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Looks like this is set for release on 8 October 2015.

Book Description from Amazon:
I Am Brian Wilson tells the incredible story of his life. From his success with the Beach Boys to battles with his personal demons, it is anchored in Brian's first person account of his life, his struggles and triumphs, delving deep into his musical and emotional life, talking for the first time about his relationship with his abusive father and his passive mother; his alienation as a teenager; and his struggles to lead the Beach Boys away from surf music into groundbreaking experimental music.
Brian sheds light on his long periods of isolation and creative stagnation, and the mental illness that has plagued him since his teenage years. He also tells, for the first time, how he was able to reinvent himself creatively in the 1990s and 2000s, and describes in detail how he was able to rebuild his life and create the happiest most stable period of his life.

Not seeing it on U.S. Amazon.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/I-am-Brian-Wilson/dp/1444781332/

Earlier forum topic: Brian to 'write' autobiography (http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,15517.msg451028.html#msg451028)

Google: "I am Brian Wilson" (http://www.google.com/search?q=%22I+am+Brian+Wilson%22)

Figures the UK Amazon has it before the band's actualy birth country  :lol

You forgot the rest of the text: 
>>Along with Brian's own words, his story is told through the people that know him best, including his wife Melinda;his best friend and band leader Jeffery Foskett; members of the original Beach Boys and other faces from the world of music, including Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, David Crosby, Lindsay Buckingham, Bob Dylan and others. <<

Wow, this sounds awesome.  Can't wait.

I'd love to read some recollections by David Sandler, Jack Rieley, and Danny Hutton in this!

Well it was about time wasn't it. ::)

I'm looking forward to this...

Let's hope the book is better then the title.

And Steve Desper!

This sounds like a great concept. I really hope that release date is solid info....it would only make sense to release it the year of the biopic and new album.

I reckon it's good, as the digital edition is set for the same date.


I laughed when I read your post Bgas, then checked out the description on amazon and came away hinking "wtf?": okay, so Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, David Crosby, Lindsay Buckingham and Bob Dylan have probably spent more time with BW than most of us here, are they really among those who "know him best"? I hope my intake of breath is misplaced, or that it's poorly phrased… celebrity endorsement is fine, but the way I read it, Bono and Elvis Costello are probably the best friends waiting next inline…

I am hoping that this will just be some quotes that these people have made, and not be more than a small section of the book.

That's what I'm hoping as well.  This is supposed to be an autobiography.

I don't mind the idea at all. It'll definitely help give the book more dimension. Instead of being told solely from the perspective of Brian, we'll get a well rounded look at Brian from the perspective of family, friends, and fellow artists who've been greatly influenced by him.

Consider those names mentioned apart from a notion of an "endorsement". David Crosby was in the same circle of LA musicians and friends as Brian, and says he took Van Dyke Parks to Brian's house to hear an acetate of "Sloop John B" before it was released, which could have been the first time Parks and Wilson actually met if not on the same level as when Melcher connected them at that later party which led to the collaboration. Lindsey Buckingham actually worked on music with Brian for the first solo album, and has cited Brian for years as one of his biggest influences in music and production, and which we all know "Tusk" was a major tip of the hat to Brian's production styles. Paul McCartney also performed with Brian, has been probably the most vocal and public champion of citing Brian's influence, and the two have met personally and privately at various times since the 70's, more than has been written about. Paul Simon toured with Brian back in 2001, performed at the tribute show and other events, and has also been a vocal fan for years. Bob Dylan may be the only one who has not obviously or publicly worked with Brian musically, but who else but Dylan can claim status in that upper-echelon of musicians from the 60's era who were both part of it and witnesses to the new music and innovations which were happening at the time? I'd put Crosby in that group as well, as someone who was making music most people now consider part of the rock-pop revolution in the 60's and who was also soaking up and taking influences from his peers and friends in the same business who were cutting these amazing records.

Their voices both as collaborators, fellow musicians and more importantly peers in the music business, and those who can cite specifically Brian Wilson as an influence on their music, I think can be weighted somewhat more heavily than those of a cross-section of musicians and pop stars who may share the admiration and influence but weren't as directly connected, either through actual performance/recording or being in the same elite peer group as all that legendary music was being made.

^
Dylan in fact did work with Brian, on a version of 'the Spirit of Rock and Roll'.

Finally, at long last.  Maybe we'll learn what kind of pizza Brian likes.  That information is way-LONG overdue. ;)

This struck me immediately upon seeing it in the text...  "Along with Brian's own words, his story is told through the people that know him best, including his wife Melinda;his best friend and band leader Jeffery Foskett;"

Now if Jeffrey Foskett IS Brian Wilson's "best friend" then Brian must have absolutely no problems with Mike Love or what Mike is doing with the Beach Boys and for 'BRI'.  I mean think about it.  A "best friend" would never just cut and run and sign on with the 'other side' .  It would demonstrate 'bad form'... a kind of betrayal if you will.

WAY TOO EARLY to suggest that some key players and components will not be included as sources for the book.  If THAT is the case though then the 'new autobiography' might not be all that most of us hope it will be.  It cannot be only a painting.  It has to be a series of 'candid photgraphs' examined.  [wink, wink]  Only then will we learn 'what it was like.' :hat

OH!  Candid photographs!!  Here's another one of mine: 

    (http://i59.tinypic.com/2wrnate.jpg)

No, the book info lists those people as "other faces from the world of music", not necessarily as "people that know him best".

Great shot, bgas! From 1977 I presume?

To suggest that Brian might be happy that Jeff went with Mike might be just too hard for some of the conspiracy theorists here to contemplate Add Some.  :lol

With the exception of those teenage crew-cut shots, this has got to be about the shortest Brian ever had his hair in adulthood, right?

To my reading, that implies that those "other faces from the world of music" are among those who knew him best. I hope I'm wrong, is all ;D

Not really suggesting that Brian is happy about it Pretty Funky.  I''m just, as I have since 'it' happened, wondering WTF's 'up' with THAT?  Certainly NOT a "best friend" move.  UNLESS... ... ... ???  Unless...it's OK.

Yes CenturyDeprived...that sure is a BAD boot-camp 'look'.  And when I say "bad" I mean it in the traditional sense.   Although shaving his back sure worked.  Brian looks to be in pretty good physical condition as well.  bgas's pic, candid as it is, confirms for certain what many have debated, argued and pondered over for decades...ie:...that Brian actually named his 'pecs' Carnie and Wendy...after his daughters.  It's how he was able to tell left from right during that specific era.  The sweat-shirt confirms that I was, as usual, wrong.

It also confirms that 'the little fella' was NOT Al. >:D

 :lol

He said he is happy about it and I would hope they are still good friends. For Brian to call him his 'best friend' should make Jeff pretty special I think.

Posted 05/16/14   
Yesterday, I found out that Jeff has decided to tour with Mike Love's bb.  I think it's great since he really loved touring with Mike and the boys back in the day.  He made it clear at the end of the JB tour he would be moving on. I wish him the best and I'm happy for him.
 
As for me, I'm busy in the studio working on my new album. A couple months ago I asked Matt Jardine to tour with my band and he accepted. He's a great guy and I love his voice.  He's busy working with Paul and Darian and eager to get started.  All good!!

- Brian

__________________
Brian Wilson

And Matt lasted how long, exactly ? Two, three gigs ?

Good to know PF.  I'm sure that Jeff will help the Beach Boys to sound better...or should I say even better? :hat 

Not true. He has talked about his abusive father several times!

I wonder if all the other involved parties (the beach boys) will proof read before release.......

hell, we wouldn't want an autobiography followed with a lawsuit now would we?....

RickB

And it's widely known who will look for the opportunity to squeeze additional cash from Brian if the book ultimately steps on his oh so tender toes. ::)

Damn straight, the luvster is a greedy and nasty guy. (IMO so I don't get flamed by AGD)

Oh pshaw! That is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining experiences on the board!!  :rock

A quote from AGD from the previous Brian autobiography thread (http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,15517.msg364439.html#msg364439):


I'm always pleased to hear about a new book regarding the Beach Boys.  I'm almost always pleased to read these new books.   But I harbor no illusion that this will be anymore an unfiltered look into the life of Brian anymore than the first "autobiography" was.  The filters this time around may have better intentions, but they are filters none the less.

An obvious first day buy but I don't have very high hopes for this book.

Nothing will really top Peter Carlins book in my opinion

Did that happen in 1991 ? No. Will it happen in 2015 ? No.

BTW, while I applaud the non-use of an obvious BB related phrase/song title... that's really not a good title.

And no, I can't think of a better one so I'll STFU now.  :)

Well said.  I agree about the filters, further applied now the content is set to include celebrity contributions.

Still, alloting a book shelf space for it in quiet anticipation.

How about this title? "Ladies and Gentlemen, My Name is Brian Wilson, and I an the One Behind the One in 21-1!"

Crosby's autobiography, Long Time Gone, was a similar format. Croz contributed about a third, co-author Carl Gottleib handled another third and the rest was from other folk in his life (e.g. Grace Slick, Nash, Stills, Barncard) ... and it's a damn fine - if scary - read. So, not a problem for me.

One thing that does bother me is the Amazon release referring to someone who's not played with Brian for over a year as his bandleader and best friend. I can easily think of four people who could dispute the latter most vocally.

BW is listed as the author. Does anyone believe that? Smells like another example of Brian by Whomever.
Zeppo

Brian's camp have made no secret of it from day one that it will be written in collaboration with Jason Fine. You must have missed that memo.  ;D

:lol

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Gosh! You don't say! No kidding? And I repeat myself:   ::)

Speaking of the format used for David Crosby's book and now possibly Brian's - as both men went through decades of drug abuse, it may be that there are chunks of their lives that they simply don't remember and need others to fill in the blanks. Doesn't David Bowie have a 2 year blank spot from the 1970s?

"Creative Food - The Life and Meals of Brian Wilson"

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/apr/15/brian-wilson-autobiography-beach-boys

How is this article dated April 2013? I don't remember a title having ever been announced.

They should have called the book Life of Brian: He's Not the Messiah, He's a Very Naughty Beach Boy.

I can't wait to finally have a copy of Brian's new book! I still have the first one, "Wouldn't It Be Nice: My Own Story" with Todd Gold. I couldn't put that crazy and bogus book down when I first got it even though I suspected that Brian didn't really write it. Damn, the stories in that one...Mike Love and the world's largest turd (14 inches apparently), Mike Love getting beat up by an angry proprietor who stuck a gun in his face, Brian and Loren walking down the street while tripping and seeing an old man that Brian convinced himself was God...yeah that was a weird book. It certainly left me with an uneasy feeling.

well as long as the book cover has a photo of Iron Man on it saying "I am Brian Wilson." because Ozzie would be Iron Man but Iron Man would rather be Brian Wilson than ozzie...lol..

Paul Heyman makes everything better.  EVERYTHING.

Matt Jardine was at the most recent gig Brian did, in December in Las Vegas. I'm the first to admit that the announcement of Matt joining, followed by appearing at two gigs, followed by an eleventh hours falsetto replacement guy (the Fendertones dude), then followed by another seemingly semi-permanent replacement (Ike), all while Matt did appear at at least one gig with one of his sidebands with Carter, Hinshce, Probyn Gregory, etc., suggested something unexplained, to us anyway.

If there were a serious falling out on either side, I doubt Matt would have appeared with the band in Las Vegas, even if just as a guest. Granted, Matt also appeared with Mike and Bruce in 2013 only months after the C50 fallout, so maybe Matt has more of a David Marks-ish attitude at this stage of just staying friendly with everybody.

Smiley Smile Dot Net -- where I go to see words like pshaw, consarn it, tarnation and gee willikers!!!    :-D

Frankly, even much more lucid and talkative "celebrities" couldn't sit down and actually WRITE much of anything. Even genuinely intelligent people often can't string a paragraph together, let along write a book. I'm talking from all the different angles, from style to content to grammar, and so on.

I would imagine few "autobiographies" involve the subject actually sitting down alone and even doing a rough draft. I've actually found Fine's writing to be pretty informed as the band and Brian go (his Rolling Stone article during C50 was one of the only revelatory pieces written about the tour). I actually wish they had simply contracted Fine to write an "Authorized Biography", not unlike the Marks/Stebbins book.

I would imagine, or at least HOPE, that both Brian and Mike's "people" are well aware of the history of the group, and the history of litigation, and even more specifically the history of litigation pertaining to "autobiographies." If anything, I'm worried too many punches will be pulled in both books concerning anyone who is still living and thus can still sue. I'm frankly expecting more blunt pictures of Carl and Dennis in both books than I am of Mike or Brian (or Al, etc.) in either book. Dead people nor estates can sue for slander or libel.

Some random thoughts on points made in this thread:

- First, this new info could very well be the title and release date of the book, or as proven by the months leading up to the official announcement of No Pier Pressure's release date, complete hogwash. Right? Remember all of the speculations, the websites announcing dates for the new album to drop, sites taking pre-orders and advance payments, retailers listing sketchy info, etc...much of that if not all of it (I can't recall if anyone got it right) was pure nonsense. Again, if this according to Amazon UK or whoever else is publishing this info turns out to be true, then it was true - so be it. If not, perhaps the official announcement from someone like the actual publisher of the book itself would be worth waiting for if the album's release "leaks" were any indication.

- Next, some of the talk about co-writers and autobiographies and the nature of writing such a book in general. How many books which are published as autobiographies by non-authors are written entirely by that non-author without a co-writer, researchers, and collaborators in general? I have a few shelves full of music bios and autobiographies, and offhand there are not many autobiographies that were written solely and exclusively by the subject himself or herself.

How and why this is even an issue kind of boggles my mind, to be honest about it. If this book is supposed to be somehow different in nature from what is the generally accepted standard of celebrity memoirs or autobiographies, then I'd suggest looking for other things to point out for critique, if that's the intent.

