Brian sounds quite good on that version of H&V, but his phrasing is really off a times.

Edit: Did anybody catch the odd Rhapsody In Blue reference at the very end of FFF?

Yes, I think Darian does it all the time now.  Sometimes you can hear it well and other times it gets kinda drowned out. I absolutely love it.  Not only does it sound great musically but it just works so well thematically too - a tribute to one of Brian's heroes worked into one of Brian's most famous compositions. 

Bruce does a great job at those high oooos , always has . But his lead voice is not that strong . You can catch him on a good night sometimes but I’ve heard him croak his way through some leads too over the past several years . 

Agreed.  I saw them two summers ago and his singing was rough even then.  But that falsetto on Fun, Fun, Fun is pretty great.  As is the mic-adjusting. 

Any show that was used for the recording of the In Concert album, which is probably my favorite album ever. 

Any of the Beachago shows. 

Honestly, I would do anything to be able to go back in time and see Carl live.  Preferably in the late 60s or early 70s but honestly, anytime, anyplace.  My biggest Beach Boys regret is that I never saw him perform. 

Actually pretty cool to be fair. Imagine your local bar/ restaurant and you get this...

https://youtu.be/E9Pp5hGrAH4

https://youtu.be/jpUWMpfzBLg

Bruce sounds fantastic! Really cool to see them in a different environment. Thanks for sharing!

IKR!! I almost lost my jaw when he started the falsetto on fun fun fun, like how the hell is he managing that in his age?
And these clips only makes me more furious that they don’t give him more spotlight at the regular shows.

What is going on?!  That falsetto is so high!  Has Bruce been drinking from the same fountain of youth as Al Jardine?

So, in honor of the year, will Brian do a show or shows performing the 20/20 album? 
(Perhaps excluding Never Learn Not to Love, as I doubt either the band or the audience wants those bad vibes).

That's not a bad idea.  They have done Do it Again, I Can Hear Music, Our Prayer and Cottonfields in the past few years so could add them to the setlist quite easily.  I'd love to hear Bluebirds over the Mountain, Cabinessence, and, I'm going to go out on a wild limb here, Celebrate the News. 

Is it vague enough that it isn't a legal issue? Like he isn't promoting his solo album directly with this - from what I gather the Beach Boys concert tour is called "12 Sides Of Summer" (which coincidentally happens to be the name of his latest solo album). This is obviously a ploy to tie the solo album and the Beach Boys closer together - I guess to help boost the solo album sales?

They are even selling a tank top with the Mike Love solo album cover art with the Beach Boys logo on it. But it isn't specifically saying that it is an album by the Beach Boys. It's very vague.

I think it is shady. I just hope some poor sucker doesn't actually buy "12 Sides Of Summer" thinking it's the latest Beach Boys album (due to all the merchandise kinda insinuating that) and they're left thinking that the Beach Boys have really swan dived off a cliff with their music.

Do the voting members of BRI have to approve all merchandise before it gets put on sale?

I see what you're saying in that the tour was called "12 Sides of Summer" but even that, to my mind, is shady.  Selling shirts that say "The Beach Boys" and "12 Sides of Summer" strongly implies a correlation between the band and the album.  

Maybe I will go to one of those make-your-own t-shirt places and make a shirt that says "The Beach Boys No Pier Pressure" and wear it to a Mike and Bruce show.  Just for fun.  

I guess you mean this....

https://shop.thebeachboys.com/products/12-sides-of-summer-north-american-blue-t-shirt?variant=21312172228667

Exactly. Seems wrong to me.

On the plus side, I haven’t been on the merchandise page probably since the C50.....and that black cap looks awesome. Might be ordering one. Thanks for the starting the topic encouraging me to look.

Yup.  And this:  https://shop.thebeachboys.com/collections/merch/products/12-sides-of-summer-ringer-t-shirt?variant=21313327169595

and this:  https://shop.thebeachboys.com/collections/merch/products/12-sides-of-summer-red-tank-top?variant=21313336442939

I agree that the black hat is really nice though!

