The Smiley Smile Message Board

Al Jardine Not Interested In A One-Off Beach Boys Reunion
8-4-09

 by Howie Edelson
 
Al Jardine, who recently wrapped up a handful of solo shows with his Endless Summer Band, says that he's not up for any type of Beach Boys reunion shows without a long-term commitment attached. Jardine was forced out of the band in 1998 and not allowed any type of licensing agreement by the group's production company, Brother Records Inc., to use the words "Beach Boys" when advertising his solo projects or shows.
 
With the Beach Boys' inner-band lawsuits seemingly all settled at the moment, Jardine was asked if he -- like co-founder Mike Love -- would be up for playing one or two concerts to be specially filmed and recorded featuring the surviving bandmembers -- Jardine, Love, Brian Wilson, David Marks, and Bruce Johnston. Jardine was adamant that a full-scale tour -- rather than a TV special -- would be needed to see him take the stage as a Beach Boy again: "Of course, you don't have Carl Wilson there which would be a big minus as far as I'm concerned. There's ways to do it -- but again, that's like doing a one-off, isn't it? I wouldn't be interested in doing just a one show deal like that. If you want to create an organization that goes out and works and produces a show that's of high value, of high quality -- then you rehearse your ass off, make it the best you can, and you tour as a unit. You tour for a year. Like the Rolling Stones, they don't do one show for PBS, one show for... You do a tour. You either do it or don't do it. If it was going to be something like that it should be a worldwide tour, otherwise, no. I wouldn't be interested."
 
When pressed about the band regrouping in some way to commemorate their 50th anniversary in 2011, Jardine said: "I don't think it's going to happen. I find that a little annoying to be honest with you (laughs) just a tad, it's so self-serving (laughs). Y'know, had we made peace a lot sooner, these things need to matriculate, and they should happen and feel right -- not because it's number '5-0.' I mean that sounds so silly to me. 5-0, what does that mean? I mean, we're here now at 49, or 48, we should still be working. I mean, if we really wanted to work together, we'd work together now. But not to do it just for a... Unless it were to be a continuation of the good will. If the good will were there -- yeah."
 
In an exclusive interview back in 2006, Love and Johnston outlined their plans for a televised reunion with the surviving bandmembers: (Mike Love) "What I think is the right way to go about things, is to do a PBS special at the Hollywood Bowl with some guests and maybe one at Wembley Stadium (in London) with a couple of guests like Paul McCartney. If he likes Pet Sounds so much and if he likes "God Only Knows" so well -- then have him sing it with us at Wembley Stadium, along with Elton John singing something, so on and so forth. Maybe Eric Clapton will come out and do it for charity, do it for a really good cause and then the same thing at the Hollywood Bowl and that would be really cool." (Bruce Johnston) "That would be the great reunion."
 
Brother Records Inc. (BRI), was formed in 1967 and is owned and controlled by Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, and the estate of the late Carl Wilson. Shortly after co-founder Dennis Wilson's death in 1983, his estate sold his shares back to the band to repay loans.
 
Mike Love, who continues to tour with Bruce Johnston, was granted the exclusive license by BRI to tour under the Beach Boys name. Although he is the only partner in the group out on the road, Brian Wilson, Jardine, and Carl Wilson's estate receive a percentage from each Beach Boys tour.
 
Jardine's Endless Summer Band features former Beach Boys sidemen Ed Carter, Bobby Figueroa, Richie Cannata, and musical director Billy Hinsche. Also on board are Jardine's sons Adam and Matt -- who was also a Beach Boys sideman in the 1990's. For the most recent shows, co-founder David Marks was featured on lead guitar while sharing center stage with Jardine.
 
One of the highlights of the recent dates was after Jardine's set at New York City's B.B. King Blues Club on July 20th, most of the ensemble -- including Jardine, his sons, Marks, Hinsche, and Figueroa -- headed downtown to sit in at Cannata's weekly jam at The Bitter End. Jardine, sans guitar, again stood center stage with Marks, and sang lead on "Help Me, Rhonda" before moving stage right to bang on an unmiked upright piano during "Surfin' U.S.A." while Matt Jardine led the band on vocals with Marks handling the signature guitar runs.
 
Jardine is gearing up for the release of his long-delayed first solo album, called A Postcard From California. Apart from cameos by Brian Wilson and David Marks, the album also includes contributions from David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Neil Young, America, Flea, and Steve Miller. No release date has been announced for the set.

Well, I love Al but I think he should really get off his horse this time.
Or he can keep playing at pumpkin fairs with the Endless Summer Family & Friends Beach Kokomo band.

i kinda side with al on this one.

Oh well, so much for the 9/4 street date, then.

Well that's every ex memeber not interested in a reunion now

It deosn't take everybody to make it a reunion I guess.

I'm thinking, minimum of two.  ;D

Qualifier noted.  :)

I kinda side with Al here too, I don't agree with everything he says for sure, but I dont want guests to come out and sing the Beach Boys songs, thats called a tribute show! I don't want to hear McCartney and Elton John sing lead on songs! If they want to join the chorus fine. Look back at the 4th of July concerts when they started doing that and the 25th anniversary show, they don't hold up over time. No one gives a crap about McCartney singing God Only Knows once! Beach Boys singing Beach Boys songs for a reunion!

Also Al, just release the stupid album for crying out loud!

Al says things that sound good, sound right, but I don't think he believes a word of it. Al needs a good dose of reality. Those things that he would like to see happen are nice (frankly, I'd love to see a long-term deal), but unrealistic. If Al was honest with himself, he'd say, "If the phone rings, I'll come running..."

I have no doubt that if a reunion is in the works EVERYBODY will be there. But as we all know, there are still a lot of sore feelings and dry bank accounts due to these lawsuits. On Al's part I've sensed a tremendous amount of humiliation in regards to the licensing agreements, etc.

Opinions change rather quickly with this band. In 2006 Bruce Johnston was gung-ho on a reunion while sitting next to Mike, but less than a year before told me in an interview, quote, "I told Mike, if there's a reunion tour, I'm going to be there -- in the fifth row. I would not be there. Why would I do a reunion tour without Carl and Dennis? Y'know, where's the reunion? Go buy the albums."

That said, let's hope that any reunion -- whatever shape it may take -- definitely includes Billy, Ed Carter, Bobby Fig, Jeff, Carli, and of course... KENYATTA.

I knew I wasn't hearing things when he said "No way" at Mayfest!!!!! I'm with Al here too!!!! Without Dennis and Carl, there IS no reunion.......

I will not attend any type of scham like this.

Well, there's at least one plus to having one.

Well they can release a double cd with re-recording of their songs from 1961 to present. No guest singers just the boys. Now you can sing your part in NY and the other member sings his part at the Montery ranch  ::) These are songs they all know i guess.

I admire Al (something I never considered saying before :lol) for telling it like it is. If the BB were gonna get back together, why are they not already together, or STILL together? Getting together just for money sounds to me like a bad idea. If they want to be creative with each other then nothing but management can stop that, and since management can be replaced, nothing can stop it. Clearly no one is interested in creativity. Money maybe, but a reunion based solely on $$$ would suck nearly infinitely.

