Would there happen to be any clarinets on the tag of Summer's Gone?

Mike and Bruce have announced an incredibly ambitious batch of dates and venues for the North East throughout March and April.

Several within driving distance of me, but all week nights...and all very ambitious venue choices, in my opinion.

Parx Casino in Philly holds about 4,000
Hershey Capacity in Hershey holds about 2,000 (I guess that's about normal for them, or slightly over)
The Anthem in Washington, DC holds 6,000 (Seriously, guys?!)

Good Luck!

No way Parx holds 4k. That's standing room. Seating capacity is 2,550. I saw Brian do Pet Sounds there last year.

M&B regularly fill 2k capacity theaters.

Your Anthem figure is standing, too. It seats 2.5k to 3k. Not too unreasonable for them. I've seen them play in venues of that size.

Notice how you were overwhelmingly positive towards the M&B band, and then Bruce made a rude comment to you...and now it's almost all negativity from your side?

Assuming i could get within the first few rows...

1st choice:

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-beach-boys/2012/royal-albert-hall-london-england-43dddffb.html

2nd choice:

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-beach-boys/2015/royal-albert-hall-london-england-4bc98f66.html

Assuming the setlist uploaded is accurate (a big "if" for the sometimes spotty setlist.fm) and not just copied and pasted from the last "Greatest Hits" show, it looks like last night's show did revert back to mostly the previous pre-Zombies tour GH shows:

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/brian-wilson/2019/the-wind-creek-event-center-bethlehem-pa-4b9c1732.html

None of the "Friends" or "Surf's Up" tracks that were newly added for the Zombies tour were carried over to this show, with only the now-stalwart "Wake the World" surviving. "I Can Hear Music" appears to have survived. Not complaining, just reporting. I get it, the "GH" shows are targeted/marketed differently. I didn't expect much different, though I'm a bit surprised a few didn't carry over.

I went to both the Philadelphia and Bethlehem shows - can report that is correct.

The Philly show was TRANSCENDENT. I haven't seen Brian give such a strong vocal performance in a long time. Whenever it was his turn to sing, he gave it his best effort. No talking through any of the songs. He sang sweetly on Busy Doin' Nothing and used his lower range to great effect on Meant For You. He sang the first two lines on each verse of 'Til I Die with the band. He missed only one or two lines. He did a powerful job on H&V. The entire band was on fire. Russell of The Stylistics was such a cool special guest - he sang the second and third verses of "Don't Worry Baby" with ease.  I am not the biggest fan of Blondie's portion usually, but his Long Promised Road was so great - the best thing I've ever heard him do. And not to mention The Zombies - who did a perfect job recreating Odessey and Oracle with immaculate care and attention to detail. The encore was incredible, with the energy of The Zombies and Brian's band feeding off each other. What a magical experience.

The Bethlehem show, only 24 hours later, was pretty workmanlike. The sound in that event center is harsh and cold. The place was undersold and filled up with comps to gamblers. The entire first row on my side was empty. Weak crowd (except a long standing ovation for GOK, which was nice). The band felt the lack of response otherwise. Brian was back to missing lines and clipping words. The band was allotted 1 hr 45 mins but only used 1 hr 20 mins. Besides I Can Hear Music, nothing translated over from the '68 tour. I do get it - they're in a casino and appealing to the lowest common denominator - but isn't that the antithesis of the Brian outfit in the first place?

No one can touch Brian's band when they're performing a setlist like the one on Saturday night, or doing Pet Sounds. A strictly bare bones hits set should be left to Mike's outfit, IMO.

Straight from the horse's mouth on this one. Brian contributed no written portion to the final version of Deirdre,. Bruce kept his name on the song to be cool. Brian's contribution of "his name is Bob/he has a job" (yes, really) was not considered strong enough by Bruce to make the final cut.

May depend slightly on the show, but they ask you to be there at 3:30, soundcheck around 4, over around 4:30.

Wondering before I see BW next week—about how early will I need to be there for soundcheck? Splurged for VIP but haven’t received an email about when to be there yet.

You'll get an email 1.5-2 days before the show. Most likely, 3:30 PM.