I got an email from the Mike Love Beach Boys website today informing me that I could purchase merchandise from the summer tour. I clicked on the link and much to my surprise  much of the merchandise  says "Beach Boys 12 Sides of Summer ".  T shirts, etc... How are they getting away with this? My understanding of the license was that it was only for touring, which is why any albums that Mike puts out are Mike Love albums and not Beach Boys albums. But how is he allowed to put out merchandise that implies that the Beach Boys recorded an album called 12 Sides of Summer?

Not sure if there's a 2020 Tour page yet, but Brian will be at the MGM National Harbor Casino on January 22nd with "Greatest Hits Live" … this venue seems way too big for Brian, in my opinion.

I've never been to this theater....how big is it?  Having just seen the absolutely sublime show in Philadelphia just over a week ago, a greatest hits show in a casino gives me some trepidation.  It will be interesting to see if they keep some of the deep cuts from the Something Great 68 tour.  Please please please...

In my area there were a ton of license plates that started with CATP a few years ago.  I hoped we would get one when  the time came for a new license but no luck. 

[but it was the deep cuts the BBs played at the 2012 C50 show I attended that really made me want to dig deeper into their catalog and made me a superfan]

I guess we all owe a big thank you to Darian for pushing the limits of what was included in the setlist.  And I have to say, based on the vibe around me in Philadelphia Saturday night, I was not the only one loving this show.  Yes, I know there are the people that just want to hear the hits, but there are also those of us who want to go a little deeper.  And there are also, believe it or not, music fans who are willing to open their ears and minds and listen to something new to them. 

Right there with you. Huge thanks to Darian! The NYC show last week was an awesome experience that I am still grooving on.

I've posted this before, but it was the deep cuts the BBs played at the 2012 C50 show I attended that really made me want to dig deeper into their catalog and made me a superfan.

Me too!  The gems in the C50 setlist took me from fan to superfan, 100%.   

[and for conceptualizing the idea of this tour to begin with]

I noticed a post on Jim Laspeda's (drummer) facebook about Saturday's show in Philadelphia.  I thought this was noteworthy:  "Special thanks to Darian Sahanaja for his hard work in dissecting all of Brian's vocal parts and music arrangements on "Friends" and "Surf's Up," and for conceptualizing the idea of this tour to begin with. To get inside this music, especially album tracks like "Diamond Head" and "Busy Doin' Nothin'" was an incredible experience".  (bold mine)


I guess we all owe a big thank you to Darian for pushing the limits of what was included in the setlist.  And I have to say, based on the vibe around me in Philadelphia Saturday night, I was not the only one loving this show.  Yes, I know there are the people that just want to hear the hits, but there are also those of us who want to go deeper.  And there are also, believe it or not, music fans who are willing to open their ears and minds and listen to something new to them.  

I read an interesting interview recently with Lee Loughnane from Chicago; he was saying that people don’t want to hear the more challenging songs, or improvisation, they just want to hear what they already know, in other words the hits.  But I think that’s a dangerous and damaging assumption to make.  I wish musicians/bands wouldn’t assume the worst of their audience.  Don’t assume that I’m the lowest common denominator and I’m not going to “get” what you play.  If you only play stuff I’ve already heard a million times, and that’s all I ever hear, then yeah, eventually that’s going to influence my musical taste and that’s all I’m going to “get”.  But if you give the audience a little credit and assume that they have brains and can actually listen critically, you will a) make a bunch of hardcore fans really happy that they’re hearing deep cuts and b) expose other listeners to something new (to them) that they might actually like.  I think it’s called, you know, art.  

I understand that a show billed as “Greatest Hits” has to include a lot of hits.  My point regarding the 68 tour is simply that I’m so grateful that Brian, Darian et al decided that they could do a show that would not just feature a few “deep cuts” but would be built almost entirely on them.  Thanks for recognizing that there is a significant group of people out there that want to hear this music, and that even those who don't know all these songs by heart can hear them for the first time and recognize the beauty of them.  