The perfect solution would be to do about two dozen shows and every gig they play another album. First concert with whole Surfin' Safari album, then Surfin' USA and so on ... .  Release them all to DVDs. :) 

I think the main problem is, most people don't even know who the hell was in The Beach Boys besides Brian, so there will be no huge push in any direction for a reunion!

Most people have no knowledge of the other Beach Boys, and if you're not in the know, if you ask anyone about The Beach Boys, you get told that "Brian IS the Beach Boys" and that's it.

 :-[

Naturally, I'm not a big fan of this being the case.

Well, Al wants something in return for making Mike's dream of a reunion a reality. Totally normal. What he said in this interview is very different from "It will never happen".

Anyway, Brian is the man who will make our dreams or nightmares of a reunion possible.

Imo, the absolute worst thing they could do, given studio time with a reunited group, is re-record the old stuff. Knowing Mike though, that'd likely be the first choice.
They want different things, i'm guessing. Mike wants to stop being regarded as a novelty (although he goes about this in completely the wrong way), to earn a fast buck, as reunions are fashionable, and play some bigger gigs, which i don't blame him for.  Bruce and Al probably want to steer away from some kind of schmaltzy mess they suspect it might turn into, but not opposed to a reunion in itself, and Brian probably would enjoy it, but not do much more than that. We know Dave would just like to play music with them again...

Meanwhile, we'll be bemoaning the lack of Blondie and Ricky and placing bets on who Mike will sue first....  8)

The rooftop get-together at Capitol Records was so stilted that it is pretty obvious it will never happen. The sand is almost gone in the hourglass anyway.

It seems to me any of the group who have expressed anything about the group doing anything as a group recording-wise has talked in terms of "new" material.

I will.

Besides, Brian has the market on re-recording old Beach Boys' songs cornered. :-D

While I , too, would love to see an "extended" reunion including a new album(s) and tour(s), I don't think a single "reunion concert" cheapens or illegitimizes anything. If done properly, and I believe with the right producers it can be done right, a Beach Boys' 50th Reunion Concert can be an emotional and entertaining experience, one that any level of Beach Boys' fan could appreciate. It doesn't have to be any more than that.

Somebody better let Al know that before he releases his album.

I'm slipping; forgot about that one.... :police:

The rooftop reunion on the Capitol Tower wasn't at all "stilted", it was fun. Brian was having a great time joking around with Mike and Dave. He was completely loose, engaging and funny, and for the first time out of the dozen or more times I've been around him he seemed like a true leader. I actually felt like I was getting a glimpse of the Brian that used to exert control over the rest of those guys in the studio. He did it with humor and energy, and he certainly had it that day. Sure, it was fleeting, I don't expect to see it again...but to say that day was "stilted" is pretty far off base.

What's the Internet coming to, when a person can't even make pronouncements or judgments about something he has no idea about without being busted by someone who does? For shame...

 ;)

I agree, Jon, and I think that's why a one-off concert, maybe weekend retreat, maybe a PBS documentary - anything on a shortened timeline - has a chance. The guys, especially Brian, would know ahead of time that it is time sensitive, not a drawn out potential timebomb, and the guys could just go in and focus and be themselves.

I am  mixed on this one, I agree with Al to a point. I think it would be incredibly awesome if they all did get together for a tour but unfortunately I dont see that happening so why not do the next best thing and just get together for one or 2 concerts! Its just really all a shame....

Or more accurately, Melinda and Brian's management!! :lol :lol

Will Elmo Peeler be involved in the reunion?

Al has said things in the past regarding lack of integrity, the disappointment of being promoted as the stereotypes they'd become. Yet, he still releases something like PT Cruiser and now is doing a remake of Help Me Rhonda? Not sure if his bark as bad as his bite.

In my opinion the best would be a new documentary in the style of Endless Harmony with a PBS type reunion show.

A few years back when I saw the Mike/Bruce show I overheard some people looking at the band and trying to figure out who Dennis and Brian were. Then someone else piped up and told them that Dennis wasn't there, he had died in a swimming pool! My point is that the average Joe most likely thinks the band has been the same for all these years.

That damn "meat and potatoes crowd"!! :lol :lol :lol
But, really, someone thought Dennis was still alive...because I would've swore that was Brian Jones and not Ronny Wood on stage with the Stones during their last tour...and isn't Keith Moon still with the Who?...I have tickets to a Buddy Holly and the Crickets show next month...

I totally agree. As far as I'm concerned The Beach Boys as a live entity, touring and recording, and the possibility of ever having a reunion ceased when Denny died. I always thought of the group that toured after that as Carl Wilson & his backup band with occasional appearances by Brian Wilson. I just honestly don't see how any group can legitimately be called the Beach Boys without all three Wilsons. I do think if Brian, Al, David, Carl B, Justyn, Blondie, & Ricky all got together with the old backup band it would definitely be something special, even if it was only for one night. Something to "celebrate" 50 years, rather than do something solely for a buck and call it a reunion. As unfortunate as it may be, I'm afraid the other two would bring an "undesired element":deadhorse and bad vibrations to an event like that, and who would want to get sued for the financial losses suffered by Mike for taking time away from his never ending tour anyway?

I can see what Al means. But I'd really like to have a chance to see at least the surviving Beach Boys all on one stage together performing. That's the closest I'd ever get to seeing the Beach Boys as they were "back in the day," even if it's not really the same. It really wouldn't be the same without Denny or Carl, though. That's the part that sucks. My stepdad went to a few concerts and actually met all of them except Brian...I envy him so much for that, lol.

Joe's got a really good point. A PBS "concert" mixed with a running documentary putting the songs in context of the band's career would be an outstanding and historical proposal. As I was just saying to Stebbins, the BB's have zero presence on Public Television, they have no solid perennial that generations can grow up on -- much like 'Woodstock,' or even the Mamas and the Papas and Peter, Paul & Mary docs. For whatever reason neither 'American Band' nor 'Endless Harmony' found a home on PBS. That's a shame. These are the things that will survive as public oldies radio dies off (1963 is pretty much gone -- I'll give you a dollar for every Leslie Gore hit you hear these days...)

A two-hour reunion concert/doc would solidify the band's standing for the ages. As far as who hates whom -- c'mon... These guys have ALWAYS done horrible things to one another. Join a band, you'll understand.

2011 should be played out smoothly and brilliantly. There doesn't really need to be any confusion over who are the "REAL" Beach Boys -- the show could be billed as "The Beach Boys' 50th Anniversary Concert" complete with either a newly sanctioned doc by Boyd -- or huge chunks of "Endless Harmony" -- with the premiere tying in with the kickoff to an extensive, intelligent reissue series. Something like this could be done so beautifully.

If only the powers that be recognised that there are people waiting and willing to enable such things to happen COOLY. The Beach Boys don't HAVE to be a dork oldies band. Obviously they'll never again be the guys at the Crystal Palace -- but it could still be done with a tremendous amount of class and dignity.

If only the Beach Boys handled their sh*t with as much care and respect as Guercio has Dennis' work and legacy.

Yes, yes, and yes! Howie, do you have any access to the people at Capitol? Or PBS? You know they're interested in doing something. You and John Stebbins should talk to them. Can I tag along? :-[

Mississippi gentleman!

