The Smiley Smile Message Board

A lot of info taken from here: http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,19617.0.html


1961:
The Beach Boys in the studio and on the road were the same group.  No differences between members on the road and in the studio.

Brian Wilson - vocals; piano and snare drum in the studio and for rehearsals)
Mike Love - vocals
Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar
Al Jardine - vocals, double bass
Dennis Wilson - vocals, drums


December 30, 1961-February 1962 (end date no earlier than February 20 and no later than March 1):
Brian Wilson - vocals, bass
Mike Love - vocals
Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar
Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
Dennis Wilson - vocals, drums




March 1, 1962-April 1963 (start date no earlier than February 21 and no later than March 1, 1962):

Again, the lineups are the same, except that some session musicians are used for the first time in early 1963 to augment the group with saxophones, percussion, bass, and occasionally drums.

Brian Wilson - vocals, bass
Mike Love - vocals, saxophone?
Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar
David Marks - vocals, rhythm guitar
Dennis Wilson - vocals, drums
with
Mark Groseclose - drums (February 15-28, 1963, as a substitute for Dennis because of a foot injury)


April 23-October 1963:

Brian and Al alternate on the road, but all six BBs participate in the studio.

Brian Wilson - vocals, bass; piano and organ (studio only)
Mike Love - vocals, saxophone
Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar
David Marks - vocals, rhythm guitar, drums on “The Wanderer”
Al Jardine - vocals, bass
Dennis Wilson - vocals, drums



October 1963-December 1964:

David Marks' departure forces Brian back on the road full-time, and Al switches to rhythm guitar.  

Brian Wilson - vocals, bass; drums on “The Wanderer” (live); piano and organ (studio)
Mike Love - vocals, saxophone
Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar
Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
Dennis Wilson - vocals, drums
with
Dick Peterson of The Kingsmen - drums (briefly in July 1964 as a substitute for Dennis because of an injury)


December 1964-spring 1965:

Brian has a panic attack in late December between the 23rd and 30th (26th?).  Glen Campbell is brought in quickly as a touring member/substitute.

Glen Campbell - vocals, bass
Mike Love - vocals, saxophone
Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar
Al Jardine - vocals. rhythm guitar
Dennis Wilson -  vocals, drums


spring 1965:

Glen Campbell, Bruce, and Brian alternate vocals and bass (Brian mostly performs for TV appearances)

Glen Campbell - vocals, bass (January 1-3, 27, 29-30; February 4, 6, 19-22, 26-27; March 28; April 5; most other performances before May 18)
Brian Wilson - vocals, bass (February 12-18, March 26-27 @ Chicago, July 3, October 22-23 @ Andy Williams & Jack Benny)
Bruce Johnston - vocals, bass (all shows beginning with May 19, except July 3 and October 22-23)
Mike Love - vocals; saxophone on “Shut Down”
Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar
Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
Dennis Wilson -  vocals, drums


1965-August 1967:
Brian Wilson - vocals, bass (occasional appearances only; TV show appearances, Chicago 1965, Michigan 1966)
Bruce Johnston - vocals, bass (except TV show appearances and Chicago 1965); organ on “Good Vibrations” and “God Only Knows” (1966-1967)
Mike Love - vocals; saxophone on “Shut Down” (1965 and 1966?); Electro-Theremin on Good Vibrations (1966-1967)
Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar; bass on Good Vibrations and God Only Knows (1966-1967)
Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
Dennis Wilson -  vocals, drums


August 25-26, 1967 (Lei'd in Hawaii shows in Honolulu, HI)

Bruce does not perform because it "had all got too weird."  Brian goes if he can play his Baldwin organ.  Al and Carl split bass except for Sloop John B and Hawthorne Boulevard, where Brian plays bass

Brian Wilson - vocals, organ, bass on “Sloop John B” and “Hawthorne Boulevard”
Mike Love - vocals, Electro-Theremin on “Good Vibrations”
Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar, bass (at least) on “God Only Knows” and “Good Vibrations”
Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar, bass (at least) on “Surfer Girl”
Dennis Wilson -  vocals, drums


October 1967-April 1968:
Bruce Johnston - vocals, bass, organ
Mike Love - vocals, Electro-Theremin on “Good Vibrations”
Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar
Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
Dennis Wilson -  vocals, drums
with
Daryl Dragon - keyboards (beginning November 11, 1967)
Ron Brown - bass, tambourine (until February 4, 1968)


April 1968-December 1970:
Bruce Johnston - vocals, bass, organ
Mike Love (except February 26-March 1, 1970) - vocals, tambourine, Electro-Theremin on “Good Vibrations”
Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar; bass on “Vegetables” (1970)
Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar, banjo on “Little Bird”
Dennis Wilson -  vocals, drums
Brian Wilson (February 26-March 1, 1970 only) - vocals, keyboards
with
Daryl Dragon - keyboards; bass on “Bluebirds Over the Mountain” and “All I Want To Do” (1968-1969)
Doug Dragon - piano, organ
Dennis Dragon - percussion
Horn Section including Ernie Small - horns (May 1968-September 1969)
Ed Carter - bass, tambourine, lead guitar on “Bluebirds Over the Mountain” and “All I Want To Do” (beginning July 2, 1968)
Mike Kowalski  - percussion, drums (beginning July 2, 1968)
Billy Hinsche - harmony and backing vocals, bass (May 2-4, 1969)
The Horn Dogs - horns (beginning November 1970)


pre-Blondie and Ricky 1971:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, Electro-Theremin on “Good Vibrations” and “Wild Honey”
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar on pre-1966 songs (also possibly Jumpin' Jack Flash), electric piano, bass on “Vegetables”
- Dennis Wilson - vocals, keyboards, electric piano on “Heroes and Villains”
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, bass, organ, keyboards
with
Ed Carter - bass, rhythm guitar, lead guitar
Mike Kowalski - percussion
Carli Munoz - keyboards
Billy Hinsche - vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar, bass, lead guitar on “Long Promised Road”
Dennis Dragon - percussion
Daryl Dragon - keyboards
Jeff Kaplan - bass, electric piano (April 22-May 11, November 5-December 11)
Carli Munoz - congas (June 24, 1971-July 3, 1971)
Luther Coffee - bass (June 22, 1971-July 3, 1971)
Bobby Torres - percussion (beginning September 22)
Ricky Fataar - percussion, drums (beginning September 22, 1971)
The Horn Dogs - horns


1971-April 2, 1972:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, Electro-Theremin on “Good Vibrations” and “Wild Honey”
- Carl Wilson - vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar on pre-1966 songs (also “Jumpin' Jack Flash”), electric piano on “Wild Honey”, “Let the Wind Blow”, “Wonderful”, “Feel Flows”, “Surf’s Up”, “Long Promised Road”; bass on “Vegetables” (1971)
- Dennis Wilson - vocals, keyboards, electric piano on “Heroes and Villains”
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar on “Long Promised Road” (guitar solo only), “Don’t Worry Baby” (guitar break and possibly intro as well), “Sloop John B”, and “Heroes and Villains”
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, bass, keyboards
- Blondie Chaplin - vocals, lead guitar, slide guitar, bass on the "sensitive" tunes ("Caroline, No", "Only With You", Heroes And Villains," "Surf's Up"; possibly "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows"), tambourine
- Ricky Fataar - vocals, drums, rhythm guitar on We Got Love and 1 or 2 other songs, flute on Sloop John B and Caroline, No
with
Ed Carter - bass, lead guitar, rhythm guitar
Mike Kowalski - percussion, drums on "Caroline, No", "Marcella," "We Got Love"; Moog synthesizer on "Sail On, Sailor," (second) lead guitar on "Let the Wind Blow," bass on "Cool, Cool Water"
Carli Munoz - keyboards, Organ, clavinet
Billy Hinsche - vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar, lead guitar on “Long Promised Road”
Dennis Dragon - percussion
Daryl Dragon - keyboards, vibraphone on “Don’t Worry Baby” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”
Bobby Torres - percussion (until February 25, 1972)
The Horn Dogs - horns


April 2, 1972-December 1973:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, Electro-Theremin on “Good Vibrations” and “Wild Honey”
- Carl Wilson - vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar on “Surfin’ USA”, “Fun, Fun, Fun”, and “Jumpin' Jack Flash”, electric piano on “Wild Honey”, “Wonderful”, “Sail On, Sailor”, “The Trader”, “We Got Love”, “Leaving This Town”, “Surf’s Up”, “Long Promised Road”, and “Let the Wind Blow”
- Dennis Wilson - vocals, Moog synthesizer on “You Still Believe In Me”, “Sloop John B”, and “Let the Wind Blow”, clavinet on “The Trader”, electric piano on “Heroes and Villains”, piano on “California Saga: California”, tambourine
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar, banjo on “California Saga: California”, lead guitar on “Long Promised Road” (guitar solo only), “Don’t Worry Baby” (guitar break and possibly intro as well), “Sloop John B”, and “Heroes and Villains”
- Blondie Chaplin - vocals, lead guitar on “Help Me, Rhonda,” “Marcella” and 1967-1973 songs, slide guitar, bass on the "sensitive" tunes ("Caroline, No", "Only With You", Heroes And Villains," "Surf's Up", “You Still Believe In Me”, possibly "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows")
- Ricky Fataar - vocals, drums, rhythm guitar on “We Got Love” and 1 or 2 other songs, pedal steel guitar on “Marcella” and “California Saga: California”, flute on “Sloop John B” and “Caroline, No”
with
- Ed Carter - bass, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, slide guitar
- Mike Kowalski - percussion, drums on "Caroline, No", "Marcella," "We Got Love"; Moog synthesizer on "Sail On, Sailor," second lead guitar on "Let the Wind Blow," bass on "Cool, Cool Water"
- Carli Munoz - organ, clavinet, electric piano on “Caroline, No”, percussion
- Billy Hinsche - vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar, electric piano, piano on “Marcella” and “The Trader”, lead guitar on “Long Promised Road”
- Dennis Dragon - percussion (1972?)
- Daryl Dragon - keyboards, vibraphone on “Don’t Worry Baby” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”
- Toni Tennille - keyboards (March 16-April 29, 1972, August 16, 1972-November 23, 1972)
- Charles Lloyd - saxophone, flute, maracas (August 16, 1972-September 4, 1972)
- Richard Didymus Washington - congas (March 29, 1973-May 20, 1973, beginning November 2, 1973)
- Joe Pollard - percussion, drums (March 29, 1973-May 20, 1973)
- Robert Kenyatta - congas (August 12, 1973-September 3, 1973)
- Ed Tuduri - drums, percussion (beginning November 2, 1973)
- Putter Smith - bass (beginning November 2, 1973)
- The Horn Dogs - horns (until June 2, 1972)


