully."

I pray to the God that made the radio, that we get a full concert DVD/Blu-Ray of this tour...

We'll probably get an expanded PBS special with songs interrupted by dreary talking heads and the usual roster of Famous People Saying They Like Things We Know They Like Because Most Everybody Likes Them.

Well, it's not on DIME. So I can only guess I am out of the loop on how to find bootlegs or IHA is playing with words  ;D

Definitely agree with this.

Somebody at the Tucson gig spotted any cameras / recording devices near the stage (not belonging to people in the audience)? Or maybe they are planning on recording a specific gig in some prestigious venue later on the tour, when everything is smoothed out and everybody is comfortable.

Thanks for the rundown!  With Jeff taking the high parts on this tour...I have no doubt that they'll be able to pull it off.  So looking forward to this song.

I thought Matt Jardine did an outstanding job on "All This Is That" in 1993. He seemed to hit those high notes effortlessly. And of course Carl was superb.

He absolutely did nail it.  Yet another reason why Matt should have been included on the tour....but I believe I read somewhere on the board that his falsetto hasn't really held up since 1993?

Soundcheck was first. Due to some screwup (VIP Nation blamed the BB for starting early) nobody from security was there to escort us into the amphitheatre, which was supposedly a site requirement. For nearly 30 minutes, we could clearly hear but not see the BB, although we could see the video screen, which was operating. They rehearsed the tributes as well as several other songs during this time. When we could go in, we were seated in the very back. Scott Totten in charge. Among other things, he stated they were going to shorten the ending of "All Summer Long" to just two "we've been having fun..." & then go directly into "Rhonda". They tried this two or three times without pleasing him (once, Al was talking with Jeff when he should have started "Rhonda", and they messed it up in the show, too. Never would have known, however, if we hadn't attended the soundcheck. Even though we missed some, we still got to sit in for about an hour. Like having your own nearly-private BB concert! Highly recommended if you can do it!

The m & g was also a mixed-bag. They brought out some stools for the BB use, & then, one by one, we filed in for a pic with the five of them. David wasn't there at the start for this (just remembered, he also missed more of the soundcheck than we did- I was beginning to worry maybe he was sick or something, but he did come in about ten minutes after we did). I think Al also wasn't out there right away for photos as well. Now, our emailed instructions were NO AUTOGRAPHS due to time constraints, so some people didn't bring anything to sign. It got confusing here. As we lined up, the VIP leader announced that if we had brought something of "value" we wanted signed (after, in effect, telling us five days before
to NOT bring anything) to go to the end of the line... the strong hint being if we had previously given the BB lots of money OR had some but not all signatures & wanted to try to complete a signed item, we could leave it with VIP and collect it later, before the show. They refused to sign the poster included with our package, which would have been the perfect item. Just in case, I had brought the cd cover from "Ten Years Of Harmony" previously signed by Mike, Al & Bruce. The photo process was quick... bang bang, you're done, NEXT. Any interaction was pretty much due to the customer, although at least in my case, David welcomed me with a smile & handshake (I'm sure others as well; that smile was just permanently on his face all night long; GREAT to see him enjoying himself), and I made sure to tell Al I enjoyed his cd party a few weeks ago & he thanked me for coming, also with a smile. He is, after all, the gentleman from Monterey. Can't even remember if I shook hands with Bruce or not. Mike & Brian were seated in front, & Mike turned to me and said "Nice shirt"... not one of their tees but rather a BB shirt given to me as a gift, probably from ebay; never seen another like it.
Needless to say, I was thrilled he noticed and more so for his comment. During the whole photo process, however, Brian was not "Doin' Time On Planet Earth". He just sat there with his blank stare which everybody knew meant "get me outta here". I believe I tapped him on his shoulder & said "Brian, it's a honor" (I wanted to make sure I said something original; yeah, right) but got no reaction from him. Picture taken, NEXT, see you again if you pony up again.

The end of the story... when I retrieved my cd cover before the show, Al & Mike had signed it again, Bruce had originally signed it on the cover & may have noticed so he did not sign it again, & neither Brian nor Dave signed anyplace. They, of course, were the only two I wanted. We were told Brian didn't sign anything but I know that wasn't true because I did see items he signed; the owners were very happy. A gal who was unfortunately not aware that perhaps "Wouldn't It Be Nice... My Own Story" was not the best possible choice for an autograph was quite disturbed when her copy was returned in exactly the same form as presented.  

The "goodies" package... a rather bland white tee with the BB C50 in brown (the shirts for purchase were much better looking, about $35), a flimsy black tote with the C50 with horse in color, & a laminated souvenir ticket. Plan on spending some extra $$$ to take home something you'll value.      

(http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/media/images/medium2/20120425114514854.jpg)http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/media/images/medium2/20120425114514854.jpg

Just wanted to mention to AGD that it appears Al is playing a Strat on the tour!  :lol

So.. nobody at the Tucson show recorded anything to put on YouTube? Where are the videos, goddamnit...  :-[

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beach-boys-kick-off-50th-anniversary-tour-in-tucson-20120425

Mikie, I was very pleased with Mike's voice last night. No longer powerful, but still the strongest  I've heard him in five years. Maybe the layoff has helped him & he'll weaken over time. Not all all nasally, either... he sounded like, well, he's about 70. None of the hoarseness that seems to have plagued him in recent times. He still has that distinct sound you'd recognize from a mile away, if he could project that far.

On another "note", let me say that, in my opinion, he's still a great showman. Rather than the physical movements of the past, he's now limited to his gestures, which, granted, can sometimes be annoying, and his eye contact/expressions.
I'm sure he's happy as a clam to be back in this position but there wasn't a hint of boasting last night... No "I sing the lead on ..." (I think that was just in jest, anyway); in fact, very little discussion. But I think he's still great fun to watch, even if he can't leap onto the piano for the encore any longer.

