Wow..had never seen that picture of Carl! That was actually a good look for him too

[Summer In Paradise]

There is no need for a 60th anniversary reunion tour.  These guys do not owe us one either.  And despite the way the 50th anniversary reunion fizzled out near the end, it overshadowed the fact that it was still actually a very successful and high profile reunion complete with a great appearance on Jimmy Fallon's show among other appearances.   And it produced an album that was far better than it had any reason to be.  Even if some folks groaned over the production, it still is a better way to conclude the band's studio album career than with Stars & Stripes, Vol. 1 and especially Summer In Paradise.   The potential documentary is more than enough to recognize the band's milestone.

Not trying to derail the thread, but am I really in the minority of people who actually prefer Summer In Paradise to Stars & Stripes, Vol. 1?

I mean, admittedly, I'm not a country music fan, generally speaking. But, even with all the problems of Summer In Paradise, it just pains me to see The Beach Boys being used as a back-up band to mostly second or third rate country artists. The only redeeming quality for me is that the background vocals are stellar as always, and I quite like this version of "Caroline, No."

But, I absolutely agree that That's Why God Made The Radio is far and away a MUCH better ending for the guys than even a new studio album at this point would be. Even if I'd welcome it with open arms.

Agreed on all points. I’d rather listen to SIP on repeat then hear most of S&S again. The former is an awful, zero star album. The latter is even worse, with most of the features being absolutely horrific. It’s so bad that I can’t even score it with a number or letter. I’ll have to reach out into the animal kingdom for help with this one… it scores a negative cockroach .

You know, before this tour I never saw Brian wear a cap, no matter what time of day the show was or how hot. I think the only time (besides the fireman helmet) was him wearing a Kangol hat in like 1965 or so. Nothing to me pointing that out , but just saying it never occurred to me  til last month. It’s like seeing that photo of Carl in 1977 when he had shaved (and he had stubble). Just looked *different*

Oh hell…that’s right

Oh yeah, same here

We also gotta remember that Brian’s lost a lot of people close to him over the years especially lately. I think today’s the anniversary of Nick passing , course Billy H as well, just right off the top of my head. There’s a lot of factors in play

Something happened during the break.

They took a week or so off around July 4. The shows up to then had been uneven, from reports, but you could see BW working hard. His 80th birthday show, which I saw, was more than fine. You could see the cracks, but they were papered over fairly well.

That being said, from all reports things worsened after that break. You can usually expect BW to catch fire at some point during a tour — it happened in 2019, there were some good reports last year. But it didn’t happen this time. Went the other way.

It’s not just physical, though. He’s going through some stuff, and it should be clear to anyone. That’s why it feels weird to discuss.

If I had to guess what is the most major factor upsetting him right now, I would bet that he’s obsessing over being so close to the end of his life.

Brian has said in interviews that the idea of growing old and dying scares the crap out of him. He really did not look happy in that video in which the members of Chicago presented him with the birthday cake. And that break might be when he was able to ruminate and it may have really hit him then.

I strongly feel you’re correct; at the very least, it’s definitely a contributing factor. Hell, the pain from his back and decreased mobility  I’m sure is contributing as well . We think of the physical struggles but those have mental consequences as well.

Most likely , it’s a combination of the two.

I would like to think we're all, or mostly all, adults here. We have two eyeballs, two ears and a brain. And if you are here you likely care about the music of The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson.

It's not projection or libel to ponder that Brian looks at best disinterested and at worst... I don't know... to be on stage these days. To think that or type it isn't born out of some bizarre "hatred" or "jealousy" for the man.

In fact, it's quite the opposite. To love some one, truly, you have to be honest. Wanting someone to be something they can no longer be is not fair to them or you. It's, frankly, delusional.

Maybe Brian still enjoys being with the guys and going out on all these dates, I don't know. I don't know Brian Wilson. His overall comportment would suggest otherwise, however.

But, what do I know...

What you’re saying is not the problem; it’s the people saying that  there are nefarious reasons behind Brian being “forced” to tour…and worse. I apologize for being vague but some of the things I’ve read on Reddit and especially Facebook would rank down there with the very worst things I’ve ever read on the internet.

