https://dnyuz.com/2023/06/09/james-g-watt-polarizing-interior-secretary-under-reagan-dies-at-85/

Story includes the 1983 Beach Boys "controversy".

https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-a-longtime-music-executive-is-trying-to-protect-artists-legacies-11626523203?mod=searchresults_pos1&page=1

In the article:

WSJ: What does legacy management look like at Iconic?

mr. azoff: On the Beach Boys, they haven’t gotten along well. It’s been famously chronicled, but we think we’re the glue that’s now getting them to get along well, and we think over the past decade of fighting that there were a lot of missed opportunities. They are the American Beatles, and they don’t get recognized as that. We’re going to start with this documentary, and then their 60th anniversary is next year. We have planned a tribute concert that we film and we’ve sold to a major network. There’ll be everything from a Sirius XM channel, to traveling exhibits of all their memorabilia. There have been multiple offers for a feature movie, a biopic. Those are some examples of the things that on their own they wouldn’t have accomplished, because they weren’t able to manage their business.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-a-longtime-music-executive-is-trying-to-protect-artists-legacies-11626523203?mod=searchresults_pos1&page=1

In the article:

WSJ: What does legacy management look like at Iconic?

mr. azoff: On the Beach Boys, they haven’t gotten along well. It’s been famously chronicled, but we think we’re the glue that’s now getting them to get along well, and we think over the past decade of fighting that there were a lot of missed opportunities. They are the American Beatles, and they don’t get recognized as that. We’re going to start with this documentary, and then their 60th anniversary is next year. We have planned a tribute concert that we film and we’ve sold to a major network. There’ll be everything from a Sirius XM channel, to traveling exhibits of all their memorabilia. There have been multiple offers for a feature movie, a biopic. Those are some examples of the things that on their own they wouldn’t have accomplished, because they weren’t able to manage their business.

I just got home from Milwaukee where I saw last night’s show. My Brian show count is somewhere in the 30’s starting with the first Pet Sounds tour in 2000 with the most recent one being the Final Pet Sounds Tour (seriously, we mean it this time) in 2017. I had seen clips from the last two years and have followed the debates and even chimed in on occasion.  I have heard from people whose opinions I respect and trust that, yes, Brian’s decision to continue is his, and not someone else’s. He also has severe physical limitations that affects how he performs, so naturally, various band members pick up more of the lead vocals that he used to do in the peak days of his touring career.  But knowing all of that never prepared me for how bittersweet the night was.

First off, we had the Zombies in their current lineup: Rod Argent, Colin Blunstone, both  founding members of the band, accompanied by Tom Toomey, Steve Rodford, and Soren Koch starting the evening off with a mini set of the Zombies 1965 hits mixed with more recent material that showed why they have become a sleeper sensation in the rock and roll touring world. After the mini set, they brought out the other surviving founding members of the Zombies: bassist Chris White, and drummer Hugh Grundy where they, accompanied by the current Zombies as well as Vivian Boucherat on backing vocals and Mr. Sahanaja on additional keyboards, performed a pitch perfect Oddesey And Oracle From front to back. From the buoyant cheek of Care Of Cell 44 to the gorgeous Hung Up On A Dream to the moving and uplifting This Will Be Our Year to the haunting Butcher’s Tale (movingly sung by its composer Chris White) and finally to the sleek sexiness of Time Of The Season, this classic album was rendered with love, care, and precision.  On a night where various late Beach Boys, a Brian band member, and an old friend and fellow BB fan were not very far from my mind, I thought of two people from the Zombies world that were not there because they had passed on: original guitarist Paul Atkinson (who played the masterful solo on Hung Up On A Dream that current guitarist Tom Toomey had nailed) and former bassist Jim Rodford, Rod Argent’s cousin who had also played with Rod in his post-Zombies prog band Argent. That added to the bittersweet tinge of the evening.

