I often read that it is not the real beach boys who are touring today. Hum... who will try to make me believe that Brian's shows are really Brian's shows. He can't move, can't sing, the backing band does all the job. Brian is not here for the rehearsals, but in the shows, it's the same. So sad to watch his wife using him like a puppet. And some people love those shows...awfull! His personnal renditions are an offense to his great songs. He should really stay at home.
Some people are happy to watch those rehearsals. The fendertons do the same, but they don't try to make us believe that Brian is a part of this.
And believe me... I really love Brian Wilson, my heroe.

After posting this, how can this mustomax say he loves Brian Wilson and that he's his heroE Looks fairly contradictory to me.  

Watching a guy who have nothing to do on a stage is a love proof. Sure... "this mustomax" really doesn't care what a guy like you can think.  If you're happy to see Brian on a wheel chair behind a piano not able to play or to sing that's good for you. If you like the show posted on youtube 2 monthes ago watch it again and again. I stopped aftet 15 minutes. It made me cry..

Mustomax, in case you haven’t left, I want to gently suggest that you think carefully about your comments about the wheelchair.  You seem to suggest that because Brian is in a wheelchair...what, he shouldn’t be onstage?  He should just stay home?  Would this same logic apply to all artists - able-bodied only, please, disabled need not apply?  You can think what you want about his performance, i.e. singing and playing, but the fact that he uses a wheelchair is completely irrelevant.  He’s a musician, not a ####ing ballerina, so what difference does it make if he’s in a wheelchair?  The fact that he uses one does not mean he’s to be pitied, it does not mean he’s somehow “less”.  On the contrary, I see it as proof of his strength and determination.  

Thanks Mr. Desper, not only for answering my question, but for sharing these fantastic stories.  I just loved reading about the band coming to the US for the first time, imagining what that must have been like and hearing about the hijinx that took place.  I know others have said it before, but thank you again for sharing all this history! 

I always wondered about Carl playing on that album as well; part of me held out hope that he was responsible for some of the guitar work.  Great album for sure!

COMMENT to pickuppthosesticks:  On second thought, check with Blondie. But as far as I can remember, it's all The Flame. Funny, just thinking back on this, the only two people of who you might ask any questions about these sessions is Blondie or me. Everyone else is either unreachable or passed.

Since I'm still here, you better start picking my mind.  ~swd

Wouldn't Ricky Fataar have been at the sessions and still able to comment today?   Realize he's pretty much out of the BB orbit, but still around.  Having said that, here's a non-musical question for Mr. Desper.   In pictures and film footage from that era, I've noticed that Carl and Ricky often seem to be hanging out together.  Were they particularly friendly?  I always imagined that they would have gotten along well, both of them seeming to have personalities that didn't demand being the constant center of attention, but a quiet, dry sense of humour. 

Actually, since we’re on the topic, can someone please remind me why the second album wasn’t released in the first place? 

a shame Stephen,
   I think a lot of fans would love to hear and own this.... (including me) 

It really is incredibly frustrating that it’s never been released.  I too would love to hear it and hope that someday it will see the light...no pun intended. 

I think some of the songs are Steve  Fataar but I could be wrong.  I agree with you that it's a great album .  To me it's a tragedy that this band never became well known outside of South Africa. 

Thank you much! I’m not a young 41 sadly but glad to still be here . That hasn’t been a given especially lately so it certainly is s blessing

Happy belated birthday and thanks for being such a cool moderator ☺

In terms of how much Brian “wants” to be touring, I’ve never understood why some folks find it hard to believe that it can kinda be both at the same time. That is, Brian likes some aspects of touring and not others. I’ve pitched this sort of rhetorical question in the past: Have you ever not wanted to do something, but know you should do it, or that despite not wanting to do it you’ll probably actually enjoy it and/or get something out of it? And have you ever had someone around you helping you decide whether to do it? Maybe someone egging you on or helping to motivate you?

Many folks in the know have often pointed out that when Brian *really* doesn’t want to do something, he makes sure that’s what happens.

That doesn’t mean he’s never had any doubts or apprehension about touring, or days when we’d rather be at home eating a steak and watching TV.

A thousand times yes.  Why IS it so hard to imagine that Brian probably likes some things about touring but doesn’t like other things?  Maybe some days he’s into it and other days he’s not?  It shouldn’t be a hard concept to grasp.  I’m sure he enjoys the camaraderie of being with the band.  I’m sure he enjoys the fact that audiences love him and his music.   On the other hand, I’m sure there are times when he’s tired or he’s not feeling good and he’d rather not get up onstage and perform for two hours.

Aren’t we all like this?  Some days I go to work and enjoy myself and get lots done and feel really motivated.  Other days I’d kill to stay home eating a steak and watching TV.  Life is not black and white.  Touring is probably not black and white for Brian. 

There’s also another factor that hasn’t really been touched upon which is that I suspect at Brian’s age, one is likely quite aware that the years of being able to be out on the road are probably very very limited.  I suspect that Brian (and all of the BBs, to be honest) are painfully aware that if they stop touring now, that that’s probably it for good.  And that must be a painful thing to contemplate. 