I appreciate your response. You make some valid points in regards to the fact that there ARE many quality posters here, and I shouldn't discount that. I will apologize if the posting made you feel as if it was somehow your fault only. My feelings largely remain the same on the subject, but rather than continue.... love and mercy - I hope we can all be very appreciative that we have two bands to go see with original members and that they are both excellent, and who cares which ones of them wear striped shirts.

Why torture yourself?

 

Guitarfool - since you asked elsewhere - postings like these that are allowed is the reason I no longer am a regular contributor to this board.

I am all for meaningful discussion of The Beach Boys - and understand some will not like the Mike/Bruce band no matter how talented they are or how much they've stepped up their game since the 'Duke of Earl' days - but what's the point of allowing them to be bashed them without substance?

If there were posts where one contributor said "BRIAN'S OLD!" and the next contributor said "YEAH! BOO BRIAN!", you'd be pissed and probably least give them a warning.

Saying Mike Love's new album is bad because it's loaded with autotune and full of remakes is one thing (which is something I would agree with completely) but numerous postings by the two above being allowed makes this place seem like a biased community where it's OK to sh*t on Mike and Bruce just because, and I don't think that's right.

Why torture yourself?

Like I said, I'll wait and see what the tour actually entails. A big part of me simply doesn't want to put any more money into Bruce Johnston's pocket after the unsolicited verbal abuse I received in Ocean City last year. However, I'd love to finally hear the Christmas tracks live, and Brian's Christmas tour isn't coming close enough.

But you've had other good interactions with Bruce, yeah? He's probably undiagnosed bipolar, but whatever. He's been more than nice to me several times, and one time he was a bit prickly. He's really the one Beach Boy you can delve into rare album tracks and session work, and he'll talk to you about it! You wanna meet these guys, that's the risk you take. He's in his mid 70s and travels around in a bus 200 days out of the year, and people are always wanting to talk to him. You'd probably be a grump sometimes, too.

Your postings in regard to the BB band on this board were really positive pre-Bruce brushing you off on his way to the tour bus after a show. Ever since that experience, you seem sour on them. I get it, but there's not enough time for that. Pretty soon, you'll be able to see NO original Beach Boys. There will be cover bands touring the country, and that's the only way you'll be able to hear this music live.

Do yourself a favor - go see Brian as many times as is feasible, go see Mike/Bruce as many times as is feasible. Once they're gone, they're gone. You'll be sad and you'll be sorry. Go make a new memory with Bruce if you can.

I don't comment much here anymore because of the anti-Mike bias in the establishment and some of its posters (I much prefer to hang around with fans who respect that fact that both Brian and Mike were essential to the band success and can enjoy their both being out on the road doing their thing), but over the last 30 days, I've seen Brian/Al twice and Mike/Bruce three times, and going again to the latter's group tonight, so I feel I can comment on the state of both bands pretty fairly.

Mike/Bruce:

GOOD:

-Really tight lately.
-Cowsill drums like a madman.
-Really fun, energetic, lively when you're near the action.
-In my opinion, when you're sitting in your seat, Mike sounds pretty identifiable, like his 60s self.
-Bruce singing Disney Girls is always a nice part of the show.
-Great visuals behind them.
-I think Jeff fits more to the M&B show than to Brian, I like his voice better in this blend. He's apparently getting married again, so Randell Kirsch is filling in temporarily, and of course, he knows his stuff!

-NOT SO GOOD:

-At the shows I've seen, the setlist has shrunk a bit. 32, 34 and 34 songs. To be fair, this probably has more to do with the venues and restrictions.
-Pisces Bros needs to go. I can understand wanting to plug the new album, but just All The Love In Paris or Unleash The Love would serve this purpose.
-Why Do Fools Fall In Love & California Dreamin' - would love to see them replace these with something a little deeper in the Beach Boys catalog.


Brian/Al:

GOOD:

-It's BRIAN WILSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Band is always super duper duper great. Jim works perfectly in Nelson's former role.
-Al sounds fab as always.
-Respect and reverence for the music that you can palpably feel, more than the M&B band.

NOT SO GOOD:

-After 10+ times of seeing it, very very tired of Blondie's schtick. It takes up too much of the show.
-Brian doesn't sing enough.
-This is very understandable, but Brian's is singing the weakest I've ever heard him. Compare it to even the 2012 shows and the difference is audible.
-Too many car and surf cuts. Setlists from previous tours always spiced it up a lot more (in regards to non-PS sets). I want to hear more songs that are identifiable as Brian Wilson gems, not what M&B play to please the masses.


