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680601 Posts in 27601 Topics by 4068 Members - Latest Member: Dae Lims March 29, 2024, 07:55:41 AM
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26  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Brian Wilson 2020 Live Thread on: November 05, 2019, 12:02:03 PM

Fantastic post, Rab!! Everything you stated had to be said especially the part concerning the stupid abuse he received about his last album from misinformed fans about autotune, etc. I wouldn't blame Brian for never releasing anything new after that kind of crappy behavior. And, he got the same treatment from the idiot he made rich who went on to record his POS album loaded with autotune. Brian gets ragged on too much about this that or the other thing far too much for someone who is in his twilight years. DLTBGYD, Brian. 

Agreed, OSD! And thanks Rab. Brian pretty much does exactly what he wants, as you said. I think he's earned that right by now. Crap about his being forced to tour is some bizarre fantasy that won't die from a few fans who have likely been fed bs. As far as I know, Brian isn't interested in recording anything right now. Of course, that could change tomorrow. He's Brian.

I don't mean to sound rude and unappreciative to Brian's fans, but all indications are that he learned decades ago not to worry about a few critics. He pays no attention and does what he wants as an artist and a person. That's a sound plan, and was even true in the early 80's and I'm pretty sure, before that. While I'm certainly not hanging out with him these days, I trust what I hear from the people who do. I think that attitude became part of his survival. He enjoys appreciative fans, ignores the others, and has for some time.
27  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Jeff Foskett on: November 04, 2019, 04:03:47 PM
Well deserved praise for Jeff Foskett from the Amazon listing for his forthcoming CD:

What a thrill it was to hear Jeff singing “Adios" with his unique, plaintiff voice. Seems to fit the song perfectly. Jeff is in many ways an unsung hero - the man in the back of the band who is meticulously teaching background parts including phrasing dynamics and all the subtleties to background singers. I remember he got David Crosby, Carly Simon and myself together to sing “In My Room”. He taught us the parts in about ten minutes. Great teacher and vocal arranger. So wonderful to see his long overdue solo record. —Jimmy Webb

I remember the first time I heard Jeffrey’s voice - standing beside him sharing a live mic, singing harmonies. Flawless pitch, in the pocket, completely committed to the performance. His voice a perfect instrument. An experience I’ve been lucky to have many times. — Robert Lamm (Chicago)

Jeffrey Foskett has been a close friend and peer for decades whom I respect immensely for his incredible voice and musical sensibilities. Our band, America, has worked with and sang with him in every capacity from live touring together with The Beach Boys since the 70's, to recording beautiful background vocals on many of our recordings, to actually occasionally filling in for band members if needed. He is a great vocal arranger and seems to effortlessly add beautiful vocal parts to any song. I particularly marvel at the work he did with me on the Brian Wilson song, Caroline No, for our Back Pages project in 2012. There are precious few singers who equal the voice of Jeffrey Foskett. — Dewey Bunnell (America)

It didn't take years of touring together with the beach boys to discover what was glaringly apparent from day one. Jeff is a talent of immeasurable beauty. There are voices & then there are VOICES. Who can sing higher? Who is the most expressive? We all have a list of qualities we listen for. Very rarely does someone combine them all to create something truly signature. Jeff's is such a voice. We have been fortunate to sing, work & play together for forty years. As he's heard me say many times... Jeff is one of my favorite people on the planet. — Gerry Beckley (America)

My dear friend Jeff Foskett has brought his unique voice and production skills, honed from years with the Beach Boys to create his own take on some classics that show the breadth of his talents. Carl would be proud xxx — Christopher Cross

Knowing Jeff Foskett since he was a student at UCSB and had a band called Reverie, throughput the years he has been a vocal blessing to all of us. Whether it be The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson and his band, or The Endless Summer Beach Band; so many variations and so many groups have been blessed to have him be an integral member. Not only are all the accolades true regarding Jeff’s vocal range and abilities, but the thing that makes him special is the fact that he is tremendously giving, loving, and a person who never fails to be of service to others. I am delighted that his vocal talents are showcased on this album and I’m forever grateful for his friendship, and the blessing of his talents. — Mike Love

Jeff’s voice is one of the top five greatest voices I’ve ever heard, because of the way he expresses himself. It blows me away. — Brian Wilson