I’ve seen a LOT of the PS shows since 2016 and to be honest, the talk-singing doesn’t bother me that much, but it’s because I’m actually just really grateful that I’m getting to see Brian and the band at all.  The reality is that singing is quite physically demanding - as HeyJude alluded to, it’s not just about hitting the notes, it’s also about timing and cadence and getting the words out in the right way.  It demands a lot of the singer both physically and mentally, but especially physically.  The reality is that at age 77, the voice does start to go.  Brian’s range is a lot more limited, he sounds like he’s struggling for breath at times, and he sounds like he’s trying to get all the words out in one go.  The last time I saw Brian was November 2018 and he actually struck me as someone who seemed like he was in pain, based on his vocals.  His singing was not that of a relaxed, comfortable person (I mean physically, not emotionally).  

Mike’s singing is also pretty bad these days, as is Bruce’s.  They struggle to sing the way they used to, and quite frankly it’s normal for people at that age.   It’s just the physical reality.  Al is the exception; I don’t know what he’s done to preserve his voice but long may it continue.  

Having said all that, I’ll repeat what I said at the beginning.  I don’t mind hearing Brian do the talk-singing thing, and I’ll go see him when given the opportunity to do so.  There’s still very few things I’d rather do than go see a Brian Wilson concert    I completely agree with HeyJude’s suggestion to give more of the leads to other band members.  You’ve got these amazing singers in Al, Blondie, Matt, etc..., so use them to their fullest and let Brian sing when he wants to. 

Just got back from the show in Lewiston tonight.  Brian opened by announcing that Nicky had passed away and they were dedicating the show to him.  A bouquet of flowers was in his stop on stage with his guitars. In place of the Pet Sounds instrumental, Paul spoke about how much of a shock it is but “we are musicians and the show must go on.” 

Nicky’s guitar parts were sorely missing in some spots. Paul coved Nicky’s parts but he might always be doubling those parts too. Probyn must have taken Nicky’s lead on Let’s Go Away for Awhile, he looked frustrated playing keys, guitar and trumpet on the same song.

Brian sounded better than when I saw him last year.  Not surprisingly, his vocal on California Girl opening the show was his best of the night.  After that, they seemed to be saving him for Pets Sound. He was also strong on Vibes and FFF.

Highlights of the set list were
Wake the World -Al
Add Some Music Brian
Friends Matt
The Night was So Young Brian
Feel Flows Blondie

Thanks for reporting on tonight’s show.  It must have been very sad.  I just can’t imagine them getting that news and having to perform.  So sad for Brian and the whole band right now, especially Darian, as he and Nicky seemed like partners in crime. 

So shocked and sad.  Nicky was a great guitar player but what I loved most was how much he loved the music and the way he was around Brian.  It seems like he continued to get a thrill from playing this music with Brian, even after doing it for many years. 

Condolences to his family, and I hope it gives them some comfort to know that Nicky gave us so much happiness by helping to bring this amazing music to life with Brian’s band.   

I remember very vividly seeing the film on the opening night of the 2017 Mike and Bruce tour at the Royal Albert Hall in London.  Honestly, the video is so good and uses so much old footage that it had me hyped up, almost thinking I was about to see Brian, Carl, Al, Mike, Dennis and Bruce walk onto the stage - as opposed to just Mike and Bruce (with all due respect).  The video throughout the whole concert was very well done (no idea if Noven Jaisi was involved in all of it or just that opening clip) but it was also incredibly strange in that it featured many shots not just of Carl and Dennis, but also of Brian and Al, all presented in a very nostalgic, rose-tinted glasses kind of way.  I remember sitting there thinking that I wanted to say to Mike “you know, two of these guys are still alive, and you could be touring with them right now, instead of performing with a different band in front of old footage of them”.  The whole thing is extremely odd.     

TBH Al is probably more than happy with that. Imagine being Paul or Ringo, Mick or Keith, Dylan to name a few. Even today they would still get stopped in the street.
Having said that, my wife shared a tube ride in London early 80s with Paul and Linda McCartney. She was so stunned (only a few years after John Lennon’s death) she never even considered talking to them. Probably best in hindsight she didn’t say anything.  Only a few years later, working as a receptionist she asked our most high profile New Zealander, Sir Edmond Hillary, standing in front of her ‘Can I ask who is calling?’ Probably took the bus in to work that day handing over a $5 note with his face on it. Still embarrassed 30 years later. 

Yes, the best possible scenario would be to have the benefits that tend to go along with fame (money, connections, influence) while still being able to go out without being bothered.  I just find it so incredible that the BB somehow don’t have that same recognition factor that the Beatles and the Stones have. 

Good story about Edmund Hilary, btw

What does the 'C' in C50 stand for?

I believe it’s celebration. 

Not a question, but a comment.  I met Al at his solo show last week in Annapolis.  His very lovely wife took a picture of me with Al, using my cell phone.  I’m going to get a new phone soon and want to save the photo so I uploaded it to my facebook page (which I hardly ever use) just to be able to “save” it somewhere online as I was having trouble emailing it to myself. 

