That was a good tour.  This Whole World, Wendy, Hushabye, All Summer Long...

Also 1988, "Chevrolet's Heartbeat of America Tour"

Heaven

Agreed, Andrew.  At the point your case relies upon the testimony of Brian Wilson, you are done. And, in California civil trials, the standard of proof is not reasonable doubt, but far less, meaning Mike just had to "tip the scales" in his favor to win.

One quick thing about Melinda and her feelings toward Mike Love....I believe Mike's big lawsuit about the lyrics/credits and getting his due was NOT personal against Brian. But, I don't think Melinda feels that way; I think she resents Mike because of it. I keep remembering that  Larry King interview. Again, Melinda was upset over money....

Ummmmm... and whose decision was it not to settle with Mike out of court for a reported $750,000, but rather fight the case and end up loosing something like $5,000,000 (minimum) ? Another stunning example of the caliber of Brian's management.

Without the benefit of hindsight, if I was in the shoes of Brian's camp, I would have done the exact thing.  The evidence in Mike's case was not as strong as he would have you believe.  Brian crumbling on the stand was the only thing that blew his defense and thus causing him to lose  the case.
 

Right, because nobody could see THAT coming.

"I Do", a bonus track from the 1990 Shtut Down Vol. 2 reissue CD

Excellent point, Murry.  Sorry I forget the "the" guys...

Did you  think of trying "the" beach boys, genius?

At corbis.com; search The Beach Boys

My recollection of the events as they unfolded, backed by the recollections of those close to the event, is that Al wasn't fired per se, but just chose not to carry on with Mike & Bruce (who, btw, were being billed as "America's Band featuring Mike Love of The Beach Boys" from April 9th (last show with Alan) until July 18th 1998, the day after he signed the so-called 'Love License' - the perception is that as America's band, they had trouble getting the crowds in). He stated in several interviews that without Carl, it was pointless calling themselves The Beach Boys.

This scenario would indeed appear to make the most sense...

We know that Al was "fired" by Mike.  However, we also know that Al was/is an equal partner in BRI with Mike, Brian (Melinda) and Carl (Jonah/Justyn).  Logically, this would mean that to get Al "fired" from the touring group, Mike would have had to get the votes of both Melinda and Carl's sons.  Did this in fact happen?  If so, why?

I think you have jumped to a scenario/conclusion that might not be correct. As the Licensor BRI hands the rights to the use of the "Beach Boys' trademark to the licensee, Mike Love. Mike then has sole power of hire & fire of staff and the licenor, BRI, has no say in it. I have not come across a licensing agreement where the licensor can control the licesee's power of hire & fire and how they manage the day to day running of the business - provided they are not in breach of the terms and conditions of the licence agreement. Obviously Mike was not in breach of the licence agreement because BRI (including Al as a shareholder) did not instigate termination of the licence agreement because of a breach of the terms & conditions.

Right, should have said we "heard" he was fired, not we "know" he was fired.

As far as I have seen, there has never been a complete answer given to this question.  We know that Al was "fired" by Mike.  However, we also know that Al was/is an equal partner in BRI with Mike, Brian (Melinda) and Carl (Jonah/Justin).  Logically, this would mean that to get Al "fired" from the touring group, Mike would have had to get the votes of both Melinda and Carl's sons.  Did this in fact happen?  If so, why?  A more plausible explanation would be that MIke and Al decided to go separate ways, with each vying for the right to use the Beach Boys name.  We know that each was given a license to do so, but only Mike's was renewed (leading to the various legal actions), which was the likely a decision Melinda and Jonah/Justin made on a $ basis.  If that is the true story, then the one question remains of how Mike was able to schedule the Jan. 98 Super Bowl performance without Al being invited, as we have heard that was Al's "first knowledge of being fired."

The entire issue between Mike and Al had to do with who was in charge of promotion/production/business of the Beach Boys live concerts and the friction began in '95 or '96...Al wanted things to stay the same as they had been for decades, Mike had a plan to take over that aspect of the business and when he did Al dissented. Carl's death was not the reason Al left. The whole story is in the Dave Marks book. BTW...when Mike, Bruce and Dave played the '98 Super Bowl it was as America's Band I believe, and not the BB's...Al learned about it when he saw it on TV.