Thank you both for not pointing out my tragic lack of basic math skills.   

Blown away by Russell Thompkins Jr's take on Don't Worry Baby at tonight's show (clip shown on Brian's FB page)

It really was unbelievable. What was amazing was that he sang it like it was just so easy for him! Like it was nothing, like singing the alphabet or something, instead of singing an incredibly high falsetto. What I enjoyed almost as much was watching Matt Jardine while Russell Tompkins was singing; he was just sort of shaking his head like he couldn't believe it. And when the song was over and Al introduced Darian for the next song, Darian sort of muttered "you want me to follow that?"  Very funny.

After the show I was standing on the street after most people had wandered off and Tompkins walked past me with some other guy. I had the chance to say that he was fabulous. He just said thank you very much and then disappeared into the Streets of Philadelphia.

Brian told Al to introduce Darian the other night. It’s so funny cause he tells Al to do it and says Darians name . I don’t think Brian could do a show without Al at this point.  If you told me Al would would take Jeff’s place and become Brian’s right hand man in their 70s in 2000 I would have laughed at you

I think you're right.  At this point, I can't even imagine what a Brian concert would be like without Al. 

On Saturday, at one point during Friends, Al looked right at Brian as they sang the line "we've been friends now for so many years" in the last verse.  When you stop to think that these two were in high school together some fifty years ago, it really is kind of amazing.

.

[After the show I was standing on the street after most people had wandered off and Tompkins walked past me with some other guy. I had the chance to say that he was fabulous. He just said thank you very much and then disappeared into the Streets of Philadelphia.]

Blown away by Russell Thompkins Jr's take on Don't Worry Baby at tonight's show (clip shown on Brian's FB page)

It really was unbelievable. What was amazing was that he sang it like it was just so easy for him! Like it was nothing, like singing the alphabet or something, instead of singing an incredibly high falsetto. What I enjoyed almost as much was watching Matt Jardine while Russell Tompkins was singing; he was just sort of shaking his head like he couldn't believe it. And when the song was over and Al introduced Darian for the next song, Darian sort of muttered "you want me to follow that?"  Very funny.

After the show I was standing on the street after most people had wandered off and Tompkins walked past me with some other guy. I had the chance to say that he was fabulous. He just said thank you very much and then disappeared into the Streets of Philadelphia.

Small world! We were standing next to you when Russell walked by! We spotted him, said there he is, and saw you talk to him. Small world indeed.

Anyway, how amazing was it to get a dose of authentic Philly soul infused into a Brian Wilson classic? One of the absolute highlights for sure, because it brought Philly style into a stone cold LA classic...and it was effortless and perfect.

I can't believe I missed my chance to meet Guitarfool!  That would have been fun. 

Your description couldn't be more perfect:  it was indeed absolutely effortless and perfect. 

Last night's show in Philadelphia exceeded all of my expectations.  I have been reading the reviews on this thread and have also seen Brian's band many times in the past few years so I knew that there was a strong possibility of getting Brian on an off night. This was the third night in a row of shows and I think that for any performer three consecutive nights can tire you out.  However that was not the case at all. Brian seemed to be in pretty good shape all things considered. He came out with a walker and two people assisting him. The last time I saw him was in November 2018 and I came away from that show thinking that he must have been in a lot of physical pain because he seemed to be having a lot of issues with breath control. That did not seem to be the case at all last night. The only singing issues he seemed to be having were hitting the higher notes. His pitch and breath control were good and his voice sounded strong in the lower registers. He missed a few cues that Al picked up on but not a lot.

As for the setlist, I really hope that the powers that be and the guys in the band are reading these boards because I just want to say THANK YOU for putting this unbelievable setlist together. It honestly felt like a tremendous gift to hear Brian and co. play songs that I never thought I would hear live. It was like being hit over the head one by one with incredible cut after incredible cut. It really did feel like a gift to the hardcore fans.