December 1973-September 8, 1974:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, Electro-Theremin on “Good Vibrations” and “Wild Honey”
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar, electric piano on “Sail On, Sailor”
- Dennis Wilson - vocals, Moog synthesizer on “You Still Believe In Me”, “Sloop John B”, and “Let the Wind Blow”, clavinet on “The Trader”, electric piano on “Heroes and Villains”, piano on “California Saga: California”, tambourine
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar, banjo on “California Saga: California”, lead guitar on “Don’t Worry Baby” (guitar break and possibly intro as well), “Sloop John B”, and “Heroes and Villains”
- Ricky Fataar - vocals, drums, rhythm guitar on 1 or 2 songs, flute on “Sloop John B” and “Caroline, No”, pedal steel guitar on “We Got Love”, “Marcella”, and “California Saga”
with
Ed Carter - bass, lead guitar, rhythm guitar
Mike Kowalski - percussion, drums on "Caroline, No", "Marcella," "We Got Love"; Moog synthesizer on "Sail On, Sailor," second lead guitar on "Let the Wind Blow," bass on "Cool, Cool Water"
Carli Munoz - organ, clavinet
Billy Hinsche - vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar, piano on “Marcella” and “The Trader”, Electric Piano
Putter Smith - bass (until December 31, 1973)
Richard Didymus Washington - congas (until December 31, 1973)
Ed Tuduri - drums, percussion (until February 19, 1974)
Bobby Figueroa - percussion, drums, vocals, electric piano (March 15, 1974-July 31, 1974)
Robert Kenyatta - congas (beginning August 23, 1974)
James Guercio - bass, vocals (March 15-April 21, beginning August 23, 1974)
Don Lewis - synthesizer (April 9-April 21)
Ross Salmone - percussion, drums (beginning August 23)


September-December 1974
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, Electro-Theremin on Good Vibrations and Wild Honey
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar, electric piano
- Dennis Wilson - vocals, drums, piano on “Help Me, Rhonda”, electric piano on “Heroes and Villains”
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar, banjo on “California Saga: California”, lead guitar on “Don’t Worry Baby” (guitar break and possibly intro as well), “Sloop John B”, and “Heroes and Villains”
with
Ed Carter - rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass
Mike Kowalski - percussion
Carli Munoz - organ, clavinet
Billy Hinsche - vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar, piano on “Marcella” and “The Trader”, Electric Piano
Bobby Figueroa - percussion, drums, vocals, electric piano (beginning November 12)
James Guercio - bass, vocals (beginning September 8)
Ron Altbach - synthesizer, piano (beginning November 12)


1975-July 2, 1976:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, Electro-Theremin on “Good Vibrations” and “Wild Honey”
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar, electric piano
- Dennis Wilson - vocals, drums, piano on “Help Me, Rhonda”, electric piano on “Heroes and Villains”
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar on “Don’t Worry Baby” (guitar break and possibly intro as well), “Sloop John B”, and “Heroes and Villains”
with
Ed Carter - rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass
Mike Kowalski - percussion
Carli Munoz - organ, clavinet
Billy Hinsche - vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar, piano on “Marcella” and “The Trader”, Electric Piano
Bobby Figueroa - percussion, drums, vocals, electric piano
James Guercio - bass, vocals (until August 10, 1975; October 25-December 17, 1975)
Ron Altbach - synthesizer, piano (until September 2, 1975; beginning July 2, 1976)
Elmo Peeler - synthesizer, piano (October 25-December 17, 1975)
The Hornettes/Tornado - horns (beginning July 2, 1976)


July 3, 1976-1978:
- Brian Wilson - vocals, keyboards, bass
                       harmony and backing vocals, keyboards, lead vocals and bass on "Surfer Girl” and “Back Home" (1976-1977)
                       vocals, bass, keyboards (1978)
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, Electro-Theremin on Good Vibrations
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar, electric piano on “Sail On, Sailor” and “All This Is That”
- Dennis Wilson - vocals, drums, keyboards
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
with
Ed Carter - bass, rhythm and additional lead guitars
Mike Kowalski - percussion (1978?)
Carli Munoz - organ, clavinet, piano on “Help Me, Rhonda”
Billy Hinsche - vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar, electric piano, piano on “Marcella” and “The Trader”
Bobby Figueroa - percussion, drums, vocals, electric piano (beginning November 12)
Ron Altbach - synthesizer, piano (until September 2, 1975; July 2-September 6, 1976; July 30-December 28, 1977)
Elmo Peeler - synthesizer, piano (October 25-December 17, 1975; November 22, 1976-January 21, 1977)
The Hornettes/Tornado - horns (until June 25, 1978)
   including Charles Lloyd - saxophone
Gary Griffin - organ, clavinet, electric piano, piano, accordion, synthesizer (October 14, 1977-May 28, 1978)


September? 1978-1980:
- Brian Wilson - vocals, bass, keyboards, piano
                        vocals, bass, keyboards (1978)
                        vocals, electric piano, bass (1979)
                        vocals, piano (1979-1980)
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, Electro-Theremin on Good Vibrations (theremin until May 11, 1979?)
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar, electric piano on “Sail On, Sailor” and “All This Is That”
- Dennis Wilson (until June 8, 1979; August 11, 1979; November 15-17, 1979) - vocals, drums, piano on “Help Me, Rhonda”, electric piano on “Heroes and Villains”
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, electric piano, bass (all shows); guitar (1978 - playing the bass lines); piano
with
Ed Carter - bass, lead guitar, rhythm guitar
Mike Kowalski - percussion (1978?)
Carli Munoz - organ, clavinet, piano on “Help Me, Rhonda”
Mike Meros - keyboards (March 1-4, 1979; beginning May 11, 1979)
Tony Leo - percussion (June 19-September 23, 1979?) - Dennis’ drum tech
Bobby Figueroa - drums, vocals (after June 8, 1979)
                         percussion, drums, vocals, electric piano (until June 8, 1979; August 11, 1979; November 15-17, 1979)
Sterling Smith - piano (February 16, 1978-April 30, 1979)
Wells Kelly - percussion, electric piano, drums (February 16, 1978-June 25, 1978)
Phil Shenale - synthesizer (June 16, 1978-April 30, 1979)
Charles Lloyd - saxophone (until January 1, 1979)


1980-May 1981:
- Brian Wilson - vocals, piano, electric piano on “Help Me, Rhonda”  
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar
- Dennis Wilson (beginning June? or July?) - vocals, drums, piano on “Help Me Rhonda”
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar, bass on “Barbara Ann”
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, electric piano, bass on "Barbara Ann," "Help Me, Rhonda," "Long Tall Texan"
with
Ed Carter - bass, lead guitar on "Barbara Ann" and "Help Me Rhonda," rhythm guitar on "Long Tall Texan"
                 ONLY rhythm guitar and lead guitar (March 19, 1980-July 5, 1980?)
Joe Chemay - bass, harmony and backing vocals (March 19, 1980-July 5, 1980?)
Bobby Figueroa - vocals, drums (until July?)
                         vocals, percussion, drums (after July?)
Mike Meros - keyboards (electric piano, synthesizers, organ)


May 1-December 5, 1981
- Brian Wilson - vocals, piano, electric piano on “Help Me, Rhonda”
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Dennis Wilson - vocals, drums, piano on “Help Me, Rhonda”
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar, bass on “Barbara Ann” and “Long Tall Texan”
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, electric piano, bass on "Barbara Ann," "Help Me, Rhonda," "Long Tall Texan"
with
Ed Carter - harmony and backing vocals, lead guitar
Bobby Figueroa - vocals, percussion, drums (until November 1, 1981)
Mike Meros - keyboards (electric piano, synthesizers, organ)
Ernie Knapp - bass, rhythm guitar on “Barbara Ann,” “Help Me, Rhonda”, “Long Tall Texan”
Adrian Baker - vocals, rhythm guitar, electric piano (June 4-November 1)



December 24, 1981-1982:
- Brian Wilson - vocals, piano
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar, electric piano (beginning April 1982)
- Dennis Wilson - vocals, drums, piano on “Help Me, Rhonda”
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, electric piano, piano (when Brian is absent), bass on "Barbara Ann", "Long Tall Texan," "Help Me Rhonda"
with
Ed Carter - bass, lead guitar on "Barbara Ann" and "Help Me Rhonda" (beginning Summer 1982)
Ernie Knapp - bass, rhythm guitar on "Barbara Ann" and "Help Me, Rhonda" (until May 15, 1982)
Bobby Figueroa - vocals, percussion (December 24, 1981-January 1, 1982)
Mike Kowalski - percussion, drums
Mike Meros - keyboards (electric piano, synthesizers, organ)
Jeff Foskett - vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar
                   vocals, lead guitar (until April)
                  vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar on “Surfin’ Safari”, “Barbara Ann”, and “Help Me Rhonda (beginning April)
Joe Chemay - bass (one-shot fill in for Ed Carter)


1982-December 28, 1983:
- Brian Wilson (occasionally) - vocals, piano
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar, electric piano
- Dennis Wilson - vocals, drums
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar; bass on “Barbara Ann” (1982)
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, electric piano, piano, bass on “Barbara Ann” and “Help Me, Rhonda”
with
Ed Carter - bass, lead guitar on "Barbara Ann" and "Help Me Rhonda"
Mike Meros - keyboards (electric piano, synthesizers, organ)
Mike Kowalski - drums
Bobby Figueroa - percussion, drums, vocals, electric piano (beginning July 2, 1983)
Jeff Foskett - vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar on “Surfin’ Safari”, “GTO”, “Barbara Ann”, and “Help Me, Rhonda”


December 29, 1983-October 27, 1987:
- Brian Wilson - vocals, keyboards (occasional performances only)
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar, electric piano
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, electric piano, bass
with
- Ed Carter - bass, lead guitar on "Barbara Ann," occasional synth bass on “It’s Gettin’ Late” and “She Believes In Love Again” (1985)
- Mike Meros - keyboards (electric piano, synthesizers, organ)
- Mike Kowalski - drums, percussion
- Jeff Foskett - vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar on “Surfin’ Safari”, “GTO”, “Barbara Ann”, and “Help Me, Rhonda”
- Bobby Figueroa - percussion, drums, vocals
- Billy Hinsche - vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar
- Joe Chemay - bass (occasional substitute for Ed Carter, 1984)

October 27, 1987-1990:
- Brian Wilson (occasional performances only) - vocals, keyboards
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar, electric piano on "Sail On, Sailor"
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboards; bass on "Barbara Ann" and "Help Me Rhonda" (October 27-December 31, 1987)
with
- Ed Carter - bass
- Mike Meros - keyboards
- Jeff Foskett - vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar on “Surfin’ Safari”, “GTO”, “Barbara Ann”, “Help Me, Rhonda”, “Okie from Muskogee”
- Mike Kowalski - drums; percussion (until early 1988)
- Billy Hinsche - harmony and backing vocals, keyboards, lead vocals on “Sail On, Sailor” and “Wipe Out”, rhythm guitar on "Sail On, Sailor,” king of surf rap on “Wipe Out”
- Matt Jardine - vocals, percussion (beginning June 23, 1988?)
- Bobby Figueroa - vocals, percussion, drums (until February 1988)

1990-1992:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar, electric piano
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboards
with
Ed Carter - bass; lead guitar on “Summer in Paradise”, “Barbara Ann”, “Help Me Rhonda”
Mike Meros - keyboards
Adrian Baker - vocals, rhythm guitar
Mike Kowalski - drums
Billy Hinsche - vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar; bass on “Summer in Paradise”, “Barbara Ann”, “Help Me Rhonda”
Matt Jardine - vocals, percussion
Gerry Beckley - guitar, vocals (early 1990 as a substitute for Mike?)
Stanley T. Sitchell - lead guitar (late 1990-early 1991 as a substitute for Carl?)
John Renner -  saxophone (first half of 1991)
Richie Cannata - saxophone, flute, percussion, keyboard (beginning July 23, 1991)


1992-1995:
- Brian Wilson (2 guest appearances in 1995) - vocals, keyboards
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar, electric piano
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboard
with
Ed Carter - bass; lead guitar on “Summer in Paradise”, “Barbara Ann”, “Help Me Rhonda”
Mike Meros - keyboards
Mike Kowalski - drums
Billy Hinsche - vocals, keyboards; rhythm guitar (until 1994); bass on “Summer in Paradise”, “Barbara Ann”, “Help Me Rhonda”
Matt Jardine - vocals, percussion
Richie Cannata - saxophone, flute, percussion, keyboard


1995-1996:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar, electric piano
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboards
with
Mike Meros - keyboards
Mike Kowalski - drums
Billy Hinsche - vocals, keyboards
Matt Jardine - vocals, percussion
Richie Cannata - saxophone, flute, percussion, keyboard
Chris Farmer - harmony and backing vocals, bass


1996-1997:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboards
with
Mike Meros - keyboards
Mike Kowalski - drums
Matt Jardine - vocals, percussion
Richie Cannata - saxophone, flute, percussion, keyboard
Chris Farmer - harmony and backing vocals, bass
Tim Bonhomme - backing vocals, keyboards
Phill Bardowell - rhythm guitar (1997)


1997:

Carl leaves the touring band because he can't perform because of his cancer.

- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboards
with
Mike Meros - keyboards
Mike Kowalski - drums
Matt Jardine - vocals, percussion
Richie Cannata - saxophone, flute, percussion, keyboard
Chris Farmer - harmony and backing vocals, bass
Tim Bonhomme - backing vocals, keyboards
Phil Bardowell - backing vocals, lead guitar


1997-May 9, 1998:

David Marks rejoins the band (officially and on the road).

- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboards, bass
- David Marks - harmony and backing vocals, lead guitar
with
Mike Meros - keyboards
Mike Kowalski - drums
Matt Jardine - vocals, percussion
Richie Cannata - saxophone, flute, percussion, keyboard
Chris Farmer - vocals, bass
Tim Bonhomme - backing vocals, keyboards
Phill Bardowell - rhythm guitar, lead guitar on “Dance, Dance, Dance”


May 10, 1998-July 4, 1999:

Al is forced out of the touring band by Mike so MELECO can take full control

- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine; saxophone on “Shut Down”
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboards
- David Marks - vocals, lead guitar
with
Mike Meros - keyboards
Mike Kowalski - drums
Matt Jardine - vocals, percussion (early dates only)
Adrian Baker - vocals, rhythm guitar (except early dates)
Richie Cannata - saxophone, flute, percussion, keyboard (some dates in July only)
Chris Farmer - vocals, bass
Tim Bonhomme - backing vocals, keyboards
Phil Bardowell - vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar on “Dance, Dance, Dance”


July 5, 1999-July 4, 2001:

David leaves the touring band because of his Hepatitis C.

- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, saxophone on “Shut Down”
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboard, saxophone on “Shut Down”
with
Mike Meros - keyboards
Mike Kowalski - drums
Adrian Baker - vocals, rhythm guitar
Chris Farmer - vocals, bass
Tim Bonhomme - backing vocals, keyboards
Phil Bardowell - vocals, lead guitar

John Cowsill - drums (October 8, 2000); vocals, percussion (substitute for Adrian Baker, December 28, 2000-January 1, 2001)
Scott Totten - vocals, rhythm guitar (December 28, 2000-January 1, 2001; substitute for Adrian Baker)


July 5, 2001-May 2004:

- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, saxophone on “Shut Down”
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboard
with
Mike Kowalski - drums
Adrian Baker - vocals, rhythm guitar
Chris Farmer - vocals, bass
Tim Bonhomme - backing vocals, keyboards
Scott Totten - vocals, lead guitar
John Cowsill - vocals, keyboards, percussion

Paul Fauerso - vocals, keyboards, percussion (substitute for John Cowsill at AVO Session in Switzerland)



May 2004-2006:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboard
with
Mike Kowalski - drums
Randell Kirsch - vocals, rhythm guitar
Chris Farmer - vocals, bass
Tim Bonhomme - backing vocals, keyboards
Scott Totten - vocals, lead guitar
John Cowsill - vocals, keyboards, percussion


2006-October 13, 2007:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboard
with
Mike Kowalski - drums (until September 26, 2007)
Randell Kirsch - vocals, rhythm guitar
Christian Love - vocals, rhythm guitar
Chris Farmer - vocals, bass
Tim Bonhomme - backing vocals, keyboards
Scott Totten - vocals, lead guitar
John Cowsill - vocals, keyboards, percussion
                       drums, vocals (after September 26, 2007)


October 2007-2012 (except 2008 UK tour); September 30, 2012-2014:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboard (audible at least on “Disney Girls”, “Darlin’”, “Be True To Your School”, “Good Vibrations”)
with
Tim Bonhomme - backing vocals, keyboards
Scott Totten - vocals, lead guitar
John Cowsill - vocals, drums
Randall Kirsch - vocals, bass
Christian Love - vocals, rhythm guitar

Brian Sutherland - vocals, rhythm guitar (substitute in late 2013 for Christian Love)
Andrew Clark - saxophones (guest at New England shows in 2014)


2008 UK tour:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboard (audible at least on “Disney Girls”, “Darlin’”, “Be True To Your School”, “Good Vibrations”)
- David Marks - vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar
with
Tim Bonhomme - harmony and backing vocals, keyboards
Scott Totten - vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar
John Cowsill - vocals, drums
Randall Kirsch - vocals, bass
Christian Love - vocals, rhythm guitar


February 12, 2012 (Grammys) and April 10, 2012-September 28, 2012 (C50):
- Brian Wilson - vocals, piano, bass on “Barbara Ann” and “Fun, Fun, Fun”
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar, banjo on "California Saga: California", additional lead guitar on “Sail On, Sailor”
- David Marks - vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboard (Keyboard only audible on “Disney Girls”)
with
Jeff Foskett - vocals, rhythm guitar, tambourine, sleigh bell, mandolin on “Disney Girls”
Scott Totten - vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, ukulele on "Isn't It Time", bass on "Pet Sounds"
John Cowsill - vocals, drums, tambourine
Darian Sahanaja - vocals, keyboards, vibes, percussion
Scott Bennett - keyboards, harmony and backing vocals, vibes, percussion
Paul von Mertens - saxophones, flutes, harmonica, clarinet, jew's harp, harmony and backing vocals
Probyn Gregory - rhythm guitar, harmony and backing vocals, trumpet, french horn, trombone, tannerin on “Good Vibrations”, “Forever,” “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times”, bass on “Marcella, “This Whole World,” “Add Some Music To Your Day”, and other deep cuts
Mike D'Amico - bass, harmony and backing vocals, drums on "Marcella,” “This Whole World", "Pet Sounds," "Add Some Music To Your Day," and other deep cuts
Nelson Bragg - percussion, harmony and backing vocals
Nicky Walusko - rhythm guitar, harmony and backing vocals (until June, except February 12 because of lack of space)
Brett Simons - bass (February 12 [the Grammys])


2014-early 2015:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboard (audible at least on “Disney Girls”, Darlin’”, “Be True To Your School”, “Good Vibrations”)
with
Jeff Foskett - vocals, rhythm guitar
Tim Bonhomme - harmony and backing vocals, keyboards
Scott Totten - vocals, lead guitar
John Cowsill - vocals, drums
Randall Kirsch - vocals, bass

Andrew Clark - saxophones (guest at New England shows)



April 2015-2016:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, additional percussion on “I’m So Young”
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboard (audible at least on “Disney Girls”, “Darlin’”, “Be True To Your School”, “Good Vibrations”)
with
Jeff Foskett - vocals, rhythm guitar
Tim Bonhomme - harmony and backing vocals, keyboards
Scott Totten - vocals, lead guitar
John Cowsill - vocals, drums
Brian Eichenberger - vocals, bass

Andrew Clark - saxophones (guest at New England shows, 2015)




2016-January 1, 2018:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, additional percussion on “I’m So Young”
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboard (audible at least on “Disney Girls”, “Darlin’”, “Be True To Your School”, “Good Vibrations”)
with
Jeff Foskett - vocals, rhythm guitar
Tim Bonhomme - backing vocals, keyboards
Scott Totten - vocals, lead guitar
John Cowsill - vocals, drums
Brian Eichenberger - vocals, bass
Randy Leago - vocals, saxophones, flutes, harmonicas, percussion


January 2(?), 2018-present:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, keyboard (audible at least on “Disney Girls”, “Darlin’”, “Be True To Your School”, “Good Vibrations”)
with
Jeff Foskett - vocals, rhythm guitar (until 2019? as full touring member; occasionally appears as guest rhythm guitarist)
Tim Bonhomme - backing vocals, keyboards
Scott Totten - vocals, lead guitar, shaker on “Good Vibrations”
John Cowsill - vocals, drums
Randy Leago - harmony and backing vocals, saxophones, flutes, harmonicas, percussion
Randall Kirsch - vocals, bass (substitute, January-March)
Christian Love - vocals, rhythm guitar
Keith Hubacher - bass, backing vocals on “Getcha Back” (first show: March 17, 2018)
Brian Eichenberger - vocals, rhythm guitar (occasional substitute for Foskett, 2018-2019; replacement, 2019-present)
Rob Bonfiglio - vocals, rhythm guitar (occasional substitute for Foskett/Eichenberger, summer 2019)
Matthew Jordan - vocals, keyboard (occasional substitute for Foskett/Eichenberger/Bonfiglio, fall 2019)



Songs where Bruce's keyboard is supposedly audible at M&B since late 2007: "Darlin'", "Good Vibrations," "Be True To Your School" (plus “Disney Girls” since 1998 and probably “I Write the Songs”)
Songs where Brian's piano has been confirmed as audible in 2012 (debates over this): first two verses of "Kokomo", intro of "Marcella"

Great questions, likely more easy to answer about Ricky than Blondie. Listening to the Beach Boys live cd from early 70's, it's pretty easy to tell when Ricky is drumming, simply by the quality of the drums. He was a great drummer, still is. He also played steel guitar, like on We Got Love, when ever that was called for. For Blondie though I'm not sure where he fit in on guitar or bass, would like to know myself.

Well it was a long time ago so my feeling is CW played lead on the oldies and mostly using a distortion pedal.. I dont remember Blondie playing much lead except on the newer stuff like SOS + Marcella.. They had a Huge rockin sound back then..His guitar could allways be heard..Bass i cant recall when he played that.. Now in this time period BB played " Jumpin Jack Flash ".. I suspect it was CW + Blondie on that one.. When they played that one it used explode of the stage..

Blondie has said he played bass live mostly on the "sensitive" tunes...I suspect those to be "Caroline, No", "Only With You", maybe "God Only Knows". He definitely played bass live for "Heroes And Villains" and I think maybe "Wouldn't It Be Nice".

Was Ed Carter in the band full-time during the 1971-1973 Blondie era? My recollection is that he was usually if not always there. He usually swapped between lead guitar and bass as well.

I'm curious how much those sorts of instrument swaps were a free-for-all, or if the backing guys would basically defer to the "main" guys and kind of play whatever was left over. It was definitely a cool era for the band, when backing guys and BBs were all swapping lead vocals and instruments, and sometimes doubling up (e.g. Bobby Figueroa and Ricky, etc.).

I know in the later era in the late 70s and early 80s, they tried a few times to have another bass player (Joe Chemay, Ernie Knapp) which allowed Ed Carter to basically go guitar full-time. (Of course, in the Knapp era Ed Carter was basically taking *Carl's* place as far as lead guitar was concerned). Then, in later years Carter was almost exclusively on bass, only doing a few leads (like "Summer in Paradise") where Billy would take over on bass.