A beautiful tribute to Jeff's talents. Thanks so much.
28  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Oct 20th. David Leaf .. BW RFH SMiLE performance first ever video showing....!? on: October 22, 2019, 12:04:00 PM
Thank you both for sharing that!
Smiley
29  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Oct 20th. David Leaf .. BW RFH SMiLE performance first ever video showing....!? on: October 22, 2019, 10:31:09 AM
Ok, so I went to this today...
It was held in Schoenberg Hall in the UCLA music school building.  There was a pretty good crowd, but it wasn't full.   I'd say perhaps 350 of 500 seats were occupied.  
Beach Boys / Brian Wilson luminaries in attendance in addition to David and Brian: Darian, Probyn, Domenic Priore, Mark Linett & Alan Boyd.   There were several other folks I thought I recognized but am not 100% sure so will refrain from mentioning.
Before the program began, a 1964 photo of the Beach Boys on the UCLA campus (from the Don't Worry Baby/ I Get Around 45 sleeve) was displayed on the theater screen.  A nice touch.
David Leaf began the proceedings promptly at 2pm.   He made a pitch for the scholarship as well as explained a bit about Smile and his own history as a fan.  He then introduced an extended excerpt from the Beautiful Dreamer documentary. The segment covered Brian's stress during the rehearsals in the weeks immediately preceding Smile's 2004 debut in London.  This set the stage for the main part of the program... the concert film. What can I say?  It was a great 50 minute concert.  I only saw the Burbank live DVD once, shortly after its release, so I can't really comment or even guess why that was deemed more releasable than the London debut.  Brian's vocals were fine.  The band was awesome.  The audience was ecstatic.  It was supposedly the very first show, but it may have included some footage from subsequent nights.  I'm not as good at the Hocus-Focus as some of y'all, so I didn't notice any changed shirts/shoes/whatever. But I did notice George Martin in the some of the audience clips, so make of that what you will.


Following a brief intermission, the curtain was drawn. Brian was seated at a grand piano.  Joining him around the piano were David and Probyn.  Brian was dressed casually in an untuckedl long-sleeve Polo shirt and white tennis shoes.  David had questions for both Brian and Probyn.  If you've seen or read a Brian Wilson interview over the past 30 years, you're familiar with what might be called his minimalist style of answering questions ("yes," "right," etc) and there was a lot of that. He was certainly cogent and answered appropriately. I'm not going to go into huge detail on this, as I imagine a video will surface sooner or later on YouTube, Instagram, etc.   Brian cracked the audience up a couple times.  David Leaf was talking about how Herb Alpert and Mo Ostin were great benefactors of UCLA's music school and mentioned that Brian was long acquainted with both men.  (David didn't mention Alpert's ownership of Sea of Tunes, a not insignificant source of his wealth BTW). When David was talking about Mo Ostin, Brian said, "Is Mo Ostin still alive?"  This apparently struck many as funny and perhaps it was Brian's delivery that was humorous, but I think the source of the laughter was likely the audience's unawareness that Ostin is a very old man (92).  The other standout exchange was when Probyn was talking about how working with Brian has allowed him to meet many famous musicians who are fans of Brian.  Probyn described Pete Townsend bowing down and profusely telling Brian what big fan he is.  Brian interrupts, "Who is Pete Townsend?"  Probyn, "Pete Tonwsend from the Who."  Brian: "Who?"  The audience erupted.  Was this Brian doing shtick?  Probably.  Maybe. Or maybe not. I honestly am not sure.  At the end, David invited Brian to play some Smile music on the piano.  Brian declined, saying something along the lines that he couldn't remember how to the play the songs.  David said something like, "Heroes and Villains or Surf's Up?"  Brian banged out about 3 seconds of H&V and sang, "I been in this town.." and quit.   For those 3 seconds it was great-- the Humble Harv demo 2019.  It would have been freakin' awesome if he'd played a few verses, but alas it was not to be. He's Brian Freakin' Wilson and if he doesn't want to play, he doesn't have to play.

All in all, definitely an interesting way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Glad I went.    The crowd was a mix, guessing a lot of David's friends and colleagues, along with a sprinkling of UCLA students, a large cohort of well-dressed, entertainment-industry type folks.  

The afternoon could have been titled "A slightly belated 15th Anniversary party for Smile's London debut," as there was a lot of reminiscing by David and Probyn.  Probyn had many touching comments, including discussion of how he personally felt connected to Pet Sounds and his own history as a Smile fan.  Smile is part of Brian's story, of course, but this event reinforced to me how much it's also David's story and Probyn's and Darian's and Domenic's... and really all the fans who wished back to life a collection of music that died in 1967 but wouldn't stay dead.



Thanks so much for sharing this. A friend called last evening and I was so happy to hear from both of you that it went well. Brian was having a good day. Brian apparently said first that Herb Alpert was "a great singer," and then interjected later that he was "good at playing the trumpet," as I understand. It made me laugh until my friend reminded me about "This Guy's in Love with You." Then I thought, "hell, yeah! I LOVED that vocal." It didn't have the Dionne Warwick perfect delivery, but the vocal sounded so sincere that I think it made lots of young women (like me) melt. Apparently, there were older vocals by him under another name. Brian knew it all, as he does when he's being straight with you.

I also understand that Nicky's wife was there and that the film had so many touching reminders of him. Let's not forget his GoFundMe - https://www.gofundme.com/f/aqwfm-nicky-wonder-nick-walusko-memorial-fund, in addition to this great UCLA scholarship fund in Brian's name. I'm pretty positive that they're still taking donations: https://spark.ucla.edu/project/16496. You can contact them if this link doesn't work and they'll take care of it.

I loved the final paragraph of what you said, since it was perfect - it was Brian's baby and burden and it took the love of so many to happen.