After a half an hour, the headliners took the stage and delivered what was probably the most eclectic setlist I had heard from a Brian show in at least 17 years. The Friends and Surf’s Up material were played as if the Brian band was absolutely born to play that particular era of the BB catalogue. Yes, Diamond Head was the standout, but for me the jaw dropper was Passing By. I had to look at the stage to make sure that I wasn’t listening to the record.  Matt killed it on Don’t Worry Baby And Surf’s Up and Darian nailed Darlin’ and I Can Hear Music (please, oh please keep I Can Hear Music in the set list). But what made this emotional was Blondie paying homage to Carl on both Feel Flows and Long Promised Road and Brian paying homage to D Nani’s with Little Bird.  As for Brian himself?  As mentioned, he struggled through the night. But you know what, I saw a guy who was putting forth the effort to make this work. Did he succeed, not always. But, appropriately enough, his best vocal was during Love And Mercy. He seemed to be saying “I know I am struggling, but I still have something to give”.

As long as he wants to, I will be there.

This is a well-written review, and I agree entirely with about all of it. This was a setlist I've been dreaming about for years!! Please understand that my comments above were written through the lens of a veteran BW concert-goer. I was commenting based on the continuum of the usual BW performance scale. I've seen shows where he's enthusiastically spoken between each song and was totally engaged with the music and his environs. Then, I've seen shows where it was obvious he wasn't in his element for mental or physical reasons. All I was saying is that, from my vantage point, Milwaukee was even lower than the bottom of the continuum to which I've been accustomed.

Was Milwaukee the first show of the Something Great from '68 tour where the curtain closed between shows?  It could explain that there was some serious physical issues that day above and beyond the usual back pain that would have required some serious convalescence care in moving him to the piano. That would explain a lot.

My only point is that it appeared to me that something very awful was going on Sunday evening, and it pained me as a BW devotee.  I can only imagine what the casual observer thought, and based upon chatter outside after the show, those people left confused and somewhat jilted about what they just paid to watch. I hope I never witness him in this physical or mental state onstage again.   But, like you, as long as he wants to give to the fans, I will also be there.

I agree that last night was more than just an "off night". Brian either looked terrified or spaced out. It reminded me a little of some early 80's clips...

I don't even know how to recognize a good from a bad Brian night. The last show I saw was a Christmas show in Minneapolis, and Brian seemed a fair bit more engaged and better vocally. Relatively better, but not what you'd call good.

Trust me, if you were there in Milwaukee, you would have recognized it.

I agree that last night was more than just an "off night". Brian either looked terrified or spaced out. It reminded me a little of some early 80's clips...

Good call. His demeanor last night was akin to when I saw the Beach Boys in Peoria in 1981. It was that unsettling. I just hope it was a severe anomaly and he bounces back in Cincy tonight.

I was also in Milwaukee last night, having traveled there from Peoria with a friend. Not sure how many BW solo shows I've attended to date, but since 2004, probably about 20ish.

This was my first show since Oct 2017 in Peoria, and I was looking forward to a respite from the Pet Sounds shows. My friend and I know perfectly well the pitfalls that await if BW is having an "off night." I've seen a few of them over the years. But, this was not just an "off night." This was a flat out off the charts abysmal night. I was in the fifth row and in pure agony on BW's own behalf. Not sure if it was the physical problems or if he was having one of his own self-admitted voices attacks. But, clearly he was disturbed. He also appeared extremely hoarse, as if he were suffering from a cold. The low point of the night was the hacking cough throughout the opening verse of Busy Doin' Nothing.

I saw a BW show in Kansas City back in 2016 that I would categorize as "off" that made me question the future of these shows. But, then I attended the show the following evening in Tunica, MS, where he was totally in sync and having a blast. So, who knows? Maybe last night was just a severely unfortunate evening.

Interesting side note that my friend and I were having pre-show dinner at a restaurant around the block from the theatre. My friend looked up at our booth and noticed that Al Jardine, Mike D'Amico, and their spouses were at the next table. I didn't want to be "that guy" that barges in on a dinner, but as I was leaving, I did lean forward and tell them I was here from Peoria and looking forward to the show.  Al was pleasant and smiling, but kind of shy and distant. D'Amico was a nice guy.  They did implore upon me to get over to the theater ASAP and not miss the Zombies and sang the praises of Odessy and Oracle.