I kind of agree with Al on this. I mean, why do a "one off" with bum guitar notes and sour harmony notes, when you can do it RIGHT? I want to see a great show that will celebrate The Beach Boys legacy, and the legacy of Dennis and Carl. I want The Beach Boys to go out on a high note(pardon the pun), the way it sould be, and the way the group deserves. I don't want the last memory of The Beach Boys to be another Long Beach 1981.

I wasn't there at Capitol, were you? I saw the videotape. When you have Al Jardine saying any kind of reunion would have to be approved by "this guy" meaning Mike, and Mike sneers back, and that's not "stilted.?" Of course there were smiles for the camera and then get me off this blazing rooftop! And they asked Dave  not to attend. Someone who thinks this was a positive advancement to the goal of re-uniting in a harmonious manner is stilted. And that includes you Luther. Get your facts straight before attempting to pile on.

Not to mention extremely awkward. Were you there Jon? IF you were, did you have warm tinglies running up and down your spine?

Yes I was Dave...and yes I did. You saw the video tape...how long 5 or 10 minutes? While they were addressing the press. I rode there with Dave Marks, who was not only invited, but insisted upon and welcomed with open arms by Brian, Mike, Al and Bruce. He was also given a platinum award for Sounds of Summer. There was one dumb Capitol exec who didn't know who he was, but the guys who counted were extremely glad he was with them. I don't know where you get he wasn't invited. I spent about two hours mingling with the guys that day. Brian was absolutely cracking Mike and David up with his jokes. All of them had great conversations, and really seemed to be enjoying themselves and each other. You seem to be on the wrong track on this one man. Here's the report I filed in the immediate aftermath.
http://thejonstebbins.com/reunion.html

I'm sorry, but that's pathetic, and it's taking every fiber of my being to not call you the same. Ever since Denny died? Seriously? Come on.  The guy was hardly even around the last few years he was alive. Carl Wilson and his backup band? Please. What a ridiculous, biased, insane knock on the other band members. How many hits did Carl co-write? None? And that's coming from a guy whose favorite Beach Boy is Carl. This is so ridiculous, even for an internet message board. How much of a Brianista are you? Go back over to the cult board where you belong. Without all three Wilsons. Yeah, maybe if one didn't quit and the other managed to sober up, you'd have something.

What Al is basically saying is that he wants to go touring full time with the Beach Boys again, for at least a year anyway. Seems like positive news to me.

Are people here really mocking somebody who was actually at the thing?

I can appreciate Al's attitude about this thing.  Sounds like he wants recognition and inclusion as a full band member again.  Not to be a token former Beachboy allowed to appear with Mike's band for a one-off.    And as someone said, the sands are running out and the clock is ticking.  I myself am ready to hang up the saddle and I'm a good ten plus years younger than any of these guys.   

A full reuninon and yearlong tour won't happen because Brian wouldn't be there.  At least as far as the grueling yearlong tours Mike does.     

The compromise?   Al would rejoin the band now and be a part of the band as he should have been all along since the death of Carl.

Then plan a reunion/pbs type producton  with the band performing interspersed with EH type material.   Perhaps Brian could join the band, that would already include Al,  on the road for a few special shows that could be filmed as part of the production.

My main worry would be that the pbs specials often look like they are filmed live at a home for the elderly and are about as exciting.  On the other hand, the last BB show I attended at an art center was heavily attended by geritol set.   

"And now, the lovely Lennon Sisters will join Myron in their rendition of Barbara Ann.....and a one and a two....."

Ya know I didnt get one point first time through but it seems to be that  Al wants Mike to acknowledge him as a Beach Boy or include him full fledged  in the band with him playing a leadership role. Meaning that while law suits are settled and there is peace, they are not to the point where they are going to work together. Although. even if Al did join Mike, there's the problem of leads. Mike's son sings a number of Al leads and that may be a sore spot taking Then I Kissed Her, You're So Good To Me away from him.  Sloop John B is another story, that's one thing I've noticed about Mike and Bruce's band is a weaknesss on that vocal no matter who sings it

You are the worst kind of Beach Boys fan.

Like it or not, Mike & Bruce's band is the officially licensed "Beach Boys". What's better, the Beach Boys with Mike, Bruce and some other guys, or the Beach Boys with Brian, Mike, Al, Bruce, Dave and some other guys? I think you know the answer.

Even Mike, Bruce and Dave on last year's tour was great. Dave added so much to the band, the sound was less sterile than it was when I saw them last week. Check out this video with David singing Forever: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsZ5NSatN8A

Dennis and Carl may be unable to play with the band anymore, but that's no reason the rest of the guys shouldn't.

Jon, I think very highly of you and I was wrong. You were there and I saw the short interview. Al's response to a reunion question led to him saying you better ask Mike. It's up to him. Or words to that effect. Mike's respone to that query fits in perfectly with what was being told to me by a family member. Al's wife's sister works for our vet here in KC and I've talked to her enough over the years to get the gist of what the hell has been going on. As for where I heard Dave Marks was not invited, I could swear that I remember him being asked to not participate in some group activity. Was it the "official" picture of the Capitol event? Yes, I think so, now that I think of it. If not, it's something that I remember reading in Catch A Wave.

There was a thirty-something Capitol exec there who waived Dave out of a picture(so the "orig. guys" could pose), and the other Beach Boys all said "hey wait a minute" and insisted Dave pose with them. Maybe that's what you heard about. It was pretty funny because later Dave took the guy over to the Sounds of Summer platinum award which had all the LP mini images on it...and he said to the guy...you see that record, and that record, and that record, and that record, and that record...I'm on all of those. I can understand you feeling wary of something that was "staged" for the press. And yeah that event was. I was prepared to not only notice that staged quality, but resigned that it was inevitable. I am not a fan of the BB's post 1980, I respect the individuals, but I don't like what they have done since then(other than a couple of Brian's songs, oh and I love some of David's too), and I especially hate what they've done to their legacy. But that day i saw them acting like old friends, not really performing or posing for the press, but joking around, interacting, being silly, showing good will towards each other...in a way, acting like a family, a group, a clique. it blew my mind because i never expected to see that. Maybe it was a mirage...but they actually seemed like a group that day.

Que Sera Sera

Maybe Totten or others could point me in the right direction on this one (or not--perfectly understandable), but I get the impression Mike and Bruce don't want Al on tour with them, if, for no other reason, the fact it would mean less money for them.  If you have an extra Beach Boy, that means another guy they've got to pay as much as they get per concert.  Which really is a shame, that it's come to that.  As good as Cowsill is, it just seems wrong when he sings lead on "Rhonda" to me, especially knowing Al's still alive and of great voice.  I say, if things are all good between everyone like Mike says they are, Al should be back in the fold. Otherwise, it just seems like lip service in order to look like the good guy. The current Beach Boys touring band is excellent, IMO...Totten, Kirsch, Cowsill, Bonhomme and Love are all great. I think having Al and/or Dave in the fold would go a long way in terms of getting them the exposure and recognition they deserve from some of the diehards.

Also, as far as taking leads away from Christian...how long is Christian even going to tour?  From talking to him at Hampton Beach, I kinda got the feeling he's still got the itch to do his own thing.

David was asked to step aside for the official Pet Sounds 40th Anniversary photo...but Al and Mike both objected and brought David back in for the shot even though he wasn't even on that album!!! 

