The Smiley Smile Message Board

1)Why did Mike receive co-writing credit on some songs but not on others?

2)When did Mike know that he wasn't receiving credit on a particular song? Before he wrote the lyrics? At some point afterwards? Did he have to wait to see the record jacket?

3) Once the non-credit happened for the 1st time, why did he continue to contribute lyrics? For California Girls, for instance, did he ask for assurances, before the record was released, that he would get a credit? Was he ever lied to?

4) This situation changed at some point -- Good Vibrations? Smiley Smile? The Wild Honey lp? What happened?

5) Mike co-wrote frequently with Al, and occasionally with Dennis. Why did he not strike up a regular writing partnership with Carl, who didn't write lyrics on his own? And why did Mike partner, in the 80's, with Terry Melcher, rather than with Bruce?

If anyone wishes to contribute to this topic, please ask questions that Mike might actually address, and not stuff like "why, Mike are you such a jerk?" There are more than enough topics for that crap.

1. Mike, what did you mean exactly when you used the term "Probably"?

1. Michael, how have you remained so positive in fifty plus years of dealing with constant criticism from the fan base?

No sense getting into fantasy

 Seems like all the lyrical controversy tunes were pre-1967. It stopped with SMILEY SMILE. (The "Wouldn't It Be Nice" credit is a close call.)

 Would like to hear more about the 1970 nervous breakdown and recovery.

1.  What's with all of the f'n Beach Boys hats? [Like...are they free?  2/3rds off?]
2.  Do you REALLY think that  "good night m'baby/Sleep tightm.baby"  is worthy of a lyrics credit?  [and more money?]
3.  Are you really of the opinion that YOU are the KEY Beach Boy?  if not then why be so hard on those you consider to be your lessers?  I you do think that...then why do you think that?
4.  Music is not your prime are of expertise.  What is?  How's the new album shaping up?
5.  Did you ever have to prove that you could make it alone but then decided that THAT wasn't you?
6.  Back to the hats again Mike...WTF?  Do you think they're a Beach Boys kind of Roy Orbison 'thing'...'cause they're not.  Sunglasses are.
7.  Do you think that there's ANYONE left in the Western civilization who isn't aware that Brian ONCE had an era where drug abuse was an issue?
8.  Are you of Swedish decent?  Do you [therefore] play hockey?  Why don't you wear a hockey helmet on stage?  Do blue and gold mean anything to you?  Ulf Nilsson?
9.  Are you a little bit bitter about playing always second fiddle to all of the Wilsons...including that huge blunderer Murry?  How many 'steps' are there...possibly...in YOUR 2 step?
10.  Do you not think that if you had played your cards more wisely and that if you had kept them more close to your vest that MANY of the fans would have had a fucking TON more of respect for you than they do now?
11.  Do you realize that NOT wearing a hat 'could' work too?

12.  Sincerity is cool...if it's real.  Is it real Mike?  I hope so.

Oh and one LAST question Mike.  Are you, as has been suggested, perhaps follically challenged?  Do you think that there's even one person WHO CARES in the entire world who doesn't know that you're bald?

Your skill today is singing live rather than song writing. Why can't you just live with it?

 #2  Actually, yes. It is a hook to the song. No doubt, the credit should read Wilson-Asher-Love, but if Brian can get a co-write for "Deirdre", hell yes.

You just saved me a post. Agree completely.

 Again, if Mike Love had been properly credited as a lyricist way back when, this joke would not be relevant.

 Wait a sec...you said "today" not 1961-73. I get it.

 Another thread maybe, but what was Brian's contribution to "Santa Ana Winds"? Shouldn't the credit read "Jardine-Wilson"?

That's a good question. I've no idea.

I think I read that Bruce gave Brian a credit on that song, mostly because he wanted to have a song published that had a co-write with Brian.

Good questions, and good thread idea-- although it can easily derail into accusation.
I think I can answer #5. The partnership with Melcher was actually Bruce's idea. He tought those two could work well together and made up an encounter between Mike and Terry by calling each of them separately and telling him that the other wanted to contact him. They eventually called each other.