I've just spent the last two hours (more or less) listening to my newest iTunes playlist, based on last night's setlist (yes, including TWGMTR thanks to a YouTube MP3 encoder, which I'll replace with the official MP3 from Amazon tomorrow... and the redone "Do It Again") and I must say, it is a SOLID set.  Great introduction for new fans, like my bro's gf.

Now if we could only get recordings of these concerts to tide me over until Summerfest...

Did Mike do those bass vocals in H&V? "duh heroes, duh heroes, duh heroes and villains" Did he do the Papa Ooom Mow Mow vocals during Barbara Ann?

DID BRIAN PLAY BASS?

I imagine you might see some crummy iPhone video shot from way back, but no cameras were allowed... I talked with a couple of people who had to return to their car to leave theirs. Must have been a Capitol decision because the venue alllows pocket cameras. Those who were observed using their phones got a light shined on them to get their attention & then a wave from security to knock it off, but nothing confiscated that I saw. I did sneak my pocket camera in, but never took it out until "FFF" and even then only shot stills, with the hope of getting a good shot of as many in the band as I could rather than sound for one song. I did video the entire soundcheck performance of "TWGMTR" but I suspect it won't be very good... from way in the back. Haven't checked it yet.  

No.

@RS link: nice and fair review.  :)


@SonoraDick: Okay, thanks anyway.  :) Some more photos would be nice, though. From any source.

1) I'm quite sure no... but Brian very clearly sang "bicycle rider, just see what you done"
2) & 3)  No

Thanks for the show and meet and greet reviews, SonoraDick.  That's weird that they're sending mixed signals about the autographs.  Question, regarding the photo with the band...do they just snap the picture as you walk up and greet the guys or is there an opportunity to say hello and then all pose for the picture?   I ask becauase on the VIP nation FB page photo section of other meet and greets it appears that many fans seemed unaware of their photo being taken and have pictures of them talking with the artist and even hugging the artist (back towards the camera) so it made me think just how "prepared" the fans were when they walked up to the artist.  Any info on that would be great!

SonoroDick - thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions about the VIP/soundcheck/meet and greet. Have to say that I'm quite deflated after reading your post. I kinda have a lump in my throat about the money I spent on the VIP upgrades for the Mohegan Sun show on May12. Not sure it was worth it. I guess I kind of feel like a sucker. I realize they're old, but if it's just a cattle call where you're lucky if just one or two of them even acknowledge your presence, I don't know... sounds like a rip off.

Lowbacca, we were advised by a poster upon entering that the show was being professionally recorded. We were in the front row & there must have been half a dozen video/still photographers in front of the stage (at least one was on the stage) at all times. Bet we see some video at least on the PBS special.

I think they picked a good night. The group was ON!

You didn't get to see any of the touring band either? Kind of disappointed to hear that.

Just curious - having experienced it, was the meet-and-greet worth it? It sounds like the soundcheck access was a nice premium though the logistics got a bit messed up, but the m+g wasn't as good.

Thanks for the reviews and firsthand reports, much appreciated!

Kokomo is up. It's the whole performance but shot VERY far away.

It's a cool stripped down arrangement but the guy filming is singing louder than the band  :lol

After seeing the setlist I have had no choice but to go straight to ticketmaster to buy tickets for the Berlin gig, it may mean flying 600 miles but I don't care, it's going to be worth it, see you in Berlin guys!

Yeah man, see ya there.  :)

=> http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,12430.0.html (originally a thread just for the Berlin gig which I am attending)

Justin, The photo was shot by our VIP "host, who was a nice guy. I doubt that he took any pics without the subject knowing... but I made sure to get my talking in before since I knew there were others waiting their turn after. This sounds stupid, but I can only say I THINK I remember looking into his camera. Guess I'll see when the photo is available for download. That part all happened pretty fast when it was my turn.

Your event may be different, but I'll bet the "itinerary" you'll receive from VIP is standard... no time for autographs. But, they don't do it in front of you anyway. So, regardless of what it says, bring something you'd like signed with you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywRTZiMu-5E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywRTZiMu-5E)
Mike sounds great on Kokomo, best in years!
Argh, I wanna hear WIBN with Al on lead!!!  :thewilsons

H&V is basically the Smiley Smile version, apart from "You're under arrest" before "Children Are Raised", and Brian sings "Bicycle Rider" in last chorus, and it ends with "Bridge To Indians"

So the classic BB version, but with a little tip of the hat to more recent versions

TimmyC, I'm sorry, sure don't intend to leave the wrong impression. In my opinion, the package was worth EVERY PENNY I paid, if just for the fact I had a great seat for the concert that I couldn't have possibly acquired any other way. A couple of snafus with the VIP portion the first night, but those will work out better later on. For the meet & greet, I'd just suggest being aggressive. Pick the one you'd most like to say something to & tell him what's on your mind, & then try to move on to the next before the photo. Wish I had planned a little better & known a little more beforehand, but I felt the Beach Boys (with the obvious and understandable exception of Brian) were most co-operative. It was quick, but I'm still thrilled today!  

Justin, where you VIP'ing at?

I'll be at the Santa Barbara and Irvine shows!  You going to any?

Thanks for all of your input.  BTW guys, not that I am an expert by any means at all, but I have met all of the guys with the exception of David.  They all have disticnt personalities and respond to different statements, questions.  Depending on who you want to converse with, Sonora is correct.  Go to that guy with your comment.  Unsurprisingly, a complement about an "obscure" song seems to really work best with them all. EXAMPLE, "gee Mr. Jardine, I really love your vocal on Lady Lynda." (or San Simeon. Or Lookin at Tomorrow.  You get the idea)  Works every time.  They like that you are a real "fan".  I think they apprecaiate you know their catalog, not just Help Me, Rhonda.