A few months ago I bought Carole King's autobiography, what she called a memoir. Interesting read, well-written by Carole herself...notable for the fact that in the introduction, she specifically describes how she had to basically research her own life history, how she asked others who were there with her or witnessed some things in her career firsthand to help her fill in the missing pieces of her memories, and also at the end of that paragraph basically puts all her cards on the table and says she may get some things wrong, and if so for her fans and readers to feel free to fill in or correct some of those points. That's the truth of the matter, essentially, that someone famous like Carole King when writing her own story has to ask others about things that happened in her own life because she simply can't remember.

So in this case, having a co-writer or researcher or whatever else is being speculated working on a Brian Wilson memoir is different...or should be different...exactly how does that work? Even in terms of Beach Boys memoirs, Brian would not be the only band member working on a memoir with a co-author and researchers, or am I missing something?  :)

- Finally, that framework laid out could apply to any number if not the majority of autobiographies and memoirs which have been researched, written, and published. Just change the names, you'll have a framework of how everyone from Tom to Dick to Harry had an autobiography put together and released.

But this issue of "filters"...

I see it discussed as if this book is somehow "old hat", like it's been done already, like the new will be a repeat of the old but with different filters...or other issues connected, whatever the case I'm not understanding the points being suggested.

We have two memoirs-autobiographies from the two most visible and well-known surviving band members in the works. Both being done with co-writers if we look at publicly published credits so far with co-writers Mr. Fine and Mr. Hirsch, doing the collaborative writing.

Consider what previously published "versions" of these stories and memoirs do we have available: One was supposed to be an autobiography but which later was exposed as a complete fraud that the actual subject never read nor did he have much if anything at all to do with its creation. And that, as mentioned, can be shown by simply reading some of the absurdities and ridiculous passages in that book.

The other was more of a multimedia version of events via a TV movie about the Beach Boys that billed itself as an "official" biography and history of the band depicted in film, yet the actual film was beyond a trainwreck, it was absolutely awful and so far off the mark with some events and how some key players were profiled that it could have been termed slanderous if it weren't so bad it was actually comical, in the Ed Wood style of "so bad it's good". Well, let me rephrase that, it was so bad it's simply not worth watching again.

So from one of the band members soon releasing a book, the previous book was a complete farce that the subject himself disowned, while the previous "official" recounting of history from the other band member turned out to be a cartoon-like hack job that was simply not true to reality yet advertised as the true story of The Beach Boys.

Talk about filters? Let's talk about filters.  ;D  

The good part for us as fans is that we're hopeful to be getting something above those previous projects from all parties involved, a more direct telling of events with more history to share. If there is any kind of "it's already been done, we've already heard this..." kind of attitude in play, I'd suggest perhaps that isn't the case and these new books will indeed offer something new. Gotta give 'em a chance to actually come out and be read, though, before dismissing them.

How about Last Wilson Standing? I think that's a great title. Yeah, I'll take credit for it. Thought of it all by myself. Yep.

And hey, Mike's book doesn't use a Beach Boys title. His book is called Good Vibration. Not Good Vibrations, so Mike didn't do it either. Riiiiiight.

Brians book or Harper Lee's sequel to "to kill a mocking bird". What's the bigger literary event of 2015

 ;D

How about just plain "Wilson" superimposed on a picture of a Wilson soccer ball? Can't get more self explanatory than that, huh?

It's gonna be the new Salinger books.

bgas....the skinny lad with the hairy chest in the background.....Who might that be ?

Just to prove I can be a picky SOB about other stuff too, technically it's not a sequel - at least chronologically speaking - as it was written before TKAM.

The original manuscript's flashback squences were worked into a novel that became TKMA.  So, in a way, she wrote both at the same time.

It's Not Easy Being Me .....  ?

Chalk me up as another who thinks Catch a Wave will remain the definitive Brian Wilson biography. Unless Brian really, finally let's go and bares his soul on the more sensitive topics (SMiLE, in-fighting, home life details) as well as murkier ones we don't know too much about (Smiley, Adult/Child, Landy from his perspective) then this will be somewhat pointless.

I'm worried it may end up being like Grace Slick's autobiography: meandering, unstructured, focusing too much on stupid sh!t no one cares about while ignoring the big subjects we all wanted to hear from her perspective (Monterey, Woodstock and Altamont only got like one page each). If Brian's bio turns out like that, I'll be really disappointed. Frankly, these celebrity contributions have me worried. It sounds like it'll just be a puff piece with half the book being fellow musicians telling us what we already know--how influential Brian was to music--while side-stepping the details and nitty gritties that we haven't heard and will never get the chance to if this book doesn't deliver.

I wouldn't mind a 100-page puff piece as long as the content was interesting and unexpected. Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, David Crosby, Lindsey Buckingham, and Bob Dylan is the same old soft rock we've already heard from consistently for decades.

It will probably another 20 years before BB/BW management gives space for artists like Kevin Shields, Jeff Mangum, R. Stevie Moore, Jim O'Rourke, Ariel Pink, Noah Lennox, et. al.

It was nice to see Robert Schneider pop up in Mark Dillon's book.

Brian and John Stamos?

Years ago I read an interview with Jim O'Rourke (in The Wire I think) where he seemed very determined to make it clear that he is not a fan of Brian Wilson and only likes some of the Smile/Smiley Smile stuff (IIRC). But I do get your point. Including Kevin Shields would certainly be great, especially since there is that (non-confirmed?) quote where Brian says he loves MBV (can't find it right now so this is a bit vague).

And what would be the point of those younger artists showing up in the book? So I can read about how much they like Brian? I might as well be in the book. Of the people listed, some actually know and worked with Brian. The others were there when Brian was still a young man, observing his musical evolution.

Do we really need to read "I really like Pet Sounds a lot, and it influenced meeeeee...."? If someone wants to make a book called Young People Praise Brian Wilson, then fine, but what could they possibly have to offer in a biography?

Assuming that the Amazon UK summary is legit, and coming from Brian's team, then it already looks like the book is going into heretofore under-discussed areas. Yes, Brian has of course talked about Murry, but not with the depth or clarity that he’s certainly capable of.  As far as his mother is concerned, Brian has mostly kept his opinions to himself (between the two parents, Murry has hogged all the attention). The apparently current view of his mother as “passive” is without a doubt a negative judgment of her, so that's already one bombshell right there.  With respect to his mother, the question now is whether Brian will only open that door a crack (which was what happened in 1991, and which resulted in litigation), or whether he will kick it down and let the light shine in.

The celebrity contributions might be designed to convince the more casual reader of how artistically significant Brian really is (sort of like the celebrity interviews in the I Just Wasn't Made For These Times documentary in the 90s). Perhaps the book will simply be p.r.-oriented in some sections, and fairly dark and heavy in others. In Brian's case, 400 pages or so are probably not nearly enough to cover everything in depth.

Maybe you should just wait until the book comes out, read it and bitch about it then.

I'm just speculating like everyone else. I'll most likely buy it regardless, but I dont expect it to be as good as Catch a Wave and forgive me for thinking so.

You're not from these parts, are you ?  ;D

I really wasn't directing my comment to you specifically , it was just a generalization . I am curious though why everyone thinks Carlin's book is so good, 90% of what I read was old news to me. Much of it taken from periodicals like Rolling Stone, Crawdaddy etc.

I'm actually from out of town and just passing through.

Well, I had been a fan for years when I read it, but I didnt know much about Brian except what I'd read online here and there. So for a newcomer, it was extremely informative. And I dont think anyone could deny that it was a compelling read.

I'd like to add a few points to consider, regarding previous books like Carlin's, etc., and how this upcoming book may indeed be different on one huge point.

The Carlin book had a major strength in my opinion that came from the sources he had accessed for the research. There were firsthand accounts, thoughts, descriptions, and opinions from people who had been close to Brian who were asked to describe their experiences on any number of events. Unlike some of the previous bios and books, you had high school friends of Brian's, 1960's sources like Michael Vosse, Danny Hutton, etc, and beyond adding their new input to tell the story. Those who had in any way interacted with people like Bob Hanes via emails, phone, or even fan group posts had an idea of who some of these people were and what they could add to the history. Rich Sloan, Bruce Griffin, Robin Hood, and others could fill in some of the early memories and moments which could carry forward into whatever era was being discussed and draw possible connections as to how and why some things played out as they did.

It was very similar to what Timothy White accomplished in his book, where his calling card was to delve as deep into the family tree and the backstory of many "current" Beach Boys events and happenings in order to draw some of those same connections to the past. White's telling of the Wilson and Love family histories is still perhaps the definitive historical telling of that aspect of the band's story.

But...what both Carlin and White (and others, too) lacked was that specific one-on-one conversational telling of the story from Brian himself. A lot of the historical events in Carlin's book had to be told in the usual pastiche method, where you'd read accounts from other observers or participants, you'd read transcripts of existing session tapes or other audio/video material, and where you'd get a patchwork of quotes and excerpts from previous interviews. It was not necessarily a bad thing, but it was using what was available to work with in telling the story.

So the Carlin book had a lot of third-person narrative and narratives excerpted from previous sources, but what may have been lacking was that element of speaking with Brian one-on-one and letting the tape roll as he spoke directly in his own words (and with a current perspective) about what happened or more importantly, what *he thought* about what happened with decades of retrospect in play.

I don't view that as a negative, again it was working within what was available as other books had done, and bringing out some sources that had not been heard from previously, or had not been as prominently featured previously, was the "fastball" or main appeal of Carlin's book. But it never felt like, nor was it probably intended to be, "Brian in his own words". It was more of a historical overview, and as that it worked quite well and is essential reading along with the other obvious titles in that essential category.

Let's take the first Landy-led "biography" off the table in these considerations, shall we? If it hasn't been debunked and dismissed as much as it should be, it's a rather easy task to pursue by reading through the chapters after Landy and his team entered the story.

I guess I'm not getting the reticence or the reluctance to see this upcoming book as something offering a new take and a new, firsthand perspective on the historical points we all talk about and ponder endlessly as fans. It may or may not incorporate some of the same excerpting as done by Carlin, White, Preiss, and other previous authors, but I get the feeling this will be different for the fact that we'll hear Brian himself commenting and describing some of these with a modern perspective.

The difference? Take any 'event', say the KHJ summer 1967 incident where nighttime DJ Tom Maule got visited by Brian and his entourage hand-carrying the new Heroes acetate to give KHJ a world premiere spin of the new record, and Maule balked before he was ordered to play it. In all the books so far, we've gotten a mash-up of Melcher's account via Tom Nolan, and other pieced-together accounts. On *this board* we've gotten other perspectives from those like Stephen Desper who was involved directly, from fans like Custom Machine who know a helluva lot about KHJ and radio history, and others among us who can add various points to give a wider focus on what has passed into (apocryphal?) legend...but which may have more elements.

That KHJ story may or may not even be mentioned in the book, we'll find out soon, but how much more can we underestimate or downplay on this board how important and how interesting it would be to get Brian's own words and thoughts on that matter and others without relying on articles published 40+ years ago, rather than look at it for something new that hasn't really been published in this way previously?

Multiply that times any similar stories where a modern, personal take on them from the man himself have been few or far between in any previous bios or books, and you have more than a few reasons why this project could (or will) in fact be different.

And, of course, actually finding out what's in the book when it comes out is a given at this point, but worth restating anyway.  ;D

Some good points made here as to past books, but it seems to me you're going on a premise that Brian is actively involved in his new book and will be including revelations galore.  
 Do you have some insider information on which to base your speculations or are you simply trying to promote the book blindly, based on the publicity?

I'm another who thought Carlin's book was really well done, especially for me as a newbie wide-eyed fan. It delved into the making of each album with considerable detail (making me curious enough to go out and buy every album), it was well written, told the whole story (as best as it could be told) from beginning to end. I can see why it would disinterest older fans, but to new fans it's a great introductory to the life of Brian. Whether it'll be the definitive story time will tell.


Well put. The Amazon summary clearly describes this book as being anchored by Brian's own first person account, and the topics listed sound fairly controversial. Doesn't sound like a puff piece to me.

In return, how do you know he's not, for one? So you must think that the project is nothing but a rubber stamp on the last page, but based on what exactly? Do you have insider knowledge of the project? If not, than why try to convince anyone else of how little involvement there is or was? The premise is, wait until it comes out and then let the opinions fly all over cyberspace, because then at least we'll have something concrete to judge for ourselves.

I'll gladly discuss anything I've written, but how is it that my comments and commentary above triggered this kind of reply while other opinions about the book being good or bad or even saying "it won't be as good as fill in the previous book title or band member's name" before a single page or excerpt (or official release date, for the record) has come out have gone unchallenged or just accepted as a consensus?

I'll engage a conversation but not if it feels like I'm being called on to defend something I write with a positive angle in this way while other opinions suggesting all things negative and cynical are taken in stride. I reject double standards as passionately as I do hypocrisy, for the record.

And no, I have not seen nor heard nor read as much as an actual sentence from the upcoming book, but I can offer my opinion that those doing to the book what they did to the album last year, which is suggesting they already know how bad it will suck in comparison to something they'd rather see, or how much less "essential" or less good they're convinced it will be prior to even seeing a single advance sentence from said book says a lot about those writing those opinions. But for a small handful on this board, that's unfortunately how things go. Cynical and negative from the first announcement onward.

And lest I get charged again with trying to shut down opinions as I was regarding the album talk last summer, if someone actually reads and doesn't like the book and expresses the reasons why, that's perfectly fine, and let's dialogue a bit on our thoughts. But forming such strong negative opinions without reading a single word or hearing a single note can be very revealing...I'll leave it at that.

And where in my writings above, any of the several thousand or more words, have I gone anywhere as close to overly praising or "promoting" the book as those who have gone out of their way to decide in advance what it will be and how bad it will be with no knowledge whatsoever of the project?

So if countering that with my opinions and observations and speculations that lean more positive and less cynical about projects that haven't been released yet, call it "blindly promoting" for all I care. I'll weigh that as much as I do those who have already written off this and other upcoming books and projects in general based on nothing but personal bias and cynicism.

