Nice to see HJ.  Adding new shows at the back end is nice to see.  Its going to be a nice surprise for some fans....taking a few weeks off from the late May shows and off to Hawaii.  Maybe it leads to another tour to the far east ??     All good !!!

CLICK HERE

That is Mike's wife Jackie next to him....to our right looking at the photo

To be fair, I'm not sure I would recognize Bruce when he's wearing big boy pants.

To be very honest, at a recent M&B meet and greet.  I barely recognized Bruce. 

So now that THE day has passed, I have a few questions for the forum.  All of these questions will get me back to BRI and were they involved at all in this weeks take on the MB shows.

1. When Mike plays a regular Beach Boys show, we all know these fall under the auspices of Mikes license with BRI and each principal gets their cut.  So...

2. I believe I have read here numerous times here that when Mike plays a private gig, he keeps "all" the revenue above his cost.  Thus BRI is not involved in these shows at all.  So...

3. Were both the FLA and TEXAS shows both private gigs where Mike didn't need BRI approval ??  Just a question because if Mike is out for #1 meaning $$$'s to the bottom line.  He does both these under the radar shows and quite possibly made ALOT more money than if it was a regular MB show  right ?  So...

4. He adroitly chooses not to play the inauguration due to public backlash or maybe he did have a concern about legacy (not sure about this) or maybe there actually was a BRI vote because it possibly would have been a violation of the licensing agreement.  Would this show also have been a private gig outside of BRI's normal channel ?

Looking for additional clarification on my comments and wondering if others feel the same way as I do that BRI was involved ?  I truly think Mike feels he is commander of the ship as much as it seemed he wanted to play for Trump.  Why didn't it happen?  I think Mike had these other shows lined up with or without BRI and BRI principals knowing.  I'm thinking Mike knew that 1/20 was going to be an issue on many levels, knowing this could cause issues with his BRI license, or that he actually lost the BRI vote, or he chose to go rogue and do these other quasi "non-Trump" shows.....and make more money...   Thoughts ?

Any B, I truly feel you hit the nail with your first swing.....PASSIVE AGGRESIVE.   Everyone take a minute and look up the medical definition (diagnosis) of this disorder....and then close your eyes......and think about Mikes continued behavior over the last 20 years.

At least (by SSmile accounts) Brian is medicated.  Just maybe someone else should be also....

Hey GF.....don't you think (or have a feel for) that Mike IS legally bound to BRI via the terms of the license ?   I'm guessing behind the scenes, a lot is being said within BRI and the 4 principals.  If Mike's legal team determines that he must get BRI approval to pass muster, then I believe this is the hold-up.  A 2-2 vote would be a negative right ??  Guessing he must need a 3-1 vote to be able to play.

Been reading this thread, taking deep long breaths as I take it all in.  So what I've taken in so far...

1.  We have a poster telling us the 1/20 concert in No. Caroline has been cancelled.  Later poster says its been re-scheduled for 1/22.

2.  Media across the world is picking up the story.....Seems either the Guardian or Rolling Stone first reported it as the story seemed to swirl out of control  over the past 48 to 72 hours. 

3.  Mike's people say its being considered and Brian's people disavowing any involvement of Brian or Al.

4.  One or two (hundred) comments about the BB Brand and the effects of Mikes group showing up on the brand going forward.   I've always felt the threads that have talked about the license as some of the most informative, especially how its played out since 1998.   In this case, I feel the point being made about merchandise and merchandising has HUGE questions going forward.

5,  So what happens to the brand when people with bullhorns show up at each concert venue where Mike's playing.  People still may go to the show,  but just maybe won't lay out an extra 50 bucks for merchandise.  This could/will have a multiplier effect.  I'm not an expert, but merch at the show stays with Mike but merch off the BB's website stays with the 4 BRI principals ?  correct ??    please correct me if I'm incorrect. 

6.  Terms of the BRI license has been discussed forever here on the board.   Holder of license can NOT do anything in any shape or form to harm the brand.

&.  My gut thinks a special BRI board meeting is in order.  I don't know the mechanics of how this can happen (or maybe it has happened??)....and we'll see which way Carl's estate votes.  Hopefully the money made for a 1/20 inauguration show isn't enough to sway any negative votes.... yes sadly, capitalism at its finest.   Guessing a 2-2 vote...the show goes on....and if that's the case.....I want a bullhorn for XMAS

After reading the above two pages of posts... a general thought for the masses.....with Mike having the license to tour, can BRI actually step in and  STOP a tour stop (whether it be in Las Cruces, New Mexico or a Trump inauguration stop).  I truly don't think any of us know if BRI can stop a show.  Whether it be a New Mexico promoter for a New Mexico show, or the Trump inauguration show in DC. 