It was funny, before the first "Smile" show at RFH when everyone was terrified that it would be too much for Brian, yet it was something that he and everyone needed, I was the smug one who said, "He's a pro. In spite of everything, he'll do it." Then I was the one who was holding my breath for longer than I thought anyone could and burst into tears when it ended. Of course.

When my friend and I went back to the Marriott County Hall and sat in the lobby (yes, with a bottle of champagne) she said, "You see Debbie, you CAN love someone enough." It was perfect and she had everything to do with this fund so many years later.

One of my favorite lines from another friend about Brian that suits your comments - after I'd told a story about Brian from the past that I found hilarious - was, "He has no idea how funny he is." Perfectly stated...
30  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Oct 20th. David Leaf .. BW RFH SMiLE performance first ever video showing....!? on: October 18, 2019, 09:14:48 AM
I'm pretty certain that David filmed all of the RFH shows - not just the first night. He definitely had footage from several.

I'm pretty certain you're right -- it would certainly explain how in the DVD that had footage of the "first" performance at RFH how 1) Nick's shirt changed mid-song, 2) Van Dyke was wearing a white knit shirt in the audience at the end of the concert but was magically wearing a blue button-down shirt and a fest when Brian called him up to the stage, and 3) George Martin and Paul McCartney were in the audience (they were at the *fourth* show, if I know my history correctly; not the first)...

You have an eye for detail! It seems certain that the people who can attend on Sunday get to see something previously unreleased. I was lucky enough to see various parts of the unreleased footage, but that didn't include the concert recordings. Wish I could make it.
31  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Oct 20th. David Leaf .. BW RFH SMiLE performance first ever video showing....!? on: October 17, 2019, 12:22:10 PM
Isn't this a rather grand way of saying "we're putting a DVD on the telly"?


The Smile DVD concert was recorded in Burbank in the later part of 2004. If I understand correctly, the concert that will be shown is the first ever Smile performance from February 2004 at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

Crazy that they never released this performance


Well, I haven't seen that performance obviously but I guess since it was the very first, it may be a little shaky at some points. When the DVD shows were filmed, Brian and the band had played the album for months and were tight. And at that point Brian also had some work done on his teeth so he looked much better for the cameras. In fact, the whole setup was very colorful and fit the Smile vibe wonderfully imo. So it makes much more sense that they released the later show for a DVD release while keeping the first show(s) for historical reasons, maybe using parts of it in the "Long promised road"-documentary.

I'm pretty certain that David filmed all of the RFH shows - not just the first night. He definitely had footage from several.
32  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Oct 20th. David Leaf .. BW RFH SMiLE performance first ever video showing....!? on: October 15, 2019, 04:01:47 PM
So glad to see the interest in this event, and in the scholarship fund. I don't know what footage will be shown from David's work in 2004 on "Beautiful Dreamer". What I do know is that there is plenty of compelling, unreleased material to work with, having been lucky enough to see some of it at the time. Beyond all that, it's just a great cause.
33  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Al Jardine - 2018/2019 Tour Thread - Postcards Storytellers Tour (& Other Dates) on: October 01, 2019, 04:41:00 PM
I've heard great things about Al's shows. I wish I could travel to see one.

Beyond that, one thing to know about the value of autographs is, the more freebie ones are signed and out there, the less valuable they are. From what I understand, Brian learned that the hard way (or didn't?). I don't think it's cynical when artists refuse to sign. They just know that people who pose as big fans are making $$$ from that signature. They probably all get sick of it. Try to get a Paul McCartney autograph and see what happens.
34  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: UCLA Names a Scholarship In Brian’s Honor on: September 27, 2019, 03:21:01 PM
Passing along a new message from David Leaf via BBFC.

Quote from: David Leaf
Surf’s Up! You've heard about the new Brian Wilson scholarship at UCLA. Here’s your opportunity to give back to Brian and the Beach Boys for all their "Good Vibrations." Please make your contribution to The Brian Wilson Scholarship Fund now.

Remember: Every donation is generous, so please give what you can right now. This is our moment to show Brian our "Love... and Mercy."

And make sure to spread the YOUR good vibrations and share this with your friends!

The Brian Wilson Scholarship Fund:
https://spark.ucla.edu/project/16496


Thanks!  David mentioned that no contribution is too small. It all means something, and it's all appreciated. Just looking at the photo of that young, gifted composer with Brian and David is hard to resist.
35  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Aumm... on: September 22, 2019, 11:24:30 AM
It's long been understood to be a meditation/doowop hybrid. Understood by me, at least. And rock writers such as Ken Barnes, who mentioned it back in the '70s.

Agreed. It's hard to miss and was done perfectly.
36  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Pre-BBs history of Brother Studios Santa Monica location on: September 09, 2019, 04:10:29 PM
Two things I can confirm. Kim Fowley definitely had a Rolls Royce. He had a driver. He came to my apartment in Century City in 1979 to inquire about my band The Point after he'd heard our demo tape. Came in a Rolls. He also produced Helen Reddy sessions at Brother and told me Dennis treated him wonderfully during that time.