I've already commented on Don't Worry Baby.  I initially wasn't that thrilled when I heard that there would be a guest singer  because I generally just want to hear Brian's band.  But Russell Tompkins was spectacular and it was so much fun to see the band respond to him.

Brian's voice sounded very good on the snippet of meant for you that they did. In general he sounded really really good on the lower registers.

Friends was a highlight for me. The vocal blend just sounded incredible. This is a song that I had never heard performed live before and while I like it enough on the album, there was something about it being performed live that brought so much more to it for me. It really sounded beautiful.

Wake the World:  I had heard Al perform this on the No Pier Pressure tour and he always does a great job. It's been said a million times but Al's voice is really a marvel.

Busy Doin Nothin was another song that I sat there kind of in disbelief that I was hearing it performed live. I thought Brian did a good job on this one. It's a very wordy song, and I really thought he nailed it. Also, while it is not a super high song, the notes do get up there and he handled it pretty well, only struggling a bit with the higher notes. It was also another song that really highlighted the entire band's vocal blend.

Sloop John B is not my favorite song but God there's something so emotional about seeing Al and Brian sing this one together. I've noticed several times in the past couple of years that when they perform this, at the very very end Brian sings a very interesting harmony but you can barely hear it because by then the audience has already started clapping and cheering. But but to me it proves that Brian is definitely still 100%, musically speaking, and even if his voice isn't working 100% his ears sure as hell are.

Much has been written about  Brian's performances of God Only Knows.  Yes he struggles with the higher notes, which is only to be expected. But it's beautiful, and the crowd loves it, and last night they gave him a long standing ovation to which he replied "thank you" and then "thank you very much" and then "hooooookay", which I thought was more diplomatic than his usual "please be seated!" at this point.

Then the Blondie portion started. I love Blondie and I absolutely love him as a singer.  However last night I think he was under the influence of...something, because the things he was saying just did not make sense. He introduced Feel Flows with some rambling comments that seemed to go right over a lot of people's heads including some of the band, who seemed bemused.  FF was perfect.  He did unfortunately mess up the last chorus of Long Promised Road although it was covered fairly well, then dedicated Sail on Sailor to Nicky.

Darian's I Can Hear Music was an absolute highlight. I really didn't think did anyone could come close to Carl on this song but Darian did. It was just gorgeous, and I would be lying if I said I was not swooning at this point in the show.

The next set of songs just blew my mind. Little Bird, Diamond Head, Passing By, Til I Die, Surf's Up, Looking at Tomorrow, Heroes and Villains...it was like being hit over the head with one unbelievable song after another. Brian really shined on Little Bird as the lower register allowed him to sing more comfortably I think. As other have noted on this thread, Diamond Head was beautiful, lush and atmospheric and I'm very glad that they put this in the setlist. Til I Die, immediately followed by Surf's Up, was for me almost too much to bear emotionally. I saw Al and Matt perform Surf's Up at Al's Storyteller show in July and it was so interesting to hear that song played with such a spare instrumentation and only three performers. Last night of course was the complete opposite, with full instrumentation, and it was just spectacular. Heroes and Villains is another one that I find Brian's band always knocks out of the park and last night was no exception. In particular, Brian's vocal on the Cantina section was exceptionally strong.

The hits section was fun as always especially with the Zombies joining on the stage after coaxing from everyone in the band. Everyone seemed to be having fun and you really did have the sense that it was the last night of the tour.

It was an incredible night and I will repeat what I said about it feeling like a gift. I regret that I came to my Beach Boys fandom relatively late in life and missed many opportunities to see them and Brian live. However, I have to recognize that I am so lucky to be able to see this band - Brian, Al, Blondie, and everyone else in the band - now.  As others have said here, it's a great time to be a fan. I hope that Brian stays healthy and happy as possible and if he chooses to stop touring I fully respect that. But as long as he tours, I will be there.