How dare they post something like that.  :lol  >:D  :hat  ;)  :banana :thewilsons

Looks like this has now been pushed back to OCTOBER 2016 - well that's what the release date is now on my Amazon UK account  :-\

That's down to changing authors recently. Jason Fine's exact status on the project had been questionable for some time before Brian let the cat out of the bag in a recent interview. Exactly why depends on who you listen to.

So, looks like Brian's and Mike's memoirs could hit the shelves at almost the same time. Most excellent. ;D

Cheers AGD - didn't know that. GRRRRRR....  :'(

… which means it'd make sense to hav them published around the time of something that could drum up a load of favourable PR… a PS50 reunion tour, for example ;D

And maybe before each show they could do a lecture....argh... already done in Beach Boys land...

Would love to hear your theory.

Mike alluded to a possible return of the full group just after the end of the C50 show.   It was implied that a period of time between reunion tours would rekindle interest and circumvent diminishing returns on the expensive full group shows.   Starting to sound like 2016 might be the time, if any.

Pray tell, why ?

I'd be shocked if that happened since both camps seem to be doing pretty well. 

But, stranger things have happened. 

Yeah, I think Mike's too proud to ask the others to join him and he seemed to hate doing C50.

Brian's on top of the world, new album, new movie, book coming out...why would he dilute that asking someone who seemingly didnt like working with him and "fired" him to tour together again?

I just dont see it happening

I haven't  known  Brian  to be someone who likes talking about himself, but who knows? He has always let his music do the talking. I am willing  to be surprised  though. I'll buy the book,but we'll see what happens.

A thread about Brian's book and - yet again - back to the subject of a possible reunion.  I'm not surprised Brian seemed to be irritable about the subject in a recent interview. It seems that whatever he does - new albums, tours, another book, a film about his life - it always harks back to the past.

If it happens, it happens (maybe if I think and wish and hope and pray it won't come true) but perhaps we should enjoy the things we have got now rather than constantly wanting to turn back the clock.

Hey Ang, I know you're one of those people that wants Brian to move forward and not look back, but when you're part of one of the biggest groups in musical history, it's gonna come up. A lot.

I mean....shoot, even look at Paul McCartney. He's had a whole lot of success both solo and with Wings (which was basically a solo project under a band name. Yet I doubt there was a day from 1970 thru 1980 where he wasn't asked when he'd get back with John, George and Ringo. And even after the loss of John, people still wanted to know, will you reform The Beatles with George and Ringo. And then they finally do it, and finish two new songs together. Then George passes away. Yet, still to this day, you still have people asking if Paul will finish the song "Now and Then" that John worked on before he died. So even though Paul and Ringo are left, people still want new Beatles music.

So how could you blame them if there are seven men out there who were/are Beach Boys (including the two biggest players, Brian and Mike) still around. People love The Beach Boys. They've done a lot of amazing stuff together. And people want more. That's just how it goes.

I understand why it happens but after awhile it is just like listening to nagging. If a thread is specifically about the the possibility of a reunion, OK, but must it be brought up  even in threads that have nothing to do with the subject?

As I've written before, Brian has toured with the Beach Boys for a relatively short period: the early years and then not until 1976 and after, when he certainly didn't seem to be enjoying it much for the most part. He  reached the artistic peak of his song writing career at the time he was not touring with the Beach Boys and the album most consider the band's best, Pet Sounds, was mainly the brainchild of Brian and Tony Asher.  Brian seems on many occasions to have been constrained by the Beach Boys rather than truly supported by all of them and it is a pity that not only could some of the Beach Boys not keep up with him but nor could some of his fans.  He is continually being asked to 'do it again' , 'come about hard and join the young and ofter spring'. Brian's current band, on the other hand, have been unfailingly supportive and  he seems relaxed on stage with them.

Mike has shown little sign of wanting to try to move forward creatively. IMO the best songs on TWGMTR were Brian's mini suite. It therefore seems likely that a further reunion would have the same problem of factions pulling in different directions, perhaps with another 'tears before bedtime' ending. This is the last thing I would want as Brian comes to what has been suggested may be his last tour of  Europe though of course it isn't my call.

We can still see Brian - for now. We can still see Mike and Bruce. Maybe not together but if they are not really together even when they occupy the same stage, then it is better for them to be on different stages. Though they put on good shows throughout the C50 tour, there were obvious cracks and tensions. It is down to the Beach Boys. There is so much money at stake that who knows. But Brian's last words on the subject seem not to be in favour and I hope he does what makes him most happy rather than just what makes him most money.

ehhh...not knocking Brian but his albums, tours, book(s) and the film, for better or worse, all trade on the past.

Of the 29 Beach Boys' studio albums released over 53 years, on which ones was Brian "constrained" by the Beach Boys and which ones could his fans "not keep up with"?

Perhaps a fair bit of criticism on the tours but for literally everything else...I mean...what should a biographical book and movie be but a telling of his past?? And I dont think it's fair to call his albums that either. Sure theyre probably similar in style to his earlier stuff but, thats his technique. His niche. The way he writes. Whats wrong with that?

Pet Sounds, SMiLE (tho not as much as is often reported), forced to release Surfs Up when he didnt want to, met with hostility with the fairy tale on Holland, pressured to give up on Adult/Child, Carl didnt want to use the Paley material, deliberately sued for completing SMiLE...I mean, is that enough? You want I should keep going?  :P

I think your definition of "constrained" is different than mine. :)

Find me a biography that "trades" on the present or future of the subject being profiled and I'll mix up a batch of polka-dot paint, as the 3 Stooges used to say.

Well to be fair I was just questioning AJ's post about trading on the past but as you asked.

BW88. Beach Boys style vocals.
IJWMFTT. Remakes.
Imagination. BBsv's plus remake.
Roxy. Past.
PS Live. obvious past.
GIOMH. Artists from the past (or past it), some songs also.
BWPS. obvious past.
WIRWFC. Remakes.
TLOS. California/ LA 50s and 60s, Surfer Girl etc.
Gershwin. Mainly remakes
Disney. Remakes
NPP. Some modern artists at last!

Not definitive and not knocking the guy, just answering a post.

And look at those negative reactions that hit this board to word last summer that Brian was working with new artists. Talk about damned if you do, damned if you don't. Or criticism for criticism's sake, whichever fits. This whole deal about trading in the past is absurd, once you've created art or music that exists in the upper echelon of your field you're supposed to do what, exactly? Tear it down? Deny it, run away from it? I don't get this line of thought at all. In Brian's case he made his mark in his field of music by the age of 25, and he's still making music today, performing both old and new - What else exactly should he do to please people, then?

And I still can't believe the charges of trading in the past applied to a biography, any biography -  it's like criticizing a burger joint for making hamburgers. No logic at all, just empty criticism. Silly stuff. 

Definition of autobiography: "an account of a person's life written by that person". Not that person's present, or future... life, as in past. If Brian's autobiography doesn't at least allude to The Beach Boys, and his work with them, then it's going to be a mighty slim - and unspeakably tedious - volume. Beyond silly, actively and rampantly stupid.

The obvious ones are Pet Sounds and SMiLE.  Some of the fans, like some of the band, wanted to stick with the sort of songs with which they were familiar.

It's true that Brian's music references the past and of course a biography and a film that details parts of Brian's life are bound to. The difference is that Brian's latest music isn't just pretending we are back in 1965. Things have changed.  Whatever Happened from No Pier Pressure describes the past,  but it isn't pretending we are still in it.

And... ummm... exactly how was Brian "constrained" by the band on Pet Sounds ? They sang their socks off on it (as they did with Smile, as well), and the former was released. As the latter wasn't, hard to see how the fans couldn't keep up with it as the vast majority of them never got to hear it in 1966-67. Also, said fans seemed to like "WIBN" and "GOK" well enough. Let's not even start with that familiar old "Good Vibrations". If anyone constrained Brian on those two albums the way you're implying (i.e. utter bafflement) it was the suits in the tower.

So, there's not a single track on NPP that doesn't have some kind of connection with that past, or doesn't hark back ? I like the album a lot, more each time I hear it (track 4 excepted) but to me one of its graces is that it's, essentially, Son Of TWGMTR. Some of Brian's very best solo work harks back to the halcyon days of the 60s - TLOS, "Rio Grande" to name but two. Nothing wrong with looking back at the past, or reinventing it. The trick is not to get stuck there. I think David Leaf summed it up very neatly back in the late seventies when I noted on a marked similarity in a new track to one from the sixties: "Brian never forgets a good riff".

Without Brian's past, he has no present, or future.

As for the book, it seemed that Fine forged a close relationship with Brian, enabling him to open up and be... well, Brian. I'm guessing he took all the interviews with him, thus the new collaborator, whoever they may be, must start from scratch again. I wish him well in his challenging task. It's a book I very much want to read.

What do you have against On the Island? It's beautiful? Where is your heart?

The track is fine... love Brian's vocals. However, sounds like Deschanel couldn't get it over and done with quick enough. There's insouciant, and then there's bored witless.

Listen to "An Occasional Man" by Jeri Southern from the 1950's.  It has a similar island vibe and the same clipped style of delivery.  I immediately thought of this record when I heard Zoe's song.

I'm not disputing that the Beach Boys sang on both albums, simply that they could have been more supportive of his ideas. Of course many of the fans appreciated the music from the start but there have always been fans who are happier with All Summer Long than with some of the material from SMiLE.  They are entitled to an opinion but surely Brian is also entitled to move on when he wants to.

The fact that SMiLE wasn't released is pretty irrelevant because lots of tracks from it WERE released.

There seems to have been pressure for Brian to carry on producing songs about summer, surfing etc.  I think some of this came from other band members. Mike seemed and to some extent still seems happier performing the material mainly from the first few years of the band's career.

I've already written that of course Brian references the past - he does so frequently. But there is a big difference between remembering it and being influenced by it, even quoting from things he has done before, and trying to pretend it's 1965 again, and you're 'going steady'. 

My comment about harking back to the past was the continual wish of some fans that they reunite. The problem I have is with the  refusal to accept that Brian can succeed in what he is doing now and that he needs the Beach Boys. For what? His band are more talented instrumentally. As younger men, their vocals are better. What exactly is to be achieved by a reunion? I don't believe Mike is irreplaceable as a lyricist either. So it is just the idea rather than the reality of the band being together that is the big appeal. And whilst these guys were brilliant at harmony musically, too often that didn't extend to their relationships with each other and so we get obvious divisions, different ideas about direction and even the sour ending as in 2012.

Brian must have been touring with his current band for as long, or even longer, than he toured with the Beach Boys.  Maybe in years to come when Brian has retired, some will regret they didn't make the most of that whilst it was there.

It seems a convoluted argument.  I would agree with Andrew, in this instance that NPP has a BB feel.  It doesn't mean "going steady." How could that inference emerge for lifers with kids and grandkids in tow? And who would revert to 1965? I don't hear any echos that any other band in the BB sphere doesn't give Brian's band props for being accomplished musicians.  Ever.  By the same token, the touring band is far from incompetent.  

What blows my mind is this concept of "retribution" that would or should be foisted upon them, and they should "regret they didn't make the most of that whilst it was there." And, Brian has never asserted, ever that vengeful tone, that I've heard, and at 73 why would he start now?  Your position is clear.  You don't want another reunion.  

However, to assert a "crime and punishment" theory is a little over the top, in my opinion.  And ultimately they may be Beach Boys but they are Big Boys and can self-determine their career direction.  

Lots of musicians never retire and why many enjoy longevity.  They music gives them renewed enjoyment and plenty of endorphins, (as recent research is revealing) as well as fosters continued creativity.

The format of Paul McCartney's "Many Years From Now" would work for me if it were used for Brian's book. Miles writes the narrative but inserts numerous Macca quotes, plus quotes from Linda. That could be done for Brian's book by including Melinda (and Marilyn) quotes. Anderle, VDP et al would be interesting additions but not essential to the core of the book IMHO.

NPP for me doesn't particularly have a BB feel, except insofar as Brian Wilson wrote music for the Beach Boys. My reference to 'going steady' was a quote from a TWGMTR song - Isn't It Time. "Isn't it time we go steady again". This whole lyric is about going back to the way things were - just as Do it Again was back in 1969. I quite like the music to this song but the words - well, especially when juxtaposed to some melancholy songs from Brian at the end of the album, give a rather depressing tone to the album for me, denial battling against resignation -  a feeling that is entirely lacking from NPP

Crime and punishment? Have I inadvertently strolled into some alternative universe? I never mentioned either thing. More a case of 'don't it always seem to go you don't know what you've got til it's gone'. Those who are now regretting the fact that the BBs are no longer together may at some point regret that Brian isn't playing with his current band any longer. I know I will. But it isn't about being punished.

I have consistently stated this isn't my call. Neither is it the call of anyone posting here unless Beach Boys are posting using an alias. Like everyone, though, I'm entitled to my own opinion and if it's OK for someone to suggest that they should have a reunion then it's OK for me to suggest they shouldn't.

As for Mike and Bruce, I made no criticism of their band, nor am I suggesting that Mike and Bruce should lose whatever endorphin rush they get from continuing to play.

Endorphins are now known to lower blood pressure, boost immune systems, among other benefits not confined to just "Mike and Bruce" but across the board.  It was something I came across recently, but has been in the music therapy domain for a few years now, and seems to make sense after hearing Howie Kaylan (The Turtles or Flo and Eddie) declare at a recent Happy Together concert,"Rock and roll keeps you young."

And, I guess music (or exercise or laughter) is good for all of us, and whether it is the performer or the audience.  It's fun, and Brian is no different. Whether he has an "end date" set in stone, is up to him.  Betty White, the American actress hasn't retired from comedy, and she is in her 90's.  Nor has Tony Bennett. Time will tell.

Of course we are all entitled to an opinion.  What difference does it make if any band members have a nom de plume and are posting here? We all are subject to the same ground rules here.  It isn't the opinion which is intractable, but the concept of "they were imprudent and now have to pay the price" in terms of regret. 