I had been to Brother a few times starting in late '77. Soon after your run in with Kim he sought out my project, By that time his lifestyle was back to down and dirty. He lived off Hayworth, north of Sunset, in a regular 2 bedroom apt. He had no car.  Jo Jo Clark, a wanna be John Fogerty/Tony Joe White,  was his driver.
Kim was not good with money. At all. Ralph Peer II bailed him out regularly. I did, too, once, a few years later, by offering him my barren laundry room to stay in.  At the time you met him, he may have been riding high on Kiss money. The Helen Reddy advance wasn't too shabby, either.

The other project Kim & Earle did at Brother was The Quick (Great Buildings, Danny Wilde, The Rembrandts), for Mercury.

Kim told me Bruce stories. He also had stuff to say about Murry and Van Dyke Parks. None of it bad, really, it's just he had certain peculiar attitudes about people in his past.
For all I know the Rolls he arrived in when I met him could have been borrowed or rented. Just wanted to confirm that the one Debbie saw at Brother could have been his. Possible. In 79 Kim was working with Stiv Bators and recording his post Runaways girl group the Orchids. He had us come down to Kitchen Sync Studio and pitched us on writing songs for Stiv. Never worked out, but it was an interesting chapter in my life. I interviewed him in 99 for my Dennis book and he clearly remembered our band and the demo tape. He also shared about his history with Dennis , Bruce and the other Beach Boys. Liked Dennis a lot. Said this about Bruce "He knows how to join a Country Club."

John, my apologies for not suggesting you as someone who would know these things, and thanks for the info. Ironically, I wasn't especially involved at the time because I was very busy with, and loved my job at - yes - Bruce's country club - no kidding. I did house-sit at Dennis's home that he shared with Shawn at around that time near Zuma Beach in West Malibu. That was after he lived at Venice Beach (I think). I was never there. I was on Harmony once when Dennis caught me leaving an event where I had just left Brian because he had become impossible to deal with. Dennis yelled across the street to me, "Hey, Debbie, if I can get Brian to come with me to the boat, will you come take care of him?" As po'd as I obviously was, I said yes. Dennis gave me the directions to the boat where Brian had finally quieted down in the aft cabin. Dennis and friends were having a quiet party in the forward cabin while Brian and I just fell asleep - thank heavens. I got up the next morning and went to work. Such was life then.
Debbie thanks for sharing that story. Must have been so interesting being close to the Wilsons back then. I met Dennis in 78 and Brian in 79 and there were no other people like them. Child like spiritual souls. And Carl. It's almost like a holy trinity for me. Kim Fowley might be on the other end of that spectrum. But he was also really interesting. Hilarious that you worked at Bruce's Country Club. I almost fell over reading that!

The Wilson brothers did all have that quality - well-put, as usual, Jon. Yes, it was actually a local beach club where I worked which is a type of country club and part of the same organizations, similar fees and admissions requirements. No golf course, but they had paddle tennis, so I'm sure Bruce got to wear his tennis whites if he was in the mood.  Wink I have so many stories from there that I can never tell because of confidentiality. I had a great boss and it was a wonderful place to work.
37  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Pre-BBs history of Brother Studios Santa Monica location on: September 08, 2019, 09:43:04 AM
Two things I can confirm. Kim Fowley definitely had a Rolls Royce. He had a driver. He came to my apartment in Century City in 1979 to inquire about my band The Point after he'd heard our demo tape. Came in a Rolls. He also produced Helen Reddy sessions at Brother and told me Dennis treated him wonderfully during that time.


I had been to Brother a few times starting in late '77. Soon after your run in with Kim he sought out my project, By that time his lifestyle was back to down and dirty. He lived off Hayworth, north of Sunset, in a regular 2 bedroom apt. He had no car.  Jo Jo Clark, a wanna be John Fogerty/Tony Joe White,  was his driver.
Kim was not good with money. At all. Ralph Peer II bailed him out regularly. I did, too, once, a few years later, by offering him my barren laundry room to stay in.  At the time you met him, he may have been riding high on Kiss money. The Helen Reddy advance wasn't too shabby, either.

The other project Kim & Earle did at Brother was The Quick (Great Buildings, Danny Wilde, The Rembrandts), for Mercury.

Kim told me Bruce stories. He also had stuff to say about Murry and Van Dyke Parks. None of it bad, really, it's just he had certain peculiar attitudes about people in his past.
For all I know the Rolls he arrived in when I met him could have been borrowed or rented. Just wanted to confirm that the one Debbie saw at Brother could have been his. Possible. In 79 Kim was working with Stiv Bators and recording his post Runaways girl group the Orchids. He had us come down to Kitchen Sync Studio and pitched us on writing songs for Stiv. Never worked out, but it was an interesting chapter in my life. I interviewed him in 99 for my Dennis book and he clearly remembered our band and the demo tape. He also shared about his history with Dennis , Bruce and the other Beach Boys. Liked Dennis a lot. Said this about Bruce "He knows how to join a Country Club."