Like I said, I always go into these shows expecting them to be a tribute to a great musical icon, understanding full well BW could have a bad night. If I were not an uber fan and went to the show as a casual and curious observer wanting an oldies show, last night was the first BW show I have ever attended that I would likely have asked for a refund. And, it pains me to say that.

I was always perplexed though about the mix ; it always sounded like I was playing it in a submarine.  Until this. This stereo mix explodes with musical colors, stuff I have never heard before.

Ray, I appreciate this comment. Being a radio guy attuned to audio, I always found Wild Honey to sound "muddy." Point of fact, and I know some people will not like this, I always found the unreleased SMiLE material to also sound a bit muddy...even the stereo outtakes.

Hearing the stereo remix of Wild Honey, I am amazed at the clarity and coloration of this material. I felt the same way after hearing the Pet Sounds box set. These mono mixdowns back in the day negatively affected the high end of the audio. This is magnificant to hear.

I have worked in the radio industry for 30 years. And, I've been to these "meet and greets" and VIP "press parties," etc. etc. more times than I can count. Country artists, pop artists, oldies artists (who can be the biggest prima donnas of them all: don't even get me started about David Clayton Thomas). And, I know with full disclosure going in that these people are "working" and I'm not even considered a passing acquaintance.

I have not been wowed by any of them, nor do I have any desire to hang around with them. Having said that, Jeff Foskett was nice enough back in 2011 to help set up a meeting with Brian in Grand Rapids, MI, following a show. There was a small handful of us, and we were ushered into a private location where Brian was brought in to talk to us. He couldn't have been more gracious, but he was extremely shy and reserved. He posed for a few pictures with each of us and made his way back to his tour bus. It was truly a thrill for me to get a picture, which is now my avatar. But, the conversation was brief. I personally thanked him for being such an inspirational force in my life, and I loved his work more than I could articulate. He replied with a whispery "thank you." That's all I needed.

Aside from that, I pay for their shows, enjoy every minute of them, and give them their space. I feel I'm in "overtime' enjoying all of these people, and each year is a bonus. Someday, I'll look back and wish it were still really happening.

I cannot attend this show. These tickets are Balcony Row P, Seats 12 and 13. I paid over $200 for them including all of the handling. PM me and make an offer. I can transfer them via Ticketmaster after payment received via PayPal.

Just read the chapters of interest last night. My initial assessment is total surprise at how culpable ML considers Brian to be in the Sea of Tunes sale and the subsequent testimony/depositions in the late 80s and the 94 lawsuit. . In ML's view, BW was not a passive and incapable presence in either the late 60s or 1980s-90s proceedings. Quite to the contrary, according to ML. He has BW painted as an active conspirator involved in a premeditated fraud against his cousin.  I find this version difficult to believe.  All the while, I will not play judge and jury since, like most of us, I was not there for any of it. I will, however, be curious to see how this plays out in the coming months and years. Because, if some of the silly stuff in the WIBN book was good enough to collect a settlement from HarperCollins, then the concrete accusations and assessments presented by Mr. Love should at least be fodder for some future litigation. We shall see.

I apologize if this is not kosher for the site. But, I have two tickets available for the BW concert in Minneapolis that I cannot use. PM me if interested. The show is sold out. Face value offer.

My two cents...

I have attended 14 Brian Wilson concerts, beginning in 2004. Even as a major fan, I would characterize the shows for those first five years or so to be occasions to honor the man, witness him as a survivor, and thank him for the music. For the uninitiated, I could imagine those shows to be unsettling, compared to more orthodox concerts. The music and band has always been top notch, but Brian as a performer could make me nervous. It always seemed like we were rooting for him to get through it in one piece.

C50 was its own animal, and it looked to me like Brian was relieved not being the center of attention. His demeanor seemed to perk up substantially, and he appeared to be genuinely enjoying himself, hence the desire to keep it going beyond the agreed upon dates.

I sat out the Jeff Beck shows entirely (and correctly, it seems).