Too bad, I'll be Las Vegas and Hollywood Bowl.  Oh well, hope you have a great time.  Thanks for your work last night.

Thanks for all the info, SonoraDick! Was the backing band around available to be met or was it just the 5 Boys?

Mike sounds excellent

Brian sounded real good on Surfer Girl, Sail on Sailor, Heroes and Villains and TWGMTR (!). As did the whole outfit. Stellar sound. Good mix (no worries necessary about a "Foskett show").

(http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m31k8praH61qd9nmlo1_500.jpg)

Thanks for the info!  I'll try to be mentally prepared for it and your tip about being focused seems to be a good way to go about it.  I definitely don't expect this to be a calm, "let's all hang out with the guys" thing so I'm looking at it as very "in and out and we're done" kind of thing.  So my expectation on this are pretty realistic, I think

My pleasure---it was really fun!

I wanted to go to the Vegas shows but alas, couldn't swing it.  The VIP ticket definitely comes in handy at the Bowl--otherwise you'd be pretty far off in the back.  Have a great time and also share your reviews and pics!

How do you know ?

I wonder too! :D

That is a REALLY COOL PHOTO  ;D ;D ;D

Please share.  :'(

Is Brian wearing Chuck Taylors? That's probably why his back hurts, those things are terrible for your feet.

Thanks for the Soundcheck review and for the answer to my question concerning Mike Love's voice, Sonora Dick! Good to know he can still project and that the on-stage bantering has been reduced to a minimum!

Was Brian singing Carl's part on "Kokomo"?

Sure sounded like it to me. I think that is kinda awesome if it is.

Surprised the apparent ABSENCE OF STAMOS hasn't gotten more attention.

It's Jeff.

My photos from last night are way too big to post here, and, since I was going to put a few on Facebook anyway, I put up a bunch of them there & made them public so anyone can see them, friend or not. (I'd gladly be friends with any of you!)  
If you're on FB, you can find them under  Richard Shattuck
Warning... some are not that great; would not have posted other than to try to include as many performers as possible. A few are from the soundcheck; the actual concert shots were all taken within 7 minutes.  

I dunno judgin from the video it seems like Jeff to me.  I can maybe hear Brian on a few parts (unless my brain think it hears Brian) but I believe it's most Jeff especially the very high parts.  Maybe Brian takes care of the lower sections while Jeff doubles for him on the high section.  The cameras on stage are pointing towards Jeff when that part is sung. I'm going to go with Jeff.  A better quality recording will give us confirmation.

Thanks so much to everyone who kept us updated through the whole thing last night and gave reviews today. Tomorrow night it's my turn and I'm more excited than I thought was possible. Can't wait!

Great shots!!

Just out of curiousity, has Brian ever had live autotune on his voice before, and did anybody notice anything weird about Brian's leads from last night?

As to the first question, not that I ever heard over seeing him multiple times from 2000 to 2009.

As to the second, I'd have to hear it (ahem) to say.

Thanks for the pictures !!



I must say, Mike and Bruce should settle on blue jeans or something like that. Those pants don't fit well with the shirts. The other guys looked good

yes, thanks again SonoraDick - your comments are really appreciated. Thanks for the time to respond not just to my questions, but others as well. I'm going to try and keep my VIP expectations in check (I still have bad seats - the may 12th show was the first to go on sale - by the time they started offering VIP, you could only get an "upgrade" to your original ticket which means you get everything the VIP package has to offer at other shows except the front row seats part). I'm ridiculously excited about the show, absolutely love TWGMTR, and can't wait for the new album. I think the setlist is great, but I pretty much love EVERYTHING the BBs have done and wish there were more deep cuts. Even super deep cuts like stuff off of SIP (great songs on that) and KTSA (LOVE that album!!!!)

BTW Brian really sound sgood on Surfer Girl..... *cough*

woooooot Rocker! Let me join the group that can say that!

That would certainly be nice to hear, wouldn't it?

Just in case someone here hasn't yet seen it, Rolling Stone online has this concert headlined under their "Top Stories" section, complete with a positive review, full setlist, and photo. I thought it was a pretty big deal to make headline news like that!

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beach-boys-kick-off-50th-anniversary-tour-in-tucson-20120425 (http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beach-boys-kick-off-50th-anniversary-tour-in-tucson-20120425)

(http://assets.rollingstone.com/assets/images/story/beach-boys-kick-off-50th-anniversary-tour-in-tucson-20120425/1000x600/main.jpg)

SonoraDick,


I wanna thank you very very very VERY much for all your valuable posts.. The soundcheck and meet and greet post was particular interesting to me.

Absolutely. That kind of thing is what this board is for, isn't it?

Yeah, it's really much appreciated! Thanks very much, SonoraDick and everyone else providing us with infos/pictures. :)

From Probyn -- he and Mikey are actually sharing bass guitar duties.

Makes sense -- I believe that's what they did on the later Wondermints albums.

I gotta say, that's a pretty cool looking stage backdrop in that RS photo: At first it looks like a drive-in movie screen, then looking closer it looks kind of like those 40's/50's Bakelite radios like the one from the new single. Kind of a dual-meaning thing going on there. Very nice.

Cheers to the designer(s), although Brian and his piano look a little too far out of the center-stage area. Maybe he'll be closer at future shows.

Let's hope the positive byproduct of that is that it keeps the music fresh as the tour goes on...having a different bass player switch off to does help keep the musicians' energy up.

That's true! :)

Hey, now, over here guys

SonoraDick,

Great pics on your Facebook page. Thank you for sharing them, as well as your experiences last evening. I can't wait until my turn comes around on May 19th.

