Funny thing about me...I'd rather listen to the worst Beach Boys song that the best Beatles song. :/

Same here. Personally, i don't "feel the love", so to speak, when i'm listening to The Beatles like i do when i listen to the boys. It's hard to explain.

Exactly. I dont care how many more records the beatles sold or how much more hype the media gave them, the beach boys just made better music, period.

But how does "the beach boys made better music, period" provide me with a reason to agree with you? It sounds to me, like you don't have any good reason and you just happen to prefer their catalog more...which is fine. But just say it...

I don't find it surprising (considering this is a beach boys forum) but I do find it interesting how many fans here chose the early beach boy albums over the early Beatles albums. No two Beatle records from their whole career sound alike but, you can lump beach boy albums into eras or make your own mix tape, and not know that the songs came from different albums (within reason). The Beach Boys were not an "albums" band.Yeah, there are a few exceptions from Pet Sounds and beyond, but the general body of work is best reflected as singles. I don't think the general body of work The Beatles created is best reflected through singles.

What? The beatles were no more of an album band than the beach boys. The beach boys best work was 63-68 and the beatles best work was 63-66. At least when brian had his breakdown the band went on- the beatles werent even a band after revolver, they were a studio group.

When their best work occurred, is all opinion, regardless of the artist. I'm a bit confused as to why you say "the beatles werent even a band after revolver" though. It's true they almost only recorded from 1967-1970 but, why does that matter? Take into perspective how historically game changing they were in that period of time. I believe that The Beach Boys of 1967, were the same Beach Boys of 1970. The Beatles were VERY different. And besides, isn't a true BAND a group of musicans who are BANDED together? The Beatles HAD to be John, Paul, George and, Ringo. The Beach Boys could call in dozens of studio musicians, appear at concerts as they please practically (Dennis...Brian) and it didn't quite matter so much as to who was on stage to the general public, or even the general sound. How else would Mike and Bruce get away with it these days? Except for Mike and Brian (the majority creators) the music is bigger than all the other Beach Boys. The Beatles music is not bigger than John, Paul, George and, Ringo BUT, in a weird way, that strengthens it and honestly, makes it more durable than The Beach Boys catalog.

Funny thing about me...I'd rather listen to the worst Beach Boys song that the best Beatles song. :/

Yeah, there are a few exceptions from Pet Sounds and beyond, but the general body of work is best reflected as singles.

Personally, I disagree. That was definitely true of the earlier albums, but not really true of the 70s material.

That's what I mean...from Pet Sounds onward are where the few albums appear...SMiLE, Wild Honey, 20/20, Sunflower, Surf's Up, and Holland. IMO.

I don't find it surprising (considering this is a beach boys forum) but I do find it interesting how many fans here chose the early beach boy albums over the early Beatles albums. No two Beatle records from their whole career sound alike but, you can lump beach boy albums into eras or make your own mix tape, and not know that the songs came from different albums (within reason). The Beach Boys were not an "albums" band.Yeah, there are a few exceptions from Pet Sounds and beyond, but the general body of work is best reflected as singles. I don't think the general body of work The Beatles created is best reflected through singles.

What is even more amazing is how much he loves the Wild Honey album. With the type of stuff that he wrote after Friends, you would think that it would have been just the opposite.

I've never really heard him say he loves it, whenever it comes up he raves about "how much fun it was to make".

Absolutely nothing to do with his hair or value to the band...but this picture is just asking for a caption...

This is for the guy that asked why he wears a hat. Now, after you're done staring at the one and onlytime Mike Love has removed his hat since 1976, it seems to me like Bruce has some weird fluffed-up trump-esque combover going on...not to mention a rather McCartney-shade of hair dye...

Mathematically, Bruce is not an original member but frankly, why does it matter if he was on the first album or not?

I find his presence to be very obvious and delightful on California Girls, God Only Knows, and all across the Sunflower album. I love his original contributions, both are better than Disney Girls IMO. And his lines in Add Some Music are signature. He adds dynamics to the song, probably his most important vocal contribution. Mike's booming baritone with "The Sunday morning gospel...", Carl's sweet yet soulful "Music, when your alone..." Al's edgy yet full "Ice cream cart" line...and Bruce's sweet and flowing "They'll play it on your wedding day, there must be 'bout a million ways..." which all of these together embodies the whole message of the piece from Brian.