This comment on Reddit made quite a lot of sense to me:
'So...the implication is that he isn't retiring, but they seem to be acknowledging that he is currently in no state to perform (as seen on his current tour with Chicago).
For his 2021 tour, Brian sounded better than he had in years. The time off during the pandemic seemed to have rejuvenated him. Then he gets a break before starting his tour with Chicago and yet right from the first show it was clear he was in no state to perform. ...What happened health wise between the end of his 2021 tour and the start of the tour with Chicago? Is it physical health, or mental health? Is he recovering from Covid or something? We may never know.'

This is only my theory, and it's just that... it's likely a lot less nefarious than some might think. I remember David Leaf once saying that Brian had 'turned the other cheek so many times he's got whiplash'.

I wonder if, maybe, Brian knows the shows mean a lot to everyone and he just kind of rolls with it. Not the's being forced to, but that instead of saying "I'm done guys", he's just kind of...rolls with it.

Maybe him ceasing touring right now is Al, Blondie, Carnie, Wendy (whoever) saying "Brian", "Dad", take a break.

Would not surprise me in the least

That was pretty cool!

Will check it tonight!

I would like to think we're all, or mostly all, adults here. We have two eyeballs, two ears and a brain. And if you are here you likely care about the music of The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson.

It's not projection or libel to ponder that Brian looks at best disinterested and at worst... I don't know... to be on stage these days. To think that or type it isn't born out of some bizarre "hatred" or "jealousy" for the man.

In fact, it's quite the opposite. To love some one, truly, you have to be honest. Wanting someone to be something they can no longer be is not fair to them or you. It's, frankly, delusional.

Maybe Brian still enjoys being with the guys and going out on all these dates, I don't know. I don't know Brian Wilson. His overall comportment would suggest otherwise, however.

But, what do I know...

What you’re saying is not the problem; it’s the people saying that  there are nefarious reasons behind Brian being “forced” to tour…and worse. I apologize for being vague but some of the things I’ve read on Reddit and especially Facebook would rank down there with the very worst things I’ve ever read on the internet.

Billy, maybe I am a bit confused myself. While I despise those who keep on with conspiracy theories, and comments that are possibly libelous as you rightly say, on the other hands I am quite firmly convinced that Brian should have never resumed touring in this situation. The latest footage of Brian on stage is really heartwrenching. I just hope this kind of stance is not met any more with "Brian himself wants to keep on touring, who are you to say he should stop?"
As I find myself in a kinda middle ground about this very divisive issue, I am not sure I agree with anybody (or, if you prefer, anybody agrees with me).

Actually, you and I have the exact same view, that’s why I was confused.  It’s not even about the performing…I hate to see him go through whatever it is that’s up. It breaks my damn heart

Same.

Just thought about how it’s been 10 years since C50. Amazing how quickly time passes

That being said, I really hope that someone in or near the band could clarify these things for us, or that Brian's management would release a more detailed statement in the near future regarding Brian. Clearly his fans are worried about him, and all our speculation only drives different theories that could either be correct or incorrect. Better to just give us the straight dope than having us armchair quarterbacks bickering about what could or could not be happening.

Definitely. Now none of us need specifics (none of our business) but something addressed to the fans would be not just appreciated, but quite frankly the decent thing to do for the true fans who *do* care about Brian. That’s something that bothers me…most of what we find out is from third hand sources, whether it’s a quote of a quote being mentioned online, or “gossip “ from people with an axe to grind.  That’s why you have people on Reddit and Hoffman making ridiculous claims, and comments from moderators elsewhere badmouthing Brian. Sometimes a little communication would go a long way; the speculation is not doing anyone any good .

I am not sure I agree with anybody about this issue. Not any more.

I’m a little confused…what do you mean?