Will be there too!

Terrific! I haven't seen you in awhile. Let's meet up inside the casino.

They do all sound good, don't they?
Those who are worried about the mix shouldn't be. Foskett is only really audible when there's a prominent falsetto part, and for the most part all you can hear vocally in the mix is the five Beach Boys plus Foskett. This isn't, as I'd expected, the backing band taking all the strain -- it's five elderly men, with their voices not all in great shape, but not hiding or faking that.

Yikes! Sorry but it looks like I'm seeing them on the 17th, not the 19th :(! Everybody else is going to not my show (Wrightfan I know you are accounted for. Anyone else who's going say so too!). Guess I got too excited reading this thread. I think we may need another convention sometime. Do people like BBQs?  ;D

I thought about the Bethlehem show, but thought it better to see The Beach Boys at the Shore in Atlantic City. Hey, we can always get a group together for a new album listening party. :)

There's a *lot* of Brian leads, actually -- he does Little Girl I Once Knew as well as the other ones noted. Someone (Jeff or Cowsill or possibly both) has to cover for him on the first middle eight on Sail On Sailor when he completely forgets the words, but the rest of the lead is as good as I've heard him singing that song. (On Sail On Sailor you *can* hear the backing band singing). He's great on Heroes & Villains, too. This is a *really* good show...

If I had more funds, I probably would've seen them in AC too. It was a grad present from my mom!

Hey Justin,

Thanks and kudos for starting up this thread!  It's a great read!

It is a wonderful thread. Almost entirely positive for once.

Also proof that there's no way in hell we're going to be able to use just one thread for all of the shows.

Absolutley my pleasure!  I'm also enjoying reading everyone's posts and reviews...thought it'd be good to get them all in one area rather than having them float around on the board and have it veer off in different directions!   :)

Definitely, stacks.  At this rate, if we kept it to one thread we'd probably be looking at 500+ page thread once this tour is over haha!  I don't even want to think about that.  I shall start the next thread for the second gig later tonight--it might not turn out as high-energy as last night's but at least we can still keep the organization in tact.

"Don't Back Down" - - talk about energetic performance!  :o

Just awoke from a massive Anzac day to all this great news. How does one hear this ?

Where are you guys hearing this???

No, he hasn't used autotune live before based on everything I've seen/heard.

And if he were to start, well, that would suck. Especially if it was obvious.   ::)

Was wondering as well...

Only TWGMTR sounded like Brian had some crazy live autotune on his voice.

Probably just Jeff... lol

Me too.... Hopefully not torrent sites because I still haven't gotten all that set up on my new-ish machine.

Listen to the ending of Heroes & Villains, "I'm fit with the stuff to ride in the rough".  It sounds like some badly tracking vocoder jittering back & forth between two notes.  I really would like to be wrong, and otherwise I'm hoping it was just an opening night security blanket that all concerned will quickly realize is unnecessary, since Brian really sounds pretty great as far as his enthusiasm level & general presence.

Where are you guys hearing this?? Let me in ha!  ;)

Me too come on I can't wait another month till my show!

Yeah, that was horrible.

This

I'm just going to get a bit pedantic for a moment. The Phoenician, where Brian played, is actually in Scottsdale. And, the Fiesta Bowl is played at the University of Phoenix Stadium, which, despite its name, is actually in Glendale. For most of its life, the Fiesta Bowl was played at ASU Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe.

This is all in the Phoenix area, of course, and to most of us from Tucson, we don't care about the fine points. Anything in that God-forsaken concrete sprawl up north is all "Phoenix" to us.

Al was playing a blue Jaguar at the beginning of the show and many times throughout, but switched to the white Strat frequently. David Marks stayed on his blue Jaguar the entire time. Scott and Jeff switched probably every song, so I lost count of who was playing what there.

Was John Cowsill singing? I had a great seat but still couldn't tell. There was no boom mike or anything, so he would have had to have a headset, but I couldn't see anything like that. I suppose with a 10 piece backing band, just about all of whom were singing, his voice isn't strictly needed.

As an aside, I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone hit the drums harder than John Cowsill at last night's show.

They may be sharing, but from what I could see at last night's show, it's 90% Mikey on bass, 10% Probyn.

Joe Thomas tried it when he worked with Brian last -- hooking up this weird reverb unit to Brian's voice when he played on Steve Dahl's radio show. This is the one thing I don't like about BW working with the Boys -- I suspect they're still a little embarrassed by him. His own group has never been afraid to push him up in the mix, warts and all.

I'd love to hear something from this show!
I thought there would be plenty of Youtube videos from the first reunion concert, but so far only Kokomo has been uploaded (and it's already gone).

Hell, hook him up to some pitch shifters and have him howl a LOVE YOU song ala The Residents, fine with me.

I'll be at the show this Sunday in Raleigh, NC, really enjoying this thread and the new single.. I'm torn though between the "I hope so and so is still there by this time...." type comments and the "they get better/more comfortable & incorporate more deep cuts (seeing IJWMFTT live would be amazing for instance) as they go along"  ones.. :/ I'm just happy to see all five of them together and as long as they don't rotate "Please Let Me Wonder" out of the set I'll be more than satisfied with what I've seen so far setlist-wise. I was too late to see the Kokomo video (it's gone) but I'm definitely Gettin' Hungry (couldn't resist) for more than just still pics (though the pics and updates have been *GREAT*) Thank you to everyone who has contributed, I'm really let down by the no camera policy and hope I can still get some shots but anything I am able to get I will cherish and share afterward.

That's really interesting.  It is like hearing him sing through an flanger pedal or something, it's totally unsubtle and doesn't suit the music at all. Somebody in the booth must realize it's not making him sound "better".  Part of me was wondering if Brian actually wants it, like he's gotten so used to using it in the studio that he expects it all the time now.