And of course, there is "Disney Girls", which I love but I konw some find it campy and unamusing. He's played a big part in keeping the live band popular (using the term kinda loosely here) as well. He's a great promoter of the back catalog, loves the deep tracks (Theres a great clip of him talking about the raw emotion of "I'm bugged at my old man" somewhere on youtube).

I think Bruce Johnston is a historically important member in the Beach Boys legacy but he simply can't be original...but did he ever try to be? He tells his story very well "Next thing I know, I'm squeezing into Al Jardine's pants that are two sizes too small..."...maybe that's why he loves the short shorts now... 

1. Surfin' USA
2. I Get Around
3. Fun, Fun, Fun
4. Don't Worry Baby
5. California Girls
6. Wouldn't it Be Nice
7. Sloop John B
8. God Only Knows
9. Heroes and Villains
10.Good Vibrations
11.Wild Honey
12.Darlin'
13.This Whole World
14.Add Some Music To Your Day
15.Surf's Up
16.It's OK
17.Good Timing
18.Lady Lynda
19.Isn't it Time
20.That's Why God Made The Radio

anybody go to the casino show last night/ tonight?

Next string of gigs is this weekend!

I like to think Mike posts on facebook....he got his iPhone out on "In My Room" last year on C50...and I heckled him via facebook when he was doing the roundabout dedication a few months back, yielding a response!

I'd say that video was average. There were some vocal moments from the band as a whole that made you go...woah. Personally, I thought Bruce sounded great and it was nice to hear him stick out in the mix much more than an the reunion tour...still convinced his keyboard isn't turned on however.

As for the setlist above from hard rock, thank you for posting. It's certainly a bit more spicey than this show. I like Bruce's lead on "Wendy" and "Disney Girls" and John Cowsill on "Darlin". I've actually never heard "Dance, Dance, Dance" live, so hopefully that one sticks around for the concert I'm going to this summer.

The setlist is up on lastfm from Seaworld...nothing surprising but, has anyone seen any from the other Florida shows? Curious as to any changes.

Just to get back on topic...

I bought 5th row center stage eisle seats for Mike and Bruce's Beach Boys here in Baltimore, July 20th...sold my fun. tickets!

Now that I'm actually going to the concert, can anyone besides the extremely helpful Andrew Hickley, provide some insight on meeting Mike & Bruce and getting my meet-n-greet photo from last year signed?

http://www.cfnews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/on-the-town/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2013/2/16/exclusive_backstage_.html

I can't get the video to work. Anything new?

New facts for me...

-Bruce Johnston is a vegetarian
-Bruce Johnston is a country fan (and not really a Turtles fan...)
-Mike and Bruce both tried and succeeded in dodging reunion questions

[but it's not going to happen again]

If that's Lancaster PA, then it'll be in the American Music Theater, which means an extended setlist. I saw them there in 2005, and the show was excellent (and that was with Kowalski drumming). If you're such a snob about not laying out $75 or so for a couple hours of great music played wonderfully just because it's not Briiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnn, well... the Bloo is that way. 

First, I'd like to address your comment....which I didn't find all that helpful or kind. Yes, that is where the show is. Who said I was a snob? Maybe I'm a little hard up for cash at the moment and think a little bit before spending $75.

I've been to two Beach Boys concerts. Reunion Tour Epic Experience and, Mike & Bruce at Pier Six Pavilion, Baltimore, MD in 2010 and that show was extremely impressive. They played for nearly 3 hours on the hottest day of the year outside (110 degrees!) I am not knocking their show. However, as someone else mentioned, seeing and hearing Brian Wilson (the creator of so many of these songs might I remind you) hearing Al Jardine's surprisingly young voice, and being blown away by Dave's hot guitar licks all on top of, Mike's tactfully rock and roll voice and Bruce's stage charisma AND seeing them all ENJOYING EACH OTHER.....I wonder just how much I'll enjoy a show of primarily greatest hits at about half the length of the reunion show, and with half the beach boys and, with half the quality.

It was announced today, that Mike & Bruce will return to Pier Six Pavilion on July 20th....however I'm going to see fun. that night!

My point is, you're prepared to drive and hang about in the hope of getting something signed without actually supporting the artists (which, as you know, includes Brian & Alan). The snob comment ? Yup, looks like that to me: "It's only Mike & Bruce, can't be truly great without Brian". Oddly, folk conveniently forget that the band were truly great for many years in the 60s and 70s without Brian onstage. Yes, the C50 was something very, very magical and special, but it's not going to happen again and as has been stated, in maybe four five years there will be NO touring originals. Grab what you can, while you can. here's the AMT setlist from 2005: I'd imagine this year's won't be dissimilar.