John, my apologies for not suggesting you as someone who would know these things, and thanks for the info. Ironically, I wasn't especially involved at the time because I was very busy with, and loved my job at - yes - Bruce's country club - no kidding. I did house-sit at Dennis's home that he shared with Shawn at around that time near Zuma Beach in West Malibu. That was after he lived at Venice Beach (I think). I was never there. I was on Harmony once when Dennis caught me leaving an event where I had just left Brian because he had become impossible to deal with. Dennis yelled across the street to me, "Hey, Debbie, if I can get Brian to come with me to the boat, will you come take care of him?" As po'd as I obviously was, I said yes. Dennis gave me the directions to the boat where Brian had finally quieted down in the aft cabin. Dennis and friends were having a quiet party in the forward cabin while Brian and I just fell asleep - thank heavens. I got up the next morning and went to work. Such was life then.
38  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Pre-BBs history of Brother Studios Santa Monica location on: September 07, 2019, 02:26:16 PM

Wait, I think I saw a Rolls once right in front in the late afternoon. It may have been Kim Fowley's - memory fails.


If it was a convertible, it probably belonged to Dennis. He owned a Rolls/Bentley type car during that period. Dennis took someone I know to buy hot dogs at a corner spot on Pico (?) in WLA during a recording session break.
Kim Fowley never drove and never had a drivers license. I don't think he ever owned a car. He told me his inability to get a license had something to do with him having had polio.
Brother had a small parking lot in the back.

I don't remember much except that there was a Rolls there. I never went around to the back, because I was always just "Passing By." While Kim may not have owned a car, my friends who knew and were highly entertained by him knew that he lived and traveled in style, so who knows? Even in those days, people found him somewhat creepy with young women - particularly smarter young women who knew it wasn't worth it to have him make them "stars" (and he did have some success there). Happily for him, he didn't have to try to survive under today's standards. When he told Chris Kable about his arrival at Brother Studies, he told her to look for "someone who looks like Lurch," so that she'd know to let him in. She could confirm that.

You sound like you may know more than me about Kim. You could probably offer more info.
39  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Pre-BBs history of Brother Studios Santa Monica location on: September 06, 2019, 05:16:01 PM
It's time to talk to Ed Roach and Chris Kable for a documentary - So sad that we lost Trisha Campo a few years ago.

One of my employees then had previously been hostess at Belle-Vue restaurant and absolutely loved Dennis as one of their regulars. She was my mother's age and Dennis treated her wonderfully.

I used to run errands from work in that area all the time since it was near the parking structures for shopping in Santa Monica. The only car that caught my attention on occasion was Karen Lamm's seafoam green Mercedes convertible (It was a beautiful car). One day I saw her blonde hair caught in the wind and sunlight as she got out of the car. She was a striking sight, even to a woman. Sadly, she's not around to be interviewed either. Another employee of mine in Lucienne's (the Belle-Vue lady's) position was (and still is) an animal rescue activist. Karen was very generous to them. Everything is 6 degrees from someone. 

Wait, I think I saw a Rolls once right in front in the late afternoon. It may have been Kim Fowley's - memory fails. Chris would probably know.

A sort of reverse history was the Ivar offices. They became somewhat controversial public baths after the Beach Boys sold them. Sadly, AIDS hit some years later, so I suspect that was the end of that incarnation.

Whatever works for the space at the time, I guess.

Ed and Chris are some of the people who would have great stories.

Thanks for the recollections, Debbie.

I wonder if Denny started frequenting Chez Jay in Santa Monica (walking distance from both Brother Studios and Belle-Vue) during the time ('76-'77) that he was recording POB there. Yet I only seem to recall hearing stories about Denny going Chez Jay during Denny's last really rough year or 2 of his life, but I'm guessing that bar must have been known to him back then, a few years earlier.

The timing sounds highly likely for the POB recording time. I feel pretty certain that Denny would have known Chez Jay's at the same time as Belle-Vue. Pretty much everyone knew Chez Jay's at the time. It was really famous. I suspect Belle-Vue was more of a lunch/dinner place and Chez Jay after-hours. He was obviously with Karen at the time, well, off and on. I wish I could remember if it was Chris or Trisha who told me the story of Karen coming in and started going over calendars, when Karen marked off a future week starting with "move furniture, Dennis and Karen break up." Then Karen said, "You know Dennis and I never last more than 2 weeks." The woman had a sense of humor. I forget at what point he started being with Chris McVie. She also had quite a sense of humor. I think it was required with Dennis.

I believe it was Trisha who said that Dennis would call in saying he was in Malibu and that he'd be there in some impossibly short amount of time. He always made it as predicted. I don't know whether they cleared PCH so that he could rocket through? No one ever knew how he did it.
40  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Beach Boys 2019 Tour Thread on: September 06, 2019, 01:45:25 PM
Brian Eichenberger, who was briefly in Brian’s band (having replaced someone who was even briefer in the band) and then joined M&B

Yeah, I think he may regret some of his past decisions, but I really don't know what's happening in his career these days.
41  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Pre-BBs history of Brother Studios Santa Monica location on: September 06, 2019, 01:43:16 PM
It's time to talk to Ed Roach and Chris Kable for a documentary - So sad that we lost Trisha Campo a few years ago.