I can hear him (I think) on the tag of Sail On Sailor. I'd be amazed if he wasn't singing, as he's probably the single best singer on the stage. He does usually use a headset, and sometimes it's quite hard to see because his hair covers most of it.

I kinda doubt it. He's never used pitch correction in his live solo shows. And believe me, some of them could have used it!

Add me to the list of people who would really love to hear recordings of the show to see what it sounds like!

As for live autotune, it does exist and some bands do use it. Every Brian gig I've been to has had no evident use of autotune. Wouldn't surprise me if they have a really lush, busy mix on this tour if they applied a bit of autotune to Brian here and there.

Definitely something not entirely natural going on with Brian's voice every once in a while. Sounds like T-Pain. (Google him if you don't know who that is. Or don't.  ;D)

I've read the whole topic! I have to say i'm very happy for you guys who get to go and it makes me hope they can make it over to the UK at some point. I would really love to hear some footage of the concert though. Seriously no YouTube footage? ??? How have some of you already heard parts of it?

I would also be very interested in where everybody are hearing these recordings from last night. Anybody wanna hook a brotha up?

I'd like to hear the last night show too. Any info?

In reference to absolutely nothing, the private message feature is very useful. Others are watching.

Not video, but a few good photos.

http://azstarnet.com/entertainment/music/photos-the-beach-boys/collection_565ea5ac-8e91-11e1-9f6c-0019bb2963f4.html?mode=image&photo=1

There's been a few comments here as to whether the venue was sold out or how full it was, so I thought I'd share my experiences from my viewpoint:


All the available seated tickets were actually sold out... for a while. The problem is that the theatre or the band or someone actually held back many many seats. I bought my tickets the second they went on sale, and only managed row FF, but I could see on the venue's web site that most of the seats in the front sections were marked as "Not Available" rather than being marked as "Sold".

I suspected these seats might become available later, so I checked periodically. Sure enough, some better seats became available about two weeks before showtime, but many more were still being held. The night before showtime, suddenly about 250 really great seats (some as good as 2nd or 3rd row) suddenly became available. Several of these were purchased over the night or the next day, but that was just too many to unload that quickly to a crowd that had already bought their tickets.

When I got to the venue at 45 minutes before showtime, there were still over 100 seats left unsold, all of which were better than the ones I bought at 10:01 the morning the day they went on sale. I walked up to the box office ready to pitch a fit, but they were extremely cool about refunding my original tickets and selling me a pair in the 5th row.

Even as of showtime, the same 100 tickets seemed to be still available when checking from my phone, and they were all clumped together in prime locations, too, which I'm sure looked bad to the band and the fans, especially to those fans like me who bought tickets right away and got crappy seats.

So, whether it was the band or the venue or the promoter responsible for holding so many back, they could have managed it better, either by holding less back, or returning them sooner, or at least sending out some sort of email/twitter/facebook blast to let people know when primo seats suddenly became available for sale the day of show.


For those of you going to future Beach Boys shows (or any concerts): If you're not happy with your tickets, or you didn't get tickets yet because you couldn't get good seats, check with the box office or the venue website frequently in the days before the show. It's not uncommon to have good seats get released like this. I've never seen quite this many get released and go unsold, but I've occasionally managed to get really great seats to a show that I wouldn't have gone to otherwise because I wouldn't have been able to get good seats otherwise.

Thanks Sonora for the heads up.

here are the pics:

(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/43/4437e0a0-8e91-11e1-8f94-0019bb2963f4/4f97810c5c4a4.image.jpg)
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/54/45409dc0-8e91-11e1-ad02-0019bb2963f4/4f97810e1b818.image.jpg)
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a03e8c-8e91-11e1-9b40-0019bb2963f4/4f97811066137.image.jpg)
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/75/4756997a-8e91-11e1-8cae-0019bb2963f4/4f97811198441.image.jpg)
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/9a/49a1e266-8e91-11e1-aa10-0019bb2963f4/4f97811570c7b.image.jpg)
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/a6/4a636210-8e91-11e1-9517-0019bb2963f4/4f978116b2454.image.jpg)
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/c5/4c505a6a-8e91-11e1-a61b-0019bb2963f4/4f978119eaffe.image.jpg)
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/d1/4d19389a-8e91-11e1-ab55-0019bb2963f4/4f97811b43279.image.jpg)

I've never used the PM feature here.  Anyone want to send me a "test"?

... and the not-quite-so-flattering review from the local daily.

In the print edition, one of the songs performed was listed as "I Wanna Go Home". It was corrected to SJB in this online article, but still makes one wonder how familiar the writer is with the group, if at all. "I Wanna Go Home"? Really??


http://azstarnet.com/entertainment/music/beach-boys-catch-a-nice-wave-even-if-it-takes/article_76276595-2632-5e01-b563-1dc51d27c845.html

I love when people don't know a song title and just make sh*t up. ^_^

It's sounding like they used Dennis' studio vocal for "Forever", while they used what sounds like the 1980 Knebworth live vocal for Carl on "God Only Knows." Surprised how smoothly it comes off. It's still weird only in that there's a weird brain dissonance going because you recognize both the recorded and live elements very well, and they totally go together perfectly, but they shouldn't exist in that configuration. While Carl didn't sound exactly the same in, say, 1997 as he did in 1980, it was interesting to hear something a bit like what it would have been like had Carl been with us on this tour.

Id appreciate if someone could check that my PMs are working please

Surprised this is being passed around through PMs rather than there being 5032 recordings of it on YouTube. The folks in power can shut stuff down on YouTube, true, but there's generally no way to contain the amount of videos going up for a concert, especially one like this.

On that note, consider this a pathetic PM request, too :(

I'd think they must have been pretty good if rolling stone gave them a positive review

To me they sound great..