Capitol ended up using one of the shots that was snapped during the 30 seconds or so he was out of the group pose (for the Pet Sounds promo shot) but the support he got from his band mates that day meant way more to him than any minor dissing he may have gotten from Capitol's newbie hire-of-the-month that happen to be in charge of organizing an event to honor a band that he couldn't even be bothered to learn who original members were.

ouch...  :lol

Away from this board the outside world must be clamouring for a reunion ... at least as far as the writers of "The United States Of Tara" are concerned ... I was watching an episode last night and one character said, "Let's go down to (insert name of some unknown town) and see the Beach Boys, even if there aren't any real Beach Boys in them these days" ... see - you can't fool the intelligencia!!

Which was clearly audible on the footage shown later - "Where's Dave ?  Get him over here !"

Cody strikes again...

As long as there are threads going, I'm gonna keep repeating it...Most of our thoughts on the Beach Boys' personal relationships are based on unfortunate things that happened years ago - the money problems, the drugs, the failed albums, the lawsuits, the marriage/family problems, and deaths. I truly believe it is possible for them to put those unfortunate issues behind them and get along the way Jon Stebbins described. People do grow up, learn from their mistakes, sense their mortality, heal, and forgive.

Amen. It may not happen in this case, but that's a profound general truth.

It's my opinion, but I see that it many of the most recent interviews with Mike Love. Everybody is getting up there.

Al is a great procrastinator.  What could possibly be holding this thing up??

I'm still thinking perhaps a "couple of nights at Carnegie Hall" type of thing. This way no one will have to go into hysterics about paying Al's way for a whole tour, as some have intimated Mike ect. would do.

Btw, why on earth would Brian want to go out on an extended "timebomb" of a tour when he has such a good thing going as "Brian Wilson"? And would his camp even allow such a thing?

Therefore, a nice couple nights somewhere with special guests and whatnot, would really serve their legacy well!

With the exception of SMiLE, Brian Wilson's solo career has been negligble at best.  It would certainly be more "marketable" for him to reunite with his fellow bandmates if anything else.  Now, would it be any GOOD?  That's a completely different story...

I think I'm more concerned with Brian's camp allowing it!!!

They're the ones with something to lose, not Brian!

I would hardly call Brian's solo career "nelgligible".  How many CDs has he released since 1998? I would agree with inconsistent. Regardless of quality, the fact that he can always find a label to release most of his projects shows some level of sucess.

JR....EXCUSE ME????????

I'm with Jon and Ed on this. I think the magic would never be the same as it was back then. Without Carl and Dennis it just wouldn't FEEL right. No matter how they try to "include" Denny and Carl in the "reunion", it just will never be magical again. Too much water has passed under the bridge.

Who exactly would be their target audience??? Us life-long fans since the conception, or middle of the road folk, or the newbies????? I would HOPE they'd do it for us lifers since it would mean the most to US! If Dennis and Carl were still with us.........................well, we can't go there.

I will admit I was a bit harsh about saying I'd refuse to attend, when I know damn well I would, but I would be wondering the whole time when the shoe was going to drop and what the ramifications of this "reunion" , legacy tour, whatever you want to call it, would be to all members. No matter what happens, I hope it will be well done, and non of the "players" get hurt or sued.

I'll tell you what, though.....I SURE as hell wouldn't want to be one of the many people it would take to get this off the ground!!!!!!

You're so cute when you're angry and wrong. Apology accepted, darling.

Anybody who might like the Beach Boys' music.

Those PBS (or A&E, or MTV Classic, or National TV) specials are seen by a lot of people, especially when they are repeated over and over. We all agree that the Beach Boys' music is infectious and will hook you - whether you want to be hooked or not. All it would take is for some of those classic Brian songs to be seen and heard on TV and it will mushroom. That's why I think Capitol would be very interested.

This could be the next The Last Waltz! :police:

I'm with SJS here. Regardless of what I think should or will happen, I think that a hits-based reunion that is well produced and well marketed has as big a potential audience as is possible from an American pop band. That audience is the U.S., the U.K., and pieces of the rest of the world. It is a limited number of kids and teens; it is more young adults; and it is a huge number of Boomers. A lot of different crowds like different aspects of the Beach Boys for different reasons. Harnessing even a decent portion of them would be a huge draw.

Or, badly done, an enormous embarrassment :-\.

If you could read intelligently you'd see Jon ended up agreeing with my assessment as viewed from an outsider such as myself. And agreed on both points.  FYI any sort of apology certainly was NOT directed at you. But I tell  you what SS Board policeman, IF the BB ever reunite, I'll be the first one to nominate you for some sort of hall of fame. Until then, go blow smoke up somebody elses rear end.

I love you, too.

I think Al is making a lot of sense here.

And once again, I tend to value what the Beach Boys themselves want or say they want, over what we say we want, or say they should want.

Why can't everyone else think like you? ;D

Adam, while this isn't really a fair question, I'll try it anyway. You, at least, have worked with Al in a musical sense and have a better sense of the man than most of us here.

While he says he isn't interested in a one-off or temporary reunion, do you truly think if he were offered a place in, say, a concert or short series of concerts with accompanying TV show, DVD, album and all the trappings, that he'd stand on principle and say no?

And if the real answer is "I have absolutely no idea," that is fair.

I just don't understand this viewpoint. Wouldn't seeing the surviving Beach Boys together amount to more than seeing the surviving Beach Boys separately?

For her, obviously not. If everyone brings his or her own pre-determined ideas into it (which obviously everyone does), then some people would see a reunion as a sad, money-grabbing gimmick; others as a glorious return to form; others as a heartfelt reconciliation; et cetera ad nauseum. The facts are a part of the situation, but the interpretations of any such even and feelings surrounding one would be hugely diverse. The more I think about marketing the Beach Boys, the more I think that would be an enormous problem. There isn't a Beach Boys.

THAT has always been THE question for me. If there was ever a "the whole is greater than the parts" -or something like that - it's the Beach Boys, especially now.

Didn't Dennis say that Brian IS the Beach Boys??????

Yes. But to relate that to my point, that doesn't necessarily mean anything to anyone else. Dennis may have felt that way, but no doubt somebody at that same time thought Dennis himself was the Beach Boys. Or Carl. Or Mike. Or surfing. Or harmonies. Or orchestral instruments in a pop band's songs. Or cars. Or whatever. Dennis's feelings about the band don't really matter to a huge number of people, just like John Doe's don't to a different huge number of people.

Brian is probably the main determining factor. If he can't feel or be persuaded to feel that sharing a stage with Mike (and Bruce) will be as comfortable or nearly as relaxed as
the rooftop commemoration ceremony, then he will not participate, and one would hope that Melinda and others would back him up on it and not pressure him into it.

If he feels anxiety, apprehension, or generally disgusted at the prospect of sharing a stage with Mike once more, he shouldn't do it. Performing with them is a lot different than being friendly and having some of their old cameraderie during a publicity event.

On the other hand, one could argue that it would be good for him to face his fears (or
maybe it's just distaste), and get up on the stage with them again on his terms, kind of like it was a triumph to face his Smile baggage and do BWPS.

This is not to discount Al's reservations as a determining factor, which are absolutely legitimate and sincere, and I add that Brian has more than earned the right to never again do anything he doesn't want to do, to please other people.