One of my employees then had previously been hostess at Belle-Vue restaurant and absolutely loved Dennis as one of their regulars. She was my mother's age and Dennis treated her wonderfully.

I used to run errands from work in that area all the time since it was near the parking structures for shopping in Santa Monica. The only car that caught my attention on occasion was Karen Lamm's seafoam green Mercedes convertible (It was a beautiful car). One day I saw her blonde hair caught in the wind and sunlight as she got out of the car. She was a striking sight, even to a woman. Sadly, she's not around to be interviewed either. Another employee of mine in Lucienne's (the Belle-Vue lady's) position was (and still is) an animal rescue activist. Karen was very generous to them. Everything is 6 degrees from someone. 

Wait, I think I saw a Rolls once right in front in the late afternoon. It may have been Kim Fowley's - memory fails. Chris would probably know.

A sort of reverse history was the Ivar offices. They became somewhat controversial public baths after the Beach Boys sold them. Sadly, AIDS hit some years later, so I suspect that was the end of that incarnation.

Whatever works for the space at the time, I guess.

Ed and Chris are some of the people who would have great stories.
42  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Beach Boys 2019 Tour Thread on: September 05, 2019, 11:29:05 AM
It's interesting to watch Mike's band balloon in size considering his stated aversion to a larger band during C50. He noted there were too many members on stage competing for parts. This from the guy who now has three keyboardists on stage (and/or three guitarists) in addition to a non-vocalist bassist and a sax player. Plus Stamos when he shows up.

Ironic and contradictory, right? Not just the C50 reasoning, but when his book came out there were people close to Mike and his book praising his financial acumen, and how he likes to run a "lean n' mean" touring operation (that's what was said...), going as far as to point out how Mike even rents his backline of amps and other assorted stage gear so they don't need to lug it around, not to mention the smaller band setup Mike was running in the years before and after C50. And I'm assuming, perhaps incorrectly, that pointing out and praising Mike's "lean n' mean" operation and stage setup was being offered as a contrast to both C50 AND Brian's stage band with all those musicians on stage.

It's funny how things change. Wonder if ticket sales and return numbers on some recent tours had an effect on Mike's adding that many more musicians to his stage and overall crew.

I really admire all of you who keep fighting this fight. (I'm not being sarcastic here) - Does it really matter anymore? I love reading the words of people like Craigand Billy who have expertise when they comment. I know others do, as well.

I don't know Mike's shows, but the videos in the clips seem to indicate that he relies on endless videos to fill in for what he doesn't sing, and the crowds love it.

Brian goes out with his band and his compositions. He sings when he feels like it, and he knows he has a great band who'll fill the gaps when he wants to just listen to what he created with the best band ever, and he could hire them easily because they've been his own for so many years. No complaints here.

Different people care about different things. Many of Mike's audiences in particular (they know the BBs' name and not much more) enjoy what he does, including his standing in front of old videos.

Brian's more audio smart followers love to hear his band, the deep cuts and hope for Brian having a good night.

What I'm curious about is, what are fans expecting?

We know their ages and their history. Al and Blondie still have their chops. Brian has perfect pitch, so when he wants to sing well, he normally does. Some less committed band members fill in for both or either bands, but they're recognized as having talent. I think people love the coherence and devotion of Brian's band to his music. That's not what Mike is about. He's made it clear that the license to the name was to be a money-maker.

We haven't had a lot of stupid lawsuits from Mike over that past few years. Maybe we should just hope for the best. I know, I know! It may be inevitable that it will get ugly again. Let's just enjoy this respite from fans being used by some to tear Brian down and saying he should retire, no matter what he wanted, by people who had something to gain. I think one of the biggest influencers isn't in the mix these day, so that probably helps.

I don't know if Brian's fans were ever influenced against Mike by people in power with Brian, but it seems unlikely.  Certainly I was never asked to tear anyone down, or to build Brian up), but I can't speak for all. If the negative types against Brian with sad little egos are still looking for a backstage pass (by attacks on Brian on the ML side, or trying to kiss up to Brian's band) are still at it, I don't think anyone is listening anymore. If they get backstage before the band gets on the bus to leave, how nice for them.