Man, if Brian was autotuned (and I would never condone the practice of bootlegging material ever, no sir), that would suck.

Ok, f*** the secrecy bullshit. That auto-tuning sounds absolutely fucking atrocious. What in the f*** were they thinking? Gah.

Where are people hearing the new live stuff and why is it being kept such a secret from everyone else? This board and these secrets. Geez. Cruel.  ::)  A message board where nobody can talk 1/4 of the time.

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,3654.0.html

ahem, i would like to be let in on all the listening fun. Oh hey guys, I'm being cute and testing the moderators!lease let Yes yes yes, I don't know how to follow the rules!e wonder...

He is being autotuned on stage?

Sounds like it. Lots of folks have been doing it for years.

Robo-Brian 2000, is what it sounds like.

There would appear to be a lot of fan-shot live footage (of many shows spanning the band's career) coming from YouTube floating around on the board, though. Those are OK but fan-shot footage of the new tour that we all want to see and hear and a lot of us have tickets for is off limits? Interesting, to say the least.

Tis true. Lots of people also can do it competently. Maybe they'll cut it out. I am just honestly stunned they did it here.

Eh. It's the competent part I care about. If they can do it well and subtly, fine. If not, boot it.

I really hope they do.

It would be much appreciated if someone would PM me!

ditto.. i've got a long night ahead of me and would love a PM to keep me company!  ;D

I too would appreciate a PM.  ::)

I'd like a PM if some kind soul could assist...

 I'd love a PM if anyone has anything to share :)  Thanks!

I'd love a BJ

I'd love a BW, AJ, DM, and ML as well.


(got my PM already)

Would love a PM!

The autotune...........

I would take Brian's natural voice, flaws and all, over the robotic, out of tune sounding autotune. It works for whole solid notes, but some parts it's like "Mannnnn.... Do they not hear that?"

The processing on Heroes & Villains just sounds like a psychedelic effect on purpose. The other songs don't have that. I love this rendition of Heroes, but I sure wish they added the cantina bit and ok, fine an Our Prayer/Gee opening!

Pretty PM please?

I don't think those can be sent through PM. ;D

Argh. I enjoy your posts, don't think I'm attacking you, but why even condone it being done subtly? Autotune has absolutely no place in a f*cking live show. None. It's as if they read fan concern over Jeff doubling Brian and thought autotuning him into oblivion would be acceptable as hay, it's still Brian.

I hate to rant about something as great as a Beach Boys reunion tour, but autotune just has no place in live performances, especially by a band like the Beach Boys. At his absolute worst of live performances of the last ten years or so, he's still sounded passable, and it's never been "bad" for an entire performance (that I've seen). This whole "Brian clearly can't sing, we have to ensure that it sounds like he's still as good as he was in '65" sentiment from his camp needs to end already - it's a huge slap in the face to Brian's talents, Brian as a human being, and fans who pay for these tickets and recordings.

hearing the Boys backing Dennis on Forever is heartbreaking and tremendous. i don't know if the video adds to the experience or takes away from it, but i'm tearing up listening to it on my couch.

Remember When I PMed you all H&V?

This is my "Owe you one" PLEASE!

PM me please  :angel:

Agreed. I'll be going to see them next Wednesday and sure hope something is done with it, as in it is eliminated, or it'll be a shame. Maybe they just tried to see how it sounded during an actual concert. Hopefully they heard it sounded like crap.

But what can we do?

Really, man, what can we do?

My preferences are more or less the same as yours, but I'm not under any illusion that they will make any difference to how this plays out.

So I hope for the best. I've had more than a dozen years to enjoy Brian singing flat and unmolested. If they must use autotune, fine. I can't stop them. But as a listener, I just don't want to be distracted by it.

True dat. I'll probably lose it at the concert.

Yeah.... but then again, Tupac can't do concerts with Snoop Dogg anymore either... BUT I SAW HIM DO IT ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO.

So you never know.  This damn technology is amazing.  

what's this about PM's?

i don't know what's going on, but if everyone else wants one then i want one too.  ;D

please?

Wow I didn't even notice this? When is it the most evident?

Well, this one needs to get done ASAP then.

Fine.  I can't resist any longer.  I've tried.  
Somebody hook me up, please.  :-\

Sometimes brian sounds amazing, sometimes he sounds like a robot.

I'd prefer it without it.

I'd gladly take a PM as well.  :-)

What the heck!

Can I get a PM this PM?

The "we could ride" part of Surfer Girl was the first part I really noticed it. Also a lot of That's Why God Made The Radio and Heroes & Villains.

From the minute you hear him sing on Surfer Girl, B-Pain's in the building.  It's not a spot here or there.. they left it going full throttle for the whole show.

 :-\

On another note, everyone else sounds great. Really impressed with how Mike's, Al's and Bruce's voices still retain their original vocal character.

B-Pain, classic, yet sad.

Where does he sound "amazing"? Everything I've heard thus far is laughable due to the autotune. The irony is, I've NEVER heard Brian as out of tune as he is with this! Autotune has been known to actually make the vocal out of tune in extreme cases, and boy oh boy does it sound pretty extreme here.

When it is 100% in tune, which he normally never is.
It's only 10% of the time though, Serously though, they need to stop it!

I can see Autotune pretty easily throwing off the best singers. Heck, even reverb or an echo chamber can put a singer out of tune, let alone autotune.

Gotta wonder who made this decision. You'd think they'd realize during rehearsals that it doesn't work.

Exactly, the autotune is canceling itself out almost. It's on a little too strong. Very obvious in the "improvised" style parts. It's supposed to make his singing BETTER and that's the irony in this whole thing. Honestly, I think he sounds worse with the autotune than he would with his natural trying voice. He can't sound THAT bad. Just get that pitch correction out of here.