Then, these last two years, I have noticed a complete change. At the concert at Ravinia in suburban Chicago in 2015, he was more enthusiastic and excited than I had ever seen him on a stage. He was making wisecracks and even coached the band to try a couple of new riffs. (It may have been one of the first attempts at River Deep, Mountain High, but I forget now).  He talked about the songs, making interesting comments, and sometimes putdowns (of Surfs Up?!). That's also when the whimsical rarities like Busy Doin' Nothin began to appear on the setlist.

This summer, I was at the July show in Kansas City. I agree with Debbie, it was brutally hot (heat index over 110), and they had been trouping all over the midwest heat wave. I must admit that I thought that Brian had somewhat of an "off night" and left the show wondering how many more of these tours would be possible. But it easily could have been tied to the circumstances. Heck, I had been on vacation driving through the midwest heat wave,  and I was exhausted, too.

Then, two nights later at the Horseshoe Casino in Tunica, I saw probably the best Brian Wilson concert I had ever attended. He constantly played the piano, was talkative, jovial in his own way, smiling, and genuinely excited. It was a 180 from Kansas City...hence I was reassured.   

My takeaway: There is no doubt that something has changed for the positive. I have no idea whether the exit of Jeff is that variable. It would seem to me that Brian enjoys sharing the load with other real Beach Boys like Al and Blondie. And, having "family" like Billy H. also helps. One way or another, after Tunica, I left reassured that I'll likely be seeing this act for the next few years at least.

Legal disputes over dissemination of material (such as sports broadcast rights, internet sharing of files that otherwise wouldn't be, rights to television syndication, etc.) almost always result in fans/listeners being denied.

It seems sometimes that making nothing available can be more advantageous than advancing a brand's popularity.

Sad.

This entire thread (and incident, for that matter) is breathtaking.

Imagine yourself being accused of a crime or some other hideous act. The authorities take action by having you jailed or removed from the premises. Then, the prosecutors proceed to publicly wage a campaign of innuendo, ladling out vague tidbits that paint a picture of guilt, and at the very least dishonorable behavior. More so, they allow for  speculation to continue via their own public forum from commenters that possess only basic, limited information.

It seems that's what has happened here, and the main players are unable to see the forest from the trees.

Meanwhile, the accused has been awarded no due process. All he can do it sit idly and watch his personal reputation be trashed with no ability to respond.

I have never met AGD and know him only from his website and his comments on this forum. While I believe he can be a bit curt at times, he is still a human being and a fellow BB fan.

This manner in which this banning has been undertaken, and the public display that has accompanied it, is sickening.

The moderators should be ashamed. I hope I am not banned and publicly flogged for finally speaking out.

I was fortunate enough to meet Brian in 2011 at the Meijer Gardens Ampitheater in Grand Rapids, MI. Three of us had tickets to the show. I sent Jeff Foskett a message on Facebook about three weeks before the event, telling him I had been a lifelong fan and would really enjoy the chance to meet Brian and have a photo taken with him. Jeff responded to me and agreed to provide 3 backstage passes at the will call window, only on the condition that I refrain from publicizing his favor on these message boards. I complied with his request...up until now, as the coast has long cleared!

When we got to the venue, I discovered that we had only two passes, so one of us would have to remain outside. Anyway, before the show, time must have escaped the band and there was no time for a meet and greet. Jeff sent word to us that we would be able to have our meeting after the show. In the meantime, during the intermission, one of us were able to get Scott Bennett's attention off stage. When we explained our dilemma, he peeled his pass off of his shirt on the spot and gave it to us!

So, after the show, we were escorted in to a large indoor botanic garden. A few minutes later, Jeff, Probyn Gregory, and Brian came walking in. They stayed for about five minutes, and we all got pictures with Brian. He couldn't have been more pleasant, although he was his usual quiet and reserved self. I was able to thank him for being such a positive influence in my life, and he simply said "thank you" and shook my hand. All I remember is that he seemed exhausted, as did the rest of the band. It was very hot, and it had been an outdoor show.