When did Mike start playing the saxophone, how much saxophone did he play on early Beach Boys records, and does he still play it?

myKe, why do you insist calling your travelling jukebox, copy, tribute band The Beach Boys?

Couldn't you sell tickets as myKe and br00th?

What is the real reason you want to get in a room with Brian?

What is your excuse for Wrinkles? I mean...why?

At 74, can you still "bleat"?

When are you going to see Love and Mercy?   ??? ??? ???

1. Is there are a God or are we living in a world without a stable centre wherein each and every human act is devoid of meaning as we hurtle, unstoppably, into a dark, empty abyss?

2. What do you like better, dogs or cats?

1. What is your favorite live era?

2. Could you discuss "Smiley Smile" and "Love You".

3. What songs or albums did you think would sell well that did not?

It's cool that some folks's chief concern with the Beach Boys is in bashing Mike Love. He is certainly eminently bashable.

But there are others of us who are interested in Beach Boys history. Mike Love is working on an autobiography. There are still mysteries out there, and Mike is in a position to clear some of them up, especially on topics which we know concern him deeply, like writing credits.

There already exist many threads on which you can exercise your anti-Mike animus. And I can't stop you from doing that here.

I can only request, as a matter of simple courtesy, that you leave one thread for those of us -- and maybe it's only me -- who are interested in the history of the band.

There is an off-chance that Mike's co-author might drift over here someday, and maybe this thread could give him some ideas. And even if that doesn't happen, still it might be convenient to accumulate here some unanswered questions regarding Mike's time with the band.

I would like Mike to talk about the early days on the road with Murry and all of the hijinks with the guys, traveling in the station wagon, getting fined for cursing, meeting girls, etc... That whole first rush of fame would be cool to hear.

  Mike's role in removing Murry as manager would be interesting. Have heard stories of a physical altercation between Mike and Murry. Did witnessing supposed altercation give the Wilson brothers the confidence to fire their dad? Was Murry fired by Brian, or Brian and Mike?

Only one real question I would like Mike to expound upon.  Does he (now) regret not following w/Brian further into more musically explorative territories (like SMiLE)?

I would be surprised if that doesn't happen. It may well have already.

Mike, whatever happened to your proposed followup to Summer in Paradise, Masterpiece?

Haha.  ^THAT RIGHT THERE!

But as for me...

1- Favorite hat?
2- Favorite concert hat?
3- How many cars have you owned with suicide doors?
4- Deep, excruciating detail about thoughts and feelings of your side of what was going on?  No, I mean it!  Seriously!  Well... probably.
5- Will this book cure insomnia?
6- Bring about world peace?
7- What is the sound of two pets clapping?
8- Heights of everyone whose heights aren't already listed online?
9- The phrase you most want to be known for?  ("Probably", "WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN", or something about some formula?)
10- Favorite hat to wear in a car with suicide doors?

Mike why did you choose working on solo stuff over contributing more to the LA Light record?

Besides anyone associated with the beach boys , who is your musical idol?

Serious hate of the follically challenged here  :afro  - It could happen to any man!!! :lol

edit: my post 666, don't like that, must find something else to comment on

:lol :lol :lol

Seriously though... Mike, is that you playing sax on "What'd I Say" in Sydney?

Less questions i'd like addressed in the book perhaps but certainly questions i'd like to ask Mike -
Did you keep much in the way of acetates/reel to reel copies of work from 1960s recording sessions or ones given to you by people like Brian ? Did Brian ever give you anything like home recordings/studio backing tracks for you to hear in order to write lyrics to or practice with ?
If so, is there a possibility that you,family or friends have some in storage somewhere that might be of interest to Beach Boys fans on future archival releases ?