I also considered that it could be on for the first few shows to boost his confidence a bit? Just a brainstorm idea.

Yes, but as a live musican myself, everything can go wrong on the actual night and be fine in rehersals, but this is just inexcusable.

Autotune obviously shouldn't come within a million miles of a live show just on general principals, but it's almost more galling that it's being done so badly here than that they're doing it at all.  It sounds really amateur hour, and not something anybody should have signed off on as an acceptable effect.  I would seriously hope that there was a big "let's review what went wrong" meeting among the people responsible after the show.  

It seems like it escaped the notice of any of the press writeups from last night but if it goes on like that, I'm certain they will eventually get called out on it.  I think it threatens to be way more of an embarrassment to the group than any mere off-key singing.

Just to avoid PhilCohening this thread, I really do think Brian sounds good.  I feel like as long as there's some energy in his delivery and he doesn't sound totally checked out  - which he doesn't, going by last night - his vocals work.  There's a lot to love about this tour and the setlist and the production and I hope they do whatever they need to do to remove this liability from the show.

The further he sings from the pitch, the more robotic it will sound.

I tell ya: I'd rather have a pitch corrector hooked up there than letting Brian embarrass himself while trying to sing his own tunes.

Are you hearing how awful this is? I'm not trying to defend Brian when I say that the filter is actually making him more out of tune than he probably was because of how extreme it was.

I've never really heard Brian "embarrass" himself because he sang so badly during a live performance. Certainly heard a few where he was a bit "pitchy" or sounded like he didn't really give a sh*t to be there, but he's never sounded as bad as he does here, and the filter is to blame. I hear energy, I hear "give a sh*t"ness, I'm betting he sounded just fine.

Even Brian at his vocal peak would have sounded pretty damn awful through this because, given the extreme amount of correction, no human can keep up. They just can't. It's not a case of, "The further he sings from the pitch, the more robotic it will sound," it's the comical amount of extreme correction people generally use only for effect, not for actual pitch correction.

I've already bought TWGMTR and played it 1,000x's, but if we're talking live stuff, I tried to be discrete before and got nothing, and I'd planned to try getting my mini digital recorder into the show on Sunday in Raleigh so I could contribute *something* too, it's kind of like when I first started tape trading before the net, I didn't really *have* anything to trade yet but desperately wanted to get a start at it and had no luck trying to buy something to start with until Dave Prokopy himself sent me 3 maxell cassettes with what had to be the most complete SMiLE set up to that point, complete with a nicely written and printed up (albeit xeroxed) booklet and I was off to the races. I will never forget the joy I got from making copies and putting the same booklet together (complete with little paper sleeve) and dubbing those tapes and then anxiously awaiting a personal thank you letter and some Summer Days/Nights and Today! sessions along with the Pet Sounds preview disc that was floating around when we were *supposed* to get the box set the first time..

I've never and will never understand people who go on forums (or anywhere for that matter) and brag and talk about what they have that everyone else wants. That's no fun. If I have something and can find anyone who loves the Beach Boys as much as me, I'm ecstatic to share, it's the people who couldn't care less but expect me to fall all over myself for their favorite James Blunt song or whatever that really bug me.. certainly not the ones who *want* to know more/hear more Beach Boys. /my little rant.

quick edit: sorry to get off topic, that was just something I've noticed a LOT in the forum communities and believe me, it's actually not bad here but it does get frustrating when you try to be discrete and then see message after message later in the day outright asking for it. Having said that: I'm PSYCHED to be taking my daughter to this and sharing this experience with her, I also see a LOT of her favorites on that wet dream of a setlist (that's about twice what they played when I saw them and most of the car songs were a medley, I guess to make room for a full rendition of "Duke of Earl")  and everything I've read so far has me salivating to hear something.. Lest anyone "phil" me.. "You phil me?" :p I probably shouldn't be posting after the day I've had though, admittedly, but I had to add that in there: I REALLY needed this after a very tough 2011 and `12 so far but SMiLE Sessions was released on my birthday, then this? It's so surreal but I'll take it. :)

Post post Script edit lol - THANK YOU! ;)

My PM seems to be working very well. Thanks!

Good stuff

Don't take it personally amonomous, I'll try to explain for you.  

1.  Record companies don't like having copies of live shows floating around, ESPECIALLY if  they may release a cd/dvd of this tour in the near future.  The reason they don't like having the copies floating around, is because they feel it will hurt ticket sales if you can hear what happens at the show for free.  That's their opinion, whether or not it's valid can be argued both ways.

2.  In extreme instances, if a forum such as this one consistantly is posting material that is technically illegal (like a live concert recording)... the owners of that copyrighted material could do all kinds of nasty things, up to and including shutting down the site, or even bringing a lawsuit (that they may or may not win) against the OWNER of the forum.

3.  Capitol Records has people that read this board daily.  It's pretty much the biggest Beach Boys message board on the internet.

So as you can see, it's very important to the owner of this site that illegal concert recordings not be published here, even if it's just a link.  You may not agree that it's illegal or that it hurts sales or whatever, but Capitol Records holds all the cards and can make things very tough for the site owners if they wanted to be jerks about it.  

Yeah man. I don't care how good of a day BW is having.. he would never sound good with the autotune set to zero retune like that. No one would really, aside from Mr. T-Pain himself. They could have fixed it mid-show, but this was clearly something they wanted to do (unless they meant to send it to Foskett's mic  ;D). Just like hiding his bangin' vocal on live TV for the Grammys, this stuff isn't necessary. Nothing wrong with a little rawness. It's Brian F'n Wilson. It pisses me off to think that the multitracks for the first show of the tour contain this compromised vocal.

It's very curious.