Just saw this: https://1027wkbh.com/2022/08/01/brian-wilson-scraps-all-upcoming-dates/

'Brian Wilson has scrapped all of his remaining summer and fall dates. Although no official reason was given, a statement cancelling his September 22nd show at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium read: “Due to unforeseen health reasons Brian Wilson will not be performing at the Ryman on September 22.⁠​ BRIAN IS BUMMED TO MISS THIS SHOW BUT LOOKS FORWARD TO SEEING HIS FANS ON THE ROAD AGAIN.”' [my caps]

Please don't crucify me for saying this folks but based on his overall health status and well-being during this tour, his cancelling these remaining shows is probably for the best.  If whatever health issues he's dealing with are treatable and manageable enough (for an 80-year-old Brian Wilson anyway) for him to comfortably get back on the road and be more engaged, than more power to him.  But his current status during those shows was inevitably a big concern for many concertgoers even when you factor in his lifelong mental health issues.   I just want the guy to spend his remaining years comfortably doing what he wants to do.  But his health should come first. 

100% agreed. I think it was also a concern to his family and band as well which is why the rest of the dates were cancelled. I think we’re at the point where regardless of how much Brian wants to stay active, at this point he can’t do it anymore. Hopefully that will change, but if it doesn’t it was a hell of a great ride. At the end of the day , his health and happiness is what’s truly important

I brought up what Jon Stebbin's witnessed, and I'm not defending that incident at all (or disputing what Jon saw). However, if such abuse were an ongoing thing I think we would have heard about other incidents by now. You know how many people roam backstage and around dressing rooms before these shows? Over the last 25 years (over 800 shows) I think we would've heard something other than what was in Stebbin's book.

IIRC the person who did it isn’t affiliated with Brian anymore either, if it’s whom I think it is. If so, that was back in 1999

Good point. I absolutely believe ableism does play a part in it. Mike’s “well I’m the normal one” attitude he carried for years carried over to a certain segment of the fan base. It went from Brian and the five assholes, to swing wildly the other way. Truth is , they were a band full of geniuses, and Bruce .

I like and respect you Billy and cannot abide by racism.  No one who has not been subjected to racism knows what it is really like but I have to say that the way we are dealing with it now is just tipping the scale the other way and will end in conflict.  We need to be less divisive, build bridges and take on board that we are all the same and skin colour is unimportant - we are all of mixed origin so made of the same stuff.  So far as I can tell there is no racism involved in the disgusting way some people behave in 'fandom'.  I could claim there was sexism but I won't because those who behave badly just use whatever weapon is available at the time.  Those people are just nasty.  They also cannot actually defend their stance so they just side track the argument.  I'm not sure that what was said here was intended to be racist - it seemed like frustration at the way we are dealing with things these days, making it worse instead of better but if it was intended let's not let them side track the point and just move along.

Suffice to say Brian is not a trained seal and does not need handlers.  The people who support him are there to help him with his health issues and to fend off the idiots he wants to keep away from.  I suspect that the source of this way of thinking is one of those who is being kept away and they don't like it.

I was referring to something completely unrelated , not even online , where I got into it with someone at the store who was calling a child a racist slur. I intervened. I was then told by another shopper to take my “woke” politics elsewhere and starts going on slurring various different groups. So when I brought that up in my post , I was referring to the fact that I got ganged up on for standing up to someone targeting a small child, the fact that we as a society have gotten to this point. This is the world I brought my kids into, and in a place where we’re considered the enemy. This guy’s post history, it was definitely intended. Anyway it’s done, he’s gone and I’m still here.

Suffice to say Brian is not a trained seal and does not need handlers.  The people who support him are there to help him with his health issues and to fend off the idiots he wants to keep away from.  I suspect that the source of this way of thinking is one of those who is being kept away and they don't like it.

I definitely agree. The stuff I saw on Facebook earlier (can’t remember which one of the groups it was, if it was the one you all are in with me or not) but I’m glad that post got removed, or maybe they thought better of it and deleted it. That was tacky and not from a place of concern at all (rather a place of hatred) , and worse than anything I’ve ever read on any beach boys related forum (including PMs). I mean, we all know where the source of this all started, but these people have gotten to the point where even our old cape-wearing friend would spit out his tea in disgust.

The comments about BB fandom rather remind me of a certain person on the EH board, one of whose footnotes is 'I'm writing a history of online BB fandom: it's called "Fuckwits, Shitweasels and a Sprinkling of Fools".' I'm assuming it's an autobiography lol! (Credit to my sister who came up with this.)