I don't believe that a Beach Boys concert must include Brian Wilson to be truly great. In all honesty, he didn't do that much on the reunion tour at the concerts. I never heard his piano, and he never stuck out in the harmonies to me. All of his leads were GREAT though! I hate to chop things up this way but, in a live concert setting (judging by experience and clips I've seen) I think Mike, Carl and (on the right night in his time) Brian were vital to making it "truly great" (whatever that means.) So for me, last year was the closest I could ever come to that. And might I add a lot of respect for Bruce Johnston when he actually played and sang prominently in the late 60's...I'd love to know how much he gets paid to clap his hands and sing "Disney Girls" now...

Both of those setlists sound like really good and enjoyable concerts, again, I'm not putting down the Mike & Bruce show...I've just seen it already. From their 2005 setlist there are only 7 songs I've never heard live between the two BB concerts.

I wonder just how much I'll enjoy a show of primarily greatest hits at about half the length of the reunion show, and with half the beach boys and, with half the quality.

If it's a theatre show in spring, though, it probably won't be "a show of primarily greatest hits at about half the length of the reunion show".  It'll almost certainly be a setlist that's much the same as the reunion tour setlists. I won't argue with your "half the Beach Boys and half the quality", but I will point out that half the quality of the reunion tour is still pretty damn good, and you'd be getting half as good a show for a fifth of the price you paid, so from a pure cost/benefit point of view you'd actually be better off with this than the reunion tour.

Seriously, the long theatre show I saw Mike, Bruce and David do in 2008 was actually better than the shorter, outdoor, reunion tour shows I saw last year, though not as good as the longer Wembley show. The only thing that made the 2004 Mike & Bruce show not as good was that Mike Kowalski was drumming. It's your choice, of course, but I honestly think you'd be missing out by not going.

Thank you for so much productive input Andrew, I'm mulling the idea around...I just don't know right now. Man...this sounds like I'm making a life or death decision, doesn't it?!? 

If that's Lancaster PA, then it'll be in the American Music Theater, which means an extended setlist. I saw them there in 2005, and the show was excellent (and that was with Kowalski drumming). If you're such a snob about not laying out $75 or so for a couple hours of great music played wonderfully just because it's not Briiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnn, well... the Bloo is that way. 

First, I'd like to address your comment....which I didn't find all that helpful or kind. Yes, that is where the show is. Who said I was a snob? Maybe I'm a little hard up for cash at the moment and think a little bit before spending $75.

I've been to two Beach Boys concerts. Reunion Tour Epic Experience and, Mike & Bruce at Pier Six Pavilion, Baltimore, MD in 2010 and that show was extremely impressive. They played for nearly 3 hours on the hottest day of the year outside (110 degrees!) I am not knocking their show. However, as someone else mentioned, seeing and hearing Brian Wilson (the creator of so many of these songs might I remind you) hearing Al Jardine's surprisingly young voice, and being blown away by Dave's hot guitar licks all on top of, Mike's tactfully rock and roll voice and Bruce's stage charisma AND seeing them all ENJOYING EACH OTHER.....I wonder just how much I'll enjoy a show of primarily greatest hits at about half the length of the reunion show, and with half the beach boys and, with half the quality.

It was announced today, that Mike & Bruce will return to Pier Six Pavilion on July 20th....however I'm going to see fun. that night!

Wow! I didn't know M&B even played some of those songs in their band...you're so good to me, the warmth of the sun, TILL I DIE?!? 

Yeah, I've seen them do all those songs a few times. And Kiss Me Baby, Here Today, You Still Believe In Me, Sail On Sailor, Let Him Run Wild, Forever, Good Timin', Heroes & Villains with the Bicycle Rider chorus... it really does depend on where you see them. I'm lucky enough to live in the UK, where they often extend their sets even more, but even in the US their theatre sets are often *very* different. I'd put this Mike/Bruce/David set I saw in 2008 up against almost any of the reunion tour sets -- http://members.tripod.com/~fun_fun_fun/4-12-08.html

No idea about fan mail, I'm afraid.

Minus the extended observance of Pet Sounds tracks...that nearly IS the reunion setlist!

Wow! I didn't know M&B even played some of those songs in their band...you're so good to me, the warmth of the sun, TILL I DIE?!? 

As tempting as that sounds, I think I have a new idea....(although I fear I already know the answer) do Mike and/or Bruce do any sort of fanmail?

I got Ringo Starr's autograph this way...about a month before he said no more!