You have often stated that you felt that Heroes and Villains was the last really dynamic track that Brian produced for the band. Brian and all of the band probably worked on that track more than any other including Good Vibrations. What do you remember about the various versions of Heroes and Villains that nearly became singles ?
Do you remember a barnyard type version or the alleged barroom brawl version ?  Any other versions spring to mind ?
To the best of your knowledge do you remember if Heroes was ever planned as a 2 sided single in a part 1 , part 2 form ? If yes, can you tell us how it went please ?
You once mentioned that you thought there were around 5 or 6 versions and it was a matter of selecting which one would be the single. Was there a particular version that you thought should have been the single rather than the one that Brian finally chose for release?
Can you have another really good hard look for that tape of Heroes and Villains you were playing to journalists in 1967 and anything else from that era or the 1960s era in general please ?
When the Smile Sessions Box was given to you to listen through before release, was there anything that sprung to mind as not being there that you can remember hearing at the time or working on such as melody lines or your bass vocal parts for songs such as Look/I Ran, Child Is Father Of The Man, Holidays, Do You Like Worms ?
With the benefit of hindsight, how do you think the band's career might have turned out if Smile had been released in 1967 ?
Are you surprised/pleased that the Smile album became so highly thought of amongst fans and musicians despite it's non-appearance ?
Can you remember if Brian stated flat out to the rest of the band that he had decided not to finish the album or from your perspective did it just evolve into the Smiley Smile album?
Is Brian the Orson Welles of rock or just a very naughty boy ?
 

I'd like for Mike to be upfront and honest about his past drug use, specifically in the 60s. I'd really respect that.

Correct me if I'm wrong, and I very well could be, but didn't everyone in the band, sans Bruce, smoke hash while recording "Smiley Smile"?

During their show with The Grateful Dead at the Fillmore East in 1971, Mike mentions to the audience how The Beach Boys were singing "Good Vibrations" with Buffalo Springfield on their tour bus, "all stoned and drunk." So what, was Mike lying to the audience, or did that really happen?

There's also a video of The Beach Boys playing "Heroes And Villains" in Central Park in 1971, and I could swear, it looks like Mike is hitting a joint at one point.

Lots of young people smoke marijuana (and surely lots of middle aged folks, and older folks). Bringing up Brian's past drug use in literally every interview makes Mike seem very uncool, very judgmental. Yet, it seems he smoked in the 60's and into the 70's. So, what's up with that?

Let me reiterate, my respect for Mike would double if he would just be honest and open about his past drug use.

Oh i forgot , one more thing please Mike.
Did Brian or Van ever explain anything about The Elements to you ? Any indication of what Air or Earth might have consisted of ?

1.  Have you ever tried yoga or forms of meditation other than TM?   (I'd like to hear a lot about how he feels TM has affected his life and views, generally.)

2.  What are your opinions on prescription drugs?  Are your views on drugs influenced by your TM advocacy/membership?

3.  If people have so many questions, why didn't they ask you on the Vibe Room Q&A?

The MIU sessions seem to represent Mike's last concerted effort to stretch himself as a lyricist. After the lp's failure, his lyrics became less adventurous, to put it mildly.

Was he disappointed? Bitter? Does he remain disappointed today, over the road not taken, or has he reconciled himself?

1.  Talk about the seamless transition from striped shirts to white Good Humor Man suits to flowing ropes to Cowboy Jesus to the golden genie look to beach grandpa with ball cap. 

2.  With John Stamos's recent legal issues, will his spot he taken by Dave Coulier?  How about Bob Saget?  Saget did a mean one-man version of Good Vibrations on Full House. 

3.  When Brian was back, did you really not realize that he was gone, or was that solely for the rhyme scheme?

4.  When can loyal Beach Boys fans expect the next six CD box set with slightly different versions of 111 songs, and 12 more unreleased tracks?  Just wondering when we should stockpile another $150 to get another copy of Barbara Ann. 

5.  Do you and Bruce ever accidentally go on stage wearing the same paisley shirt and Beach Boys cap? 

6.  Have you listened to Al Jardine's Postcard from California yet? 

7.  Is every summer tour from now on going to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of something? 

What I'd like to know;

The personality/attitude problem conflict with Al in the 1990s.
Why the great, original version of Big Sur has never been officially released.
Why Jumping Jack Flash was added to the set in the 1970s.
How Mike felt about the Beach Boys releasing mono/fake stereo LPs in the mid-1960s, while most others on major labels were releasing albums in stereo (as well as mono).

 Re "Jumpin' Jack Flash": Mike has a serious man-crush on Mick. That's why.