Oh dear, in my usual afterthought I just realized that some genuine friends of my own and with Brian's band may think that they are being referenced here. Definitely, not! In fact, I'm not certain I know anyone in the US who might qualify. I'm glad that these people with their own talents are always there to support the band.
43  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Brian Wilson - 2019 Tour Thread on: August 30, 2019, 02:34:41 PM
I'd like to know what David Leaf thinks of Brian's live performances in the last 3 or 4 years - this was the guy who chastised the Beach Boys family for parading Brian around onstage in the late 70's like he was a circus animal. In Leaf's view, it didn't matter to the BB's and the family that Brian just sat frozen onstage behind his grand piano most of the time; people wanted to see Brian, so, here he is...even if most of the time he looks like he would rather be ANYWHERE but on that stage in front of all those people. But somehow, in 2019, that is not an issue, because Brian repeatedly tells the press that he loves touring.
If I believed every word that comes out of Brian's mouth, then i'd also have to believe him everytime he told a reporter that Gene Landy saved his life, that he had not been brainwashed by Landy, that he was a willing participant in the Landy program.
Well, maybe the guy has a really good poker face, maybe he does love being on stage and everything else that goes with touring. If that's the case, then I wish him well. Maybe he just feels responsible for keeping his band employed.
Maybe Leaf did have a change of heart once he got to know Brian. When he wrote the book back in the late 70's, he hadn't met the man himself. Back at that time, he had the view - based partially on conversations with various insiders - that Brian was being manipulated, controlled, etc. He pointed that finger directly at the Beach Boys themselves, Brian's family, Dr. Landy - i would think that's gotta be just as offensive as blaming the people around him today? Or was that more of a consensus view at the time, "the Beach Boys are dragging him onstage against his will", "the Beach Boys are forcing him to contribute to the albums against his will", "they are ignoring his personal problems, it's just all about that cash cow"?

I recall reading a post on this very board describing a backstage scene in the early- or mid-2000s where David Leaf was observed yelling at Brian for his unwillingness to take the stage at a particular show. Was that hypocricy, or a case of Leaf finally realizing that going onstage was in Brian's best interest, despite how he felt at that particular moment?

As far as Landy saving Brian's life - he certainly did, just as Murry was responsible in many ways for the band's early success. Doesn't mean either of them was a good person and didn't also do despicable things to Brian, but it's the truth.


Where did the idea come from that David never spoke with Brian while writing the book? I was around at the time, and - as long as it's been - I'm quite certain he said he had spoken with Brian.

Ray Lawlor has already spoken about the "David yelling at Brian" incident on these pages I'm sure. I don't have the time for a search but I'm sure it's available here. While I don't remember all the details, Ray essentially said that Brian asked and thanked people for demanding the best from him.

The whole, annoyingly repeated accusation that Melinda is forcing Brian to tour is just stupid. I know she was hoping to retire several years ago. It's Brian who wants to stay on the road. At least a lot of the good people who I know who doubted my word about this are happily, friends of the band, and they confirmed this.

As far as David's opinion of the shows today, you'd have to ask him.
44  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: RIP Nicky Wonder on: August 27, 2019, 04:36:46 PM
There's a GoFundMe now to raise money for:

  • Nick's funeral
  • Finishing his album Memories of Tomorrow
  • Donations to the SPCA in honor of his rescued chihuahua Ringo

URL: https://www.gofundme.com/f/aqwfm-nicky-wonder-nick-walusko-memorial-fund




It made me feel less helpless to support this GoFundMe. Thanks for posting. What a wonderful cause that I think all of us can support on some level.

And thanks for all of your generous sympathies over the loss of my husband. He was such a special man.
45  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Brian Wilson - 2019 Tour Thread on: August 13, 2019, 06:21:41 PM
Just so we're all on the same page here, some recent good-quality footage of Brian in concert and the studio.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVYqA6dtoPE

This is BW and band at the Culture Palace, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on July 8, 2018.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0BMgIH493s

Brian, joined by Blondie and Nick (RIP) in the studio back in February.

You can draw your own conclusions from these clips. Sometimes he's better, sometimes he's worse. No doubt back pain and mental challenges can limit the quality of his performances. But I think these video clips show an engaged, shy, but incredibly brave and gifted man continuing to do his best for audiences that adore him.

He's not what he was 20 years ago, or even 10. But he's out there, and he cares. I don't know what the future holds -- how much or little touring or recording. But I love what this man has done and who he is.

Thanks, Clay. You said it perfectly. The man is out there, and I think, while he's not the least bit political, he wants to spread "love and mercy" at this horrible time. He's a sponge, emotionally. He feels the ugliness. I'm so glad he has his band to support him through these times, and so sad at the loss of Nicky.
46  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: RIP Nicky Wonder on: August 08, 2019, 03:39:58 PM

The perfect share. Thanks so much! In a horrible coincidence, I was traveling to and from, and attending my husband's memorial service on 8/7, so I'll try to take this in as a can. I guess we can find out if we run out of tears.

What terrible losses we are experiencing. I hope this indicates that we can join them at some special place (if we behave ourselves)...and that Nicky will be there with his guitar.
47  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Get Well Brian on: July 29, 2019, 04:40:30 PM
I just reviewed this thread and was happy to see Jean Sievers finally getting the accolades she deserves. She has worked above and beyond for so many years now for Brian, his family and his fans.  Brian has the best support team imaginable.
48  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Brian's most active late-70's period on tour on: June 29, 2019, 04:35:42 PM
Mike just gave an interview to the Daily Mail this past week...and yes, he once again goes there and brings up the drugs and how his choices were better.

It's sad but at the same time it's almost like a parody of itself at this point. Un-freakin-real.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-7154031/Beach-Boy-grew-meditation-helped-pop-star-Mike-Love-78-cope-fame.html

A few choice excerpts:

>>>Mike credits meditation with saving his life when addictions were destroying those around him.