I'd posted a few times on this site, nearly always getting into various arguments. But I was accused by above person of 'giving Mike grief' because I'd said I don't like his presentation and quoted his 'show in two halves' comment (he meant 1st and 2nd but perhaps a Freudian slip).

There had been some nasty comments about Brian solo fans choosing to ignore various things, with which my sister took issue and commented on how ironic the EH name was. The response to this from His Nibs was something like 'Post somewhere else. There's the door' and when she deleted her account 'Mission accomplished'.  I replied that I was leaving before being banned for life. I'm sure he got the reference.

With so many really nasty people in the world, there really is no need to feel prejudice based on colour, class or creed! Save your ire for those who richly deserve it!

Apologies for the rant.

No need to apologize…I’m sorry you had to go through that. You’re more than welcome here.

My apologies to everyone for earlier. I was referring to something I saw on Facebook and that guy I guess thought I was talking about him. But based on post history I guess it was pot kettle black. It’s been handled.

Fascinating to hear the man talk up his plans for a "Gene Landy Presents Smile" TV special for HBO or similar.   

Wtf?! Ok, I think I’ll brave it out at some point. Too bad (not really) I quit drinking 8 years ago cause I have a feeling galoshes won’t be enough to wade through all the bullshit.

Until you know what it’s like to have a swastika carved into the hood of your car, or racial epithets , you don’t have sh*t to say.
But that’s how people like you are. You just had to get that little fucking jab in, didn’t you you stupid son of a bitch? You literally proved my point. Was I saying one race was better than the other? No! I was saying quite the opposite , but as usual certain types of people don’t like the idea that some people actually don’t think people of any race, creed, or orientation is better than the other.

If you’d bothered to read, you’d see that I have concerns about Brian’s touring as well, and was referring to the extreme posts I’ve been seeing. I did NOT want to post it here but it goes beyond concern.

And it’s spelled DISGUSTING, dumbass.





Edit

Wait….did this clown just defend being a racist? I’ll be damned if I’m going to let someone like that drive me away here. To hell with that . Not quitting.

Some (far too many) guys in BB "fandom" are among the worst people around. I could name them one by one. Pure undiluted jackals - no offense intended to real jackals, I'm using them as metaphor. Sorry, but someone has to tell the sad truth. Shame on them.

This. A million times this.


I’ll be straight up and admit the way the fan community has devolved to the point where people are catcalling from the audience and claiming abuse, and posting things on various forums claiming potentially libelous things with NO PROOF , and talk sh*t about anybody who doesn’t agree with them …  real talk it’s killing my enthusiasm. Neither does the fact that there is little to no official communication with the fans, to the point people find out about cancellations from other sources, ngl that bothers me too. It makes things way harder to defend and/or explain. It leads to these baseless allegations, and certain people who have barely hid their disdain of Brian over the years then feel empowered to talk their sh*t. I don’t know what the hell is wrong with people. Complete lack of empathy for their fellow human. But hey we live in a society where if you speak out against racism and homophobia you get slammed for “woke politics “.  Cause acceptance of those different than you is bad, you know, And then people wonder why I’m suicidal. Straight up, this world fucking sucks. So yeah when I see certain people dogging out Brian , a kind man who doesn’t possess a mean or cruel bone in his body, straight up that pisses me off. I try to be neutral , but some of the things I’ve read lately is inexcusable. People just need a boogeyman to vilify , even when there is none. Especially when there is none. 

So if anyone from Brian’s team is reading this… even though Brian’s touring was to keep him active and therapeutic, and Brian needs the adulation, unfortunately too many of the “fans”  are made up of Karens who always know better. These mental geniuses hate how people dictate what’s best for Brian , as they themselves dictate what’s best for Brian.  They figured it out! Everyone in Brian’s band, his family and loved ones, everyone, all banded together to force Brian to tour against his will to be miserable onstage all in the name of breaking even , if that. Everyone in the world except these brave keyboard warriors . 🙄

He played little snippets of that and The night Was So Young between songs when I saw him in Oct 2004. Seemed random at the time but obviously wasn’t