Is this book a done deal?    Is it written?   signed sealed delivered?   Being edited?  Still a draft?

How did you manage to get an f in love?

I'd be interested in this as well. Was Al's "negativity" just the fact that his vision of the band (no cheerleaders, deeper cuts) differed from what The Beach Boys were at that point, or is there more to it?

 Mike Love was no joy in the immediate aftermath of "Kokomo." It took the colossal artistic and commercial failure of SUMMER IN PARADISE to de-levitate him. Time has proven Al Jardine had the right idea. The cheerleaders are gone and the deep cut concept is in vogue for all factions of the band.

1.  "Wrinkles". Why?

what is your familiarity with the Star Wars movies?

  Genesis of Mike's "feud" with Mick Jagger. Back in 1988 or so, Mike asked a Columbus OH crowd "What do you think of Mick Jagger?" A few scattered boos. Mike: "Me too."

 Did Marianne Faithfull snub Mike for Mick? Did Mick smirk in contempt when Mike admitted he'd never heard of Robert Johnson? Or did Mick simply refuse to marry Mike?

  Jokes aside, Mike's apparent animosity toward Mick intrigues. I'll read this book with an open mind. I hope AGD really is Mike's co-writer.

yeah, obviously any behind the scenes info on SMiLE from ANYONE would be fantastic. Any new anecdotes? Did Brian approach you guys about recording any comedy skits in addition to vocals? Any vocals from Look or Great Shape or Worms you remember that werent on the boxset? Anything Brian said regarding the sequence or his motives for the big picture or anything funny/interesting he did that no ones said yet?

When/how did you realize that you had been stepped over for Pet Sounds and what was your immediate reaction? Did you openly voice your disappointment to Brian at the time and how did that go? Was it a surprise he did the same with SMiLE--had he promised to go back to the formula for the next album? How did you feel about Caroline No coming out as a single for him alone?

Anything Smiley. What were your thoughts on it? Did you guys see it as an experimental masterpiece or a simple stop-gap album? How natural/peaceful was the transition betweem SMiLE and this? Did it really almost break up the group? How involved were you guys in the creative process, considering the collective producers credit? Did ANYONE think you were making a mistake considering the sound of other contemporary artists and how different this was? How do you rank it today?

Why the duet single Gettin Hungry?

Were you in favor of using Surfs Up in 1971? Why?

What are your thoughts on Brians Back/15BO today?

Whats your favorite album you guys ever did?

What are your thoughts on Dennis or Carl's solo material? Any regrets they werent encouraged to release more of their tracks on BB albums?

Honest thoughts on Summer in Paradise? What was the plan for Masterpiece?

What other musicians influenced you? Brian modeled the vocal arrangements on the four freshmen...did you have an ideal to model your lyrics after? An artist or style you were channeling? We all know Brian taking inspiration from Rubber Soul...did any contemporary artists inspire you to evolve and try a new style at any point? Even if they dont influence your work...what do YOU listen to, in your spare time?

How is it now Mike?    Do you and the guys still like performing or is it primarily a case of trying to do justice to the legacy while optimizing profits?      An honest and respectful question.   What is the reality?   

Who first informed you about Shawn and Dennis? Was it Dennis himself? How did you react/feel?

I would like Mike to honestly address the impact that mental illness and emotional issues had on The Beach Boys without dismissing it all as "The Wilson's did drugs." I suspect that the drug excuse is easier to face than the thought of mental illness in the family, and the possibility of a genetic component.  "Brian did drugs" means "Brian did this to himself." I would like some indication that Mike realizes that's only partially true.

Eh, we need to get the guy on here and do a Q&A.

I've been saying the same. But I assume by your answer that means these points won't be addressed in the book, which makes me sad

That may not be wise.

How about topics I'm not interested in seeing addressed in Mike's book?

1) If I never hear the story about he and The Beatles traveling to India in 1968 to meet the Maharishi again, it'd be too soon. (This includes the bit about the song Back In The U.S.S.R..)

2) The substance abuse problems of his cousins. It hasn't happened often, but there have been a few times when he's discussed the topic where (to me) he comes across as somewhat condescending.