Blown away by Russell Thompkins Jr's take on Don't Worry Baby at tonight's show (clip shown on Brian's FB page)

It really was unbelievable. What was amazing was that he sang it like it was just so easy for him! Like it was nothing, like singing the alphabet or something, instead of singing an incredibly high falsetto. What I enjoyed almost as much was watching Matt Jardine while Russell Tompkins was singing; he was just sort of shaking his head like he couldn't believe it. And when the song was over and Al introduced Darian for the next song, Darian sort of muttered "you want me to follow that?"  Very funny.

After the show I was standing on the street after most people had wandered off and Tompkins walked past me with some other guy. I had the chance to say that he was fabulous. He just said thank you very much and then disappeared into the Streets of Philadelphia.

Does anyone think it's odd that while they've had a bunch of special guests on this tour, an actual Beach Boy was at the show in NY but didn't join the band onstage for at least one song?

On another note, any smileysmilers going to the show in Philadelphia tonight?

Just checked into ye olde hotel room. Can't wait for tonight!

Me neither!  I am so looking forward to hearing this amazing set list performed live. 

I think it lived up to the hype! Brian seemed to be having a pretty good night tonight.

No kidding!  I was absolutely blown away.   Full review to follow...

Does anyone think it's odd that while they've had a bunch of special guests on this tour, an actual Beach Boy was at the show in NY but didn't join the band onstage for at least one song?

On another note, any smileysmilers going to the show in Philadelphia tonight?

Just checked into ye olde hotel room. Can't wait for tonight!

Me neither!  I am so looking forward to hearing this amazing set list performed live. 

Does anyone think it's odd that while they've had a bunch of special guests on this tour, an actual Beach Boy was at the show in NY but didn't join the band onstage for at least one song?

On another note, any smileysmilers going to the show in Philadelphia tonight?

I have an extra ticket for Philadelphia Saturday Sept. 28th - my husband can no longer go.  If anyone is interested in the ticket, send me a PM. 

I realise that people are often so up in arms about the 70s BBs... I actually enjoy them quite a bit. They were realistic and reflected their true problems like real people, and were also super creative and weirdly prolific in album and tour the whole time. People can often be so prudish about drugs and public problems (like discussed with Carl) that arise when one goes one step over the line and monacles shatter everywhere. Oh well, somebody who was under a ton of pressure made a mistake, it happens and they recover and then probably make more mistakes. I think the 80s BBs were far, far more problematic and totally monsterishly freaky. 70s BBs were just a bunch of 30-somethings that were actually good at what they did but had a bunch of fantastic missteps. (that is a super large exaggeration, and I am going to get burned because of it, but I'm not wrong) Tons of love to Carl and Brian.

Just out of curiosity, what is it about the 1980s Beach Boys that you find monstrous and problematic? Are you referring to the music, or their image? I'm genuinely interested in what it is that you find so problematic about them at that time period. Without wanting to make assumptions about what it is that you're referring to, I would argue that 80s pop culture on the whole can be criticized for being a touch superficial (this is the decade known for excess and materialism) so if that's what you were referring to I think the 1980s Beach Boys are kinda a product of tthe times.  But im interested to hear more about what you think.

Maybe the reason Blondie is onstage so little is simply because he's 68 years old, and it'd maybe cause him some pain to be standing up onstage for two hours. Maybe his appearances throughout the show are all he can physically handle at this age?

With that being said, if those reasons aren't the case, I'd love to see Blondie on stage the whole time. He obviously knows the hits from playing with The BBs during his original tenure, and he's definetely a competent musician who could learn material like "Lookin At Tomorrow" or "I Can Hear Music"... His presence on guitar might also give some of the early rockers the drive they need.

Al is standing on stage the whole time, and he's considerably older than Blondie.

Count me in as another one who would like to see Blondie take more leads. There are a number of songs from Carl and the Passions and Holland that would make a lot of sense.

Guys, I think I've got this issue figured out. Brian and M+B can share a falsetto singer by, you know, joining forces as The Beach Boys.

Seems a lot less complicated. I'm surprised they've never thought of it.

 

And Mike already has the accompanying video all ready to go!