Thanks for the info everyone. Hey Jude, Ed Carter is someone who confused me because Wikipedia implied he only played rhythm guitar before Carl left. I only knew of Barbara Ann from Knebworth 1980 where he did play lead. I'm just starting to find full concerts on YouTube.  

INTERESTING THREAD!!!!

From Wikipedia and everyone who was kind enough to reply, we have at least:

Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, Electro-Theremin
Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar on pre-1966 songs, electric piano
Dennis Wilson - vocals, keyboards, electric piano
Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
Bruce Johnston - vocals, bass, keyboards? (until mid-1972)
Blondie Chaplin - vocals, lead guitar on Marcella, slide guitar, bass on the "sensitive" tunes
Ricky Fataar - vocals, drums, rhythm guitar, pedal steel guitar, flute on Sloop John B
with
Ed Carter - rhythm guitar
Mike Kowalski - percussion
Carli Munoz - keyboards
Billy Hinsche - vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar
Dennis Dragon - percussion
Toni Tennille - keyboards
Daryl Dragon - keyboards
Charles Lloyd - saxophone
Bobby Figueroa - percussion

Were all of these touring members always there?  It seems like there's not enough parts for that many musicians.


EDIT: Original first post below
As we all know, Blondie Chaplin played guitar and bass for The Beach Boys, and Ricky Fataar played drums, guitar, and flute. So how were the arrangements structured (i.e, what did Blondie play lead guitar on; when did Ricky switch from drums to guitar or flute; did Blondie play bass live or only on Holland; did Dennis play drums live when Ricky played guitar or did a percussionist play it because of Dennis' injury)? What was Carl's role in terms of lead guitar with Blondie in the band?


What We've Figured Out So Far:
- Mike Love - vocals, tambourine, Electro-Theremin on Good Vibrations and Wild Honey
- Carl Wilson - vocals, lead guitar on pre-1966 songs (also possibly Jumpin' Jack Flash and Sail On, Sailor), electric piano
- Dennis Wilson - vocals, keyboards, electric piano
- Al Jardine - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Bruce Johnston - vocals, bass, keyboards? (until mid-1972)
- Blondie Chaplin (1971/1972-1973) - vocals, lead guitar on Marcella and 1967-1973 songs, slide guitar, bass on the "sensitive" tunes ("Caroline, No", "Only With You", Heroes And Villains," "Surf's Up"; possibly "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows")
- Ricky Fataar (1971-1974) - vocals, drums, rhythm guitar on We Got Love and 1 or 2 other songs, flute on Sloop John B and Caroline, No; pedal steel guitar on We Got Love, Marcella, and California Saga (1973-1974)
with
Ed Carter - rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass
Mike Kowalski - percussion
Carli Munoz - keyboards
Billy Hinsche - vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar


Dennis Dragon - percussion (1971-1973)
Toni Tennille - keyboards (1972-1974)
Daryl Dragon - keyboards (1967-1973)
Charles Lloyd - saxophone, flute, maracas (1972-1974; later returned after Ricky left the band)
Bobby Figueroa - percussion (1974)
Joe Pollard - drums (occasionally)






What We've Figured Out So Far (Organized by Years):

Out of curiosity, who is playing the lead guitar in the (mostly) instrumental version of SOS (from the Hawthorne collection)? Don't have those disks handy so can't check to see if Alan ID'd this. I have kinda had the impression it might have been Ed Carter...

Nope - Carl Wilson on lead guitar. Plus Tony Martin, Jr. on steel guitar.

Another interesting thing about those little noodly lead parts on "Sail on Sailor" is that it's one of the few "lead" bits that I always see Al joyously playing in concert when he gets a chance. When his various solo bands have done it, he always digs on playing that part.

  Drummer Joe Pollard did several Beach Boys shows in that era. He also gifted the band the two see-through acrylic Zickos drumkits that Dennis and the other's used from 1973-1980.

I don't see Bruce listed. Is there a reason why? He certainly was there in the early 70's. Just one quick instance was the Checker Dome Annex show in Saint Louis in 1971. I was there.

I wasn't sure if I should include him because it's mostly about when Blondie and Ricky were there.  I knew he was there until "Marcella," but I didn't know he was on one of the 1972 tours until today.

Also, what instruments did a BB percussionist play?

Tambourine - Congas - Timbales - Cowbell.

A little more info on Ricky from c-man:

It's a virtual certainty that the flute playing at the Whisky gig is Ricky (Fataar).
He also played flute live with the Boys ("Caroline, No" and the intro to "Sloop John B."  Also
a nice little improved (as in "improvational", not "improved") version of "Heart and Soul").
As well as pedal steel ("Calfornia Saga", "Marcella", and "We Got Love" after Blondie's departure).

Source: http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,599.msg14803.html#msg14803

"Improvisational", I assume. ;D

Well...maybe it was ALSO "improved" - after all, it was played by a Beach Boy!  ;)

Did Carl ever play bass live? I know there's a photo with Ricky on pedal steel or lap steel, Carl on bass, and Al and I think Blondie on guitars.

Not sure if he played bass live in early 70s but he did play bass for a few songs for the Honolulu concert album

Yeah I thought I remembered that. What would have originally been Lei'd in Hawaii right?

Yep

Carl played bass on the live versions of "God Only Knows" and "Good Vibrations" (while Bruce played organ) before they started hiring a bass player to accompany them. At the Honolulu '67 shows, he and Al switched off between guitar and bass throughout (although Brian did play bass on two songs - "Hawthorne Boulevard" and "Sloop John B."). And as for the '70s - I'm told Carl and Bruce both played bass on the live version of "Vegetables" in '70-'71.

Thanks for everyone's help.  What was Ed Carter's role in the band during this time period (late 71 to late 74)?  I know he did lead guitar work after Blondie and Ricky left and in the studio before they joined, and he switched mostly to bass after Carl rejoined the BB in 82.  Could there have been enough lead guitar work for three lead guitarists?

Eddie started out in the business as a guitarist, but switched mostly to bass at the suggestion of his school buddy Bruce, who told him he could get more gigs as a bassist. The Beach Boys ended up hiring him to place bass live starting in the summer of '68. He sometimes played guitar for them in the studio, but mostly played bass live (and tambourine for the songs where Bruce played bass). But he alternated in that live bassist role throughout the late '60s and early-to-mid '70s, probably due to school or other commitments - their other live bassists during this time included Jack Conrad, Jeff Kaplan, Luther Coffee, Billy Hinsche (for one tour), Putter Smith, and James Guercio. Interestingly, Blondie seems to have played mostly guitar in the live band (switching to bass for a few tunes) - but mostly bass in the studio. With Eddie, it was the other way around! Live, Eddie played lead guitar on "Bluebirds" (as he did in the studio), then played guitar for some of the songs that Blondie played bass on (or later - late '70s through early '80s - when Al or Bruce played bass on "Barbara Ann" or Bruce when played bass on "Rhonda" and "Long Tall Texan", or when Brian was playing bass). At one point in early 1980, Eddie was gone and Joe Chemay was there on bass - but after a few months, their record label (CBS) suggested the band "toughen up" their live sound, so Eddie came back as an extra lead guitarist. By that summer though, Chemay was out and Eddie was back on bass. When Carl left in early '81, they switched Eddie to lead guitar and brought in Ernie Knapp for bass. Eddie developed a hernia that fall, and so departed again until Carl came back in mid '82 and rehired him. He stayed on until late '95, playing bass consistently, lead guitar occasionally ("Somewhere Near Japan", for instance), or a few times in Carl's absence, throughout the show. I even saw him play synth bass on a couple of songs in '85 ("It's Getting Late" and "She Believes In Love Again")!

When Carl left in 1981, Ed Carter was basically Carl's replacement in terms of being the main lead guitarist.

I hadn't known (or had forgotten) that Carter exited in the fall of '81 until some time in '82. That would perhaps explain why Jeff Foskett was hired on at the end of 1981 even though they still already had Adrian Baker and Ernie Knapp in addition to Meros and Figueroa.

It appears Carl brought back both Ed Carter and Billy Hinsche in 1982 when he returned. I believe Ernie Knapp was gone immediately (not sure Carl ever played a gig with them when Knapp was in the band; though Carl did return for that short string of shows in early 1982 before departing again for a few more months). But Adrian Baker stayed on for awhile in 1982.

Did Billy join in 1982 while Adrian Baker was still in the band? If so, that was a pretty large backing band at that point: Bobby Figueroa (or Mike Kowalski), Mike Meros, Adrian Baker, Jeff Foskett, Ed Carter, Billy Hinsche.

Has there ever been a clear, definitive explanation for why both Ed Carter and Billy Hinsche were let go in 1995? (And were they both gone at the exact same time?). I would guess cost/age was the biggest factor; they were replaced by younger (and probably cheaper) guys in the form of Tim Bonhomme and Chris Farmer.

Back to Ed Carter, he seems to have first popped back up playing the 1998 "Farm Aid" gig with Brian Wilson (Matt Jardine was also there). I can't recall if Ed did any other gigs with Brian that year. I know Brian took Matt with him when he did the "Front Row Center" TV show appearance; I can't remember if Ed was with him at that one.

Ed of course joined Al's "Family & Friends" in 1999. The first "Family & Friends" gig in 1998 had Steve Heger on drums and Randell Kirsch on bass. I think both Bobby Figueroa and Ed Carter joined up early in 1999. But I know Al had some guys rotating in and out as he went along, as the tour schedule was inconsistent. Ed usually played bass with Al too. But I saw a 2000 gig with "Family & Friends" where Craig Copeland (lead guitarist) was out, so they brought in Randell Kirsch on bass and Ed Carter moved to lead guitar.

Hey Jude, you touched on an always interesting to me, seldom discussed topic....why were Eddie Carter and Bllly Hinsche let go in 1995? They were long time members of the band, both, especially Billy, tight with Carl and Al. Did those 2 principles not support them? Was it strictly a Mike Love $ conscious move....but still no support from Carl or Al? All very strange to me....would love to hear Billy chime in with what happened...he would know the true story.

Comment was made that CBS suggested they "toughen up the live sound".  Quite amusing, a bit like MGM exhorting the Osmonds to toughen up their live sound.  This ain't Metallica we're dealing with!  Exactly how that would have increased record sales?  Well, obviously it didn't....

I'm pretty sure there has never been a definitive explanation for their departures. I know they were both gone either at the same time or very soon after one another. My only guesses would be all the obvious ones: cost and/or musical reasons. Meaning, maybe they wanted someone (e.g. Farmer) who could do more backing vocals (Ed Carter did sing sometimes, but he was not a regular part of the vocal stack as far as I know, and in many cases didn't sing).

Relatively few of the backing guys over the years seemed to leave of their own choosing. The fact that so many of them turn up after their exit from the touring band continuing to play BB music with various off-shoot/tribute bands tells me they probably weren't choosing to quit the touring band to do something else musically. That's not to say someone here and there maybe wanted a lighter work schedule, etc. But in most cases, I would imagine the idea is to add something else to the touring band sound, or freshen things up with younger members, and/or members who can do more vocal parts, and so on.

Ed Carter, Bobby Figueroa, Billy Hinsche, and Matt Jardine all were touring with Al's band within a few years (or less) of leaving the "touring band."