It could be done very classily and well, but if something is too forced, maybe there's a reason that it shouldn't happen. Hard to say. Only they know their feelings, and as Adam said, that's what counts, not any sense of obligation to the fans.

Just thinking out loud on a controversial subject (in public, yikes!):P

Believe me, you're excused.

Yes, the Beach Boys music is catchy enough that Mike and Bruce can go out on the road with a bunch of no-namers and call it the Beach Boys.  And the average fan probably wouldn't notice the difference.  Which means it's unlikely that a more authentic representation of the group (one with Brian, Al and Dave included) would warrant a dramatic increase of interest to the most average of fans.

Maybe I should say those who remember watching Larry Welk's Geritol sponsored songfest.   Hey, do they still sell Geritol?    Maybe I should try some.     What the heck was in that stuff anyway?   Oh yeah...."twice the iron in a pound of calf liver, offers relief from iron poor tired blood"....but there must have been a "secret" ingredient?   ....maybe alcohol and codeine?

If Jardine's point is that without some rehearsal and a tour to sharpen things up, the quality wouldn't be good, he has a point. I'd rather a reunion didn't happen(actually, I'm not sure if I care much, anyway,unless there's a studio album) then another Beach Boys Twenty-fifth Anniversary special with that mentally handicapped person Patrick Duffy.

Wow, douchebag much?

I play to the audience I'm given.

That's not the point. The audience that a televised reunion concert would attract has not as much to do with the make-up of the band as the performance of the "catchy" music. Mike Love has stated over and over that the MUSIC is the star of the show, not those "no-namers" (like Brian's band?) that you refer to.

Yes, a 50th Anniversary reunion concert/album/documentary/tour(?) is a convenient excuse to get the guys back together again, but, if that's the best way to get it done - assuming something positive comes out of it - then I say go for it.

And, I'll repeat, please don't underestimate the power of those songs. Just a quick personal analogy....I knew about The Band, knew a couple of their songs, but that was about it; didn't even own a CD by The Band. Then, one night, I caught The Last Waltz on TV for the first time. One of the songs performed was "Up On Cripple Creek"; I watched and listened and was quite pleased with what I heard. That catchy chorus, "Up on Cripple Creek she sends me, if I spring a leak she mends me, I don't have to speak she defends me, a drunkard's dream if I ever did see one...." I couldn't get it out of my head. I wanted to hear it again. And I eventually did; The Last Waltz was repeated shortly thereafter. And guess what, then I heard "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down". You get the picture. Now I'm a fan of The Band....That's what would happen with a Beach Boys' concert shown and repeated on TV, especially on PBS. And, by the way, I didn't necessarily know the members of The Band when I caught The Last Waltz for the first time. But, I do now....

SJS, that movie was the first waltz with the band for a whole new audience.  A bit of irony there.  And the best rock movie to date at the time.
They were truly their best live.

Brian Wilson's group is not calling themselves "The Beach Boys".  Not a valid comparison.

Even better than the all-star 70's Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band?????  :-)

Right...except that he's playing mostly Beach Boys music.  People talk about how Brian's had this great solo career...yet 90% of the stuff he plays is Beach Boys music.  So in a way, it's a similar misleading element.  I know people who went to Hampton Beach and saw him play the hits last year and were actually really disappointed; they were hoping for/expecting more than a new song or two.  So Mike calls his band the Beach Boys, even though there are only two Beach Boys, while Brian bills himself as a solo artist--and plays mostly Beach Boys music.  Either way, Al's right that neither way is the way it really should be.  However, I've grown to second-guess myself when saying Carl's passing caused all this.  Remember, he wasn't always the most supportive of Brian's efforts towards the end, and killed at least two projects the others were all in for. So right or wrong, I guess we were always headed this way.

Man, I kinda wish now that this topic would be put to rest!

Do Paul and Ringo need to reunite as "The Beatles"??

I dare say having both Carl and Dennis gone is just as bad as John and George being gone, so one could argue, there's not much point!

Yes, I know Brian, Brian, Brian!!! He created and did everything! But in regards to all that, his good work is happily in it's place in the pop music pantheon with healthy reissues n all. He has nothing to prove....

BUT, as a performing unit, Brian is hardly the whole enchilada, and was not even there for most of the Beach Boys career as amazing performers, therefore, no Carl, no Dennis is truely a bummer.

I guess this is why I think just getting Mike, Bruce, Al, and Brian around a piano to sing songs and tell stories would be the best thing.

I do, in fact, have absolutely no idea.  I definitely never broached the question with him; I would have considered it a professional lapse to do so.  I just don't know the man that well.

What I can tell you just from observation is he's a man that takes great pride in having been a part of the Beach Boys' accomplishments and my sense is that he's sensitive to being sidelined or diminished, as I think anyone would be.  If I would have guessed I would have thought he'd have been open to a Beach Boys reunion, but not based on special knowledge I have.  I have to say that I was a little surprised (pleasantly) as to the reasons that he gave for not wanting to do it.  I think what he has to say about rehearsing is spot on.  If I thought the BBs were going to put that kind of effort into it I'd be way more enthusiastic about the prospect of a reunion -- witness how brilliant they were on the (Al-instigated, so I understand) 1993 unplugged tour.

The thing is, once you're that old and you've done it for so long, I would imagine the only reason to do something like that is to really have the desire to go in and do a f**king awesome job, because it's a lot of work for a bunch of old guys who are going to make the same amount of money regardless.  And I say that not as a criticism, because I can totally understand that attitude.  At a certain point it really does become a job, a cushy one that you don't want to put a lot of effort into.  Meaning no criticism of Bruce, but it's always been hard for me to understand how a musician as brilliant as he is and was once a vital part of the stage band can just doodle on a keyboard that doesn't even go through the mains.  But if it is, as he himself has said, just a traveling money machine, a very easy way to fund other things that you're interested in, then it's an understandable attitude, even if it would bore the crap out of me personally.

So having said that, I give Al a lot of kudos for saying, whatever his motivation, "if we're going to do this let's go and do it right."  I don't think that given the practicalities and personalities involved, that it's likely to happen, but I think the attitude is right on.

One other thing that occurs to me, personally, is how much fun it was working up those songs for the Carl Wilson Foundation with Al and Dave, keeping in mind that we mostly did new songs with them.  We came in with the attitude that we were going to know our parts and really give them a first-class backing job, and I'd like to think that having musicians with that attitude, and the time to rehearse and get it right, was a little inspiring.  It was to me.  I like the fact that we went up and did "A Postcard From California," a song that no one had ever heard, with the amount of respect and precision that we would have given "Help Me Rhonda," or some such.

It really did have a little of that kids in a garage vibe to me, and I would think that's a good thing to get back to if you've been doing it on the arena level for a long time.  Not going out and playing the hits necessarily, but sitting down and trying stuff out and being into the joy of creating and playing together.  I hear about the stuff Al and Dave are doing together now and I think, yeah, now that could be pretty cool, if it's got that kind of vibe.  Because the joy of that feeling never fades, no matter how old you get...but having to deal with the business and personal end of being in a mega-successful band can separate you from that feeling really easily.