The result of my experience is my avatar photo! Afterwards, I sent Jeff polite thank you email. We went to the show in St. Charles, IL, the following night and ran into Scott there as well. I even met Melinda and her oldest daughter in the lobby of the theater. She couldn't have been more delightful. What a wonderful two days of fandom it was!

  Are we all ready for "THE SUPER BOWL" I AM... and it's only Thursday!

Any plans to go out to someone's house and kick their ass after this year's big game, Rock?

John Malone, Only if they give Brian "Cocaine" or "Heroin"...and a live in Nurse or his wife Melinda calls Stan (Brian's first cousin) or myself and pleads with us to PREVENT this from HAPPENING! I guess those drugs are ACCEPTABLE to YOU... therefore YOU DON'T MIND IF SOMEONE GIVES THOSE DRUGS TO BRIAN? Are YOU also UNCONCERNED with Brian "HAVING A SEIZURE" and someone having to "STICK A HAMMER" in his mouth TO PREVENT him from swallowing his tongue... and DYING!!!... at the least causing BRAIN DAMAGE! "JOHN MALONE" it's a "GOOD" thing there "ARE NOT" more Brian Wilson FAN"S like YOU! You "JOHN MALONE" give "BEACH BOY FANS" a "BAD NAME"   By the way what's your address? Maybe other BEACH BOY FANS would like to VISIT YOU? Are YOU doing anything after the BIG GAME?

Yeah, you got it right. I am totally in favor of drugs. Love it when they are given to Brian. Couldn't care less if he has a seizure (on your watch, btw) because of drug intake. And, I also promote brain damage. In fact, those are the only reasons I joined the Smiley Smile Board!!

What a freak.

  Are we all ready for "THE SUPER BOWL" I AM... and it's only Thursday!

Any plans to go out to someone's house and kick their ass after this year's big game, Rock?

   Dear Smile Readers,
            The other important piece of business I want to address besides DRUGS... is PEOPLE "CRITICIZING" OTHERS and then TRYING to "JUSTIFY" their Salacious "INSULTS"... Please stop embarrassing YOURSELF! No amount of Damage Control is going to undo the HORRIFIC SLEAZE TACTICS you and the "angry half dozen" INITIATED towards Myself and My MEMOIR! The gloves are OFF... too late... the damage is done! The actions "INITIATED" by this SELF RIGHTEOUS MINORITY have undermined the sentiments of the entire Smile Fan base... which was LOVE and ADMIRATION for Brian and the boys... but most of all his MUSIC! No where in Brian's songs is he saying... you can't spell... you can't write... you can't speak English... your a dummy... your a dick... your sleazy... etc. etc. "Give it up"... you guys threw down the gauntlet... you can't UN-RING the bell! You guys cast "DOZENS" of "INSULTS" at me before I FINALLY RETALIATED... even after I cautioned the "angry half dozen" "Let he who has not (SINNED-INSULTED) cast the first (STONE-INSULT) !!! FAIR WARNING!!! You made your bed... now lie in it! Stop running circles around it... and OWN YOUR MISTAKE! You say I was out of line for beating up your PRECIOUS Dennis...(that's where this whole "INSULTING" thing started... and the never ending OPINIONATED DEBATE began)... "DENNIS WAS INADVERTENTLY KILLING BRIAN" (whether you want to admit it or not)...Dennis GIVING BRIAN COCAINE and HEROIN was "KILLING BRIAN"!  What part of this don't you UNDERSTAND? MORE IMPORTANTLY..."We don't "CARE" if you don't "APPROVE" of our "METHODS"... or you think were "CRUDE"... or "thugs" or WHATEVER! Brian's wife Marilyn (remember her... the wife that came within a fraction of an inch of having Brian COMMITTED?... FOR DRUGS) who was ALSO paying an inordinate amount of MONEY for Brian's First COUSINS Stephen and Stan and bodyguard, Rocky, to "KEEP DRUGS OUT OF BRIAN'S LIFE" of any kind...anytime... anyplace...and by ANY BODY...EVER..."PERIOD"!!!  Let me make this "PERFECTLY CRYSTAL CLEAR" THE LAW WAS... DO EVERYTHING IN YOUR "POWER"  to PREVENT... DETER...ELIMINATE  ERADICATE... SUBJUGATE... DRUGS...DRUGS... DRUGS... from getting into BRIAN and him DYING!   And "ESPECIALLY" from "DENNIS"!!! "GOT IT" And if you think that's bragging... go off and debate yourselves until your yellow in the face... your redundant and boring!  "WHAT HAPPENED TO BRIAN? you say we all know... but not one of you have stated the ANSWER? (he lives... DA) "WHO  SAVES  BRIAN"   KEEP INSULTING 