3) (or 1A, if you prefer) Anything else to do with TM. I wanna become a practitioner, I'll hunt it down online or locate a qualified instructor locally. We get it: Helps relax and calm you, helps you to focus, helped you stay away from drugs, etc..

(I'm not a hardcore anti-Mike Love type. These are simply topics we've all heard him cover a million times. Time for something we haven't heard about.) 

I'd like to know if looking back, he regrets being so overly pro-Maharishi over the years, to the point of losing Stephen Desper as well as various  backing band members in the 70's.

  At what age did Mike's hair loss commence? 10?  >:D

Actually, this could be a book-worthy topic.

Here Mike is as band frontman, and already losing his hair in his early 20's. Bald rock stars were as uncool as it gets in the 60s/70s. Did Mike go thru the stages of grief regarding his receding hairline -- denial, anger, acceptance?

Did Stephen Desper leave because of the TM thing?

Your book...Regression Fairies are some petty bee yot ches ! Did you ever Ice Skate?  Hell has frozen over.  How hard has it been not being a Wilson?  Your family always thought somewhat better of themselves than the Wilsons.  Your the first Love that was less than a Wilson member..is it rough to live with that fact?

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame speech.

This definitely needs to be addressed. Has Mike spoken about it in any interviews since? It was a horrible moment. Funny that a well timed joke by Bob Dylan was what saved the day, but for Mike that incident did a hell of a lot of damage.

His odd style choices over the years I would like to see discussed at least in passing. I've been watching the Old Grey Whistle Test clip of Mess Of Help a lot recently and you can't look at him there and not think, "Ok Mike, please explain."

I want to hear his vision of The Beach Boys through the years. What he thinks the band should have been compared to what it was at various stages. His relationship with Dennis....

As long as he's honest it can't fail to be an interesting book. I'm not expecting 'the definitive truth about The Beach Boys', just the definitive Mike Love version of events.

It's a shame that so much of this thread reads like a shitty Comedy Central roast of Mike. One where the only roaster is Kathy f***ing Griffin.

Really? Up to a certain point I really like his somewhat odd style choices. He looked a little creepy in '69 when he was sporting the hippie Jesus look with the white robe on stage and I like that. Around the time of Surf's Up/CATP/Holland he even looked genuinely cool, like pretty much the whole band for that matter.

Pray, unassume - I have no clue what will, and will not, be addressed in the book: just thought it'd be a neat idea to get Mike here and throw questions at him.

Again, that may not be wise. I'd love for Mike to do a Q&A here but he'd have to strap on a bullet proof vest before logging on.

Bring it on Mike! >:D

Not really. He's no shrinking violet. Give as good as he got. Of course, hopefully that wouldn't be an issue but the resident trolls might needs be caged for the duration.

A huge part of the craft of a frontman is presentation -- how to command the stage, how to costume yourself. Mike has struggled with this, especially in the 70's. How do you transition from sole lead singer to just one of 5 or 6 leads, while maintaining your role as frontman? The other guys have instruments. What does Mike do while Carl sings lead -- dance the Watusi? Bang the tambourine?

And Mike was in such a weird position. Initially, he's lead singer, and a pretty good one. Then it turns out that 2 of the guys singing backup -- Brian and Carl -- quickly develop into great singers, indeed 2 of the best that pop has ever produced. Where does this leave Mike's role in the band? Does he begin to feel superfluous, especially when he's no longer chief lyricist?

These are the types of topics I'd be interested in reading about from Mike's unique perspective. Anecdotes about meeting celebrities, not so much.

As I've said before, it's a damnmaking shame there's nobody on this board named Andrew G. Doe who could probably do quite a bit in bringing Mike here.

And unlike many on this board, I think it would be really interesting to get Mike on here not to diss him or roast him, but more to get some better views on certain songs, albums and eras than we do now. Plus it'd be really nice to know if he ever plans on releasing new music ever again.

Agreed sweetdude, but Mike doesn't seem interested in that. All he wants to do is stick to that BS narrative that spouts in his interviews.

After you sober up, try re-reading your post for spelling and stream of thought.        (wgaca)

Seems like Mike's people are playing moderator again. ::)

We need lots of photographs of his cutlery collection.