But I disagree that NPP doesn't have a BB feel or potential.  Sail Away and The Right Time sounded like BB potential songs because "what is a BB song" covers a large realm.

I have NO problem with musicians continuing to play and indeed tour for as long as they want and as long as people want to see them. Of course this applies to Brian as well as to Mike and Bruce. Nor do I care if any of them post here under an alias. My point simply was that whilst it isn't MY call or the call of any other fan, if Brian, Mike or Bruce are posting here, of course it IS their decision.

Your opinion of NPP is of course down to you. Each of us has a take on this - sometimes others will agree, sometimes not but each opinion has some validity in that it is based on things we have picked up from the music. With the arts the listener/viewer/reader is a part of the equation - there is more to every creative work than just what is put into it but also what we get out of it. Of course as Brian wrote songs for the Beach Boys for many years we are sometimes going to hear things in that music that reminds us of earlier Beach Boys' songs.

Y'know, you're starting to turn into an OSDalike, in that pretty much anything and everything you post these days revolves around the same old premise: you, personally, don't want another reunion and didn't want the 2012 one either. We get the message.

Ang, It's a badge of honor to be in the same sentence as OSD!  :hat

They, especially Brian, are generally doing better work at 70+ than they were doing at 50+ or even 40+. Without the 2012 album, Brian's BB career as a truly creative artist would have been more or less over in 1977, when he was half the age he was in 2012.

It was the artists he was working with that sparked a negative reaction, not that some of them happened to be new. Also the shamelessness of "Yeah, the only reason these 'guest collaborators' are here is to make a quick buck from 10-year-olds, not to create art." Everybody would have lost their sh*t in anticipation if somebody like R. Stevie Moore or Noah Lennox was called in instead of what's-her-name-coincidentally-signed-to-Capitol-Records and what's-his-name-coincidentally-signed-to-Capitol-Records.

Go back and read some of that crap that got posted when the announcements came down. It didn't go down as you're stating it. And I still haven't seen any of those who were insisting certain things about the way the guest artists were chosen to participate ever 'fessing up to being dead wrong on their assumptions of what happened versus what actually did. Including this bit about Capitol Records. But they never do.

"Everybody" is a pretty bold assumption to make, isn't it? If Brian wanted to record this record with members of Animal Collective or any Elephant 6 artists or Mac DeMarco or Ty Segall or Christopher Owens or anyone else we'd name, they would have been contacted.

I would have loved Noah Lennox recording with Brian Wilson. That would have been a mindf***.  

That might actually sound like...if Atticus Ross was given Beach Boys multi-tracks to make mash-ups. Which itself is pretty heavenly.  :listening

If I'm not mistaken, according to Melinda, their children made the suggestions about the guest artists on NPP. I didn't get the impression that Brian was very much involved in selecting the guest artists.

And that's fine, he doesn't have to be involved with that.  He's Brian Freaking Wilson.

SMiLE Brian - thanks for your message!

AGD - Oh, so you mention my referring to a reunion but no mention of the person who brought the subject up.  I didn't post my opinion until after if had yet again been introduced into the conversation. So I infer that going on and on and on about the reunion is fine if you are one of those who wants it but not if you are one of those who doesn't. Just so we've got that straight.

I know my opinion on the subject is tedious in the extreme to you - likewise!

It's true that some people were anxious simply over the fact that it was a "guest singers album" since Gettin' In Over My Head was so bad, but I seriously doubt people would have had the same reaction had Mac DeMarco been on the bill. I hate that dude and even I would have been excited.

I wouldn't be surprised if Brian has no idea who Elephant 6 is even though people have been asking him about it for 10 years. I wish his kids had better taste in music.

If it please you, young master Manning, post #83.


Here's a concept - how about not posting your opinion on a topic we all know you find distasteful ? I agree, to be discussing it in a thread about Brian's book is a bit odd. Very odd, actually, unless that's the real reason why his book has been put back a year*... but in the subsequent posts you've been one who has mentioned it most. Like I said in another thread, unless something remarkable transpires, ain't gonna happen, so no need to sweat on it. Change the cylinder. Everyone here knows I detest a single released in 1965, but I don't mention it more than once a week on average.  ;D


Not just me. You're way smarter than OSD, but you're beginning to adopt his "there's a post about Mike - must make a derogatory comment" credo. "There's a post about a possible reunion - must tell everyone I don't want that".

Serious if entirely hypothetical question: suppose Brian repeats next year what happened in 2010-2011, in that he firmly denied left, right, centre, up and down that any reunion was happening and that he wasn't interested anyway, then when it's confirmed says "I'm glad that's over, I was running out of things to say !" (not verbatim, but he said something very much like that to at least one interviewer - gotta love the guy !)... what's your opinion then ? Other than "I'll bet he was coerced/bullied into doing it" ?  I know some of my previous "what-ifs" have been loaded, but this one is pure blue sky.

[* this is a mild jest: it's not any reason at all]

thank you for reminding us of Brian's statements prior to C50, Andrew.  You are correct,
and there is something quite similar happening right now visa vis  some of Brian's replies.

additionally:  "Maybe we'll be coming back someday. Together in the end to sing with you again."

- etc

There's a subtle difference this time: back in 2010 it wasn't just the 50th anniversary. Smile was in the equation and the various factions were less polarised. A PS/GV 50 should never be discounted entirely, for these are The Beach Boys after all, and literally anything is possible. That said, I'm not seeing it. It would be totally logical, as aside from the 50th anniversary of Smile not being released there's nothing else to get really worked up about until 2024... when Mike will be 83, Brian, Alan & Bruce 82 and David 76 (assuming... well, just assuming). But then, logic and The Beach Boys have never enjoyed anything like a lasting, stable relationship.

"we'll be doin' it in our eighties"

- almost there

Funny though how it wasn't noted how odd it was to be mentioning THAT subject in a thread about Brian's book until I gave my opinion on it.

I wasn't of course making derogatory comments about Mike.  My annoyance was with the obsession some fans seem to have with this subject. Just as I'm sure anyone who reads my posts knows how I feel about it, I know how many of them feel too. If everyone lays off this subject until it seems to be either ruled out or a real possibility it would suit me fine. Otherwise, it is like being in the car with an impatient kid saying 'Are we there yet?' every thirty seconds.  Or like being repeatedly kicked in the shins and then criticised for saying 'Ow!'

IF Brian were to change his mind I wouldn't be surprised. I wouldn't think he was necessarily coerced either. I would think he might have wanted to end as he began, with the Beach Boys. He might have had an irresistible offer. He might have felt he'd be doing right by the fans ('Oh, for God's sake, shut up! We'll be there in a minute!'). But I bet if Brian had it sky written that he would NEVER have another reunion, several on this board and others would say 'Yes, but what will he say NEXT week?'

PS  People who are repeatedly asking for this are trying to apply pressure. Everyone who doesn't want it needs to do the same for balance.

Hi Ang, Brian Wilson, Tony Asher, and Mike Love say;

"You know it seems the more we talk about it, it only makes it worse to live without it.
But let's talk about it."

- cheers !

Ang - that is utter folly. The Beach Boys history is both "predictably unpredictable" and a "definite maybe."

Case in point. SMiLE. "it is coming; it isn't ready." 37 years pass and joy! It is released.  

Second case in point.  No reunion...then, 2012! Voilà!

Optimism always brings the best results.  This is neither a lobbying effort nor an election.

They, alone, can and will self-determine.

My fingers are always crossed but in the meantime, I just see whatever kind of BB/BW music is out there.  That's easy, and fun! When you least expect it, you get a great surprise!

And, life is good.  :thewilsons

additionally, filled, the other side, the balance so to speak, actually helps to
further the possibility.  That a Brian, Mike, Al, David, Bruce, Blondie, and Ricky
shindig is such a topic of discussion will only enhance the idea.

- pro or con

But, it serves no useful purpose to stress over this. And this division over "who should do what" and "my band is better" on this board causes stress and aggravation for nothing. 

Discussions and healthy debate are great but when the insults start flying over nonsense and the trolling starts it causes a lot of strife which is needless...

Things are just a matter of time, if they are meant to be.   ;)

and the opening tune for the tour could be a real surprise.

from "Gershwin", "They Can't Take That Away From Me",

Brian: "The way you wear you hat" (to Mike) and they trade leads
riffing on each other a la "Surfin' Bird".

- they can't take that away from me

I'm not sure about that one....as an opener.

How Could We still be Dancin' ?  :lol

humour is important to Brian.

"Summer Of Love"


well, it's a Love thing

Following the 2012 reunion tour, 2016 would've been the next logical time/year to have another Beach Boys' tour with the original members. The 50th Anniversary of Pet Sounds and/or Good Vibrations is a valid, and more importantly, marketable theme. The problem is that it's already August and the next thing you know it will be Christmas. Unless they would be targeting late 2016, isn't it a little late to be planning such a tour? Not to open up that can of worms again, but I would think Mike & Bruce are already booking dates for 2016.

As far as anniversaries are concerned, I think 2017 would be a stretch. While The Beach Boys Present SMiLE would be a curious choice and certainly draw attention...Mike, Al, Bruce, Dave, and whoever either aren't on the album or have very small roles, even smaller than on Pet Sounds. So what does that leave for a "reunion"? It would have to be a new album with a supporting tour. For a number of reasons that would take up 87 pages, I can't see Brian and Mike collaborating on a new album. A song or two or three? Possibly.

That being said, the only possibility of a reunion album/tour at this time would be if Brian finally records his rock & roll album, WITH The Beach Boys, on Capitol Records. With that scenario, Brian wouldn't have to compose any new music (he recently stated that he has writer's block), it wouldn't be necessary for Mike to collaborate "in a room" so that's a moot point, and it gives the group something to promote and tour behind. I'm actually not THAT concerned about Joe Thomas' s production on such a project. My two concerns would be, first, that the selection of oldies would be questionable (why did they chose THAT ONE when all those other great oldies are out there?), and, second, that instead of making it a true concept album of great rock & roll classics, they would shoehorn in a couple of new songs or songs that were "in the can". Can you say 15 Big Ones...or Still Cruisin'? Left to his own devices, I wonder what Brian would do?

And the last line says all we probably need to know in order to declare this one among the previous discussions on this subject which ultimately were the equivalent of talking into a dead phone.

Now it makes a little more sense. Some fans wish Brian Wilson shared their musical tastes and preferences and decided to make an album which lines up as such and had brought in artists they'd like to see record with him. And when that doesn't happen, then suggest all kinds of things about Brian (and family) and his musical tastes and preferences which they know nothing about other than interviews and various one-liners. I mean, possibly, just possibly...Brian at some point took a listen to any one of these bands or artists like Olivia Tremor Control or Apples In Stereo etc etc etc and just wasn't into it? Or just went through the same drill as anything remotely connected to the process of making choices and having likes and dislikes that is as simple as Pepsi versus CocaCola...and chose something over another. Wow, imagine that.

Tony Asher was writing about a different kind of union.....

It isn't an election but sometimes it does seem to be like a lobbying effort. What is the point of going on about this continually otherwise?

Of course it is their decision. And yes, they're unpredictable. Which guarantees nothing.

It would be nice if we could now get back to the book. Whose title perhaps gives us a message: 'I Am Brian Wilson'.

ok.  Ang wins this round !

the book will be a must have for us all.  It will make for a fascinating read and discussion !
the book must be approached with some trepidation.  It will contain a host of historical facts,
like the last one, and what else?  Will it reflect the influence of others?
Will it be a mere moment in time for Brian? (meaning it could be quite different if it were compiled
the month before or the month after publication.)

- book

I'm looking forward to reading both Brian and Mike's books next fall.  I think they'll both be good read and offer different perspectives of one of the greatest bands of all time. 

Now, when's Al going to find himself a publisher?

yes !  and Bruce and David and Darian and Scott and Paul.  Now we have a compendium !


btw, over the years Mike Love has been the epitomy of consistency in his recollections. Solid and unchanging.

- unlike

Let's say they were looking at a "Pet Sounds Reunion" tour (or whatever) for the Summer of 2016. They wouldn't be announcing that right now anyway. They probably wouldn't announce something like that until February or March of next year. We don't know what's being talked about.

When was C50 announced in relation to the start of the tour?

they played the Gammies Feb 12

the reunion announcement  was therefore prior, prolly Dec or Jan

Dec 16 2011.

I don't believe a PS50 until Al lets the cat out of the bag anyway.

you are correct, sir.  look to Al for some sort of hint.  he gets fidgety and blubbery.

- he also opens all his gifts before Christmas

Well, we must have managed a whole two or three posts about the book before... yawn... what was I writing?

The book is about Brian Wilson. If you want to write another one about how much you want a reunion, then you can start a thread about that. If you must.

yikes !  she's back !

ok. will it be Brian ?  can it be ?  is Brian a writer of books ?

- no

What in hell are you going on about?

Seems those two are pushing an agenda for Mike Love. Screw BW being forced to be in the nostalgia hell of no creativity that Mike lives in. Mike is a fraud anyway since he didn't live the surf lifestyle, Dennis Wilson did.

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What in hell are you going on about?

Ang, correctly, is keeping the discussion appropriate to the thread.
I respond to her entreaties and correspondingly comment on the book.

not certain who those two are SMiLE, but Ang and I share divergent opinions.

that's what it's all about, anyway

Ok I give in. Whats the occasion in 24?

No matter what thread it's in, it;s being discussed, let's discuss it. I'm agreeing with a lot of what Ang has said here. Maybe for different reasons, but I'm agreeing. I have to raise a few points that no one has mentioned (or remembered) here.

We're getting into dissecting what Brian said before C50, can we at least mention what Mike said *after* C50, specifically at and immediately after the Grammy Museum event? He said along the lines of this: You have to be careful not to get overexposed. There was interest from promoters, but according to Mike they said "give it a rest for a year".

So now I've seen what Ang pointed out too, maybe more subliminally than overtly, but it seems like groups of fans in the 'net universe of the BB's seem to be doing a whisper and nudge campaign to get Brian to agree to rejoin Mike and do another reunion. Call it lobbying, call it whatever, but I noticed it in various posts across the net as well.