Anyway, a lot of people have “liked” the photo but not a single person has made a comment about who is in the photo.  Most of the people liking it are people I don’t know that well and people who definitely don’t know that I love the BB.  I have to think that none of these people have any idea who it is in the picture and think it’s me with an uncle or something.  I find it amazing that an original member of one of the most famous bands in the world can be completely anonymous and unrecognized. 

Excellent show from Alan this evening! We got "Luau", "Santa Ana Winds" (YAY!), "Surf's Up" AND the "Mama Says" Wild Honey album spin on "Vegetables" after the regular cut, along with a good chunk of "Don't Fight The Sea" after someone shouted it out...but then it got really abrasive and absurd. I've never understood the fascination with shouting songs out at a performer. They've prepared a show...sit back and enjoy it, reach out before or after if you have a request/idea. Anyway- excellent set of songs and stories from Alan and the band. Meet and Greet afterwards was wonderful too. I got to thank Al for "Santa Ana Winds" and reminded him I requested it last time after the show, he said that I was one of two people there that knew it.    I also thanked him for "Surf's Up" and he was very modest but I said it's insane to even consider pulling that off with just three guys and he agreed! His wife was taking pictures this time which was a big help, but Matt Jardine was not out for photos this time.

Also, before the show Al and his wife were just strolling around out front of the venue like it was nothing! Got a wave in and then let them be, then he just strolled through the bar while it was half full stopping for high-fives and hellos...he's just such a down to earth, likeable guy. Hope he comes through again next year!

I agree that it was an excellent night.  Al was great, both his singing and playing as well as his storytelling.  The vocal blend of his voice, Matt’s and the other fellow (sorry, am forgetting and am too tired to look it up right now) was really lovely and the acoustic versions of many of the songs really allowed the voices to come through. 

I wouldn’t characterize the song requests as abrasive.  It was all in good fun and I think it’s worth mentioning that the person shouting out “sing one verse” of Lady Lynda the most was Al’s wife herself (she is so nice, by the way, so friendly at the meet and greet).  I think the fact that Matt joked “you guys are a demanding crowd” shows that they just take it in stride. 

It was a great show all around. 

I'll be in Annapolis tonight, I'd say it was about 2hrs last time with a free meet-and-greet to follow.

Thanks!

Has anyone been to the show and can tell me roughly how long it is?  Is there an intermission?  Anyone going to the show in Annapolis?

I haven't been able to give a good think to the issue you raise, primarily because I'm more interested in another question:  is your workplace hiring?  You really have these kinds of discussions with co-workers? Lucky.  I once mentioned to a colleague that I was going to see Brian Wilson perform a concert that weekend and he responded by saying "that's the guy from the Beach Boys, right".  Your work is obviously cooler than mine...

Isn't Brian still slated to go back out August 7th? I wonder if they're holding rehearsals/warm-ups over the next few weeks at some point since they didn't have the June dates.

Yes, the August dates are still on as far as I can see. 

The one that immediately springs to my mind is Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon".

Veering spectacularly off topic here, but while we're on the subject of "Karma Chameleon" I have this rather disconcerting habit of hearing religious things in songs that aren't there. For years (decades) I could have sworn that Boy George was singing "Every day is like the Bible" (instead of "survival"). The mind boggles.

And in Wang Chung's "Dance Hall Days", I persistently heard "We were cool on Christ" until the world wide web put me right (apparently it's "craze"). H'mm.

I thought it said "we were HOOKED on Christ"

I always thought the chorus was “dance all day” not “dancehall days” despite the title of the song being a fairly big clue as to the lyrics.  Which, as an aside, are quite weird when you really look at them.  “Take your baby by the hair”, “take your baby by the ears”?  What??

That's a really cool post from John Fogerty. 

I'm expecting it to be a sunflower box set and I get shivers just thinking about it.

Needs to be a psychical release.

I hope it’s a physical release but psychical would be cool too.  Is that where they just transmit it directly into our brains?  

In answer to Billy C specifically, the answer is YES "seriously", don't play this you care more about Brian Wilson  than anybody else BS.
And don't try to shame me in public! WE all make business decisions, including BW.

As Hey Jude noted, the shows are still on...if they are cancelled or postponed, you’ll be informed by the venue.  That’s how it works.  I’ve had tickets to two Brian shows end up being cancelled.  One was this last round of cancellations, the other was last spring when shows were cancelled due to him having back surgery.   I got an email from the venues as soon as the decision to cancel was made.  Again, that’s how it works.  As far as your comment about fans being left in the dark, I totally disagree.  We’ve actually had a very frank statement from Brian about the reason the early summer dates were cancelled.

Also, I have to say...if you buy tickets to see a performer in his late 70s with what are quite frankly legendary health issues, you have to accept a little uncertainty.  People get sick.  People who are 76 YEARS OLD sometimes get sick and might have to cancel a show/tour.  It comes with the territory.  Come on, man, have some perspective. 

^ Thanks! I found it via Google. What a fun read.

also if my current career plans don't work out I can just open a restaurant called:

I don't know how I missed that Rolling Stone article.  It's such a great one.  Jason Fine can write a good story.   

I would totally eat at Gyros and Villains, by the way.