So, for me, no I'm not a Trump fan.  In fact the thought galls me.  However, I'm not sure with the Beach Boys current structural apparatus, meaning BRI, can stop a DC show in January....  Unless there's fine print that none of us are aware of.   Just my thoughts

After the book signing in Seattle, Mike said he was off to Portland to visit family.  Aren't both Maureen and Stan in the Portland area ?   No mention was made during the Q&A about Stephen.

Everyone, this is why I love this board so much.  I go to a book signing, resurrect a thread that hadn't been posted on for over 30  days, and look at the last 20 responses.  A lot of what I would say is damn good thoughtful analysis on the cluster C50 became.  IMO, a lot of what's been said and especially by HJ and GF, hits the nail on the head, from a pure speculation point of view.  Mike spoke of the endless meetings with Capitol while trying to hammer out the actual tour arrangements.  I think GF's last questions about the level of Capitol's involvement ties in hugely with HJ's reasoning/point of view where Mike felt stepped on in the process and stews over lost $$$'s. 

Okay now round two.  I forgot about this when I typed up my response back on 10/31.  Reference the branding license meeting at BRI back in 98-ish.  Mike said he abstained  and the vote was 2-1.  You all are better searching back threads than I am.  I believe I read a thread years ago where people were saying the vote was 3-1 and AGD came in and said don't believe everything you hear or read.....Anyone else recall that thread ?   

Greats comments guys

HJ, I'd have to go back into Bellagio and see the line-ups of the MB shows I've seen post 98.  I know I've seen just 6 people on stage for a Mike show.  Obviously this could have been a one off situation and in the pre-Totten years after 98.  Your comments about Scott Totten are right on 100% and Mike owes this gent a debt of gratitude when he hangs up his surfboard.  Leago was very prominent during the "Pet Sounds" part of the show.  Interesting comments about why he added which do make a lot of sense.  He came out front 3 or 4 times with his sax a wailing which made me chuckle during the show, thinking back to all the fair shows I saw in the 80's with Mike a wailing. on his sax.

I posted last month after I saw the BW show at the same venue that Matt in my opinion stole the show.   HJ, have you seen a MB show since Brian E has joined the line-up ?  If not, go see them to compare the band versus the last MB/Totten show you've seen. I guess that's the point I'm trying to make.  I was hugely surprised and impressed with the acapella rendition of Hearts Are Full Of Spring.   It was Scott T/Bruce/Brian E/ and Mike.  Beautifully done and the audience responded.  No, not a deep BB or BW song as many want hear on these threads, but a very BW-like sound.

My main sense leaving the show.  I saw this band in a casino last Sept 28 2015.  I get it...crappy acoustics....but from then to now....Scott has, as was mentioned, "tightened up" this band in the another notch in the past year and I feel Scott has tons more flexibility with Brian E in the band.  Four California shows in the next 7 days.  Hopefully these are in great venues.  Go see them if they are in your area and make your own comparisons......if not satisfied, send me your ticket stub and I'll buy your tickey.  I mean it. 

And yes Thorgil, its so nice to read a positive post (even with a little vinegar) from the old grump. 

Was kind of surprised not to see anyone mention Springsteen.  Though a lot of these responses were before the election.

Hi everyone,

My daughter and I went to Mike's Seattle show on Saturday night.  We got very lucky.  Two weeks ago, Mike had his book signing in Seattle for his book.  We both went to the signing and at the end, Mike's wife Jackie raffled off three pairs of tickets to Saturday's (11/12) show.  Katie, my daughter, got lucky and won a pair of tickets.  We waited two weeks and last Friday night before the show, we finally got the e-mail from Mike's tour manager saying congrats, you have 2 tickets to the meet n greet.  A very nice surprise.

Folks, Brian Eichenberger, the addition to the band from the Four Freshmen, has a SET of pipes.  Obviously the sound guys on the side can do wonderful stuff to enhance the quality of the on stage voice.  No enhancement needed with Brian E. !!!   All we see on these threads are about how the Mike show is bare bones.  I don't get that garbage.  Mike now has 8 people in the group.   Mike/Bruce/Scott/Foskett/Bonhomme/Cowsill/Eichenberger/Leago.

Here is what I noticed from past MB shows.  Adding the newest member, Randy Leago, adds a huge amount of percussion (saxes/flutes/ets) that Mike hasn't had in the group for a long time.  I saw the band last September in Seattle (a casino show)  shortly after both Brian E. and foskett had joined the band.  The venue sucked but I also felt maybe Scott T. hadn't yet been able to "meld" the guys into the group yet.  And yes, I think this stuff takes time.