More recently, both of the most recent exits from Mike's band, Christian Love and Randell Kirsch, have been playing with "California Surf Inc." (along with Bobby and Ed). Now, we had heard for some time that Christian Love was itching to exit Mike's band going back several years; so he may be one anomaly where he didn't want a rigorous touring schedule, but doesn't mind playing gigs here and there for a little extra coin.

Other guys like Phil Bardowell and Adrian Baker have played in various off-shoot bands. (Baker was essentially swapped out from Mike's band for Kirsch in the 2000s, and later on I recall Baker not expressing fond thoughts of Mike).

"Toughening up" the live sound maybe isn't the best term for CBS to use, but to "beef up" the sound was something that wasn't a bad thing.

In late 1979/early 1980, it was one of the last times that actual BBs on stage outnumbered backing players. It was five or all six BBs backed by only three (Figueroa, Carter, and Meros). With Carter on bass, the guitarists in the band were only Carl and Al. Al wasn't a prominent guitar player in the mix at that time (Al *is* a good guitarist, he just didn't show it as much in the touring band).

So having another guitarist (Carter), and then having someone else (Chemay) fill out the bass, was something that could only help the band. Adding one more guitar wasn't going to make them sound like AC/DC or anything, but it would get them a bit more guitar-oriented and little less piano/keyboard oriented. They ultimately as the years went by chose to never go particularly guitar-heavy.

I always figured years ago that Chemay was brought in mainly for the European 1980 tour simply to beef up the sound for Knebworth, since that was being recorded and videotaped for release. While that apparently wasn't the case, Chemay was gone soon after and as soon as they were back in the US in July, only a week or two after Knebworth, Chemay was gone.

But it was only the next year that Carl was gone, and they added Baker and Knapp (and then eventually Foskett). So all of a sudden instead of six BBs and three backing guys, it was five (or sometimes only four) BBs and five or six backing guys.

I don't know about toughening but it sure as heck made them sound better. You can notice a difference between Knebworth and the DC concert in '80 for sure.  It gave them a nice guitar sound.  Sadly within a few years they gave into the keyboard /synth 80s and the keyboards overwhelmed the guitars for the next decade plus.

I think you could call it toughening. Haven't listened to all of Knebworth yet, but I have listened to Barbara Ann from that show and Ed Carter's solo almost brings the song to hard rock. There's a lot of distortion and crazy lines that I wouldn't have expected from The Beach Boys

Jude - some answers/clarifications:  Adrian Baker wasn't with them in late '81 or early '82 (I think the falsettos were all covered by Bruce, Al, and Bobby Figueroa during that time). When Eddie dropped out due to his hernia, they brought in Jeff for lead guitar but also gained the addition of another falsetto singer (who ended up doing nearly ALL of the falsettos). Ernie Knapp was indeed with the band when Carl played those few shows in late March and early April of '82 - when Carl returned fulltime in May, and instituted a new rehearsal regimen, Knapp was out, Carter was back on bass, and Adrian returned (interestingly, when Brian was absent - as he was for much of the May-November '82 shows - Bruce took his spot on grand piano while Adrian played electric piano for two thirds of the set). Adrian was gone by November, and Carl brought Billy back to take his place that month. I don't think Adrian and Billy played a show together until 1990, when Adrian returned to replace Jeff on falsetto vocals.

I'm pretty sure Ian and Jon's Concert book covers this topic.

I have that book C-Man, and it doesn't explain the details, as far as I can see, unless I missed it. It does briefly mention in 1995 that Ed and Billy were  replaced by Farmer and Bonhamme, but no reason given as to why. Perhaps had t do with Vocals, but Bonhamme doesn't sing. Farmer of course, did, and sang the high parts for a while. I've never heard Billy mention it in any of his social media communications either. Considering how close he was to Carl and Al, perhaps it was his choice. Would love to hear the details of this fairly elusive time in Beach Boys band history.

Since it's been said that Al had a voice/range closer to Brian's than Bruce's was, how much of Brian's falsetto was handled by Bruce? Did Al take the falsetto while Blondie and Ricky were in the group or was it Bobby Figueroa when he was there?

I believe Ian and Jon's book covers the circa 1977 small purge of band members, who supposedly/allegedly were let go for not adhering to TM.

But I can't remember if they cover the reasons behind Billy and Ed leaving in 1995. I think they cover that it occurred, but did they get into the reasons?

Awesome, thanks for the clarification. I had seen some pics of 1982 shows with Bruce on piano and Adrian on keyboards, after Foskett joined, so I knew Adrian was in the band at some point in 1982.

So I would guess by the time of that widely circulating November 1982 Jamaica Music Fest recording, Adrian was gone and Billy was back?

It would be interesting to know what was behind Baker's coming and going. It's interesting that, upon returning full time in May, Carl's "demands" so to speak had to do with tightening up the band's sound and setlist, yet he brought back (or okayed bringing back) Adrian Baker, even though Carl himself was documented watching that 1981 Queen Mary show and commenting that it was "painful." While he didn't specifically cite Baker (I believe Carl said something like "some rehearsal would help a lot"), he had to have seen/heard that Adrian was sounding pretty off doing those falsettos.

I *do* think a *little bit* of that awful Queen Mary 1981 gig is explained by the mix, because someone posted some clips of the show on YouTube taken from a much later (possibly European) broadcast of the show, and the show has been mixed much better and it at least smooths out some of the worst aspects. I think the live mono TV sound and even the live stereo radio simulcast made an already iffy show sound even worse.

While we're on the subject of comings and goings, I've also been curious by the strikingly large amount of musical chairs that took place in 1990. You have Mike missing some gigs in May and June to tour in Japan. For *some* of those shows, I've read Jeff was still with the band and sang a lot of Mike's leads. But I've heard the one circulating recording from June, and Jeff isn't there and *Al* is singing lead for the most of the show including most of Mike's leads.

It appears Jeff missed some shows in June (and maybe earlier?), and Matt Jardine stepped in for these shows even though he wasn't yet the full-time official "falsetto" guy, and then Jeff came back for a bit (he's on the July 4th gigs, his last), and then either immediately or soon after Adrian Baker re-joined (but with Matt still playing with the band as well?), and then Matt officially "replaced" Adrian around 1992? I think there's a 1992 "Beach Boys Band" publicity photo that includes both Matt and Adrian.

There's also a 1990 soundboard recording where Mike is back, but *Al* is absent (Mike mentions, seemingly sarcastically, that Al is on "sabbatical"), and neither Foskett nor Baker are present, and Matt does the falsettos and Al's leads (including "Somewhere Near Japan").

Later in the year, Carl *also* missed some shows, and weirdly they hired a replacement lead guitarist (can't remember his name, but he had big 80s hair).

HeyJude, at the May 1990 Mikeless show I saw in Atlanta, both Al and Jeff co-sang a lot of Mike's leads. Matt Jardine covered the falsettos, and Gerry Beckley helped fill in the harmonies. They also did "Sister Goldenhair."

I think it was your report from years ago that I was remembering in thinking that Jeff was at some of the "Mike-less" shows in 1990.

But apparently at some point later in May or June, Foskett dropped out for awhile, as the June 2 Ontario show I've heard has no Jeff, and Al was singing all of Mike's leads (apart from the bridge to "Sloop John B", which Gerry Beckley sang).

But Jeff did return at some point, as he's on the July 4th Cape Cod show (his last show), which circulates on video.

I believe Mike missed the shows in May/June due to an "Endless Summer Band" string of dates in Japan. I think Foskett had previously been a part of that sideband, but I recall seeing some Japanese TV appearances Mike made during that time, and I don't think Jeff was in the band at that point (which would make sense as well if Jeff was with the BBs during some of the gigs Mike missed).

I've always found in interesting that, even when Mike was gone for a string of shows in 1990, they didn't really alter the setlist (other than doing Beckley's "Sister Golden Hair"). You'd think they would have dropped a few "Mike lead" songs and picked some more stuff for Carl to sing (or had Carl sing a few of the Mike leads).

It's interesting that we have recordings through the years of Mike, Al, and Brian all singing a lot of the "surf" and "car" songs, but never Carl. How weird would that have been, to hear Carl take the lead on "California Girls" or something?

Didn't Carl cover Mike's leads when he was ill in 1970?

It's been a million years since I listened to the murky audience recordings. Did Brian sing some of the leads? I recall the general idea put around was that Brian took Mike's leads, but then others suggested it was Carl.

In any event, it's a bit easier to think of the 1970 Carl voice filling in for Brian or even Mike. I just think it would be odd to hear 1990s Carl singing those Mike leads.

Has Mike ever discussed or even mentioned why he'd bail on his own band to play these half-assed cover band shows at the time when the Beach Boys were actually a hot act riding on a #1 hit single?

Considering how possessive he was of the BBs as a touring brand, it's surprising Mike would miss BB gigs.

He strikes me as the Tom Scholz type, who allegedly one time in the late 70s injured himself at the end of a Boston show and missed one song in an encore where the rest of the band went on, and allegedly immediately freaked out and made the entire band sign an agreement that they would never perform a note without him on stage.

I have no doubt that Mike would never have done such a thing in 1996 or 97.

My best guess for those 1990 dates is one of two things, and actually they both could go hand in hand. He may have booked the gigs prior to BB gigs were offered and booked, and no doubt, especially back in 1990, he could probably make some nice money *not* splitting gig proceeds with the other BBs by doing those gigs in Japan. Even an off-shoot side band like "Endless Summer Band" was in-demand enough in Japan in 1990 that they booked the band for TV show appearances.

I've always wondered if it was a coincidence or not that the following year, the Beach Boys themselves toured Japan for the first time in, I believe, 12 years.

Also, something pertaining to the "Endless Summer Band", and perhaps why Foskett *wasn't* on that Japan tour with Mike's band in 1990, is alluded to in Jeff Foskett's mid-90s interview detailing his 1990 departure from the touring band:

FOSKETT: I was asked to leave by Michael and Carl. I know that during the past several months there has been some discussion over the internet on my departure, and I will set the record straight now. I was having an affair outside my marriage that was causing a great deal of turmoil in the closely-knit BB organization. All the wives traveled on the road at one time or another, and seeing me with someone other than my wife made them suspicious of their husbands. Not a good scene. My ego was way out of control. I think Michael thought that I was holding back money from the side gigs that he and I did with the Endless Summer Beach Band, and so he was unhappy about that, and Carl was unhappy with my ego and my affair. They did the right thing by letting me go; right for them and definitely right for me. I needed to straighten up and get back into "the real world." I did, and my wife and I will soon be celebrating our 11th anniversary.

Foskett's comments almost make it seem like *Foskett* was booking the band's gigs, or at least acting as some sort of ad hoc manager for that side band. I'm not sure how else it would even be possible for him to "hold back" money from gigs.

We also have Al, Carl, Dennis, Brian...and now Mike...singing lead on "Help Me, Rhonda"!

I seem to recall that ESQ reported (I think it was the September '95 edition) that two of the longtime touring sidemen were planning to retire at the end of the year...they didn't name names, but a few months later, it became obvious who they meant. So this could have simply been a case of them growing tired of the touring grind. Or of the inter-band bickering. Or both. :)

Hi everyone,

since there's been a lot of great discussion outside the time when Blondie and Ricky were in the band, I'm going to edit the main post and include all the info that people have willingly provided here and in a couple of other topics I have found that list the BB touring members.

Thanks for all the help and discussion!

