The Smiley Smile Message Board

you know he gets picked on a lot, and some for good reason....

just quickly:

this guy did work with Spector and apparently plays on 'to know him it to love' him with Sandy Nelson..

backed up people like Ritchie Valens/Everly's/Eddie Cochran according to wiki....

was a 'Rip-Chord'.

He also produced records at Del-Fi and Columbia records....... Works with Terry Melcher...

ummm joins some group called The Beach Boys...... then leaves......... then comes back....

Writes a grammy.

Produces Beach Boys albums....
j
Actually, there is not a lot about Bruce and his personal and professional life online....

imagine if Bruce was really honest, and could spill his guts on the early days of music.... the turmoil between Brian and Mike...

where he stands on Al Jardine's leaving....

Also, he was also not one of guys on drugs and booze........

however, a book on how 'I Love Mike' and 'Woow! I love life singing Beach Boys songs' would not be a great read....

surely, he must have deeper thoughts and opinions on matters come and gone and current.....


Has Bruce ever been approached and has he turned all offers down?....... Jon Stebbins?.....


I hope this doesn't turn into a Bruce bash thread.....  thats's not the intention here.


Thanks, RickB

I would. He's pretty underrated, and I don't think he deserves the ridicule he receives.

Preach it, sister.

lolz

Certainly! Any book by one of the band has got to be interesting.

Absolutely

Yes, as I generally regard him to be the group's best interviewee.

 Bruce's current position tends to be looked down on, but seriously, he has been part of some amazing musical history.  From the little bit of time that I've spent with him over the years, it seems like he has a pretty darn good memory.  I'm sure he could write an amazing book if he wanted to.

Yes.

An interesting alternative to winning one.  ;D

Of course I would buy it. In fact, there should be a book about Bruce. He played with Phil Spector, Ritchie Valens, Eddie Cochran and the Everly Brothers when he was still in his teens. His best friend at the time was Doris Day's son. He became a Beach Boy and got a prominent vocal on California Girls and God Only Knows. He hung out with The Beatles. He wrote one of the most successful singles of the 1970s and sang on Pink Floyd's The Wall and one of Elton John's biggest hits.

The guy is pop music's real life Forrest Gump. Without really trying hard, he just mindlessly walked into some of the greatest moments in music history.

He's all of that, and the BB's very own Orphan Annie; scooped out of a Chicago orphanage and spirited off to Beverly Hills and a life less than ordinary.

It would be a fascinating read, and I'm sure Bruce wouldn't pull m/any punches.

I'd rather read a book about him than read a book a book by him...

BJ backed up Ritchie Valens? :brow What? When? How? What?

Based on Bruce's past interviews and proclamations, would it be filed under fiction or non-fiction?  :p

Indeed I would-his early Spector connection has always intrigued. Who was Deirdre?

I'd buy a Bruce Johnston 12-month calendar, each month with a picture of Bruce modeling a different pair of shorts.

He's seen a lot of rock history. Would definitely buy a book.

I Write The Autobiography: The Rise, Fall & Redemption of the Beach Boys' Bruce Johnston by Bruce Johnston

Wasn't there a cover put together for his book called Adjusting The Mike?

I'm trying to think of someone more at the center of the LA recording industry during its birth, flourishing, and current near-death. Maybe Kim Fowley?

I'd love to read a frank and candid Bruce Johnston autobiography.

A couple of years ago, I saw the Wrecking Crew movie, and it was really interesting to me, as to how the locality of the music industry shifted from New York to LA.

It might be interesting for a perspective on how as an eyewitness to this, how the thing unfolded and the relationship it had as to those musicians he worked with, and to the Beach Boys. 

As has been noted, there is potential for a fascinating memoir here. Unfortunately, I think that the chances of it happening are in the 1-2% range.

It strikes me that Al is a somewhat better bet (5-10%), though his "memory issues" are on the same order of magnitude with those of Bruce.

I think the most interesting perspective into the group that we could have had would come from a "secret diary" kept by Carl Wilson.

...and clapped through most of it.

But seriously just because he was there does that mean he knew what was going on? He wasn't aware the C50 live album was not one concert and I think that would be a common occurrence. I still have never got the fact he turned down the first approach to join the group. When you think about it he has kind of stumbled through with some sheer luck. How many sugary songs did Barry Manilow look over before picking IWTS?

When his group went for its 1st audition, the guy he was auditioning for was murdered in front of him. Bruce was 16!

I don't care if Bruce knew the ins and outs of the C50 concert album. Think of all the anecdotes he has stored up from 55 years in the business, shame if those stories died with him.

Wow, really murdered right in front of him? I'm thinking there could be a Broadway jukebox musical in "Bruce Johnston: California Boy."

No, because he's a bad songwriter and not really a very interesting person.

He will go to his grave before spilling the beans on the Beach Boys.

He will go to his grave before spilling the beans on the Beach Boys.
[/quote]

Disagree…he once said to Gaines in an email exchange "this is just a paycheck"--if a big paycheck was offered for a tell-all he'd tell all, he would have to wait for the M & B gravy train to end

There's a lot about Bruce we just don't know.

From a Bruce book, I'd like to know how he felt about what was happening to him. From scoring hits with the Rip Chords, to having IWTS become a monster hit, to being with M&B.

He's an interesting guy, and no one seems to know much about him on a really personal level like we do with Brian, Mike or Dennis.

I have never heard of this...is this documented somewherein a book or online?

Here's some info on it: http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,5260.msg84410.html#msg84410

Disagree…he once said to Gaines in an email exchange "this is just a paycheck"--if a big paycheck was offered for a tell-all he'd tell all, he would have to wait for the M & B gravy train to end
[/quote]

Really? Well that's not about to happen anytime soon. I always loose some respect for wealthy people who chase even more money for kiss and tell books myself and that will include Brian (or his ghost-writer) when his book comes out.
 