The question is, why? And in what way would it work at this point?

Look at Mike's schedule for the next few months, it's packed averaging 3-5 shows per week, just the publicly available ones minus the corporate and private gigs like the one in Boston where Tony Asher showed up at a veterinarian convention gig. The group is touring constantly, doing it the way Mike wants to do it.

So after C50 and after various statements and interviews and press releases coming from Mike, there were fans here defending the choices to end the reunion lineup due to the set end date and whatever other reasons, and let Mike do his thing even if Brian-Al-Dave wanted to get some more gigs booked. Then B-A-D did in fact start booking more gigs on their own, and fans said "that's what both groups want, we'll have a chance to see both groups when they come to our areas".

NOW, though, what do we expect to happen? Fans got what they said Mike seemed to say he wanted to do, and has been doing for over 2 years solid: Playing over 150 shows a year in any number of regions and countries, if fans want to see him there is a good chance he'll make a stop nearby. He don't miss no one.

Brian just did a tour in the US, both coasts. Rave reviews up and down minus one on this board. Al and Blondie with him. He added a few more dates for the fall, who knows what else will come since he seems to be into what he was doing this summer with the band on the road.

We had a reunion in 2012, it ended, the reasons given as to why it ended whether it be a set end date or not wanting to risk becoming like The Eagles and overexposed were defended strongly on the board so Mike could again resume touring as he wanted to tour.

But some now either want or expect Brian (and Al and Dave and possibly Blondie and maybe even Ricky and Billy H, I would imagine) to do the C50 reunion thing again? Wasn't it done, didn't it have a set end date and no follow-up to avoid risking overexposure...or was that just an excuse? Which is it? Some people got just what they were defending in Fall 2012 - Mike is on the road playing an average of 3-5 or more shows per week as he wanted. Brian has been doing his own tours since Fall 2012.

Where were those demands and requests and "Bring Back C50" calls in Fall 2012? But now in 2015 it's on Brian (and Al) to suddenly change plans and schedule a tour with Mike?

Sometimes I guess you have to be careful what you wish for.

As I understand it the offering promoters apparently weren't just saying give it a rest but their offers were for 2013 not the rest of 2012. 

Endless Summer - remember, however much we love them, Joe Q. Public could care less about the post-Pet Sounds albums, but this was huge, a #1 hit.

Seriously ? I mean, SERIOUSLY ? You really think that the people who monitor these forums - and they do, they do - will report back to Mike/Brian/Alan that "fans out there are agitating for a PS50 next year", and that this will cause someone to reach for the phone and say "hey guys, better do something next year, the fans are expecting it". The only thing I doubt more than, say, 100 fans can influence such a decision is that the assorted camps are so dumb that they can't work out next year is a significant 50th anniversary.

However, the greatest point against your conspiracy theory is that you're according the various groups of BB fans a degree of organizational ability they've not exhibited before within their chosen forums, much less across the BB webbiverse. I've seen colonies of ferns with a more sophisticated social system.  ;D

The skinny: there's a significant (final ?) 50th anniversary next year... some of us would like (like, not insist, as those who disparage any further reunion do) to see the scattered clans gathering one last time... great marketing opportunity/dollar signs in eyes... likely won't happen

C50 was no isolated event: Smile Sessions/album/tour. Consider.

A compilation album? Really? Celebrating Endless Summer would be like celebrating Groundhog Day - not the real day but the film version in which you repeat a day, over and over and over and over....  but anyway, hasn't it already been done? Mike has essentially been celebrating Endless Summer for decades.

Seriously, seriously, if they monitor the boards "and they do" presumably they take note of what is being posted (and though this reflects the views of a relatively small number of people they could take this as a sign of what a larger number would like to happen - a smaple of the market).  It wouldn't work in a 'we must do what the fans want' kind of way. It would be more like 'there's a lot of demand for another reunion, this could make loads of money'. Market research and identifying a business opportunity. Put like that it doesn't sound so much like a conspiracy theory, does it?

You mean they would listen to the fans? The same fans who wanted the C50 to continue in 2012?

I would guess the record companies and the management of the bands would be the ones who were most anxious for it to happen - they could release yet another compilation on the back of it at least, even if more new material wasn't forthcoming. The bands might be persuaded, offered enough inducement and coming up to retirement. The individuals themselves have had problems maintaining their professional relationships before but like the C50 it doesn't need to be permanent - indeed how could it be, given the ages of the band members?

My point was, of course, not to be taken in any way seriously, except in that next year is the final significant 50th that we can expect the band to participate in. Still, instructive.

So, how 'bout this new BW book ? There's another 25 years to cover... well, 74 in total if you're going to do it properly this time. Challenge.

Guess we will see but I am more than likely out. The C50 was it for me concert wise both group and solo. Not a bad run considering  (1978-2012).

If the offer is good I still hope for some kind of PS50 reunion with a symphony , be it a one-off or short tour. Not for the group as such but I think the album deserves it.

So, we don't want a reunion, we just think we want a reunion?! ;)

I don't mind which way it pans out. I like bacon. I like eggs. I like it best when they're served on the same plate. They complement each other. Is all…

I know what I like, in my wardrobe...

You really think the Beach Boys and Brian complement each other? They have different ideas about direction. On the one hand you have the Beach Boys' 'fun fun fun' approach. Brian's concerts are often more serious. Brian is an artist. Mike is an entertainer.  It isn't surprising to me that some of Brian's most creatively successful work was done when he was not touring with the Beach Boys  but able to develop his own ideas. In fact arguably the best two - Pet Sounds and SMiLE  - took shape when the Beach Boys were on tour.

Brian's band are better instrumentally, better vocally now, as younger men. Mike isn't irreplaceable lyrically. Brian's band are more supportive. There isn't the same rivalry and  there isn't the history, which is far from just good vibrations. The only thing people seem to want is the idea of them together. Look what happened last time. Brian was actually instrumental in making it happen and the one who pulled the plug on it was Mike. And yet Mike's fans - most of whom seemed to want a reunion - defended his position. You couldn't make it up!

You might be right, but what I just think I want is bacon and eggs, not just bacon, or bacon and sun dried tomatoes, or bacon and olives.

I'll just call Melinda and tell her to step aside, there's someone here far better qualified to manage Brian's career. :)

Ang- having seen Brian and his great band recently, my impression was that the performance was less serious and more BB-ish than any show of Brian's ever. It was a party! And that is uptight New England. We were entertained by an artist. 

The lyrics? These guys are cut from the same cloth.  California rock, not Florida Buffet-style.  Buffet is an imitation. People love him.  The BB songs were successful because they had a CA lyric groove which was edgier.  And they don't need to be a symphony.  Is the fuller sound with woodwinds a great addition?  Of course.  But, they are a garage vocal band.  And if only seven or so were on stage, as in 1967, they would still do quite well. 

They don't compliment each other; they are almost alter-egos of one another, from their formation. 

If people want to discuss potential reunions, it should be in a different thread, and people can "let it all hang out."

Discussing a potential reunion is sort of dysfunctional in an Brian autobiography thread does justice to neither topic. 

Just sayin'.  ;)

Not a conspiracy theory, just an observation. I noticed what Ang noticed as well, that among the everyday banter and conversations there seemed to be an upswing recently in calls for or discussions about another band reunion, let's get down to brass tacks about this too: Getting Brian and Mike on the same stage or the same tour. Why now? As I already said, Mike is touring non-stop on his terms which I'm assuming is what those fans wanted who defended some of his reasons for C50 shutting down in 2012. Remember that? Back into the end dates and wanting to get back to the way he had been doing it for years prior to C50...that was what some groups of fans said on this board among others when some of the reasons for the end of C50 perhaps didn't seem to agree with each other.

Now there are calls for another reunion? You had one! Mike wanted to go back to his way of touring with his band lineup, fans were saying that's the way it should be, that's what was agreed to going into C50...that's exactly what you got! Taken on face value from comments made at the time, there were three Beach Boys from that stage who said publicly they'd like to keep it going, maybe do more shows under the C50 lineup. There was one Beach Boy who wanted to go back to the way it was pre-reunion. A lot of fans defended the latter.

And that's exactly what they got. If the "reunion" beyond the C50 dates was ever more of an actual realistic possibility, it was when the actual reunion was generating the best publicity and most buzz this band had seen in years and demand was at the highest.

It's hard to figure out why some made such strong defenses of the decisions made then to go back to the way it was and forgo any reunion offers or shows (and anything else included), yet now after they got what they wanted and after Brian just played a successful tour and Mike is doing what he wanted to do after C50 and fans defended him for doing it...we want everything to stop so another reunion can happen? For who, for what?

For um, fans of the band who might want to see them one last time while they can?

I didn't get to see the latest tour of course but I got the impression that it was relaxed in mood. But I mostly get that from NPP too. An album that has the words 'no' and 'pressure' in the title perhaps gives the clue. They'd had the C50 and TWGMTR and there was damage to repair. I can't speak for anyone but myself but I appreciated the gentle tone of NPP and perhaps Brian was using music in a healing context. From what I have heard, he has mainly seemed to enjoy the last shows and to look happy on stage.

The Beach Boys may have been cut from the same cloth but they have made different garments out of that cloth.

The title of the album and the book have a certain feeling of sub text. Did they get the I Am Brian Wilson from that quote of Brian's? "They are the Beach Boys but I am Brian Wilson"? That quote certainly emphasises Brian's individuality, Brian's right to acceptance in his own right. Had John Lennon not already used that title, and had Brian been writing the book himslef, this  (In His Own Write) might have been a good alternative.

While I understand the demand from fans for a reunion, the separate camps keep to work better for the Boys themselves.  

Brian seems much more comfortable with his own band than he did during the C50 Tour.  Plus, I doubt he has any desire to play 165 or so dates a year like Mike and Bruce.  

Perhaps he'll mention that in his autobiography.  Because I'd be willing to bet, if Brian really wanted to do it, he (or his people) would approach Mike (or his people) and do it again.  

If those fans defended Mike's decision back in 2012 they should have thought of this at the time.

You can of course still see them one last time - just not together. Mike and Bruce fans get to see Mike and Bruce, Brian fans get to see Brian, those who are like both bands get to see both. And we see the music presented differently. What does it matter if they are not on the same stage? It DOES matter, however, for those who like the way Brian presents the music better than the way the Beach Boys present it.

GF - this could theoretically be a BRI reunion and not the "special entity" created for C50. That was what I was thinking or really speculating just to myself, until the issue was raised in this thread.  

C50 was a "generic" get-together celebration of the work.  During the times of separate and independent band work, much has been accomplished.  

This L&M movie, on a 20 year back burner needed to happen.  And, it's larger message of "getting help where it is needed" is not just about Brian Wilson.  It is having the ability to have tunnel vision and go out on that limb for another human.  It is universal for those families facing medical predators.  I'm still blown away with those obstacles that had to be overcome in the process.  I give Melinda a lot of credit for this.  

Pet Sounds with its' amazing BB vocals, is so significant in the world of music that perhaps it merits this.  And much of this music was performed by Carl's band, over decades.  

But, I do believe in upholding contracts.  And status quo ante.  No one likes a cancelled tour.  Sometimes the right thing is not the popular thing, or the one that makes the most money.

It could only happen if they all deigned it.  But, it merits a separate thread topic.  ;)

I think the Mike partisans were deceived by their guy at the time -- thought he was serious about wanting to get it back together after a rest -- and are now becoming alarmed because it looks like most of us who supported Brian all along were accurate. Mike f***ed this one up, and he wanted to f*** it up, and he's planning on f***ing it up until it can't be f***ed any longer.

So they're trying to pressure Brian to make it better, to deflect the responsibility or blame. Sorry guys. That ship has sailed, and it's likely not coming around again. A pity in some ways yes, for the brand, for all the new fans who could have been gained and the new record made.

But the paths are set now.

^^^ Well written Wirestone.

If Love and Mercy teaches anything, by using those time shifts it showed three people who tried to control Brian to a lesser or greater extent: Murry, Mike and Landy.

Pet Sounds would have had amazing vocals if Brian had done them all on his own. It was Brian's and Tony Asher's creation with a few lyrical additions from Mike and one traditional song which Brian arranged.

Love and Mercy wasn't JUST about Brian's battle with Landy. The other period of time they picked was obviously chosen for a reason. And now we are supposed to want Mike to celebrate Brian's "ego music".

Ang - I disagree with your L&M take. Melinda had a judge's order to overcome and an attorney general who refused to assist Brian.  And doctors who would have had to sign on to the court petitions. She had no legal "standing" to contest this without getting her hands on the subsequent "Landy" will. She wasn't a family member or spouse.

Pet Sounds Sessions tells it's own story. No Carl? It is the " blend" vocally, from genetically similar vocal cords that makes it almost unique. It is utter disrespect to Carl and Dennis.

Mike does not come across as a controller in any way shape or form, in my opinion.  Quite the opposite, in my opinion. Inquiring about what was being shifted (also a question from the Capitol execs) was well within his purview.  And Brian's synergy working with Mike on GV makes that quite clear.

Leonard Nimoy also used it - as I Am Spock - in 1995. Exactly twenty years after he'd written a book entitled I Am Not Spock.  :-D

As for No Pier Pressure, that's not Brian's title. His daughter Daria came up with it.

Or there are those who are saying the same thing they've been sayin' all along - if everybody's up for it, why not? If someone, be it Brian, Al or Mike don't want to, then don't.

If it was just about Landy's treatment of Brian, why include the making of Pet Sounds at all? Mike came off light in the film IMO but there was clear reference to Brian arguing how he couldn't just do songs about cars and surfing forever.  I am not suggesting that Mike's behaviour equalled Landy's or Murry's but Mike wanted Brian to stick with that successful formula and do that ironic thing for a Beach Boy of not make waves.