My recommendation? They are both awesome shows to see if you can, for different reasons. I've had a blast this summer because of all of these gentlemen.

For as long as most of the people in this thread have been listening to the Beach Boys - how can you not think that Carl isn't at least one of the double tracked voices? He's totally the prominent voice. Listen for the distinctive chubby cheeks phrasing.

Sounds great man! Glad to see you making music again.

Not sure why OSD left such useless, hateful comments. Hating on a public figure is one thing, constructive criticism is another, but when you know for a fact that the person who made the thing you’re shitting on will read what you say, you’re just being an asshole. I know comments like those are par for the course on the internet, but I guess I’d expect some base level of civility from a long-term co-member of a message board like SS.

Thanks for your nice comments!

What's really funny is that he probably doesn't realize we've met in person and actually talked. There's even a picture that we're both in, also including many members of this board. What was cool about that event is everyone was polite, friendly, and enjoyed talking about our love of the Beach Boys. Then OSD goes home and hides behind his computer writing stupid, mean comments again. He should be ashamed of himself. He'd have never said my music was "awful" to my face.

[rant on Old Surfer Dude shitting on my music deleted because why stoop to his level]

Hello,

Thought some of you might find this of interest. Heavy Beach Boys and Brian influence of course. Available on all major digital platforms!!!!

https://open.spotify.com/album/0GpowjAOaypewXFRiiltXI?si=Vwka7AD3QDKDCsocqvB8OQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lImzvsfdq1Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uE4uMGLJ9w

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BLWS9YZ/ref=dm_ws_sp_ps_dp

I saw two M&B shows this past week. They were both, for the most part, excellent. I've stayed away from this board mostly because I absolutely can't stand the Mike vs. Brian bantering. I don't get how you can walk away from ANY Beach Boys related concert, if you truly love this music, and not have a good feeling in your heart.

Both bands are excellent, both feature original members of The Beach Boys, both make their audience happy. I'm gonna continue to see both for as long as possible.

(But even having said that - the Mark McGrath stuff needs to go, pronto).

Hooray!

Every time I think it's gonna be the last time....

http://philly.carpediem.cd/events/5713948-brian-wilson-presents-pet-sounds-at-xcite-center/

Only for you, Brian. A third row seat costs $134 with fees....but I did it anyway. Looking forward to seeing the man, and hopefully some of you! Come say hi. I'm forever wearing a Pet Sounds shirt.

Hooray!

Every time I think it's gonna be the last time....

http://philly.carpediem.cd/events/5713948-brian-wilson-presents-pet-sounds-at-xcite-center/

He hasn't passed away yet. Everyone seems to be so eager to write him off before his actual time comes.

Most legacy artists aren't changing up their sets radically, anyway. A lot of 60s artists have been doing essentially the same shows for 20 years. My issue is the branding of this tour as the "final performances" starting two years ago. I've seen the "final performance of Pet Sounds" in an hour and a half radius of my home five times now! I'd actually love to see it again (more Pet Sounds songs generally mean less surf and car songs, which are not what I enjoy hearing at BW shows) (and also, Pet Sounds is my favorite album of all time, even if Brian croons it like Tony Bennett), but the branding should never have been that, especially this year, if they hand an inkling they'd book even more dates.

I'd love to hear some BB holiday songs live. 

Go see M&B if they're around you during any December. You'll hear half the Xmas album.

Here's my go at one.