This coming from the guy who dismisses the brilliant albums CATP and Holland, and also dislikes Chaplin/Fataar
Hardly a surprise...

In either NME or MM, Bruce praised roughly half of the songs on CAPT in his 1972 review of same.

(http://i43.tinypic.com/bhzi1w.jpg)

I'm talking about Gabo, not Bruce himself

I would definitely be interested to read his take on things over the past 50 years, especially his time with The Beach Boys, along with The Rip Chords and the period when he released his solo surfing records. I wonder what his take would be on his alliance with Mike and the reasons behind it.

                                    $

He said himself in an email to Peter Carlin that the Beach Boys really are just a paycheck to him. And while I'm sure he realizes just how important the Beach Boys have been to music, I'm also sure he realizes what he's doing with the M&B show now.

Gotcha.

Re: would anyone buy a 'bruce johnston' book?

Yes, from a second hand seller on Amazon for a penny.

I think with BJ it would depend on what day he wrote it. One day he might produce a fascinating first hand observer account, another day a diplomatic lip service account, another day a useless "did that really happen?" account. I think the best would be the first but it'd be tough ask. And a mind blowing read.

 :lol :lol
Forward to be written by Zeppo Wilson.

Seriously, I would love to read a book by Bruce.  I think it could be a facinating read.

Actually, Bruce was still 15 when that happened! Unless that happened on a weekend, the guys must've gone over to Dolphin's office after school, assuming Bruce went to school; he would've been a sophomore in high school. What a life to experience as a 15 year old!

Yes. That's how I feel about most autobiographies, though. I read the reviews, excerpts, and promo materials, then wait until they cost less  (used)than the postage. Unless they go on sale on Kindle for less than three or four dollars for the e-versions, then I might go for it.

Now THAT is art!!

 :lol

u luv me dont deny it

Are you kidding me?

love is the answer and u know that fo sho

I think if he were 100% honest, it would be a good read and I'd be interested in checking it out. There is so much we don't know about the ins and outs of the Boys, how did he feel about them trying to replace him with Billy Hinsche, why he didn't travel to Hawaii in '67 for the concerts there, and on a personal level, how did he get to Montecito, meet his wife if they're still together(I think I read somewhere that they had separated, but I could be wrong with that), his kids and they're schooling.......yeah, I think it could be a good read. But if he were honest, Mike Love would never go for it, and I don't see Bruce killing the goose that layed the golden egg either. Maybe some day after M &B are done.

i would read it. but who would buy it for me?  ;)

Is that "Adjusting the Mike" or  "Adjusting the Mic?"  Cuz one would definitely be a much more interesting read than the other.

I  don't believe Bruce will ever write a book because he doesn't want to get sued. When he left BB in 1972 he sold his shares in company and never wanted them back . To avoid law suits..Smart guy.!  And of course being a BB is a paycheck.. All his kid"s are in school in Europe.. Cost"s tons of money.! I also read that Bruce supports his lifestyle + kid"s schooling with NEW money..!! Never spends OLD money. { Rexall.. IWTS.. real estate..etc }.Bruce is a very smart guy business wise..He insures his life style..Yea he knows what he is doin with M+B.. But people forget M+B show started off very bumpy. In 2000 when BW was doing PET SOUNDS at Hollywood Bowl M+B were in a park In Pasadena the week before and only a few hundred people showed up to an average show at best..M+B built the audience they have now goin to a  BB tribute show.. The guy"s still a hell of a vocalist And fine piano player when he wants to be..I like him myself.

Are those kids still in school in Europe...it has been a long time now. What ever happened with his move to Nashville to write songs?

I think Bruce would need some distance from Mike to write such a book and be able to give a candid report on the history of the band from his perspective.  Bruce is both articulate and "well traveled ".  A book by Bruce could be a great insiders  view of the entire southern california recording  scene from the late 50's through the 70's.  As someone said, his is the Forrest Gump of the that era musically.  I , for one, would buy such a book in a heart beat.

I think most or all of those "kids" are out of school. In fact, one son was supposed to marry the sole heir to an Australian multi-billionaire. That son certainly doesn't need Bruce's touring money. That son met his mega-wealthy bride at one of those European boarding schools, so I guess Bruce invested wisely.

  Methinks Mike would have to be gone before Bruce would ever attempt to write an honest and articluate book encompassing the truth on his time with the BBs; I doubt it will ever happen

I think Bruce has plans to publish something next year.  He hasn't told me that, but he has said that next year he will have something to talk about. 

How could Bruce possibly write a book?...His hand is too sore to even sign an autograph  ::)

Ba-Da-Boom!  :lol

please no more pictures of the white shorts

I would so much like to read Al's (auto)bio! I don't care if he has memory issues (doesn't everyone who's old?), I'm sure he led very fascinating life & hang out with lots of local celebrities. Even Mr. Desper said sth. along the lines that, living in the L.A. area, he hardly was a quiet home guy - quite sociable, in fact, went to many parties.

As to original ?, of course I'd buy it. If only for potential chapter dedicated to the recording of "Surfin' 'Round the World". Generally, I agree that his story is an interesting one, as Mr. Smith mentioned, going from orphan status to wealthy. Quoting some famous song by CCR, Bruce surely is a fortunate son.

No. Buying a Bruce Johnston book is the equivalent of reading about the guy who sat next to the class clown (and took notes).

We obtained an autograph from Bruce in October.  Very nicely penned on an old copy of  Going Public.  Bruce has always been very accommodating with his time with us.  always a smile.   and I would definitely buy his book.  I would like to see him collaborate with someone who could draw him out on his experiences and memories.   

Great!  Mike Love will co-author, then?