Another point I'd like to see raised in Mike's book is whether or not he regrets not trying harder to make his relationship with Al work in the mid to late 1990's. I wonder if he regrets not working on The Beach Boys harder in the wake of Carl's death, in terms of relations with Al and Brian(i.e., trying to get them to participate as members of the group), and regarding the set list. Especially considering that his group is now doing "deeper cuts" like All I Wanna Do, 'Till I Die, etc.

From the (very) little I know, the least it'll be is... interesting. And readable: Jim Hirsch is a great choice for this, as he's already written two acclaimed biographies, of Willie Mays (authorised) and Ruben Carter.

FYI, I've been sober for about thirty years, which is why your infantile comment is both insulting and pretty much what I'd expect from the likes of you.

I generally cut OSD slack but this seems over the line to me.

It's a reference to AGD's insult to him here: http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,20243.msg508531.html#msg508531

OK, they are even.

That's a very good point, and I feel bad for Mike, when watching him in late 60s/early 70s footage (like Never Learn Not to Love live on a tv show, I cannot recall the name of the program), where he looks a bit sad without much to do but stand and sing a bit. I'm sure he missed being the frontman, and had no real instrument to fall back on. Sax wasn't something he was super versatile with, so it was just the odd tambourine or theramin here and there.

I wonder if Mike ever had the inclination to learn another instrument that could be used in the BB live show? Other than seeing a few odd pics of him with a guitar, I don't know that he ever showed the urge to bring any instrumental contributions to the table at the time his frontman role was at its most marginalized. Maybe if Endless Summer hadn't happened, and the band continued on the Jack Rieley progressive road, perhaps Mike would have found other ways to be more a part of the show (other than just singing).

Interestingly, I don't think his role as a frontman was ever challenged. Even as the other guys got more leads. Partly because he had a major vocal role on so many recognizable hits. And partly because none of the other guys, including Dennis, were up to doing it. But this whole issue is one that would be nice to see analyzed in the book.

Scott Wilson's book claims that Mike hit him on one occasion for messing around in his kitchen. Does Mike believe physical chastisement is OK and, if so, how does that square with belief in TM?

Does Mike regret how he treated Shawn?

I don't expect to ever get anything from Mike but the usual stuff. It's the narrative he's lived by for years, nothing he says or does will change people's perceptions of him for the better, and there's nothing to be gained by going away from it.

One thing I don't get is why he was bothered so much by Brian writing with other lyricists. You can't do songs without lyrics, and Mike was on the road. It's not like they could skype in 1966.

I, and at least several others, have communicated that we would think much more highly of him if he just stopped putting others down, using the same talking points, and admit his own faults/regrets. I'm sure many casuals who don't post here would feel the same way. Indeed, I'd argue all the "f*** Mike Love" comments on YouTube videos and wherever stem from not just his faults but his lack of remorse and seeming lack of empathy. If he were to admit he was drunk at RRHoF and said some dumb things, I think a decent number of us could give him a pass as we all make mistakes. But you ask him what he regrets most and he WILL say something more to the effect of "well, I regret how Brian did lots of drugs--Dennis too. He would be drunk during concerts a lot in the Seventies" and its that combination coupled with his lack of humbleness and self-awareness that makes people who might otherwise give him the benefit of the doubt start to hate him. Rightfully so, in my opinion.

Nothing to gain? Well...his legacy I'd say. One interview where he admits mistakes won't do much at this point, but his book could do a lot. Maybe not to the many who are set in their opinion, but the few left who genuinely want to give him a chance, as well as future generations stumbling upon the band. They might notice the older fans hating Mike and want to hear the man's own words. If it's a heartfelt, warts and all, setting the record straight book, they might come away thinking this Mike Love guy is seriously misunderstood. But a self-serving puff piece that rehashed the talking points, puts the Wilson's down unnecessarily and treats Kokomo as the grandest achievement in rock history would rub those people (anyone really) the wrong way. Unlike some of these interviews we link to, this book isn't going to be forgotten. It will stand forever more as *his* worldview. If he comes off as as big a megalomaniac as he does in those interviews that'll be how he goes down in history. This is probably his last chance to paint himself in a good light with people. I hope for his sake he doesn't blow it.