I've had a similar opinion for several years...and every time I bring it up someone shoots it down...so I guess I'm saying good luck to you! ;D

The fact that Brian Wilson plays Beach Boys songs is entirely irrelevant.  Pretty much any artist formally in a band that starts a solo career will play songs from that band.  Paul McCartney, Don Henley, Sting, John Fogerty, etc.  Again, legally speaking, there is *nothing* misleading about Brian Wilson touring as himself. 

I've had that opinion myself.  Especially with Carl gone. 

Now, that's a road trip to remember! I would love to have heard that singalong, must've been a hoot. Cherish those memories, Ed.

That's great, thanks for sharing :lol

Ed Roach, I wish I couldve lived a day in your shoes!

I really like David's take on a reunion - essentially, if something happens he'll be there.

I love Al but he is still coming at the Beach Boys like it's the 1980s and he is still a big rock star.

Let's face it, if Brian and Mike agree to something, that's what will happen.  The big hits were Wilson/Love and they are still the major players for anything major. Mike has the license and doesn't really need a reunion. 
If Mike and Brian did something and Al didn't show, it would be bad on Al.

It's time for Al to go back to being a good team player and check his ego at the door.  That said, he has a point in doing a well thought out, rehearsed show.

And the cruel reality is that the end of the line is near and this will be their last chance for a day in the sun.  They should all make the most of it!

This is the best idea yet. I'd pay to see that!

That's an incredibly good idea.

It's not at all irrelevant.  He (his people) hails himself as a successful solo artist...yet none of the "hits" he plays at those concerts at solo tracks.  None.  He puts on a Beach Boys concert with a bunch of hired hands...sounds familiar, doesn't it?

And if you want to get "legal" about it...the courts say Mike's not breaking any laws, either.  So your point is flawed there, as well.

Come on Ed!!!! Tell us more, tell us more!!!!!! Write a book about your adventures with Dennis and the BB or just on you and Dennis!!!! Please, please, please....great stories!!! What a time you guys must've had!!!!

Good points. Wouldn't it be funny if the guys took Al at his word, decided to do a one-off reunion concert, only rehearsed for a week or so, and said, "Well, Al said he wasn't interested in something like this...", and didn't call him. Be careful what you ask for, Al...

I just read this in another thread:


I think someone in this thread also mentioned something like this. It sounds like a really good idea, to me.

Yeah.  And if you could get Matt and Christian in there, too, it would be a whole second generational thing.

The Hollywood Bowl, weeklong, rotating band thing is what I continue to hang my hat on, but I understand why it's not a great idea.  As Al said, rehearsals would take a month to make it any good, and then what happens after?  How can Mike ever tour as the Beach Boys again?  That's what confuses me about his pro-reunion comments (and makes me doubt them as anything more than trying to look like the bigger person). The one thing that would make it work would be putting out that one last hit summer single, garnering enough casual interest to afford a bigger tour budget that could make including Al and Dave possible, and withstand the reality that Brian wouldn't be joining them after the one-off, as they did for several years post-Kokomo/Beach Boys '85.

Similarly, I think the same thing about Bruce saying he wouldn't do it.  If (and I don't really believe it to be true) Mike is really that serious about a reunion...he has a well-established record of cutting someone out to redistribute funds.  In other words, would it cost him that much more to continue on with Al and Dave than with Bruce?

Other than the hit summer single, that is a very practical and very possible outcome. It would be a good and official way to welcome Al and Dave back into the band, and give The Beach Boys a more legitimate lineup, not that I think it is necessary OR a priority of Mike's.

As far as Brian is concerned, I think Mike would be optimistic about getting Brian for a reunion concert, not as hopeful for a new collaboration/album, and probably not even envisioning a tour with Brian at this point. A few select dates, maybe. A full-fledged tour, no. That's been reality for decades. You ask how Mike could ever tour again after a reunion? It would be BUSINESS as usual. Unfortunately, it was after Brian quit the road, it was after Dennis died, and it was after Carl passed away. There's no stopping The Beach Boys' touring - until Mike stops it.

I'm not trying to rationalize Bruce's quote, but I thought he made it more out of "I'm not worthy" than "Don't include me in this sham". But, I could be wrong.

As far as money and the reunion (specifically a one-off concert, not a tour), and I might be wrong about this too, but... I think this might be one time where Mike is more concerned about getting this done right than the bottom line. Not that he won't be watching THAT closely, too. :police:

I now think after reading Al's comments that a reunion other than another PR roof-top style deal is unlikely. Lets see, Al wants a year, Mike hints at a one-off, Bruce dito, Brian nada. Dave I think would be fine with any agreed set up.

What is needed is a personality who can pull something together and mediate amongst the members and shut down the egos and control the thing. That  type of person has not been involved with the Beach Boys for over 40 years and sure as hell wouldn't be welcome now.

Are you talking about the glass-eyed bezelbub himself, Murry Wilson?!! :o :o :o

How 'bout bringing Jack Rieley back into the fold? ;D ;D ;D

 ;)


Having said that, it would seem talks are going on.

http://heraldnet.com/article/20090807/ENT/708079930

He said he's also in talks to reunite with two other founding members of the group, Brian Wilson and Al Jardine, with whom he has had a famously litigious relationship.

“We have a 50th anniversary coming up in 2011,” he said, “so it would make a lot of sense to do something in advance of that.”  

Interesting how Mike mentions in advance of the 50th compared  to 'for the 50th' awhile back.

I think I just heard Dr. Phil's ears perk up...

Seriously, how great would that be?

You need the single though.  If they're smart, something in a movie or something.  They need something to, pun intended, ride the wave of if they want to be able to pay for three or four fulltime Beach Boys (which would mean playing bigger venues and/or securing much larger advances).  Kokomo, for instance, came out as a stand-alone single in 1988, and that pushed them all the way through the unplugged tour in 1993 in terms of selling out ampitheaters and mid-size arenas.  You need something new that will get young kids who (unlike most concert goers) haven't seen the Beach Boys by now interested to come out, even if it's a remake or rerecord.  So even from a purely business standpoint, I can understand Mike's statement that "any Beach Boys reunion needs to start with me and Brian sitting down and writing" or whatever he's said.  It's true--they need something to try and sell.  Otherwise, you end up on a beach in Hawaii singing with Belinda Carlisle.

Not that Darian Sahanaja would be offered and/or accept the role you described, but, if he was/did, I wonder if Mike would accept him?

I think I read somewhere that Darian can pretty much play any instrument known to man. A band with him and Mike and Bruce with Al and Brian would be way to much ego to handle.   ;)

I think if Scott Totten were also in the fold, Mike would be cool.  He'd want "his" guy too, and that's fair.  I think I remember reading somewhere that Darian and Scott actually have a great mutual admiration for one another.  In fact, I bet if the two of them were there to work with the five Beach Boys, they could pull it it off very easily.

Agree.

This article is also interesting because it mentions Mike's solo material, which hasn't received much mention lately.  A song title that I've never heard of, "The World Is My Family", is mentioned too.  I really wish he'd just go ahead and release it all.  Some of the songs are pretty good, but if he waits too long, some of them will sound really dated and may have to be re-recorded to sound more contemporary ("Love Foundation" is a great example...sounds very 90's).

Scott and Darian would be fine but I would go for a outsider if a new album was proposed. Someone familiar with the target demographic (realistically 40 plus) and not necessarily a fan of their early 60s material, as certain group members would be tempted to stick with the formula and mimic.