Well, firstly, I'd say you should probably go to the show. Mike & Bruce's band can put on an *astonishingly* good show, and it's well worth that sort of price. If you're making the trip anyway you'd be daft not to, in my opinion.

That said...

I've met the band, or members, outside gig venues a few times, as well as occasional backstage trips and so on, and the advice I'd give is this:

Try to meet them *after* the show rather than before -- they might turn up as much as five hours early on some occasions, to soundcheck, while on others the principals will turn up literally minutes before the show, leaving the backing band to soundcheck without them. But they always leave at around the same time.

Mike will almost certainly sign anything you stick in front of him, and be at least minimally friendly. He'll want to get away quickly, but he will talk to you while signing your photo or whatever, and if you *do* go to the gig itself he might talk more if he recognised you from the show (first time I met him he recognised me as "the one who knew the words to *all* the songs" because I'd been mouthing along to stuff like All This Is That, Til I Die and Summer In Paradise during the show -- he really pays attention to the audience).

Bruce... varies. I've met him a few times now. A couple of times he's been absolutely wonderful, chatting with everyone, joking with them, signing anything people wanted signing and generally being lovely. One time I met him he was just plain *weird* -- he has a strange sense of humour, put it that way -- and the other times he's been minimally polite -- not rude, but clearly not wanting to talk, saying "thanks for coming" or something but making it clear that he didn't want to talk or sign autographs or anything like that. I've also seen him be *astonishingly* rude to other fans on one occasion, but only one. Don't expect to get Bruce's autograph, or even eye contact, but it might happen.

Thanks for such a great response Andrew 

As I said to lowbacca, I've seen their show and totally agree, it is impressive. But I just had a such an unbelievable time last year. It exceeded all expectations and frankly, I'm afraid of spoiling that. I really want to remember the beach boys as a happy unit like when I met them, and that's getting harder to do... 

When I met the boys, Mike met your description. He was very kind and fairly talkative (complimenting my 50th ann. shirt etc.) but Bruce was probably the nicest to me out of all five beach boys! I made them all cards (don't know if they all ever got to read them, the host took them and said she'd "Give them back" ) Anyway, as I was leaving the photo-op Bruce pulled me back, shook my hand and thanked ME! I was a puddle of fandom.

The tickets are a flat rate of $75 and there is no way in hell I'd pay that to see their production after experiencing SO much for just $375 last year.

I don't get that part.. 

I don't really explain myself well do I?  

Last year, I got to see all five beach boys from a dead center seat in the second row, attend soundcheck, meet and chat with the band, interact with them during the show, and have easily one of the most memorable nights of my live thus far for $375. It was worth every penny.

In 2010, I saw Mike & Bruce for $30 and that show was great, really it was! I cannot justify paying $75 to see a show Beach Boys show that is just "great" after my experience last year. Especially when it isn't really "The Beach Boys" in my eyes nor do I comprehend the sudden leap in ticket prices. I won't hear any new songs and I can probably do all of Mike and Bruce's routines if I wanted to. "wheeeeeeeeen" "Bruce won a grammy!" "This is Paul McCartney's favorite song"...

I still have artistic respect for both men and their recordings but, I would not "get my moneys worth" seeing them in concert again. Unless Bruce whips out "Deidre"...  

Hello there...haven't posted in a looooooong time!

has anyone accomplished this?

Mike and Bruce's Beach Boys are playing in Lancaster which is like a 30 minute drive for me. The tickets are a flat rate of $75 and there is no way in hell I'd pay that to see their production after experiencing SO much for just $375 last year.

However, I printed out my meet-n-greet picture last year as an 8x12 and thought it would be cool to some day (or days...) get some (if not all) the boys to sign it.

Since it is not a far drive, I was considering going up to the venue and waiting outside for when they pulled up and walked into the venue, hoping that I could get Mike and/or Bruce to sign it. Has anyone ever tried this or can anyone provide any insight?

And yes, I know it sounds a bit hypocritical to want their signature yet...I won't go to their concert. I don't want my feelings to fuel any debate in THAT area...

Mike's Facebook posted the story, and in the comments:

"J****** R******: They also help people....get around....
feel free to use that line tomorrow Mikey

Mike Love: It's already in the speech!"

Oh God I hope so. Don't ever change, Mike

Okay, I haven't posted since the EPIC concert experience I had back in June but, I felt I should come back and own up since I have been reading on here since....that was yours truly!

And I tell ya, a response was the LAST thing I expected! I've said much harsher to him on fb.....