I am not disrespectful of Dennis or Carl. Carl had a beautiful voice. Dennis was probably the most loyal of all the Beach Boys to his brother Brian. Dennis' voice was also good early on and even later was emotive, equally suited to rock and to romantic ballads.  But I do believe that Brian could have handled the vocals on his own had he wanted to.

iIRC - the formula thing originated from Capitol.

The "plan" as I have read, was that Brian would not tour, and write for them while they were touring and on the road. Their vocal work as a group should not be marginalized or minimized.

It's 1965.  You're the primary lead singer for the most successful band in America.  Your singles about girls, cars, & surfing are flying off the shelves.  

Then, you come home from tour to find a new album waiting for you that sounds like nothing your band has done before.  Wouldn't you be a little anxious about such a situation?  

Besides, Mike did come around.  He contributed to a lot of really good songs from 67-73 and, outside of Do It Again, none of them had anything to do with surfing or cars.  

The whole point is that so far the only people who are suggesting it may be on the cards are the fans. Brian's most recent comment is that there would be no reunion and that he didn't talk to Mike but you cannot tell people what they don't want to hear. They just say 'He'll say something different next week'. As he might but then again, he may say something else the week after.

Exactement!  ;)

I can understand that this was scary for the Beach Boys. However, many of the European fans found it easy enough to appreciate - Pet Sounds had a great reception in the UK. The Beach Boys didn't exist in a vacuum - Brian realised that the music scene was evolving rapidly and he had to keep up or be left behind. Had Brian not done what he did, I think the band could possibly have lost their relevance.

Mike contributed to songs between 1967-73. I cannot honestly claim that I think his contributions came even close to Brian's. I like Meant for You and Let the Wind Blow. Friends had quite a few contributions from Carl, Al, Dennis and others.  Hardly surprising they eschewed surfing for awhile. There was a different mood, more thoughtful, serious. Less carefree hedonism. I bet though that Mike was glad when the release of Endless Summer enabled him to go back to writing the things he seems to enjoy writing the most.

Don't forget about All I Wanna Do, Don't Go Near the Water, All This is That, California Saga, etc. 

Look, I agree that Brian Wilson is the most talented of all The Beach Boys.  And I'm not saying that Mike Love doesn't have a tendency to put his foot in his mouth.  But, the bottom line is the guy made a lot of contributions to The Beach Boys.  Quality contributions.  And I think that tends to get lost in all the politics and bs that tends to go along with The Beach Boys universe.   

I don't forget that Mike made some good contributions: in fact All I Wanna Do is probably my favourite Mike Love lyric.  I'm not that impressed with Don't Go Near the Water or Big Sur though. All This is That is a gentle song.

As for the Beach Boys' vocals, mentioned by filledeplage, I am well aware that their vocals were wonderful. I listen often to the a cappella tracks and they are superb. Brian could do these things alone though. His voice isn't as deep as Mike's and Dennis' and doesn't have that feathery quality of Carl's but Brian's voice is still incredible. Listen to his four part harmony for Anton Figg. Brian is not dependent on the Beach Boys - just as well, as Dennis and Carl are sadly no longer with us and Mike and Bruce are older men, as is Brian, and their voices are not what they were.

Brian could do all the harmonies himself, but there was something special about the Beach Boys harmony when they were in their prime.  Listen to the Smile Sessions and compare them with Brian Wilson Presents Smile.  No comparison. 

And you are right that Brian's not dependent on the Boys.  So the separate camps work out well for everybody.  The only one whose vocals have truly not aged is Al. 

What if a fan just likes the way that THE BEACH BOYS (Brian, Al, Mike, Bruce, Blondie, Dave) sound together? What should they do? Some of us just want to see them together because the way they sound together sounds awesome.

Of course there is no comparison between original SMiLE and BWPS. These guys were much younger then and younger than even Brian's band were in 2004. Such a shame that SMiLE wasn't completed at the time. But I'm glad it finally was completed, of course.

Hi all,

I am looking forward to reading I am Brian Wilson when it comes out.  Having two camps doesn't bother me at all.  I know that some of you want another concert like the reunion one in 2012.  Those who saw that should simply be happy they saw it.  If it happens again that is nice.  If not, you had something to enjoy for one summer.  Most people don't even get that.  I agree with those who say the Pet Sounds time was picked to be in the movie for a reason.  I like that fact that the battle to get away from Landy shows Melinda in a good light.  She really did call the Attoreny General of California.  She also said that on the Larry King interview.  Murry, Mike and Landy did control Brian.  Melinda won the day Brian said to her get me out of this --------.  Pet Sounds is excellent.  If Mike called it ego music it was a huge msitake on his part.  Both men take different routes when making and sining music.  Brian wants to try new things and Mike wants to stay withthe formula.  I do hope that I get to see Love & Mercy.  If not, a soundtrack of the movie will be great.  I know that both men want to do what they do best.  To force Briand and Mike to be on stage together again might not be great.  They will all do whatever their agents say.  Al's voice is still fabulous after all of these years.  Those who like Brain will get to see Brian.  Those who like Mike and Bruce will see Mike and Bruce.  Those who like both will go to see both.  I simply want to enjoy the music.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful and fun filled weekend.  

  

Has that particular line up ever played live?  I think the Beach Boys USED to sound awesome but that was when Dennis and Carl were alive and still part of it. There were times when I heard the Beach Boys and they were quite embarrassing. I think now, without the support of younger members, the quality of the vocals would be reduced.

I agree.

Two bands on the road with as many as six Beach Boys total.  Sounds like a great summer to me.  

Thanks Mary - I hope you get to see the film soon and find it interesting.

I know that some will claim that Mike never actually used those words about the formula but even if he didn't, it certainly seems to be an accurate description of his attitude for at least quite a large part of his career. Each to his own and some enjoy it.

Hope you have a good weekend too.

"Some" would include every BB researcher who's been looking for the original source of the formula quote for decades, and entirely failed to find it. According to Mike - who it should be remembered, accompanied Brian to Capitol to present the album to the suits in the Tower: odd, him doing that for an album we all KNOW he hated - it was one of those very executives who said that. When their respective memoirs arrive, we can compare their recollections.  :)

It doesn't matter Andrew, we all know that Mike's book will be full of lies and Brian's will be the new bible.  :) 

Good job being pedantic. No, a lineup featuring Brian, Al, Mike, Bruce, Blondie and David has never performed together. But Brian, Al, Mike, Bruce and Dave did, less than three years ago, and it was awesome. And Brian, Al and Blondie have been together recently and they sounded awesome too.

Trust me, I'm a huge Brian Wilson fan. And though we don't know the whole story, it definitely seems as though Mike Love himself was the reason the C50 ended. Whether he had good reasons or not is debatable. As of now, it seems to me like he likes being the center of attention, the star of the show, doing things the way he wants them done. Which in my opinion is lame. Because I wanted The Beach Boys to become an ongoing concern again, a current recording act. But alas, it didn't happen. And what did happen was No Pier Pressure, up there with Brian's debut as my favorite album of his. We also got Blondie Chaplin back in The Beach Boys orbit, which is a very, very good thing in my opinion. Maybe not yours though, since he was Beach Boy, and we know according to you that all Beach Boys besides Brian are bad news.

But regardless, when Brian, Mike, Al and whoever else get on the stage or even just on a Capitol rooftop together, you can feel the power of the group. You choose to worship Brian at the expense at the rest of the group. I personally love Brian and he's by far my favorite member. But I also realize that his band (The Beach Boys that is) was not worthless and that those guys are pretty awesome in their own right.

The Beach Boys (2012 iteration) were the perfect example of synergy: the whole was significantly more than the sum of the parts. There's an irrefutable* alchemy at work there.

[* to those with an open mind, that is]

I agree that the C50 show I saw was great.   And I'm a big fan of the TWGMTR album.  But, I think that Brian and Mike are just on completely different wavelengths as artists.  

While Mike wants to be the entertainer and play the classics over 150 times a year, Brian prefers to be creative and play less shows.  

Al, Blondie, and David are kinda caught in the middle.  

But, I honestly think that, if Brian really wanted to be a Beach Boy again, it would happen.  But, he seems happier with the current arrangement.  He put out a really good album this year, and just wrapped up a great tour.  

Personally, I think one of the saddest things about the reunion lineup ending is that the TWGMTR album is likely going to be lost in time.  With a couple of exceptions, neither camp does songs from it anymore.  As I was listening to Strange World and From There to Back Again again the other day, it struck me that arguably the best Beach Boys music since Holland will never be heard live.  

You have got me wrong. I started as a Beach Boys fan - I've seen them live in all of their variations, and in addition to Brian's songs and singing, I particularly like Dennis' songs, Dennis' voice, Carl's voice, Al's voice.  And I saw two of the C50 shows as well. I think what you are feeling when you see the band together is an emotional reaction based on your feelings not the power of the group. I feel an emotional reaction when Brian comes on stage but no doubt I could take many friends along to a Brian Wilson show and the experience would escape them. Those who want a reunion are basing it on their emotions not how these people really work as a team. THEIR emotions come into it too. And if 2013 is anything to go by, those emotions are definitely mixed.

Anxiously awaiting an Endless Summer 50th anniversary box set - maybe they can include all songs in mono, stereo, and duophonic.

… used to get lost…

How do you know how they work as a team? As I recall, they must have worked pretty well, considering Brian & Al were upset that the reunion was ending. Talk about emotions getting in the way?

To judge from her recent comments about how they feel, and how they work as a team, Ang is more of an insider that anyone else here. She is apparently privvy to their innermost thoughts  ;)

Perhaps it worked for some of them better than for others. That's the thing with team work - if it's going well, it tends to keep on going but any team is only as strong as its weakest link.

No - I may be one of those who is really annoying to the know it alls here but I don't think I know it all. I just observe what happens. They had a reunion. It ended badly. They issued contrary statements to the Press.  'I did not fire Brian Wilson...' /'It kind of felt like being fired'.  Now if they were working as a team, what went wrong? They could have issued a joint statement. 'It was always intended as a limited arrangement. No problem, we had a great time' .... blah de blah.

The music is great and they each contributed to that to greater or lesser extents. But it doesn't take an insider to see that there have been serious problems for a long time. And they still manifest today. Read those interviews in which we learn.... again.... that Brian did drugs. If I had a cousin who brought up long past transgressions every time he got the chance I doubt I'd feel very warmly about him.

Or those who are always in favor of a reunion but don't agree with the premises of some about what happened and who is to blame and why etc..

Look, just come out. You have an agenda. You love Brian and you don't like Mike. That is all I read into in all the paragraphs what you write. No need to mask it. What are you, a politician? ;)

So...dare I ask when we might expect the actual book to be out now following the dismissal of Jason Fine?

Amazon says October 6th 2016, but my spider sense are telling me someone probably just changed a 5 to a 6.  :)

Good point about the joint statement.

That said...JCM, thank you for getting this thread back on topic!

No, you don't: like anyone with an idée fixe (viz. pretty much everyone in the world at some time or other and certainly everyone here), you see what you want to see in any given situation and build on that. Not that it really matters, because the opinion of anyone who truly thinks - or even puts forth the proposition - that Pet Sounds would have sounded better without the vocals of Carl, Dennis, Mike, Alan & Bruce, but rather with a wall-of-1966-Brians,  is several AUs beyond worthless. Just my opinion, of course, but I feel it has merit.

Gosndarn it, I woke up cranky this morning. More tea, more toast...

You are putting words into my mouth. I never said Pet Sounds would have sounded better without the other Beach Boys - I said that Brian could have done it (and it would have sounded good).  I also made the point that Mike and Dennis had deeper voices than Brian and obviously that means that Brian couldn't sound just like either of them.  The Beach Boys, plural, were responsible for superb vocals, I'm not arguing with that. But that was then. Without Carl and Dennis and with the surviving Beach Boys in their 70s the situation is different. No doubt it helps Brian to have a younger band on stage with him and no doubt the same is true for Mike and Bruce. 

Ah, October 5TH 2016. Well, that's different. ;)

Am I ?


... the implication being the existing vocals... aren't: "well, yeah, it's OK I guess, but if Brian...". That's your basic MO these days: anything The Beach Boys can or have done, Brian can do or could have done better. Know something ? There are many times I would heartily agree with you... but invariably ? No. It's the differences that make up the wonder of BB harmony. A wall-of-Brian's can be an astonishing, moving thing ("Midnight's Another Day", "Lovin' Feelin'", to name but two) But as GIOMH proved dramatically, it can also pall if used indiscriminately (granted, such a dire album isn't the best possible example, but you see my point).

BTW, you noted that Mike & Dennis have deeper voices than Brian: fact is, Brian has a respectable bass vocal when he turns his mind to it (best example: 1973 version of "Shortenin' Bread"). Currently, he's the best (only ?) bass in his own band. For some arcane reason that both amuses and pleases me.  :)

That wasn't the implication at all. You are always out to berate Ang just because you disagree with her. You read everything she says through a lens of searching for the unacceptable, so to have a stick to beat her with. Let it go.

Ang,

I think you just proved why the reunion didn't last and why its unlikely to happen again.  They appeared to be a team onstage, but it was really a merger of two different bands, with Al and Dave thrown in.  Onstage, it worked.  Often with magical results. 

And you said it right, there have been problems with the members for many years.  That's why I think the separate camps work best now.  Brian seems happier this way. 

Well, KDS - I don't agree with that proposition that a solo Pet Sounds would have had the force and beauty without the vocal blend that has made them unique.  There is a live Brian Pet Sounds which is wonderful performed in it's entirety. But does not compare to the original studio sessions. The BB's haven't done Pet Sounds in it's entirety live, that I'm aware of.

And while Ang argues that C50 was not a bona fide effort, or doesn't agree with what happened post-reunion, notwithstanding the apparently conflicting press releases, the fact remains that there were contractual obligations in place that the Touring Band had to perform on.  

There was a huge outcry when Brian cancelled the UK tour.  Lots of very disappointed fans.  The Touring Band avoided that by honoring those contractual obligations.  They may have remembered an ill-fated cancelled tour in 1968. I surely remember.

Did they know ahead of C50 that people would want it to become a permanent arrangement? No, they didn't. It could have bombed. No one has a crystal ball.