I've been waiting for a comprehensive thread about this! I hope we can get a detailed look at the touring band all the way until the current band(s)

I think there should be some discussion of the other on-stage players over the years, such as their various horn sections. I remember (vaguely) some shows in the '70's that featured some amazing horn contributions, but don't recall any names.

I'll put anything we can find in the first post.

So back to 1961: I know Brian played at least a snare drum on Surfin' but what did he play live? Al was playing double bass so I'll assume piano with Dennis on drums? Would the set just have consisted of Surfin'?

I get the impression that even their earliest gigs were done with two electric guitars, electric bass (Brian) and drums. But I'll have a look in Ian and Jon's book, although someone else may get back to you before then...

Regarding the very first gig, I found what I wanted in James B. Murphy's Becoming the Beach Boys, an essential purchase for the serious fan. For that gig on December 23rd, Murphy lists (on p. 131) Carl on guitar, either his own or one he rented, Al on the rented double-bass, Dennis on drums ("perhaps just a snare") and Brian and Mike sharing a microphone. They did two songs, "Surfin'" for sure and possibly "Johnny B. Goode" or "Bermuda Shorts".

As for subsequent gigs from December 30th on, Brian took over on electric bass (learning to play it in three days) and Al joined Carl on electric guitar. This infromation is from Rusten and Stebbins' equally essential The Beach Boys in Concert (p. 5).

Thanks JK, and I'll definitely look into those books. Brian learning bass in three days was surprising until I remembered, duh, he's Brian Wilson and why am I doubting his talent.  ;D

Did Al always know how to play guitar? If so, do we know why he learned double bass? If I'm right, one important user (I think Jon Stebbins?) said that Carl used his Kay (I think) hollow-body electric on Surfin' (unplugged)? Do we know if Carl used that before he bought the Strat and Jaguar? Al, I'm assuming, used his '62 Strat?

Sounds like more information to be found in James Murphy's must-buy. If no one else answers first, I'll read it up (hardly a chore!)...

My brother's a guitarist and used to play bass on my uncle's cello! And then later double-bass in the school orchestra. So I should imagine the switch comes quite easily if you're musical (no lessons required).

Well, to answer all your other questions in one fell swoop (unless someone leaps in to correct me): Murphy states that for the recording session Carl "strummed an authentic sounding surf rhythm on his acoustic guitar" (p. 103). No one owned an electric instrument at that stage.

So it's a book well worth investing in. :=)

Chiming in on a back ground player mentioned earlier. Joe Chemay  plays bass for Peter Cetera now, and sings bkgd on the new Roy Orbison release!

Carl's first guitar was a cheap Kaye hollowbody archtop cutaway model. Although it was equipped with an electric pickup, Carl was unable to use it as an electric guitar, as he had no amplifier.

Al played acoustic guitar and banjo in his previous group, The Islanders, and quickly learned the bass when it was decided that it would be his instrument in the group he was forming with the Wilson clan.

Thanks everyone.

JK: I also play guitar and have been learning bass for a couple of years so I know guitar-bass is an easier switch because you don't need any chords. Bass-guitar would be tougher because you'd have to learn chords.

C-man: Before I saw your post I almost quoted a post from Jon Stebbins about the Kay from the "Beach Boys and Fender guitars" article from 2006.  Learned a lot when I found that article and others using the search button. It would also make a lot more sense that Al had already known how to play guitar because it probably would've been a harder switch from bass to learn chords to be a rhythm guitarist for The Beach Boys after David left (had he not already played guitar).

Astroray: I love Roy Orbison so I can't wait to hear the new RPO album and now also Joe Chemay's backing vocals!

Also - Carl and Dave played a gig or two with Rickenbacker 6-string solid-bodies, rented from Hogans' House Of Music, prior to getting their Fenders.

I saw Chemay's name on the credits for the new Orbison orchestral overdub album (also saw Robbie McIntosh formerly of McCartney's band in the credits as well).

I have mixed feelings about the new Orbison album. It doesn't hurt anyone, and some of the arrangements are nice. But the "rock" songs sound kind of goofy with a full orchestra, while the ballads already had various string arrangements and whatnot on them. Also not a fan of the manufactured "duet" on "I Drove All Night."

There's gotta still be some stuff in the archives they could release instead.

Far more tacky is that Orbison's sons have apparently signed on for a "Hologram Tour" of the UK. Ugggh.

Jeez guys, just put another DVD of a live show out, or remix some stuff, or something.

So how long did Chemay play with the BBs? Was it just a few months in the spring/summer of 1980?

Yeah...although before that, he worked with Dennis quite a bit in the studio in '77-'78, and was in the band for the proposed POB tour. He might also have subbed for at least one BBs show in '82; a two-page color photo in John Milward's book shows the '82 lineup onstage, with someone other than Eddie Carter on bass...whoever it is has his face obscured by his baseball cap, but he's wearing a Pink Floyd "Wall" t-shirt, leading me to believe it's Joe (since he sang on that album, after all).

Supposedly there's a lot of Roy Orbison songs in the vaults. I think anywhere from at least two albums up to maybe 100 songs according to a user on the FECC forum.

EDIT: about 200 songs in the Roy Orbison archives

I feel the same way about hearing Elvis Presley sing "Burning Love" with orchestral backing.

I'm willing to bet, Putter Smith was the only member of the Beach Boys touring band to play a villain in a James Bond movie. "Diamonds at Forever"

Does the The Beach Boys In Concert book have a list of the shows that they played? The thread that I'm using for a lot of my information has dates, but since some key personnel (Ed Carter, Bobby Figueroa, etc) appear to have missing shows from their core periods in the group so I was wondering if these dates are actually times the group didn't tour during a year.

As in just general BB tour dates? I believe "In Concert" has all known (at the time of publication) tour dates from the beginning through 1998. I believe a small number of tour dates (including some super early era dates) have been discovered since, but the book covers everything otherwise through 1998. After that, it features select dates for Mike, Brian, and Al.

The book is a must-have, one of the groundbreaking BB books of recent memory. Not only does it catalog dates, but it has an entertaining narrative where you can basically read a biography of the group as seen through the lens of their touring. The only thing I've ever said is that I hope they might be able to do an expanded edition some day to not only feature *all* known dates, but to also include a good amount of sample setlists from throughout each tour.

I'll look into it, Hey Jude. Yeah I meant General tour dates. There's a link I was using as my source (http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,19617.0.html) and it has gaps for key touring members like Ed Carter, Bobby Figueroa, etc. so I wasn't sure if these gaps were gaps between tours or actual gaps where these members briefly left the touring band.

Hi, ASL. As HJ says, the book is a must-have. Best thing you can do is buy yourself a copy. It will answer most if not all of your questions about touring lineups.

Another great source is Eric Aniversario's BB Setlist Archive: 

members.tripod.com/~fun_fun_fun/setlists.html (http://members.tripod.com/~fun_fun_fun/setlists.html)

Regrettably I get bombarded with popup stuff whenever I go there. Maybe it's just me...

UPDATE: The original post is updated to the present.  I still have to make some minor changes but the basic frame is there.  Thanks again for everyone's help, especially C-man, Hey Jude, and JK. 

One very minor update you can add to the top post: Phil Bardowell joined the touring band earlier than 1999. I know he was there in 1998 (he's on the May 1998 pro-shot video where Al is gone but Matt is still in the band).

I believe Bardowell actually joined at some point in 1997 while Carl was still in the band; I recall Bardowell doing interviews where he referred to playing with Carl.

Hey Jude, I'll definitely add that.  Thanks again.

When was Al's last concert with the touring band?

I believe he did one or two shows in 1998, mixed in with Mike's "California Beach Band" gigs. Al for sure did the May 9 American Cancer Society benefit in Detroit. I think there's one other possible January date in Carlsbad, CA that may or may not have been a "Beach Boys" show with Al.

I think the May 9 show in Detroit is probably his last gig.

I believe it was starting in July that Mike was able to get his (at the time) non-exclusive license and started touring again as "The Beach Boys."

I believe Hey Jude's timeline is correct with regards to both Al departure/last concert and Mike's obtaining the license. I believe it was June of 1998 when there was a concert at one of the casinos in Jersey where the act was billed as Mike Love and America's Band opening for KC and the Sunshine Band....something like that. In a small casino off shoot room too.  Ticket sales were awful. It was a couple of weeks after that where I believe Mike used the Beach Boys name for the first time, at a concert at a Tennis stadium in Northern Jersey.

I made this thread (http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,19617.msg495605.html#msg495605) a few years ago, if it helps.

Your article has been my main source. Thanks! Without it I would have had only a small amount on this article. I linked it in the first post.

Here's a pro-shot song from Spain in 1990 during a short tour that Carl missed. This includes a weirdly strong directorial emphasis on the fill-in guitarist Stanley T. Sichel, who played some shows in mid-late 1990 (and possibly early 1991?). I had previously thought he only appeared at a small number of shows where Carl was absent, but another old thread suggest he had a longer tenure that would have included gigs with Carl as well. I believe Adrian Baker is also in this footage, so I'm not sure if perhaps Sichel was at some gigs where Baker was not yet there as well (I seem to recall mention of Sichel playing some of the Mike-less gigs in mid-1990 as well?).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52GgeO26Tec

It always amazed me that Carl could miss a tour, or Mike, or Al (or earlier, Dennis), yet the Beach Boys machine rolls on. I mean, imagine another band of similar vintage getting away with that. The Kinks touring in 1990 minus Dave or Ray; or the Stones going out without Mick or Keith or Charlie.

I think we could add that David Marks was part of the Beach Boys touring group for their entire 2008 UK tour.

Stanley T. and Adrian were both with the band when I saw them in August 1990 - and so was Carl. Essentially, I think they both replaced Jeff (Stanley T. for lead guitar, Adrian for falsetto vocals). When Stanley left, they brought in a sax player to boost their instrumental appeal, and then when Adrian left, Matt took over the falsetto role.

I don't think it's so surprising that the BBs machine rolled on without key members. After all, this was a band that was used to performing without their major songwriter and (at least originally) their "featured" vocalist. Carl and Al would take over leads on the songs that Brian had sung in the studio. Heck, in 1971, we saw the BBs several times without Brian and Dennis. They still put on a great show.

Clearly there's enough talent still available to man two distinct and highly competent touring groups. How much longer that will be the case is hard to predict, of course...

...and THREE when Al's band was up and running!

I can't help I still roll my eyes and get an uncomfortable feeling every time I see a video where Mike leers at the cheerleaders even after so many years have passed.

Mr. Stebbins, between 1999 (when David stopped touring with the Beach Boys) and 2008, did he say he was a member of the group?  I don't have your book (and am eagerly waiting the second edition).  Some articles say his departure from the touring band meant he left the band completely in 1999, but I wasn't sure if it was that he was a member but didn't tour (like Brian and Al, though those stories are different).

For any other members, I thought I read that David Marks was not originally going to be part of C50.  Was there a reason?  Was Mike actually the one who advocated for him?

I don't think there's any hard rule about what constitutes whether someone is still "in" the band. When Dave joined in 1997, or at least certainly by the time Carl died in 1998, the band essentially didn't exist anymore.

It essentially broke up in 1998, ceased operations, and BRI licensed the name to Mike's solo tour.

But as a general rule, I think it's generally considered that Dave joined in late 1997 and left in July 1999, and any runs of shows he has done since then have been "guest" spots, akin to Blondie touring with Brian.

I should clarify that I absolutely think the band *could* pull off a live show with someone missing in that era. I'm not surprised by that; obviously these days Mike does it without Al and Carl and, however much one likes or dislikes the increasingly anonymous sound his band provides, he pulls off his tours without a hitch.