I saw BW at the same venue here in Seattle 34 days ago with his Pets Sounds tour.  Yes still two different types of bands but I mean this....they are getting closer together on the Pet Sounds stuff.  My opinion is the "healthy" competition is good for the consumer.   Both bands have strengths but their individual weaknesses are narrowing rapidly

I love the Beach Boys...I love Brian Wilson.....get on their tour pages....go see them....especially if its a concert hall.....you won't regret it.....even you OSD

Hey Jude...sorry for the delay....severe computer issues for two weeks.

Your question to me about Mike and Joe Thomas.  As I said in my earlier post, Mike was very clear about his feelings on C50 ending.  Complexity issues started immediately trying to coord the tour simultaneously negotiating with Capitol on TWGMTR.  Issues combining the bands, length etc were all hashed out at the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012.  In these meetings, agreements were also made with Capitol on TWGMTR and having Joe Thomas come on board.  Mike was to bring "tracks" to the recording sessions to be included on the album..  Its here where things went south, and he termed Joe Thomas as a  "pathological liar".  When Mike got to the sessions, it was then he realized that Joe had the album mostly complete with Brian's old material.  Obviously reading his book, things were going south fast as he left the tour during a studio session where the auto tune was put on the mics and the blow-up with Melinda ensused. 

Again everyone, Mike was calm and clear talking about this stuff.  Being honest, I wish all of you could have been at this event.

I think the back cover read "Produced by Brian Wilson & Joe Thomas" and "Executive Producer: Mike Love."

I would imagine he served a similar role compared to "Imagination", perhaps an even more prominent role since Brian wasn't exactly the ring leader of that entire project on every song.

Are/Were there any indications that Mike left this project with hard feeling towards Joe Thomas.....The license to Mike was issued only a couple years later that gave him control of the touring band enabling him to be in control of brand    A lot happened in those two years.....Carl's decline and death....lawsuit by BRI/Mike against AL  etc etc....

Sorry bad post.....Does Jerry Weiss now room with Brain on the road   And maybe have the same responsibilities that JF had for many years ?

I'm not certain what you're trying to say here.  As I understand it, Brian always gets a large suite with various rooms and has an assistant with him to handle his schedule demands (interviews, prepping for shows etc.).  Jerry's a wonderful man and a godsend for Brian, and he does his job very well.  As far as the wheelchair is concerned, I did joke with a friend that Brian is probably pi**ed at himself for not thinking of this option years ago.  He enjoys his comforts.  He deserves them.  Can't we just smile about it and be glad he's still touring his music?

I must say when I was dragging my bag through Heathrow a few months ago all the way from the Virgin Atlantic gate to customs, I was thinking a wheelchair seemed pretty good.

I don't think any negative connotation was intended in the original/previous post from barsone regarding Jerry Weiss.

Ray Lawlor has posted in the past describing the functions Foskett served out on the road (apart from on-stage), and I think barsone was just curious if Jerry Weiss was filling that role now.

I think Ray did a great job awhile back of describing the team Brian has out on the road. I think what Foskett has done in past years for Brian are things an artist out on the road would have someone helping them with. I think some of those roles aren't often filled by a touring musician/singer, so that's where Ray's clarifications really helped.

I think mainly fans are glad to see Brian have a good road crew and support system.

Thanks Hey Jude...That's all I was asking regarding Jerry Weiss and how it might have been related to the Foskett era.  I did not see (or remember) Ray's post on the traveling situation.  And obviously agree 100% on having good support systems for BW.  My post initially in the thread started back with the video posted from the airport.

Hey guys, a general question back to Joe Thomas.  What was his exact "duties or job" during the Nashville/Star and Stripes Album ?

I thought I would bump this.   I was at Mike's book signing yesterday in Seattle.  Horrific weather at the time with traffic backed up everywhere in the city due to accidents and sporting events.  A few thoughts are below....

The event started with a gentleman asking Mike 15 or 20 questions about his time in the BB's up to why he wrote the book.  Then there were probably another 20 questions from the audience.  Probably a total of 30 to 35 people there to get a book signed by Mike.  It was very casual and I thought Mike presented himself well (his wife Jackie was also there). 

Just as in the book, Mike did not pull any punches with regard to Melinda.  However the worst "verbage" was for Joe Thomas...whew....not hard seeing why C50 ended so badly.  From his point of view, a lot of promises were made up front that just weren't kept.  I felt sad hearing this, but also felt somewhat uncomfortable sitting 3 seats away from Jackie hearing Mike say the Melinda stuff.  I know the Melinda stuff is attached to Mike working again with Brian so I get why the two are always brought up in the same sentence.  Just feels weird hearing someone talking so negative about someone else's wife. 