And, absent being a member of the business, comment might remain better restrained. We don't know. We weren't there.

Just sayin'  ;)

FP,

I've never agreed that the vocal blend on Pet Sounds would've been the same without The Beach Boys harmonies.  Brian's solo versions of Pet Sounds and Smile are good, but can't touch the BB harmonies.   

And you're right the 2012 reunion BB played out their contact.  You can even argue that Brian is a little at fault for his "I feel like I was fired comment" soon after Mike and Bruce resumed business as usual. 

Either way, the album was really good, the shows were great, but it was not sustainable.  It is what it is.  At least we got a full tour and album, which is much better than the 20 minute long Pink Floyd reunion ten years ago. 

Re above....bass vocals in BW band are also  handled by Nick Walusko

Thanks for the reminder - I clean forgot.

I hold by what I wrote. Pet Sounds WOULD have had amazing vocals had Brian done them on his own. I did not state they would have been better. The interplay of different voices is interesting even when some of those voices are better than some others. The close relationship of most of the band probably helped too.

I find it more than slightly irritating that you read into my words something that wasn't there and even when I point that out, try to make out that was what I implied. NO, it was what you inferred - incorrectly as it happens. I think sometimes Brian does it better. I think Carl did God Only Knows better than Brian, for example. I prefer Brian on Add Some Music, for another example. Al made a great job of Cottonfields. Mike's BVs were very good on many songs.

And, yes, Brian can sing bass vocals when he chooses. Brian had a pretty good range.  Just that it isn't something Brian did very often.

Quite the bullying of Ang Jones going on.... ::)

Thanks SMiLE Brian - but not to worry. I know there's an answer (and I usually make one!)!  :p

What makes me smile (a trifle sarcastically I must admit) is that He Who Knows It All is so determined to disagree with me that even when I post that Mike had a deeper voice, emphasising something he could do well, AGD has to remind me that Brian could sing bass vocals too.

If you want to hear Brian's bass vocals on full display, listen to "The Right Time" from NPP - That's BW doing the low bass during the vocal chorus break. Great part.

There could also be a track-by-track rundown of the Pet Sounds vocal stacks and it might be surprising to see whose vocals are and aren't in the mix. Or just listen to the sessions vocal-only disc and use your ears. :)

They are going to lose the fight. :hat

Quite unnecessary too, but not surprising to see such petulant nitpicking from the usual crowd.

Keep up the great posting, Ang.

Thanks guitarfool - totally in agreement about The Right Time. Every time I hear Brian's vocal on this I immediately smile.

An interesting comment about  Pet Sounds too. I often listen to the vocals only disc of Pet Sounds - Brian has a versatility that is quite extraordinary and I cannot always tell who is singing.

And thanks again to SmileBrian and rab2591 for the support. I enjoy your posts too!

Smile Brian - Ang is not being bullied.  She asserted positions that are both erroneous and ridiculous, in my opinion.  And these posts of yours are "all about fighting."  There is no need for this board to become more polarized.  

Brian has a solo Pet Sounds. And The Beach Boys have a joint effort Pet Sounds, and that one is the one of which legends have been made.  

At the time of release it required time to be accepted and digested.  Maybe it went over bigger in the UK. Well, we were a nation at war.  

The Beach Boys in part were modeled on The Four Freshmen and barbershop quartet harmony.  Brian was part of a band, and not a solo artist, at the time of Pet Sounds.  This is not revisionist history.  Brian was "in service to" The Beach Boys, as a whole, as a composer.  The band wasn't off twiddling their thumbs.  They were keeping the music out there.  All of the music.

The BRI group shall decide the future of whether or not there will be a PS 50 tour.  And not me, you or Ang.  

What were those obligations that were in place while C50 was happening? If I recall there was a breakdown of Mike's bookings for immediately following the final UK shows, and there was one show on the books for Chile and another planned for Argentina and both were cancelled, there was the Nutty Jerry's debacle which Nutty Jerry's canceled due to the which-band-is-it confusion, and I believe it was either a day or two after flying back from the UK that the touring band did a charity gig featuring John Stamos in California. After that, for the rest of 2012 the band played just over a half-dozen shows in those final three months. Into January/February 2013 until the end of March, they did a combined half-dozen shows until they traveled to Asia, end of March 2013.

So in roughly 6 months time end of 2012 into 2013, there were about a dozen shows "on the books". The two which fans knew about due to news reports during C50 that caused something of an issue with booking them during C50 and confusions about the names and all of that - Nutty Jerry's and Chile/Argentina - were canceled anyway.

Whatever we want to discuss as far as what could have been done or why things were done or whatever else, the schedule shows that in the 6 months or so following C50 the schedule wasn't exactly packed with contractual obligations. And I remember there was even some confusion about that charity gig with Stamos in California they played as soon as they got back from the UK, that was discussed on this board as it happened.

As far as "lots of very disappointed fans", why did the BB's cancel their performance in Israel? I don't believe an explanation was ever given. Why did they pull out of the "Summernites Cruise" which would have happened last weekend? There were a lot of disappointed fans who thought they'd be seeing the band at that event, too, and I don't think I've seen a reason given for the cancellation. Things happen.

I assume that Brian gave leads to other band members because he felt their ranges and timbres would put the songs over better: e.g. Carl on GOK.

I also assume that multitracked stacked vocals are not as moving as six guys around the same microphone

Have you heard the SOT Wouldn't It Be Nice vocal overdubbing tracks? Apart from the obvious lines sung by other Beach Boys, a larger portion than some realize of that track's vocals are Brian overdubbing.

What erroneous and ridiculous positions? AGD took it upon himself to misrepresent what I had written. The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds was written at a time when the guys were young men. Of course it is completely unfair to compare to a record done when Brian was in his 60s.

As for the comment of the US being a nation at war when Pet Sounds was released, they seemed to be enjoying Beatles' records well enough.

Of course whether there is a reunion is not the decision of those posting here - just an obsession of some of them, who though they compare Brian's solo work unfavourably to his earlier work with the Beach Boys still seem to think that as if by magic, if he returned to the fold, time would suddenly go into reverse and all of his fans would feel young again.

First - Brian has a solo Pet Sounds.

Second - The Beach Boys were thrown under the bus by Capitol when The Beatles landed. 

Third - being a nation at war, protest music emerged as a force to be reckoned with and compete with. Carl was in the midst of draft problems.

Fourth - Andrew does his own thing.

Fifth - ageism is creeping into this discussion.  It connotes that some singers/members should be put out to pasture. And I'd disagree with the pejorative term "obsession" but prefer the term "passionate" -  life is indeed a dull journey without a lively and quality interest.  Music and art fit that bill. Society is better for it.

And, I'm not obsessed with a reunion just looking at issues as dispassionately as possible. 

I haven't "picked a team"  It's all good, as far as I'm concerned.  But there are those, here, who want a division between "camps" and I fail to see the point.  Each and every band has it's own identity and strengths.

I look at this thread, and I see people expressing their opinions about music. 

I don't see anything malicious, so I'm not sure where the bullying accusation comes from. 

M&B were barely on pet sounds in way that BW doesn't need them for a tour of the album. Plus add all the baggage of them being dicks to BW and its a no brainier. BW's 2015  band with Al  Jardine is all that is needed to recreate the lush studio sounds.

I'd be fine with a Brian Wilson Pet Sounds Tour with Al on board for the 50th Anniversary of Pet Sounds.   

While I don't want to diminish the contributions of Mike Love or Bruce Johnston to The Beach Boys, I don't think that a reunion at this point would really serve either camp. 

Agreed, the gap between the two camps is such a problem that the current arrangement  of two groups is best for all.

GF - my sidelines observation is that the band seems to return for "annual gigs" so that would be booking out a year in advance.  Eg. Some casino in Mississippi seems to book them every Columbus weekend.  I don't do their booking, so I don't know.  I vaguely remember the Nutty Jerry's thing.  Some local promoters use very outdated photos "on their own" while selling tix.  

IIRC, Israel was cancelled and it was during some heavy bombing. Could it have been for safety?  I don't know.  Some friends were in Israel at the time and told me it was not a safe time.

There could be some clause which releases them for "force majeure." It is a common clause in contacts that frees both parties from liability or obligation when extraordinarily events or circumstances beyond the control of the parties, such as war, strike, riot, crime, or under an "Act of God" clause such as a hurricane, flooding, earthquake, volcanic eruption.

But, if the annual booking theory could be correct and they started planning in December of 2011, those "standing appointments" for October were likely in place.  I'm not privy to their schedule and don't represent that I do.

From what I've read that event (if we are taking about the same gig) was canceled months prior.

And, I've "felt the pain" of a cancelled tour. 1968 - a crushed teenager!  ;)

Do you give them permission to reunite?  :lol

The f*** are you on about? It has nothing to do with feeling young again. Some of us like hearing Mike Love, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston on a Brian Wilson written song. Simply put. I like listening to "Spring Vacation" or "Beaches In Mind" more than "Good Kind of Love" and maybe it's because I'm hypnotized. Or maybe it's because I like them singing together. That they can elevate the material they are working on a step higher.

Referencing the above, the 2012 reunion did not end because Mike had "contractual obligations" for his own touring band that he *had* to attend to.

The opposite is true. He had other dates booked because the reunion ended. He chose to end the reunion and book other dates (that his dates were scheduled before C50 was over doesn't matter; and in fact if anything speaks more strongly to Mike choosing before the reunion even ended that he was done with it).

This of course doesn't even speak to the idea that if somehow someone somewhere had been forcing Mike to book and perform previously-scheduled dates for his own band, he could have done those gigs and then gone back to the reunion lineup. This also doesn't even speak to the myriad of other solutions that were possible (buying the shows off, rescheduling them, re-booking them as C50 shows, etc.)

It's laughable that anyone can argue that the end of the reunion was *caused* by contractual obligations Mike had to attend to with his own band, in light of the fact that three years later Mike has still not gone back to the reunion. It was a choice, and a choice made by Mike. He quit The Beach Boys and went back to his own band. That's fine, but he has to own that decision (which he actually has more than some of his supporters), and fans and spectators have to accept that.

Let me get this straight. I am not ageist - it would be daft at my age! However, I cannot imagine why a reunion is so important other than for nostalgic reasons - the Beach Boys sounded great together once, a very long time ago, but things have changed. Brian, Al and Blondie have been touring together - I can't see how Mike and Bruce would make that vast a  qualitative difference to the vocals and instrumentally the only difference would be Bruce's piano playing. I'm sure few of us would be able to pick out Mike's tambourine from dozens of other musicians.

Filledeplage's claim that I had written that the C50 wasn't a bona fide effort was also incorrect. I wrote that the teamwork had lasted for a certain time but that a team was only as strong as its weakest link.

As for Capitol throwing the Beach Boys under the bus , surely were that the reason for the relative lack of success  of Pet Sounds in America, the same would be true in the UK.

Those who want the reunion want it but  'wouldn't it be nice' if we could occasionally have a discussion without this subject being brought up yet again?  Well, it would be nice for me.

Yes, I'm with you on that one Ang.  The reunion ended almost three years ago.  Both camps are doing well these days.  It's all good. 

And I don't think folks understand that TWGMTR is exactly the same. It's mostly Brian and Jeff singing backgrounds -- at least 80 percent, if not 90. The other guys are on it sparingly, and not at all in certain tracks.

NPP, with Brian, Al, Matt and Blondie actually singing background parts together on multiple tracks, has far more of a BB harmony sound than the previous record. So if you're simply concerned with the BB blend, Brian has you covered.

I only know what she writes, not how she means it. The fact that we are all interpreting what she said differently shows that she was not clear in what she was trying to get across. I am not a big 'Wall of Brian" fan, so what she says holds no water for me. Sure, Brian could have done a lot of things, but I am sure that even he knew he had something very, very special when the six of them blended together.

You didn't forget that that Mike has said back then and recently he was ready and expecting to discuss as a band continuing reunion and offers did you?

Even if that were true, Mike obviously would have tried to use the "room" scenario as an ultimatum to bully everyone into getting his way.

It's not a realistic scenario to try and forcibly yank away a writing situation from Brian that Brian had grown accustomed to, which took a long time to get him into a comfort zone, and to do so with ultimatums and threats. It is clearly not an easy thing for Brian to just get into the mode of feeling comfortable, secure, and able to write and create art. At this point in his life, songwriting is more difficult for him for many reasons. A stable writing situation for a person like Brian Wilson is not something to just be tinkered with and f*cked with at whim; if there was gonna be change in that scenario, a 1965-style writing scenario wasn't gonna happen overnight. That should make sense to everyone. I'd venture to guess that 99% of people could understand the logic in that, except apparently for one member of the BBs.

And if you think the "threat" verbage is too strong, well it ain't... because I feel certain that if it had even gotten to the talking and discussion point, Mike would have threatened to walk if he didn't get his way since he was so disappointed with how TWGMTR turned out writing-wise. Waaa waaa waaa. Poor wittle Mike. How about Mike having some understanding for a man with emotional problems, who he claims to love, and not blaming those problems solely on drug use, and waiting for a "room" scenario to possibly evolve naturally over the course of time?

Again, because it would take a morsel of understanding that Mike himself and his own attitude could be part of the problem, which Mike outright refuses to consider.  If there was a way to have less-than-zero self-awareness, Mike has surely found that way. I don't know if Mike ever feels that his attitude has ever been a problem for this band whatsoever, in 50+ years.

2012 was the very first time in the history of the band (as far as I know) where Mike could essentially demand that songs be written his way, or else there would be consequences. He never had such leverage before, but boy did he run with that leverage when he finally attained it. 

Outside of Murry, mental illness, and drugs, Mike's ego issues and lack of understanding rank amongst the biggest problems that this band has ever faced, and most everyone (including I'd venture to guess, most members of the BBs themselves, living or deceased) regretfully knows it.