Throw caution to the wind and go for a non-fan with no intention of reverting to numbers and willing to challenge group members with new, for them, concepts and methods.

Sounds like a new BB85 to me.

I volunteer to act as musical and ego coordinator, for free and for how long as it takes!

Exactly. Of course, that's one of the funny parts. Get somebody to recreate what they are expected to do based on their history, and it's derided for being imitation or even parody of themselves Do something more current and it's blatant pandering to a market in which they don't belong.

No, you don't.  Simon & Garfunkel reunited without the need of a single and did quite well.  The Eagles reunited in 2004 long before their new album came out.  Sure, they had released the 9/11 tune "Hole In The World" but I'm pretty confident they would have sold out to the same crowds without it.  Don't forget that Genesis and the Police have reunited in several years without the need of new material.  Ditto with Cream.

I honestly could care less if the surviving members of the Beach Boys reunited.  Carl's passing really squelched any enthusiasm from me.  I'd prefer they just let things be left alone rather than continue to embarrass themselves and the group's name any further.  What would be the single of their new album?  If Mike's involved, how about "Grandpa's Surfin'"??  Oy.

But as has been pointed out, to the casual fans, the Beach Boys never stopped existing.  In this circumstance, there would have to be at least one new project of some kind to push to the mainstreamers.

Also, show me one track out of Mike's new solo stuff that's a surfing song.  Otherwise, nice job getting another little jab in at the guy you don't like.  What's Brian's contribution going to be, "Grandpa's Insanity"?

Not so - he's worse than useless on the sackbut. Blows in the wrong end.  :o

I don't see why this needs to be. A one-off Beach Boys reunion won't have any "mainstreamers" there anyway. Hardcore fans will be flying in from all over the world.

But Al just said he won't do a one-off, and I actually believe him, and say he has a good point.  If Mike's genuine about getting back together, then good for Al for having him put his money where his mouth is and make an effort.  If Mike wants a one-off with Brian, then he also relents and lets Al and Dave back into the touring band fulltime, and with that, you need something new to push.

First of all, don't believe a word that Al says. Second, JR, you gotta get off this "needing a product to push". They can "push" the same couple of hundred songs they've been pushing for 50 years! :police:

If thats the case, no wonder Melinda...I mean Brian isn't interested!

Hey, you have a new lineup potentially, some media interest due to the 50 years thing, why not try a new album?  Do it right though. The minute the word ' cheerleaders' is used in a song by a group of senior's, I'm out. Same with a 'save the whales' or 'woodies fueled by tofu' theme.

On the former, I'm with you: gross. But on the latter, keep in mind it may not just be bandwagon-jumping. The Beach Boys were pushing environmental themes before they hit their 30s. If you don't like it, that's cool, but after 40 years or so of it out of them, I think you can assume their interest is authentic.

'Don't Go Near The Water' was great, however the 'Summer In Paradise' single grated.

I'll wait with a open mind then Luther.

Oh, don't mistake my post for any kind of optimism about the quality of a BBs reunion. I highly doubt any such thing would be any good whatsoever. It is possible that it could be, and so I remain cautiously, mildly optimistic. But cynical. (Can a guy be cynically optimistic?) And SIP kind of made me want to shoot myself in the face.

I do like Don't Go Near the Water, though. A lot.

Yeah. Nice balance of tune and subtle lyric while SIP lyric was just to busy IMO.

http://lyrics.doheth.co.uk/songs/beach-boys/surfs-up/dont-go-near-the-water.php

http://lyrics.doheth.co.uk/songs/beach-boys/summer-in-paradise/summer-in-paradise.php

First, Brian's been performing basically the same setlist as Mike & Bruce, so it wouldn't be a step down or "lowering" himself to sing about surf and turf.

Second, there's nobody that wants a NEW Beach Boys' album more than me. Noobody. But, while I'm optimistic that a reunion of some kind will happen, I don't expect or do I think a new album is necessary. Beating the dead horse again, it's that good old Beach Boys' music that most people want to hear anyway. And I absolutely disagree about the terms cheerleaders, or woodies, coupes, and fun fun fun. THAT'S part of the charm of the reunion! Nobody sang about that stuff like The Beach Boys. That's a major part of the group's legacy, like it or not. And that's gonna be a big part of the hook; give the people what they want. Now is not the time to sing about trees, feel flows, or maharishies (spelling?).

Mike might.


I don't know if I have ever seen anyone try to make the plural of the word maharishi before, and certainly not on a message board. Nicely done. Now I want to introduce a new word to our little Interworld. Hmmm. I was going to say "excitations," but I guess that's been used.  ;)

If there is a reunion album, and they don't sing about girls, cars, or summer; what the heck would they sing about?

I really don't expect to hear more songs like 'Vege-tables' at this point.

 :p

Maybe the days when they sang songs about girls, cars or summer. Isn't that mostly what the past 30 years of songs were about, after all?

But seriously, if they were to do a new album, I don't think anyone would seriously expect some kind of major departure from what they're known for doing. Hopefully, if such a thing were to happen, it would just be fun and tasteful. (i.e. more TLOS than SIP)

As far as new car/ surf songs in this day and age, I think that formula is f*cked!
Play the old ones live by all means but don't attempt any new material.

I want to say you're right, and I'm overwhelmingly convinced that anything new would just infuriate me. That said ... I'd love to hear what happens. Because even if it were decent music from those guys, that would be great. As long as they don't name-drop their own earlier hits, I'd be happy.

I agree. Live car/surf OK - newly recorded car/surf songs not so OK. Unless they find a producer who can come up with a new, "adult" way to do it. Maybe a "Good Timin" meets "It's OK" meets "Desert Drive". How 'bout that?

Ok...I'd give them one Desert Drive and Good Timin type tune but the Mike Love nasal would have to be set to low on a 2009 'It's OK'! ;D

Your "quick analogy" has sparked a memory of my experience of getting turned on to The Band, and if you'll pardon my musing, I'll try to be as brief:  somehow I'd drifted away from Dylan around the time of "Self Portrait", and wasn't impressed when I first heard "Music from Big Pink".  That changed while touring with The Boys in the spring of '72...  After their Carnegie Hall gigs, Dennis got it in him to do the rest of the tour in a giant motor home, and it created a buzz of others wanting to do it, too.  Carl decided to drive with us, and Al got another one, for he & Bobby & Carlie - probably Billy, too.
There's lots of great stories, (& photos) from that trip, but one of my favorites was Carl running into this little general store, and practically buying out the guys 8track tapes!  Yet somehow, practically the only thing that ever played was "Rag Mama Rag"!  I can picture it as if it was yesterday, the 2 of them singing their asses off to that song over & over, with Carl driving that thing at 80 or 90 miles an hour, while Dennis was whipping up "Golden Cadillacs" in a blender...  I've loved The Band ever since - and loved this band even more!  (By the way, I've still got the 8tracks from that trip.)

Amazing, hi Ed, if you could ever list any of those 8 tracks that would be really interesting!



[/quote]

 :wall

I know, I know, I know ...

I feel the same way whenever anybody brings up the subject of 8-tracks ...  >:(

Now back to discussing 21st century self referential surf, car and girl songs ....