What's surprising is that they never canceled shows based on the idea that fans would want to see and hear each of those core members. The Stones could do a show without Keith Richards, but they (I'm guessing) never would, because fans would call BS on it, and/or the band would feel fans would be disappointed not seeing a core member.

I'm not sure whether the BBs went on with one member missing because they were just greedy about not losing bookings, or if they felt they were all anonymous enough that nobody would notice or care, or what.

If had happened once or twice in isolated instances with the BBs, I wouldn't think much of it. I'm sure there are bands that have gone on for a show without a core member because there was no notice and the promoter was going to take them to the cleaners if they cancelled, etc. But in some cases, it appears it was known well in advance that various BBs would be missing shows. In 1990, Mike missed a string of shows because he had booked a tour with his Endless Summer Band in Japan. I can't imagine there's any way Mike wouldn't have known that the Beach Boys would be likely to be busy in May/June touring as the summer started.

Health things did come up on occasion on short notice as well of course. Didn't Carl have an appendectomy for one of the strings of shows he missed in 1990? I know Mike missed a few gigs in 1983 due to strep throat.

You can read this on spanish news about the 1990's concerts

I had previously for some reason though a short string of shows Carl missed in the US in 1990 and the Spanish tour he missed were two different episodes. There's a late September 1990 Carl-less show from Tahoe that circulates from a camcorder video as I recall.

But looking at the schedule (I don't have my Rusten/Stebbins book in front of me!), it appears Carl missed a few US shows leading up the Spanish tour due to the appendicitis.

I still want to say I have a vague recollection Carl missed a few other shows here and there, but again I don't have Rusten/Stebbins in front of me to check.

I think it's semantics once the touring band became the only real representation of the Beach Boys, which was the case from the late 90's until 2012. You have the corporate entity, the touring entity, and the surviving originals. Which of those you choose to consider the Beach Boys is up to you I guess. For me the Beach Boys are the three Wilson brothers, Mike, Al,  and Bruce, plus Blondie and Ricky if you think those years count too, which I do. Anyone else including Glen Campbell were/are sidemen. But there is certainly room for interpretation depending on your personal point of view. So in short, after late '63 (actually '67 but he didn't know that at the time) Dave was not a corporate Beach Boy, and no longer a touring Beach Boy when he left in '99, but he still was one of the surviving originals. So no, yes and no? It's a nuanced thing.

Regarding C-50, I think all of the others were advocates for Dave being part of the reunion (at least that's what they all claimed). IMO it was the management, and organizers who got the project rolling that at first didn't see him as automatically involved, they might of thought of him as a potential guest somewhere in the process, I don't exactly know. This probably wasn't political or that clearly thought out, it was likely a lack of understanding of the genesis and rise of the Beach Boys from a historical perspective. But, and this is just my perspective not an official one, at some point in the early stages things went a little wobbly between Al and some element of the C-50 rollout, Dave was then the obvious solution to fill out the lineup should it be a man short. But things moved fast and quickly beyond that issue, and once the five were together everyone was happy that both Al and Dave were on board.

Even separating any fandom or sentimentality from it, I'm surprised everyone wouldn't immediately jump on a five-man "reunion" as being preferable from a marketing standpoint.

Picture all of those five-man C50 photo shoots. Imagine it being only four guys instead. It just looks more substantive with five.

I'll always wonder if, had Brian started having Blondie guest at his shows in 2010/11, if that would have led to Blondie being able to drop in at a few C50 gigs here and there. Imagine the C50 lineup, with Blondie added and singing a song or two.

Found some interesting shots that document various lineups on the "Rock in Houston" website, which apparently documents Houston tour stops for various bands.

Here's the February 12, 1981 show at The Summit, one of the hand full of early 1981 shows Carl did prior to his departure. You can see it's still of course the "1980 lineup" on stage:

(http://www.rockinhouston.com/display/images/014569_Beachboys1980.jpg)

Here's a May 14, 1990 show at The Summit. Foskett is still there. All four core BBs are there. Looks like Matt Jardine is also up on stage behind Foskett:

(http://www.rockinhouston.com/display/images/020847_00005_n_12abg5nbre0005.jpg)

This is June 8, 1997 at The Woodlands Pavilion (don't let the weird late 80s style back drop fool you!). Carl is present (and, in my opinion, looking in pretty good shape compared to the scant other 1997 tour pics that are out there), and Tim Bonhomme and Chris Farmer are there (no Phil Bardowell yet as far as I can tell):

(http://www.rockinhouston.com/display/images/026958_00054_n_12abg5nbre0054a.jpg)

A few more of Carl from that '97 gig. Again, all things considered, he's looking pretty good I think:

(http://www.rockinhouston.com/display/images/026950_00035_n_12abg5nbre0035a.jpg)

(http://www.rockinhouston.com/display/images/026951_00049_n_12abg5nbre0049_ba.jpg)

Regarding the 1990 pic: yes, Matt took over the percussion role from Bobby Figueroa in early- or mid-'88. Didn't take over the falsetto vocals, though, until Jeff left in mid-'90. At the Mike-less 1990 shows when Jeff was still there, Matt sang Al's parts in the harmony stack while Al sang Mike's leads.

Regarding the 1997 pic: Phil Bardowell was definitely with them when I saw the band in KC on June 6 - just two days prior to the date of this pic. As I recall, his onstage position was to the left of Ritchie Canata and Bruce (as viewed from the audience), so probably just out of the photographer's range. He played rhythm guitar throughout, and didn't sing. I think he was there as "insurance" in case Carl fell too ill to play.

Ah, okay that makes more sense. I was almost going to note that the entire stage view isn't found in any of the pics (there are more group photos from the same show, but they're all from about the same position), so Bardwell may have been lurking somewhere.

Matt joining in would also I suppose pinpoint about when Bobby F. left the band. I think he's in the Belgium 1987 pro-shot TV airing, and I think that's about the last video I can think of where he's present.

Matt being rehearsed on Al's part on the vocal stack when Mike was gone probably also came in handy as Al missed a few shows in 1990 as well (including the soundboard show that circulates that we tried to ID awhile back in an old thread; it's probably misdated or has the wrong listed location, which is Tennessee on 6/6/90; in any event, Matt sings Al's leads on that show as well).

In fact, Bardowell played lead guitar for at least one Carl-less show in December '96, as well as the brief Carl-less tour of Finland in early '97 (right after Carl's diagnosis was made public). They apparently just kept him on as a backup when Carl returned.

I'd read a review of an early '88 show (it was either Hawaii or Nevada) that mentioned Bobby's drumming on "Wipeout", indicating he was still with the band at that time (he and Mike Kowalski had been rotating the drum and percussion roles throughout the show since Dennis' death). But by the summer tour that year, Bobby was gone, Mike K. was drumming on every song, and Matt was playing percussion.

There's that pseudo-pro-shot video of a 1988 Arizona show that circulates (setlist.fm dates it as May 20; I don't have Rusten/Stebbins available at the moment to confirm), amidst the last of the pre-Kokomo era shows, and as I recall Bobby is not at that show. So that narrows it down a bit I suppose.

And it certainly made sense to have someone else available to play guitar if Carl needed to miss shows. Sans Carl, the touring band at that stage would have had *one* guitar (Al), and three keyboardists (Bruce, Meros, and Bonhomme), actually four as Richie Cannata sometimes played keys as well.

I know the days of the BBs being guitar-heavy were over by the 90s, but you gotta have at least one rhythm guitar *and* one lead guitar in the mix at all times to make it work and not be completely overrun with keyboards.

Yes - plus, I just don't see Al playing all of the iconic surf-guitar solos. With the possibility of Carl absences, they needed a ringer who could cover those parts.

By 1999, they had three guitarist in the band with Bardowell, Adrian Baker, and David Marks.

When did Bardowell leave? David's last show was July 4, 1999, so presumably at that point they were down to two guitarists. Did Bardowell leave before Scott Totten joined? I'm curious if at some point they were down to one guitarist again at any point. I see Bardowell still in the band in a July, 2000 pro-shot video on YouTube. Totten joined at the very end of 2000 as I recall. So perhaps there was a little overlap, or Totten essentially replaced Bardowell?

Re-looking up a Totten interview, it appears his first gig as a fill-in was 12/28/2000, and he permanently joined on July 5, 2001. 

I don't think Al would have been into doing it either. Although, I think he actually *can* play those solos. I saw him do some of those iconic solos at a solo benefit gig in 2005. Stuff like "409" and the intro to "Fun Fun Fun."

I don't believe they've ever played a gig with just one guitarist (well, not since the early '67 Irish shows, where poor Al had to carry the whole load due to Carl's court-related absence). Scott filled in for Adrian at those December 2000 BB King Blues Club shows in NYC - then John Cowsill actually filled in on rhythm guitar at Bush's inaugural gala the following month (he had already subbed for Kowalski on drums a couple of times the previous October). By mid-July of 2001, Adrian was back, and Scott was back to fill in for Phil on their European tour that month - but Phil's departure ended up being permanent, and Scott stayed on. Adrian was out again the first few months of 2002, and was replaced first by a rotating cast of John Foster, Randell Kirsch, and John Cowsill (the latter was on rhythm guitar for a show I saw that April - he had been playing piano with them following Mike Meros' departure and Tim Bonhomme's move to the organ in mid-2001, but for this show Gary Griffin came in for piano, allowing John to play rhythm guitar). By that May, Adrian was back, until mid 2004, when Randell took over the spot. You probably know the rest.

I am guessing Carl is wearing a wig in those photos - the hair seems shaggier on top. But looking pretty good overall.
I feel like crying everytime I think about 1997.  :'(

I know I haven't commented in a while but thanks again to Mr. Stebbins, Hey Jude, and c-man for their help with expanding this topic, which I will edit later (it's 12:35 AM where I am).  That's the first time I've seen 1997 photos and I love all of the photos that Hey Jude was able to find and post here

Have only seen very limited photos of that 1997 tour, and of Carl Wilson from that sad time. I suppose I can understand why...it's just so sad looking at the Great Carl Wilson, and knowing what he was going through at the time, and the sad end result. Missing Carl.

This thread is very informative. Maybe one should be done on the lineup history of  the Brian Wilson Band.

Thanks SMiLE.  It wouldn't have been possible without all the members who gave me what info they could.

If there's enough interest for one on the Brian Wilson Band, I'd consider starting one.

Here is what I can gather of Brian's touring lineup.