Autotune is one of those things it is very hard to unhear. So once it's apparent that Brian's vocals are being processed, you can hear the effect everywhere. It's hard to listen objectively, in other words.

But none of the live audience reports from last night mention the tuning. And I can't believe that the critics, etc., in the audience were that unsophisticated. So the room itself, possibly the PA system or some other sound source, may have made it less apparent if you were actually there.

Brian has toured successfully for years. Why spring this crazy new thing on him during the highest profile string of shows he's had for awhile? Brian's also an incredibly inconsistent vocalist, so why would anyone think that live tuning would even work? If the tuning made Brian sound like an angel, that would be one thing. But at least in what I've heard, it doesn't do much of anything except make him sound strange when he's trying to hit a high note.

None of the people arranging this tour are dumb either. Say what you want about Mike, Melinda, et. al, but they are smart cookies. And they know when Brian sounds good and when he sounds bad. So why do this?

Something here doesn't add up.

An LA Times review of last night's show:


(http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef016304c4702d970d-600wi)

Live: The Beach Boys kick off 50th anniversary tour in Tucson

TUCSON -- Let's not make too much of the fact that the Beach Boys kicked off their 50th anniversary tour on casino grounds, nowhere near the beach, on a day that hit 105, with gusts of dry wind blowing in from the surrounding Arizona desert -- not a wave, T-bird or little surfer girl in sight.

After all, the band, touring for the first time in decades with co-founders Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Al Jardine, as well as longtime voice Bruce Johnston and early member David Marks, transcended the literal summer ages ago in service of the metaphorical kind, one that celebrated Southern California life and put sound to a cultural vibe.

This is one reason why at Casino del Sol on the Yaqui reservation, the band, augmented by a dozen instrumentalists and vocalists, was able to convincingly sing about summertime joys, fears and frustrations even though most of the remaining Boys have been doing this for four decades and are themselves approaching proverbial wintertime.

The first of a five-month, 56-show tour that would challenge a band half its age, the Beach Boys will travel the arenas, festivals and outdoor amphitheaters of America (and, later in the year, Europe and Asia) offering a version of this concert.

If opening night is any indication, the Beach Boys will celebrate not only their sound, but the music that gave birth to it and was inspired by it. They performed songs by Phil Spector, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, and the Mamas and the Papas, among others, while images of the band in its glory days cascaded across the big screen.

And if Wilson's distant onstage presence in Tucson is a hint, it's going to be a long summer for him.

Wilson, the sole living brother from the trio that included Dennis and Carl, who has avoided the Beach Boys stage like the plague -- while his revolutionary aesthetic has been reverently honored by new generations.

The quintet of clean-cut, handsome young men from Hawthorne sent out a four-song demo that put sound and lyrics to the uniquely L.A. lifestyle of beaches, breezes, bikinis and muscle cars. Two of those songs, "Surfin' Safari" and "Surfer Girl," have become singalong classics, and the band offered them early in the set.

These hits set the course for much that followed: from "Help Me, Rhonda" to "Wouldn't It Be Nice" to "Little Deuce Coupe," the Beach Boys brought the massive Wilson production sound to life. While the principals played along -- Wilson on white grand piano, Jardine and Marks on guitar, Johnston on keyboards, and Love on vocals -- a bevy of young backing musicians pushed forth driving rhythms (three percussionists), guitar texture (at times, as many as five guitarists), keyboards (three of them), and a virtual choir of male voices filling songs whose age and design has rendered them exquisite antiquities.

The music they presented embodies a SoCal, endless summer archetype.

The band understands this and offers evidence of this spirit in the Hawaiian shirts they wear -- and in the songs they still sing. When Love, whose warm, confident voice can still hit the notes effortlessly, sang his 1964 love letter to a motorcycle, "Little Honda," you could hear the wind blowing through the spokes. When Jardine harmonized on "Catch a Wave," his joy was infectious, especially when he pumped his fist and pointed at Wilson.

But Wilson didn't seem to be having much fun. Sitting behind his piano stone-faced, he feigned a smile a few times, and had to be nudged into acknowledging the crowd when they rose to give him his first ovation during his falsetto-intoned version of Lymon's "Why Do Fools Fall in Love."

He appeared to be residing within the Malibu of his mind at times, then ambivalent if not miserable in other moments. There's a reason why he stopped touring with the Beach Boys: He obviously doesn't like it.

One of the few times he tapped his foot and bounced his torso was during "Sloop John B," which opened the second, and much more vibrant, of the two sets. One of the night's high points, the band presented "Sloop" with the same rush-of-wind exuberance of the recording, a sharp reminder of a band at its peak. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" was equally inspiring, as were the odes to departed brothers Dennis and Carl, both of whom duetted from beyond via recordings -- Carl's lead on "God Only Knows" was gorgeous.

From the beaches in their youth to the casinos in their retirement years, there is certainly something bittersweet going on. Anyone who understands both nostalgia and the aging process will no doubt have an idea of the frayed edges, the relentlessness of singing the same songs over and over again for five decades, as Jardine, Love and Johnston have done. They have combated this by adding vocalists who can hit the notes they no longer can -- singer/guitarist/bandleader Jeff Foskett is the unsung workhorse of this show, who covers for Wilson on the more difficult notes.

Long ago turned men, the Beach Boys on the opening night of an impressively relentless schedule did what you'd expect, and did it quite well. Wilson and the band's art, those interlocking harmonic voices, exquisite arrangements and that summer feeling were celebrated 100 miles from Phoenix, where in 1962 "Surfin' Safari" got its first substantial airplay.

Even if the sight of five aging men offered visual confirmation that summer does indeed end, and winter can get a little tough, it doesn't mean you can't handle this reality, as the Beach Boys did, with both pride and grace.