Yes, I have read the book, and I found that section to be the most compelling (for instance,  Al asking Dave "why are you here", when Dave returned to to the group during Carl's illness). And you're right , the super bowl group was billed as America's Band, I forgot that. Although I seem to recall the TV network actually referring to them as the Beach Boys. Still leaves the whole voting him out question unanswered, though.  Thanks, Jon.

As far as I have seen, there has never been a complete answer given to this question.  We know that Al was "fired" by Mike.  However, we also know that Al was/is an equal partner in BRI with Mike, Brian (Melinda) and Carl (Jonah/Justyn).  Logically, this would mean that to get Al "fired" from the touring group, Mike would have had to get the votes of both Melinda and Carl's sons.  Did this in fact happen?  If so, why?  A more plausible explanation would be that MIke and Al decided to go separate ways, with each vying for the right to use the Beach Boys name.  We know that each was given a license to do so, but only Mike's was renewed (leading to the various legal actions), which was the likely a decision Melinda and Jonah/Justyn made on a $ basis.  If that is the true story, then the one question remains of how Mike was able to schedule the Jan. 98 Super Bowl performance without Al being invited, as we have heard that was Al's "first knowledge of being fired."

Wonder if Tex Watson joined the boys onstage for "Barbara Ann" at the SLO Men's Penal Colony show?

Here's another question:  have the Beach Boys ever referenced The Everlys as being an inspiration to their tight harmonies?

I've seen a few interviews where Mike Love mentions "sitting in his car with Brian" or "walking home" from somewhere and singing/harmonizing to Everly Brothers' songs.

Also, on The Beach Boys' 1989 TV series, Mike and I believe Brian discuss their fondness for The Everly Brothers. They sing a snippet of "Bird Dog" and the entire "All I Have To Do Is Dream". It's during the campfire sing-a-longs and Brian is really into it.

On the Hawthorne CD, there's a little spoken intro (taken from an interview) from Mike Love where he discusses The Everly Brothers, then leads directly into "Devoted To You".

It was on the "25 Years Together" TV special, Mike and Brian introducing the Everly's.  They both stated (per David Leaf's script) that they (with Mike's sister) would walk home from church singing Everly Brothers songs.  Or something like that.

1. Mike Love (despite the negatives, they just "clicked" too many times to ignore)
2. Tony Asher (one AMAZING album; GOK alone might put him on the list)
3. VDP (limited, yet brilliant, work spanning 30+ years)

I think we've come up with a pretty good interview...

"Cccan't we all just... get along?"

There's some GREAT leads on that album.

Yep. Summer In Paradise might be in Carl Wilson's Top 3 albums - vocally.

Agreed, and same with Al. Might be just the opposite of "Love You"- horrible material, great vocals.

With the couple of good recent interviews posted here recently, it got me thinking.  If you had the chance to ask Brian one question and one question only, what would it be?  I'll start:

"Brian, you have stated that when you write a song, you hear the different vocal parts in your mind.  When you write a song today, do you still hear the voices of  Mike, Carl, Al and Dennis in your mind, or do you just hear the various ranges?"

No info on the Still Cruisin, Island Girl or SNJ sessions?

I'll concur and say that Dave does sound fantastic... But I've heard boots of him sing it before so I knew that he does a good job... As far as I know that means 4 band members have sung Forever in concert (Dennis, Brian, Carl and Dave)... does anyone know if they are the only members to sing it live?

Not a memeber, but Stamos has of course done it live numerous times with the group

One VERY minor nit..."Full House" aired on ABC, not NBC.  I am embarrassed I know that...

I remember reading that when it first came out in 1995.  It was in "Interview" magazine.  It was a very exciting time for BB followers...Mike and Brian writing a new album...Don Was producing it...they were all in the studio.  When I re-read the interview now, I just get sad...

Brian did appear good at the Live Aid show.  However, all you can really hear during his "leads" is Jeff Foskett. For one last great performance, I would nominate the Jan 1985 Reagan inaugural gala where the Boys did Their Hearts Were Full of Spring.  Only one song, I know, but Brian absolutely nailed it. The look on Mike's face after Brian hit the falsetto is priceless.