A ton of stupid goofy questions from the audience. Best question I heard was from a guy who asked Mike about his relationship with Al.  Very complicated answer but the guy said he thought Mike and Al were a lot alike going back to their TM days, sitting in the front of the plane together, lack of heavy drug use,  etc etc.  Mike initially seemed very surprised that someone would think that he and Al are alike.  He then corrected himself and said, you know what, we are alike in the ways you described.  Mike then went on to say the whole "your fired" letter did not surprise him with how the relationship between Mike/Brian/wives/Joe Thomas etc had deteriorated but it really hurt him that Al was also a part of the letter.  Lastly in a very comforting way, he said he's not surprised that Al feels tied to Brian as it was Brian who got him in the group initially at the start after their high school days together and I'm all right with that.  No mention of the post 98 lawsuits against Al in any of his answers.  My back was KILLING me, and was having to get up and stand in the back.  I had my hand up to ask a question but never got called on.  Mike's wife is a HUGE Cubs fan and game 5 was starting in 30 minutes so everyone was kinda rushed through book signing.

It was a fun couple of hours

Sorry bad post.....Does Jerry Weiss now room with Brain on the road   And maybe have the same responsibilities that JF had for many years ?

Actually ran into a friend today who has a bad backache going, and she stated that she feels best on her feet, not sitting down, so perhaps the "wheelchair for a bad back" scenario may not be true.

For Brian, though, it's not "merely" a bad back.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_stenosis

Marty and 18th of May (and for anyone that may know).   Does Jerry Weiss now room with Brian on the road ?   Maybe the same responsibilities that JF had for many years ?

Anyone recognize the gentleman leading the way for Brian through the door.  Grey hair pulling his luggage ?

Yes I do.

It's Jerry Weiss.

Actually ran into a friend today who has a bad backache going, and she stated that she feels best on her feet, not sitting down, so perhaps the "wheelchair for a bad back" scenario may not be true.

For Brian, though, it's not "merely" a bad back.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_stenosis

Anyone recognize the gentleman leading the way for Brian through the door.  Grey hair pulling his luggage ?

Perhaps this is jumping the gun a bit, but The Zombies just announced a 50th Anniversary tour of Odyssey and Oracle in the US running through March & April, so I presume Darian will probably be out of the BW Band again on this new leg? Theoretically, he could do the shows in May, but it would seem to make more sense to just have one player for the whole run, especially if they brought back Debbie who seems to be fitting in beautifully.

Here's a question I've not seen addressed regarding Rubber Souls above post.  The Wondermints go back a long time with Darian, Scott B, D'Amico and others.  Is there a chance that Darian and Scott are/were so close, that Scott's current situation, it has given Darian the impetus to move on to a post BW band life.  Band members come and go.  With Darian now doing his Disney/Zombie gigs, has he actually left the band and its just not been announced by Brian.  Just a thought and ALL supposition on my part.  I have ZERO insider knowledge.  Just thinking if Scott and Darian are extremely close, as much as he obviously loves the BW music and band mates, the Scott B situation may just be painful  enough that he felt it was time to move on.

Thank you HJ for the 2017 Tour update

Yes I know I'm gloating but he's coming back to Seattle in April......Thank you oh Lord !!!!!!!!!!
Then a quick trip back to Ohio to visit the parents 2 weeks later and bingo concert #2

2017 has the look of a very good year !! 

And may I add about the show......just a beautiful evening.  The  Paramount Theatre in Seattle is a wonderful venue that has 3000+ seats.  People were begging for tickets outside the front door.

I felt Matt Jardine was the star of the show.  His voice just resonated both on his solo's and as he covered for Brian and the audience FULLY embraced him.
The band truly looked energized as they received multiple standing ovations throughout the show.  Brian was in a great mood and VERY talkative.  Al was....just Al.  His voice just ages like a fine wine.  And did Blondie rock !!

This was my first show seeing the new keyboardists.  The vocal stacked seemed different to me when they sang backup on some of the songs but in a good different way.  I think Gary is much lower than Darian (almost down to ML bass line but not quite) and Debbie obviously was higher than Scott in the old stack but also maybe a bit higher than when Taylor Mills was in the band. 

And as the encore worked its way to Love and Mercy, I started tearing up thinking this may be the last time I/we may see Brian out on an extended tour like we've seen this year.  Since 1974, this was my 45th  Beach Boys/ML Band/BW band show.  If this was my last show, I can't think of having a better evening meeting some Smiley Smilers and listening to the music we love.

Morning Hey Jude......I was there with  both undercover-m and bubbly waves.  So unbelievable to see this generation of 20-somethings enjoy the music as much as I have for the last 40 years !!  Believe me when I say Smiley Smile is in good shape with these kids (hee hee) contributing to the board. 

I can tell you the set-list is the almost exact same as Portland but with Your So Good To Me instead of Little Honda

And GREAT job keeping these set lists up to date