I already knew which of his "heads" he is....oops, was....known for. He's sure confirmed it, hasn't he.  

 To the Smile Readers, It's really too bad when an "Angry Half Dozen," who actually THINK that they LOVE BRIAN don't even bother to ask..."WHAT HAPPENS TO BRIAN" when he gets on a plane with a COMPLETE STRANGER, going to Minnesota, in the dead of winter... "BAREFOOT"! The same "Angry Half Dozen" who have persuaded me "NOT TO REVEAL" what happens to Brian? The "Angry Half Dozen" who don't even know WHAT their ANGRY about?... IS IT?... the fact that Brian's wife Marilym, Brian's cousins Stephen and Stan, and a bodyguard named Rocky are TRYING THEIR DAMNDEST to keep "ALCOHOL and  DRUGS OUT OF BRIAN'S LIFE"?... to "PROTECT" Brian from Dennis and his "COCAINE and Heroin"?... trying to "PROTECT" Brian from STRANGERS buying him DRINKS and a TICKET to Minnesota?... trying to "PROTECT" Brian from "HIMSELF"... who has no regard for his OWN PERSONAL SAFETY?... who only wants to get DRUNK and do COCAINE and HEROIN?   Well... I CAN SURE SEE WHY YOUR ANGRY!!! Why don't we just let Brian "KILL HIMSELF" it that's what he wants to do?... and the "ANGRY HALF DOZEN" can just "DEBATE" (until the cows come home) IF BRIAN WAS "REALLY" TRYING TO KILL HIMSELF........ OR NOT? (I mean if he just "OVERDOSES" and "DIES" does that "COUNT" TECHNICALLY)? What do the other 35,000 reads think... Oh... forgive me... the other 37,000 reads (It was a three day weekend). WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY TO THE "angry half  dozen"   Because I'm "OUT" until you try to "REHABILITATE" the HATERS!!!   I'm just a "DUMMY TRAIN WRECK" being insulted by LITERARY EXPERTS.. PUBLISHING LAWYERS... PHYCIATRISTS... PROFESSORS... NOBEL AUTHORS... and the "MOST OPINIONATED" lovers of Brian on the planet!             If I only "add some" brains...I could get back to Kansas!

There are professionals in this world who would have performed the same function...protecting a mentally-disturbed patient from himself...without affording himself such luxuries as shtooping the guy's wife and trying to establish a recording career with his money and contacts.

    or was it just a pre consisting condition?

Is this the academic level of the writing we can expect in Wipeout?

Also, still waiting on the explanation for Young and the Restless. Why no credit at Internet Movie Database?

    I also worked on the Soap Opera "The Young and The Restless" in 1985 and 1986.

Rocky:

A quick search of IMBD for cast and crew of "Young and the Restless" (1973-present) turns up nothing for the name, "Pamplin."

I thumbed through it at Barnes and Noble yesterday. I took a pass. All the information can be (and has been) found elsewhere.

https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.williams.96343

I found the Ravinia Show to be just plain fun. I enjoyed the loose atmosphere, and I thought the Honeycomb attempt was a refreshing live moment where we saw behind the curtain, of you will. I am going to refrain from responding to some of the comments that came from the same person, if I remember, that was mad about getting a greatest hits show instead of a Gershwin show a few years ago. Everybody's a critic, albeit some more demanding and difficult to please than others.