Joe Thomas - Keyboards, Backing Vocals (1999)
Jeff Foskett - Rhythm Guitar, Lead and Backing Vocals (1999-2013)
Paul Von Mertens - Saxophone, Harmonica, Woodwinds, Backing Vocals (1999-Present)
Probyn Gregory - Horns, Guitar, Backing Vocals (1999-Present)
Nicky Wonder (aka Nick Walusko) - Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals (1999-Present)
Darian Sahanaja - Keyboards, Vibes, Lead and Backing Vocals (1999-Present)
Scott Bennett - Keyboards, Vibes, Lead and Backing Vocals (1999-2015)
Bob Lizik - Bass Guitar (1999-2008, 2013-Present)
Taylor Mills - Backing Vocals (1999-2011)
Mike D'Amico - Percussion, Guitar and Backing Vocals (1999-2001, 2002-2004), Drums (2008-Present)
Todd Sucherman - Drums (1999)
Jim Hines - Drums (1999-2008)
Andy Paley - Percussion, Keyboards, Backing Vocals (2001-2002)
Nelson Bragg - Percussion and Backing Vocals (2004-Present)
Brett Simons - Bass (2008-2011)
Gary Griffin - Keyboards, Vibes, Backing Vocals (filling in for either Darian or Scott when absent in 2006-2008, permanently replaced Scott 2016-Present)
Billy Hinsche - Keyboards, Vibes, Backing Vocals (filling in for Darian when absent in 2007 and 2016-2017)
Al Jardine - Lead and Backing Vocals, Guitar (guest appearances in 2006-2007), (2013-Present)
David Marks - Lead and Backing Vocals, Guitar (2013)
Blondie Chaplin - Lead and Backing Vocals, Guitar (occasional guest appearances in 2013), (2015-Present)
Brian Eichenberger - Lead and Backing Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (2014)
Matt Jardine - Lead and Backing Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (2015-Present)

There's also Steve Dahl who was in and out along with Joe Thomas in 1999.

I would also say, if we're including temporary fill-ins like Billy Hinsche, we can also include Debbie Shair who has been a fill-in in 2016/2017.

Also, while it's mostly just semantics, I would say that Al, Blondie, and Dave have always been billed as "Special Guests" as opposed to being a "touring band" member. Blondie in particular falls into this category as he isn't on stage for the entire length of the show.

I think there's another touring keyboardist too that served as a substitute for at least Brian's 2017 New Bedford show. I didn't hear them mention Darian or Billy Hinsche or Gary Griffin, I remember he was from MA but don't remember anything else unfortunately.

There's a video of that gig on YouTube featuring GV, and it shows Debbie Shair and no other apparent keyboardist. I'm guessing he was off stage (or off camera), and then you can see presumably this fill-in come up the keyboard right before the video ends:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y10cO40BRyM

If we're doing one-shot fill-ins, then there might be several more. Chad Odhner of the Fendertones did a gig or two in 2014 when Matt Jardine missed some gigs prior to Brian Eichenberger coming in.

There are also some other musicians that played with Brian in 1998. Matt Jardine did a few TV shows, etc. with Brian in 1998. I recall Ed Carter played bass for Brian at Farm Aid as well. There are also of course a bunch of different musicians at that 1998 "Imagination" TV taping.

Reviving a dormant thread with some questions about C50. I didn't see any of the shows so I wouldn't know, but (these are from Wikipedia)

1. What songs did Mike D'Amico play drums on?
2. What songs did Probyn Gregory play bass on?
3. When did Tim Bonhomme occasionally play keyboards?
4. When did Billy Hinsche and Bobby Figueroa appear as special guests?

1. Pretty much the ones that Brian's band had been doing, but Mike's had not (Marcella, This Whole World, Pet Sounds, etc.)
2. The ones that Mike D'Amico played drums on. :) Except for Pet Sounds - Scotty T. played bass on that one, 'cause Probyn was needed on the trumpet.
3. Didn't know that he did, but he was there as one of the tour managers. Not surprised if he did play some keyboards at some point, though.
4. Not sure - Billy was at the California show(s) where the band's kids opened for them (where they called California Saga? can't remember)...

Thanks c-man. I had heard Billy Hinsche played with California Saga but for the rest I'm just going with Wikipedia for now until I can find some better info. Wasn't sure how deep some of those songs were for Cowsill.

My recollection is that Bonhomme and Hinsche just sat in for a song or two at single shows, probably around the time of the encore portion of the show. Like when Ringo invites a bunch of people on stage in LA for "With a Little Help From My Friends."

They never came in as part of the C50 band for an entire show.

Not sure if Wikipedia mentions it, but Taylor Mills also sang with the band (at a show in New York state, I believe). "Marcella", I think - as well as the encore.

Wikipedia does mention her; I must have left her out.

Forgive me if it's mentioned in an earlier post I missed, but shouldn't Mark Groseclose be listed in one of the very early 1963 lineups, having subbed for DW on a few shows whilst he recovered from an injured foot ?

Thanks, I just added him and will look for the specific dates later. Completely overlooked him.

Posting this here and on one other thread where it seems it might be of the most interest. A friend saw the touring BBs in 2017 and Foskett didn't sing at all. Must've had a cold or something. Anyway, Brian E sang all the falsetto parts that show and here's some video with many more songs by same poster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf1LYUPBozY

For Mike Love's group, Paul Fauerso subbed for John Cowsill at AVO Session in Switzerland in 2003 and Brian Sutherland subbed for Christian Love in late 2013. Are there any other one-shot subs that there have been over the years?

As for Brian Wilson's group, Casey McDonough subbed for Matt Jardine at some shows in 2017, Nelson Bragg left in 2018 and was replaced by Jim Laspesa, and Rob Bonfiglio subbed for Matt Jardine in late 2018. Nicky Wonder passed away in August 2019 and was replaced by Randell Kirsch later that month. Rob Bonfiglio then replaced Kirsch in September 2019.

Technically, Randell filled in briefly for some gigs until Rob was able to join the tour full-time. Both of them are seen rehearsing with the band in a video clip of that tour's rehearsals (the Friends/Surf's Up tour).

By the way i am not convinced that the BBs were a four piece band in 1962. Keith Badman suggested it in his book but the Rainbow Garden shows he mentioned turned out to be misdated when I researched it. When I interviewed David he made it clear he’d played shows prior to the March 10 Bel Air Bay Club and it is now clear that he started by March 1. As of the latest research the latest previous show was in San Diego on February 19 and 20 and Al has a clear recollection of playing those shows. Hence-unless evidence appears that the BBS played a show between February 20 and March 1-the assumption must be that al left and then the BBs immediately started rehearsing Dave

Also you list the kings men drummer filling in for Dennis in 1963 but he only filled in for Dennis in July 1964 when a fan hit Dennis was something at the Kansas City show and he had to leave the stage

And the reason Rob couldn't start full time... he was playing some dates subbing for Ike (who was subbing for Jeff?) in Mike's band.

Yes, Ike seems to be, due to unfortunate circumstances, Jeff's permanent replacement on falsetto/rhythm guitar. We also have Christian playing rhythm too. Jeff seems to fill in when he can, or wants to, playing guitar throughout the show. When I saw the BBs in 2019, the band featured Ike, Totten, Christian, Foskett, and Stamos playing guitars! Definitively gave the group a great rocking edge that night! I spotted Stamos playing a few wrong chords during the show, so assumed his guitar was completely inaudible, but I heard it clearly on Forever, so perhaps his guitar playing is a similar deal to Bruce's keys being featured on Disney Girls

There are at least a couple of other times in the show when Bruce's keyboard is audible in the mix: "Darlin'" and the first bridge of "Good Vibrations". Also, I think "Be True To Your School", since Tim only played organ & synth parts on that one, not piano. When I've seen them, anyhow, and there may be more.

I did see a post or two from Mike Love at a concert back in February of this year where Jeff Foskett was an extra rhythm guitarist. Ike moved into Jeff's spot in rhythm guitar and Jeff became an occasional third rhythm guitarist.

Andrew Clark played sax for Mike's group at shows in New England in 2014 and 2015 before Randy Leago joined the group in 2016.

Hang10Ben

I was fortunate enough to see the group with Totten, Ike, Christian, and Foskett (and Stamos if he counts) all playing guitar. Great big rock and roll sound. Perfect for the surf/hot rod numbers, and especially those wall of sound arrangements with the layered guitars.

Just seeing this thread for the first time sorry. I don't know all the answers but maybe a few?
As for Ed Carter being no longer on the road in the mid 90's, it was because he was told the band was going in a "younger direction". 
Most of the backup band didn't leave of their own accord. A couple did yes. Phil Bardowell was one of them. Phil admits he didn't like some of the backstage drama going on at the time to put it in a nicer way.
Mike Kowalski was not on the tours in 74-78. He may have come in for a show or a couple in 78, but then Bobby was with them for most of 78 - 81. Bobby left in 1982 because he fell and injured his back and had to rehab it. Kowalski was in the band full time from that point on until the early 2000's.  Bobby was asked back in June of 1983 and left in February of 1988. He was asked to teach Matt his parts.
Ed Carter left the band temporarily in 1984 when Joe Chemay filled in for him as Ed's wife was due to deliver their second child.
Mike Love was also missing on at least two shows in June of 1983. Kings Island in Cincinatti Ohio, and Blossom Music Theatre in Ohio. Jeff and Al provided the leads on Mike's parts. I was at both of those shows.
Al left a couple times I belive due to he had Tinnitus. I think that was in the early 90's.
Jeff Foskett's statements about his affair leading to the band's wives in total distrust is absolutely true. It caused a lot of problems. Carl was not one to put up with that kind of upheaval. Jeff was acting as road manager for the band at the time as well.
Billy was not with the band in 1982, unless it was a few here and there gigs. He came back in 1983.

That is all I can think of for now. Hope it helps a bit?

Hi Joanne,
And welcome (and best regards to Bobby)

Many thanks for the inside info (nothing really new there, to some of us especially the Jeff bit) However Joe was only (correct me if i'm wrong) on bass in 1980 when indeed Ed was also in the band but only mainly on Guitar ??

Helps a lot...thanks Joanne!

Carl preferred Ed on guitar, so I'm sure that was intentional. I think in effort to cut back costs on the band they put Ed back on bass, which of course he excelled at as well. I can't be totally sure of that however.

I know that Eddie was still on bass when the band played Lake Tahoe in January of '80, but Joe Chemay had taken over in the bass spot for the February/March tour (including the taping of their appearance on ABC's "Fridays" show, which was not broadcast until June). By April, Eddie was back, but this time on lead guitar, and Joe was still there on bass (incidentally, this was when Dennis was out of the band and Bobby was playing drums). In the post-concert radio interview with Brian and Bruce following the live broadcast of the April Philadelphia Spectrum show, it's mentioned that the record company asked them to "beef up" their live sound for the tour, hence bringing Eddie back to add a third guitar while keeping Joe on bass. This lineup endured for the European tour in June, except that Dennis was now back on drums. But by the time of the July 4th show in Washington D.C., Joe was gone and Ed was back to his usual bass duties.

Of course, with Carl out of the band for most of '81, you had Eddie on lead guitar to cover his parts, and Ernie Knapp on bass. However, there's a photo of the group onstage somewhere (the Hollywood Bowl, perhaps)? in 1982, with someone other than Ed playing bass. Whoever it is, he's in the shadows so it's hard to distinguish his face, but he's wearing a Pink Floyd "The Wall" tee-shirt...leading me to believe it's Joe (since he sang on that album). The photo is in John Milward's book "The Beach Boys: Silver Anniversary".

It could be Joe or Ernie or even someone we don't even know about that was a one-shot fill-in.

Musicians that were in Brian Wilson's touring band only in select shows in 1999 were Steve Dahl on rhythm guitar, percussion, and vocals, Chuck Solmar on percussion and vocals, and Jim Peterik on rhythm guitar and vocals.

Another one-shot fill-in in Brian's group was Robby Scharf, who filled in on bass for Bob Lizik in 2007.

who is this playing rhythm guitar, behind Mike and in front of Randell?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8rzziDj2jA

That's Brian Sutherland, who did a stint of a couple of weeks (filling in for Christian Love) in October 2013.

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but Andy Paley filled in for Darian Sahanaja at a show in late 2002 after Mike D'Amico returned to the group.

In Mike Love's group, Christian Love joined as a second rhythm guitarist for a show in 2004.