Edit: He was bothered by the other lyricists because he saw it as a threat to his position. He undeniably has a big ego (I think even the defenders would concede as much) and wanted to be the star. How could he be, if someone else is getting all the credit and glory? I'll say that I do feel sorry for him in this regard. Again, I know firsthand how bad it hurts when you think you're close to someone and find out you're not really part of their inner circle. And then to have *that* album, out of all of them, be their defining work, the only one that's even talked about amongst the casuals...that's really rough.

Here is a comment you made just last March, directed at OSD


How infantile and insulting, to be insulted by a comment you yourself have made!

I want to hear Mike discuss in depth how his being follicularly challenged has impacted his mindset, philosophy and career.  Did he ever consider a toupe?  Did he realize how ridiculous the turbans looked?  Did his dislike of Brian's other lyricist collaborators stem from the fact they all had full heads of hair?  Was "She's Goin' Bald" his emotional cry out to find a woman with the same problem as him so he could finally relate to a girl on a deep emotional level?  Did the fact he was getting cut out of song royalties for songs he wrote with Brian prevent him from joining the Men's Hair Club and getting some kind of relief for his condition?  Was he attracted to TM because he thought the more he meditated the more hair he might grow?  The Guru Maharishe had LOTS of hair!

  Mike would be mercilessly lambasted if he ever sported a rug in public.  I liked his occasional hatless look around the 1970-71 period; what hair remained combed back instead of forward.

  The whole band had a certain hazy cool around 1971 - even Bruce ditched his lucky red sweater from the SUNFLOWER photo shoot.

Al Jardine has been sporting a nice hairpiece for a couple of years now...

huh?

Mike Love book  ...how did you  bring out the best in Brian and the rest of the group?  Was make Love not war really all about you?  Were the Beatles songs like Love is all you need..really about you?   Mike, Mr. Love  I feel a connection with you somehow.. Is a pattern here, I'm (we're just not seeing it) .

In all fairness, he does look good without a hat to this day.

(https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=806353072776869&id=125419450870238&set=pcb.806353412776835&source=48)

Edit: Can't post FB photo. But you'll find it here:

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,20122.0.html

 I believe you are correct. His hairline hasn't changed since 1976 - an unlikely event. Al looks pretty good, perhaps a bit thinner than he was in the 70s and 80s.

 Brian, Dennis, and Carl were all a bit luckier than the others in the hair gene pool. Brian sports a great head of hair for 70 plus. It is unlikely Carl or Dennis would have gone bald. Bruce has lost some on the crown but is doing OK in the front. Dave, not so much. Blondie is craggy but appears to have most of his hair. Haven't seen a pic of Ricky for some time. What's he up to?

This is a hairpiece?

(http://www.tm.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/335189_322983947726365_120852844606144_1146334_1983893197_o.jpg)

 Yes, it's a subtle hairpiece for a guy whose hairline has been receding for many years. The part on the very top. You can see the "join" with his real hair on the sides.

Isn't it just as likely -- if not more so, given that it's less work -- that Al simply has a combover? Or comb-forward?

(https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10174913_687724384619193_3480760545892412393_n.jpg?oh=179c2a08a114881912b6f444a750b768&oe=561DD280)

Yeah, I'm pretty sure he's just combing that up from the back/sides.

Yes, it is. It is a partial, granted. It covers the bald spot on the top/back of the head. It doesn't provide bangs, though, a la the Frank Sinatra type.

Wait, so is it over the line or not?  Cause it sure seems you've changed your tune from your prior post.

Ya and Mike has too.  His hairpiece is called 'the baseball hat'.  I'd like to ask Mike to cover this in his book... Like why he thinks no one would have noticed that he's been increasingly follicle free for about 50 years.

If it's just a 'look'...it doesn't and almost never has worked.  That various headware?  Pretty much goofy.  And what's with Bruce sporting the same 'wig'?  Does this create a demand for 'wig' sales at the gigs?

Will they consider renaming the group The Bald Boys if they ever again 'unite'?  Answers to be pondered.