(Brian unless noted) (all falsetto parts by Matt)

Our Prayer
Heroes & Villains
California Girls
Girl Don’t Tell Me
In My Room
Honkin’ Down The Highway (Al)
Aren’t You Glad
I’d Love Just Once To See You
The Little Girl I Once Knew (Al)
Surfer Girl
Wake The World
Busy Doin’ Nothin
Darlin’ (Darian)
Melt Away
Don’t Worry Baby (Matt)
You’re So Good To Me (Al)
What Love Can Do (“here’s a song written by me and Burt Bacharach”)
Marcella
Do It Again
I Get Around

Wouldn’t It Be Nice (Al)
I’m Waiting For The Day
Sloop John B (Al)
I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times
God Only Knows
The Night Was So Young
Soulful Old Man Sunshine (Al)
Let Him Run Wild (Matt)
Guess I’m Dumb (Brian & Al)
Your Imagination
Caroline, No
Sail On, Sailor
Susie Cincinatti (Al)
Surf’s Up
Good Vibrations

Help Me Rhonda (Al)
All Summer Long
Barbara Ann
Fun Fun Fun
Love & Mercy

I think that list, which has great songs, veers more towards fan wish list and less towards plausible. Brian has specifically said he doesn't like doing the verbose songs like "Busy Doin' Nothin'" or "Surf's Up", so while it's certainly possible he might do those again, they're probably never going to be in regular rotation (unless he does another "Smile" tour I suppose).

I don't see them digging into multiple obscure back catalog BB songs like "I Do" and "Soulful Old Man Sunshine", or "Guess I'm Dumb." (Matt would sound great on that one, though!).

"Susie Cincinnati" isn't entire implausible, though they'd probably have to lower the key (like they did with "Cotton Fields").

I don't envision Brian digging back into his solo catalog for something like "What Love Can Do." He didn't even do that one live when it came out initially. I could see a few select songs like "Your Imagination" happening, as he briefly resurrected that one in 2013.   

I also don't think he'd keep *that many* PS songs in the setlist, *and* not do "God Only Knows." Given his clear boredom with the PS songs, I'd advise he give all PS songs a break on the next tour, with the likely exception of WIBN/Sloop/GOK that most shows have included.

The omission of God Only Knows was an error on my part. I updated my list to include it, taking out "I Do", because that probably wouldn't work.

Even if it's not a Pet Sounds show, I feel he should do at least a few of the album cuts.

This whole idea is (mostly) fantasy. I don't see choices upthread like Hold On Dear Brother, Leaving This Town or Let It Shine making the cut, anyway.

I tried to include many hits (but not all - leave most of the surf and car stuff to Mike's band), and also gems that would go down well with the audience.

Note that I didn't include Blondie - in this dream, he's off with The Flame doing killer reunion shows.

Here's my go at one.

(Brian unless noted) (all falsetto parts by Matt)

Our Prayer
Heroes & Villains
California Girls
Girl Don’t Tell Me
In My Room
Honkin’ Down The Highway (Al)
Aren’t You Glad
I’d Love Just Once To See You
The Little Girl I Once Knew (Al)
Surfer Girl
Wake The World
Busy Doin’ Nothin
Darlin’ (Darian)
I Do (Brian & Al)
Melt Away
Don’t Worry Baby (Matt)
You’re So Good To Me (Al)
What Love Can Do (“here’s a song written by me and Burt Bacharach”)
Marcella
Do It Again
I Get Around

Wouldn’t It Be Nice (Al)
I’m Waiting For The Day
Sloop John B (Al)
I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times
The Night Was So Young
Soulful Old Man Sunshine (Al)
Let Him Run Wild (Matt)
Guess I’m Dumb (Brian & Al)
Your Imagination
Caroline, No
Sail On, Sailor
Susie Cincinatti (Al)
Surf’s Up
Good Vibrations

Help Me Rhonda (Al)
All Summer Long
Barbara Ann
Fun Fun Fun
Love & Mercy

Dammit...they played the Wild Honey songs last night and I wasn't there. 

This is absolutely hysterical and so typical of the Beach Boys...

Mike and Bruce's tour is literally "The Wild Honey Tour" and they played ONE song (Darlin) from the record when I saw them in OC.

Brian and Alan's tour is literally "The Pet Sounds Tour" and they played FIVE songs from the record when I DIDN'T go because it was advertised as the same show I had seen twice before.

I went. I've seen this same show five times and this was by far the best one. Pet Sounds was actually Brian's better set! He sang the songs - sometimes with power, sometimes very sweetly. He was very engaged and smiley. It was incredible. I was so used to him talk-singing that it just blew me away.

The opening set was great, too - loved hearing those Wild Honey cuts.

Anyone else hear "Don't Hurt My Little Sister" in the verses?

edit: Nurr mind. Two people above already got it.