[/quote]
I think he's talking about 8-track tapes, not 8 different songs...

The question now is- what would you call a whole bunch of Maharishis?  A flock of mararishis?  A pride? A school? A gaggle? A "butt-load of Maharishis" sure wouldn't cut it.

A Mash? :-\

This post is just to fix the poorly-formatted QUOTING (http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,6005.0.html).

Muster, mob, or murmuration are fitting collectives for Maharishi.  Multiple Maharishi.

*adjusts grammar hat* I think it's like 'sheep' or 'fish'. or 'Maharishes', perhaps?

That struck me as the way it ought to be.  Lets make it official.  As in "a mob of maharishi.

Just don't send anyone to "sleep with the Maharishis"! :lol :lol :lol

Someone should make a comedy about the Beach Boys: Friends/Maharishi tour!!!!

That song would've fit nicely on "So tough" imo. Better than Dennis' stuff (which I love) and "All this is that" (which I also love).

I feel that TLOS represented a good way to approach "the Beach Boys sound" for the 21st century. It was retro but had enough new ideas not to be cliched or predictable; it was fresh sounding but didn't rely on trendy sounds to make Brian sound like he was trying to be 40 years younger. If the BBs could pull something off with those qualities, that would be great. Unfortunately their track record since about 1980 has not been that great. And I see nothing wrong with a reunion consisting only of old songs. As has been said, many 60s bands have done reunions without having anything new to sell. That being said, I'm pretty much against a reunion. I'm definitely against Al's idea of touring for a year. Is he crazy? Could they all get along for that long? Could Brian handle the psychological strain? Could they all handle the physical strain?

I guess if it were a one-off thing, or maybe 5 shows, I'd be for it. That said, I think they'd have to be sure they could still sound good together, maybe by gathering around the piano and Brian's house and testing the old pipes. And then, if they could be sure of that, it would have to be fun. Just a fun event. No pressure. Just a fun get-together with good old fashioned BBs music so they could all just laugh again, and Brian, if need be, could say, "Hey, this isn't bad, as long as there are only a few shows. This is sort of fun."

At this point, they're all in it for the money. Not the fun. The fun times, sadly, are over.

A transcendence of maharishi ?

My high school Latin is a bit rusty, but wouldn't the singular of "Maharishi" be "Maharishum"?  ;D

Never mind Latin, how's your Sanskrit ?  ;D

Me llamo Popeye...I speak SPINACH~!

The question of what to call a large group of Maharishi (Maharishis? Maharishim?) seems to still be open. 

But I think we can all agree on this: if you do see a bunch of them coming towards you, tell a grown-up.  Also, it's probably best not to feed them.

Just don't tell me you're not supposed to get them wet. Please don't tell me that.

:lol

Isn't there only one at a time, like the Pope? :-\

No - anyone can call themselves Maharishi. Roughly translated it means "great seer", or "great one with awareness".

Really?  That's it?

Henceforth, you will all kindly address me as The Maharishi Surfer Joe.  At least until I need glasses.

Wow, I really would not have predicted the turn this topic has taken from the title.

(Indian accent): Indeed, a truly transcendental turn of events has transpired, cosmically
incomprehensible by virtue of its very incongruity....

Peter Sellers would be so pround of you .... birdie yumyums ....

To bring it back Eric, would Al be interested in a one off Beach Boy reunion with a Maharishi? :-\

Nobody's paying to see just one Maharishi these days, even if it's one hell of a Maharishi. Ya gotta think big.

I was listening to a Bob Dylan interview, and I agreed with him that the time for that kind of mysticism that was hip in the '60s is defintitely in the past. ...except for the middle aged folks that wake up one day and decide to convert to a 'peaceful' religion,  start eating vegan, and practicing yoga. haha ;D

The Maharishi is dead!

So was Mr. T before he got that reality show.

Bob Dylan should have been in New Mexico on the 4th of July.  Hippie Mysticism was alive and well at the Rainbow Gathering.

What they need to do is revive the Beach Boys/Maharishi "Friends" tour!

They can re-book all the cancelled shows, but this time Mike can sub for the dearly departed Maharishi and perform the second half of the show lecture!!

Think Al would jump at this?

...Yeah. Off a bridge! ;D

 :drum

boom boom  :-D

Sorry guys, this was an old thread but I had not read the statement from Al before - he really made some legitimate points as far as I am concerned.  Of the three piecemeal BB bands out there now, Al always seemed to be the one that still genuinely liked to be out there performing the music.

Mike is making money, Brian seems like he tours and does albums just to keep busy so that he doesn't slide away into a mental chasm again.

FYI, in addition to the money, I can tell you that Mike is genuinely proud of The BBs' musical legacy, and proud to be perpetuating that legacy for live audiences year after year. 

Bruce on a 50th get together; from the BBB:

Re(1): The Beach Boys will be on
Posted on March 26, 2010 at 04:04:58 PM by Bruce johnston

Hi Ian!
I occasionally take a look at BBB and I see that you recently posted about our upcoming appearance on Dancing With The Stars. I've never watched the show before but it seems to have a huge audience. As our touring season in the US is getting underway, I assume that our management has decided to put us in front of over 25 million viewers for three minutes and three seconds to remind people we're 'alive & well.' Not a bad idea......
Mike & Scott hooked "California Girls" "Kokomo" and "Fun Fun Fun' together for the show. John Stamos will join us on percussion, etc.
I love the idea that year after year I'm in a band that can go from performing a ton of hits to performing "Here Today" and "You Still Believe In Me" with various symphonies. We recently were in concert with the Houston Symphony.

One more thought: Hopefully we can reunite in a couple of years at least briefly with Brian, Al, and Dave for some music 'somewhere' (or at least dinner and great conversation!)...

Bruce Johnston
Montecito
March 26, 2010

Maybe the dinner could be filmed for voracious fans such as us.  Maybe thats a good idea for an anniversary film....,   just a get together, interspersed with a full smogasboard of clips, new and familiar.........

Someone reiterated that the general public doesn't know who the individual Beach boys are.  Probably true.  Not exactly like John, Paul, Georgr and Ringo getting together.  So a reunion wouldn't have a broad impact unless heavily hyped and the public informed and educated in the advertising.

On the other hand, there are enough robust fans and extremists like us to sell out several high dollar reunion shows if carefully spread across the continent and a bit of England.

A dinner at the end of a TV show would be a nice, poignant end for the group. They could all watch clips of themselves(and maybe a special section for Dennis and Carl) when they were in their prime, and throughout the years. They could just watch themselves on a tv screen/theater big screen and just say to themselves "Damn, WE WERE GOOD!". It might make for a better ending than attempting a reunion concert.

2011 Labor Day, Fosters Freeze, Hawthorne, Informal parking lot gig.

I'm there! 

Bruce is definitely singing a different tune now.

 Previously, he said he wouldn't participate but be in the front row watching.

Both Bruce and Brian take after each other in this respect...we should be used to it by now.  One day they will passionately state one thing or another, but give them a week, a month, or half a year, and they will be saying something completely contradictory to their former statements.  They are human, just like any one of us, I guess.  Our opinions and preferences all change over time.  We just have the benefit of not being in the public eye.  I've learned to not take anything they say too seriously, because in 2 weeks, it could all be washed down the drain with a new statement or a new development.