A suggestion too...to rename the book.  Call it...  'I Shaved My Back For This?' [and so did Bruce]

I've looked at far too many pictures of Al over the last couple of hours than I care to think about.

I really can't see direct evidence of a hairpiece. I admit it's a possibility, given that he does have hair, so there could always be something going on. But I'm also friends with him on Facebook, and unless he wears that piece religiously, his hair looks precisely the same onstage, offstage, hanging out with friends and family, and just goofing off.

I mean, the famous toupees of pop music -- Elton John, Robin Gibb -- there's no question about those. So why would such a lesser-known artist manage to find and wear a much more subtle and better-crafted hairpiece, which also happens to look just like a comb over-comb forward?

Seems like it's more likely he's just grown it long on the sides and back.

More combover evidence ...

(http://goinglikesixty.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/BeachBoys.jpg)

(http://www2.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Flea+Al+Jardine+24th+Annual+Rock+Roll+Hall+Y8Gjve6ekURl.jpg)

It's clearly a combover/forward here.

But then there's something like this, and I wonder if SJS has a point. Or maybe it's just a good hairstylist ...

(http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/54th+Annual+GRAMMY+Awards+Press+Room+KPQiAozwV97l.jpg)

Bruce looks like he's holding in a massive load that just that second began to leak out of his puckered cheeks

It's bizarre how much people care about Mike's lack of hair and decision to wear a hat.

Yeah. Does every smiley smile board member still have all their hair?

The point actually is...I DON'T care one iota about his lack of hair.  I doubt that very many people do.  THEREFORE the decision to wear headwear almost w/o exception for 50 years seems needless, pointless and foolish.  He ain't kiddin' a soul.  What it does do is it suggests that Mike has something to hide...and he's not above hiding it.  [whatever that may be]

Mike's hats have been a trademark look of his for years. Also there are plenty of photos of him with his bare head on display, esp as he's gotten older so I'm guessing he's comfortable with his baldness. It's not like he's gone with the stupid velcro plugs look that Bruce Springsteen, Gene Simmons and other old guys have. Plus David Marks donned a cap the second he went bald and nobody seems to give him grief over it.

Mike does the devil get dandruff?

Lots of bald guys wear hats. They know they're not fooling people into thinking they have hair. It's just a look.

Hey, Brian used to dye his hair.

Never thought about Al having a hairpiece before. Compliments to his eh.. hair specialist I guess.

Guy in his mid-70s is bald. Who cares?

Now, a pop group frontman in his early 20s, expected to project sex appeal or, failing that, at least appear youthful enough to sell records and concert tickets to a teenage audience, gradually losing his hair -- there's some potential drama.

Agreed. We all know he's bald. I don't care. I'm sure nobody else really does. But HE does. Since his hat has more or less been fused to his head to compensate. That's what makes it sad/funny, that he's so obviously ashamed of it himself. And I don't buy this apologism about it being his "trademark." If it is, it's a lame trademark.

So ashamed that he puts photos of himself on fb without it? No doubt he was very bummed about losing his hair when he was very young (who wouldn't be?) but I don't think he's losing any sleep over it now he's in his 70s.

When the band appeared at a Dodgers game back in 2012 to sing the national anthem, Mike took his hat off. He's not ashamed.

Al is not wearing a hairpiece.  He had a hair transplant that gave him a small amount of hair to style on the front of his head.

The cap is part of the way he presents himself as a performer. He figures no one wants to see his gleaming hairless pate while he sings 'I Get Around', and he's probably right.

When you're bald every good doctor will tell you to guard your head from solar radiation.

Nothing against Bruce but I hope I'm not the only poster who laughed out loud when they read this. ;D

  A bit much, I think. Hats have been a Love trademark since 1966, but he does expose his unadorned head to the world at times.

  Perhaps, yes. During "Cotton Fields" in Cleveland June 2012, Al pointed to Mike when he sang the line "Came upon a nice old man/He had a hat on".

Or maybe Mike prefers the way he looks with a hat on.

I've still got my hair but I often wear a baseball cap to shade my eyes or cover my hair while cooking and numerous other non-baseball or shame related reasons during the day and night.