The "discussions" concerning which you spent post after post parsing the definition of the word "discussions", to the point of contending that Mike saying there were "never any discussions" of another album didn't DIRECTLY contradict his 2012 statement that "there's talk about doing another album together"?

Um, yeah, I remember that.  :lol

I was responding to someone else in this thread who made the long-since-disproved (and totally illogical from the outset) assertion that Mike quitting the reunion had *anything* to do with having contractual obligations to do his own shows. He booked those shows because he chose to, and has never once made a single statement suggesting that "oh gosh, oops, I though the reunion was going to end and booked some shows, but as soon as I knock those shows out, we're going to do more reunion stuff."

Mike quit The Beach Boys in 2012. He's owning that (despite not using that terminology) more than a small group of his sympathizers are.

Yeah the one where people couldn't understand the distinction both Brian and Mike made between promoter talk of offers to the band and discussion within the band about those offers.

Mike didn't quit the Beach Boys or the reunion in 2012 anymore than Brian did. As both Mike and Brian made clear, they both expected to discuss AFTER  the tour ended (as in Brian recognizing g there was a "set end date" too) within the band about continuing. I think people are trying to make out that something else was going to happen tourwise in 2012 but the only offers we have been made aware of, I believe, could only be for 2013 or later and Mike and Brian both made it plain (said) that they expected the 2012 C50 tour to end before the band discussed any new offers.  That's the way I understand it anyway.  

OT (for Billy): Maybe the bios will shed more light.

I'd say about 95% of the folks on the board reacted in the same way to Mike's "there were never any discussions" assertion from earlier this year. The reaction was to go back and read his 2012 comments and make sure we hadn't had a memory lapse. As it turns out, we hadn't. The statements were directly contradictory, notwithstanding some sort of floating, arbitrary, parsing definitions of "talks" versus "discussions", and so on.

2012 versus 2013, none of that matters. Again, that's parsing, and missing the point. The issue isn't whether they could have or should have *immediately* continued the reunion in October 2012. Nobody cares whether Mike did some October 2012 gigs on his own. Or I should say, they wouldn't have cared if Mike had shown any actual interest in carrying on with the reunion, either later in 2012 or early 2013 or summer 2013 or whatever.

Mike quit the Beach Boys in 2012. No, he didn't resign from any corporate entities. It wasn't an employee separation that required any notice. None of that. But he quit the band in 2012, he went from being in the Beach Boys to licensing the name.

Exactly Jude, that is the bottom line of what Mike did.

Ang, I feel very similar about Pet Sounds as well-always have. Let's face it, Brian not only taught everyone their parts, he could also sing them very well I'm sure. Save your time and effort trying to convince the one who thinks he walks on water that unless he agrees with it, it can't be considered viable. And all the tea in China(plus 10 more slices of toast) ain't gonna change him one iota. ::) ::)

Hey at least Brian didn't name the book "I am the Beach Boys and they are my messengers." lol

Thanks The Legendary OSD! The guy who suffers the f***wits etc is welcome to believe whatever he likes, including, if he wishes, to believe he can walk on water. A demonstration would be great - just let me get a camera.....

Had to smile about Josh's suggestion. Quite a good title actually - all those who are less au fait with the band would then be made aware of the Beach Boys connection. But more litigation would presumably follow....

And how did 95% of the board react to Brian also saying they never discussed the offers within the band?

Nobody quit the band or the tour, they didn't even discuss any plans for after the tour within the group just as Mike and Brian both said.  In fact it seems they never even got any actual actionable, on-paper offers for continuing the tour or a new album.  It sounds to me if anyone is at fault, they all are at fault. It could be none of them were at fault and it just wasn't going to happen at that time. I'm sure false accusations and not having a courtesy press release proofing and sniping back and forth in the press didn't help get them into discussions. Al seems to have tried to get everybody discussing but postings on his webpage probably didn't help either.

Barely anybody buys that story. Even Mike Love is more honest about his decision than you.

Exactly. When nobody buys the story, then the story shifts to "it's everybody's fault." Brian's LA Times letter and Al's comments after the tour suggest they were ready and willing. Mike's LA Times letter and subsequent interviews have *never* refuted this. To chalk it all up to some sort of logistical issue where they just didn't get to that discussion table misses the entire point.

As for "postings" on Al's website, that's the incorrect allegation that was made by Mike a few years ago (Al doesn't "post" on his website, nor does anyone else), which, if I'm recalling correctly, I believe someone in Mike's camp corrected soon after the reference was made. Mike apparently at that time didn't understand the difference between Al's official page and Facebook (even though Mike is a regular, somewhat prolific Facebook poster now). The reference was apparently actually to Facebook comments, and people at the time pointed out that there has been anti-Mike stuff (whether justified or not) on everybody's Facebook pages, including anti-Mike stuff on Mike's own Facebook page. Mike was trying to blame Al for stuff random people were saying on the internet, as if Al was condoning or encouraging it. Total crap. Now Cam is using stuff that Mike's own people admitted was an erroneous allegation.

Here is what always amazed me about the end of C50...regardless of whether Mike wanted to go on or not...where the hell is the band's management????  Why would someone in charge not step in and say, "Ok, Brian, Al and Dave want to continue on and have signed on do to (fill in the number) more shows which we have contracts waiting to be signed for.  Mike, Bruce, we are just waiting on your signatures."  At least this then puts the entire thing on Mike (and Bruce) to choose to continue or not and there isn't any of this back and forth, "Brian got fired- no he didn't" crap.  It ended poorly with the band members obviously not communicating because of no management being in charge.  Everyone has their own manager, wife, etc. that they seem to answer to or try to placate and that is why we (the fans) end with a mess like we got. 

I too wish it could have happened, but I have to assume that any celebrity that far gone into their own la-la land of isolated reality, who would behave in such a short-sighted manner, would probably not listen to the reasoned words of any manager. And I think that's the root part of the problem, which was best said years earlier by the Nostradamus-like statement of the wise Jack Rieley.

 :woot :woot  You're damn right, SB!!  :thumbsup

While we're off once again on this topic -- can someone explain why adding another dozen or so dates to the tour would have mattered? Do folks think that in 2015 the C50 lineup would still be touring? Would Brian be doing 165 dates per year?Or would Mike want to do only 30, say?

Why would anyone care in 2015 whether the 2012 tour could have been extended a few weeks, unless the thinking is that Mike, Bruce, Brian, Al, and Dave would all be up for a permanent touring lineup? Was that ever a possibility?

As has been discussed/hypothesized many times on here before, there would have to have been compromises reached. Either the reunited band would be more selective about dates they played, and do the "quality over quantity" thing (not a bad way to do things)... or there could probably have been something negotiated where Brian would take some time off from some dates. Those are not impossible scenarios.

There it is in all it's glory. This post belongs in the" Smiley Smile Hall of Fame"! CD, you've outdone yourself for clarity and a complete and thorough understanding of why I and many others feel toward myKe luHv. And, yes, this is exactly why I spell his name the way I do because he is an unmitigated, ego infested, self absorbed jerk who will never admit to anyone how stinking fortunate he was to be "set up for life" by his ultra talented cousin. He just doesn't get it and most likely never will. This is what turns me and soooooooooo many others against this treacherous clown who ambushes Brian and his problems at every opportunity afforded to him. It's sickening behavior that comes from a truly warped mind. The most hated, laughed at cartoon of our day, bar none.

So, do we know that Al and Dave would want to do 150+ dates per year? Would some dates have only Mike and Bruce, some have Al without Brian, some Brian without Al? Would they still charge the same for tickets nonetheless?

And whose backup band would they use, Brian's or Mike's, or would they mix and match?

Or would the grand compromise be that Mike and Bruce would join Brian's band, and play only the limited number of dates that Brian is prepared to play? "Quality over  quantity", as you say. But we know that that is not what Mike or Bruce want to do. Who or what is going to force them to do something the don't want to? And why should they?

Maybe in a few years they'll all be semi-retired, off the road, and willing to reunite for 3 or 4 live, special occasion dates per year. But until then, C50 may have ended prematurely, but it will always have ended.

I'm sure Mike and Bruce could handle being "forced" to do something they don't wanna do, kinda like recording SMiLE vocals... Something that might have been out of their comfort zone, but they went ahead and did it anyway. And guess what... Years later, everyone realizes that it's good that they did stuff outside their conservative, fear-based comfort zone, because otherwise we'd not have Mike's admittedly great vocals on that album.

Just like years later, history will look back upon Mike's actions regarding C50 in not a good manner, to say the least. People can minimize the effect that the C50 implosion had all they want, but bottom line was that he sadly cemented his reputation in a highly negative fashion in exchange for milking a few more years of things being exactly his way in his comfort zone. He must really think it's worth it, but he's just about the only one.

Not everybody gets to do everything they want to do all of the time in a band. It was high time in 2012 and beyond that BW (and Al too) got to have his way with the name The Beach Boys (after 1.5 decades of Mike having things his way), and by having things Brian's way, I mean having Mike go along with things without being grudging about it, not Brian hypothetically resorting to forcing the name away in some awful courtroom being the only option for Brian to have things his way in BB-land.  Mike needed to be selfless for once.

Last time, and it's not a request...this thread is supposed to be about Brian's autobiography, not chapter 420 of the endless Brian v Mike debate.

Strongly considering closing this and starting a new thread.

Considering the bio's on hold, the topics cold for now. Would love to know whats really going on.

Text deleted by author.

I hope this is addressed in Brian's new autobio, and Mike's, and Al's, and Bruce's, and so on and so forth...but I'm not holding my breath.

like trying to get the last word because you think you're special?

Good point.

In that case, I'm going to close this and will reopen when there is some actual news that I (or anyone else) can share.

And...reopened! Looking forward to it coming out 8)

Thanks for reopening this thread after my PM to you about reopening this...

I pre-ordered this aswell as Mike's new book the other day----looking forward to both!

Thanks for prompt message and reopen.  8)

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I have read few books of Brian and the Beach Boys already.  :afro

I sincerely hope that Melinda would someday put her collective memoirs in book form.

Is there any doubt that her memories will be a big part of Brian's book?

I'm almost finished John Fogerty's book.  He actually had his 2nd wife Julie contribute to some of the later chapters. 

While not quite to the same extreme as Melinda and Brian, Julie Fogerty was very helpful to John, and helped entice him to go back into music and start playing CCR songs in concert again. 

To paraphrase  that great philosopher Chevy Chase:"I am Brian Wilson and you're not" A better title and there was a time when everybody would have thought of that.Or maybe they did and just thought better of posting it

I think a better title would be "I Was Brian Wilson" - distinguishing between the legend/myth and the real person.

Not bad

The perks of working in publishing:

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Can't wait to hear what you thoughts on the book are.

Awesome! Let us know how it is.

Also, if I may throw my own alternate title into the mix: "I Am Also Not Spock"

Hehe, can't wait to read it!

"I Am Also Not Spock Zarathustra".  ;D

We have a winner!

I'm around 100 pages in. No big revelations, but it's a compelling read. It really capture's Brian's voice. Not a linear narrative - lots of tangents and circling back.

And at least three references to Scott Bennett that will probably not make the final cut.

How many pages?  Any previously unseen photos included?

If you can, let us know how the C50 situation is portrayed.

284 pages. It's a review copy, so no photos at all.

It would be a shame if the recent circumstances lead to those references being cut.  Scott Bennett is still a big part of Brian's recent history. 

And I doubt there'll be no references to other unsavory characters like Phil Spector and Eugene Landy, both of whom play roles in the BW story.

Would you care to give us those passages about Scott? Just so we know what has actually been written

Cannot wait to read this! Feel free to mention any tidbits! :)

He's just been mentioned along with other band members occasionally. But there hasn't been anything about That Lucky Old Sun yet.

Yeah, I can't imagine in a scant 284 pages covering presumably his entire life, there would be a ton of room to talk about Scott Bennett anyway.

Curious to hear about the book's C50 content and in general his references to his latter-day and modern-day relationship with Mike.

Same here.  Plus, I can't wait to read about his resurgence as a solo artist in the late 90s into the 2000s.

Any more thoughts on the book?

Anything honestly 'revealing' about why Smile was abandoned would be cool.

"Revealing" is not a word I would use to describe the book thus far. Which isn't to say I'm not enjoying it,  I am. It's interesting to read stories that have been told for years filtered through Brian Wilson's unique perspective.

I'm not gonna lie, I kinda hope nobody shares anything until the book is released. I'd like its contents to be at least something of a surprise.

How many autobiographies does Brian have?

This will technically be his second although the first, Wouldn't It Be Nice: My Own Story is seldom considered anything other than complete bullshit as he was still under the influence of Eugene Landy at the time.  It's also terribly written.  So this will be his first non-bullshit and hopefully well-written autobiography.

Does he talk anything about what happened to his voice in the 70s?

No worries - if there are spoilers you won't get them from me. Not even his favorite New York pizza spot.

I haven't read the Wouldn't It Be Nice biography but I've heard it's full of sh*t and praises Dr Landy to high heaven. Wasn't it ghostwritten?

This will help: http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php?topic=874.0

I consider IABW to be Brian's FIRST autobiography. There's no "auto" in WIBN (imo).

Any more details on the book from anyone who has read it/is reading it? I don't want people to have to read spoilers per se (though I'm not sure how much info might be a true "spoiler" for a 284 page book covering a story we all know pretty well; I'm somehow doubting there's a twist ending or something), but how about a general sort of review? And perhaps some details on recent hot-button topics like C50 and the current relationship with the other BBs?

Does this mean that the entire book is eventually going to find its way into the Brianisms Appreciation Thread? :)

Finished the book over the weekend. Like I said, it's not really a "revelation" kind of book. For the casual fan there may be some new information, but people like me who have pored over Brian Wilson interviews for years will be familiar with the stories. This wasn't disappointing, it was exactly what I expected. It's a fun, quick read, and I recommend it without reservation.

A better question would be how the book compares to WIBN '91

It is infinitely better then WIBN. That book always seemed cheap and tawdry to me. Like a Kitty Kelly biography. This has none of that, and will probably not be a huge seller for that reason.