'It absolutely saved me,' he says. 'There are many ways to relax. Alcohol, marijuana, other drugs, but they all have side effects.

'I knew quite a few people who went in that direction. But if you learn transcendental meditation you're already relaxed. It leads you to make better choices.

'It was heartbreaking to see my own family members destroying themselves through drink and drugs.

'Not only Brian – his brother Dennis drowned in 1983 with an excess of drugs in his system.'<<<<

And...

>>>A day after Brian Wilson, who has been beset by health problems after a lifetime of drug and alcohol addiction, cancelled a tour because he was feeling 'mentally insecure', Mike Love called me from the health farm where he'd been on a starvation diet of juices ahead of his own tour, which will see him performing at the Royal Albert Hall and the Cornbury Festival. <<<<



So yeah, this article is crap in those regards, as in they had to knock down Brian and bring up addictions he's had beaten and had conquered for decades at this point, and contrast that with Mike calling from a "health farm" in the middle of a starvation juice fast and diet...oh, please. Does anyone care where Mike is calling from, whether it's a health farm's juice bar or at his dry cleaner picking up his Robert Graham shirts and ball caps sorted by the days of the week?

And it's sad because there are positives in the article, some nice sentiments, but the same old Drugs-Wilsons-Bad stuff keeps coming back, and it's Mike saying it ad nauseum.

It's this kind of stuff that is exactly what does Mike no favors.

It's exhausting. Old people don't adapt well, especially when they cover their own insecurities by maligning others. We have one in a far more prominent position than ML (of course, ML is a supporter of his), and that's the real danger.  I believe Mike isn't going to hurt Brian with this crap. Brian appears to have not cared for years. It's ML hurting ML. While Brian is dealing with issues, ML really needs to let this go. He probably won't.

Speaking of old people, mea culpa. My kids are working me through cell phone issues this weekend.  Cool Guy
49  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Brian's most active late-70's period on tour on: June 27, 2019, 04:02:57 PM
Brian really had no interest in touring as a BeachBoy at that time. He was told he needed the money, primarily by all the people on his payroll.

That's one of the reasons I used to get into trouble here. Apparently, it's not okay to say that people on Brian's payroll wanted to keep their jobs (the majority of them did, with the exception of a few good guys). Or that people who write a book about Brian/BBa want to sell a book, or whatever. (Fine with me, but tell the truth about it, please. I'm not accusing anyone of not caring, just admit there's an additional motive).

Also, at that point in time there had to be a Wilson performing for it to be a legitimate Beach Boys show. Brian wasn't happy and it showed.



Thanks Debbie. Let me chime in and say that the line "tell the truth about it, please" is and should be one of the guiding principles of any valid look at the history of this band. Sadly that principle too often falls by the wayside, and people who do know and tell the truth get labeled as the troublemakers when in fact those doing the labeling can be the real offenders. Anyway, it's good to get the truth out there in all cases, isn't it?  Smiley

I think it was the late, great Hal Blaine who said in an interview "Brian was the goose that laid the golden eggs..." for a lot of people, and if anyone interested in getting deeper into this band's history would look at that one notion and apply it to the earliest days as a band in Hawthorne through all the turmoil, they will see a common thread. Anyone who has seen "Love & Mercy", specifically the Kubrick tribute scene near the end when Brian's life flashes by and he's visited by various figures from his past, has seen several specific examples.

The names and faces changed, the expectations and behaviors did not for decades. Imagine the pressure of being held responsible for carrying, supporting, and forwarding an enterprise and numbers of people waiting for the golden eggs, and either not wanting to do it, saying "I don't want to do it", or simply not being physically or mentally up for doing it...and then feeling browbeaten into doing it anyway. Who would be happy in those cases?

No wonder the guy looked unhappy at various points.

Thanks, GF - you summed it up well.

(So sorry it took so long to reply. My husband is in home hospice, so mostly my life is wrapped around that.)

I think that period was so tough for all of them that most of what we see isn't pretty.  Brian was the guy who was never allowed a solo career for so long while others got to do theirs, he was the guy who brought Redwood/Three Dog Night to Brother Records, but was shut down (think about how that could have saved the day during that period). Carl brought Flame, so his taste was exquisite, too. Mike brought the Pickle Brothers. Let that sink in and consider that Brian might have been frustrated.

What I would say about one thing, and I may be absolutely wrong, is that one thing Carl wouldn't have wanted was to be remembered as a saint, as some people want to paint him. I honestly didn't know him terribly well, but better than many who speculate about him. He had a sense of humor that was occasionally wicked, oddly subtle, yet hilarious in a charming sort of way and always something that you wouldn't notice was funny, but he did. I wonder if their common sense of humor brought Brian and Carl back together as much as the music and family love (also, I talked to Melinda about this and she was a huge advocate of bringing them close again).

I understand why people are fascinated by that time period. I left in the middle of it because I wasn't tough enough, nor was I in the position to be Brian's advocate, so I left it to others. I think everyone did the best they knew to do, but somehow "Landy II" was considered to be the best answer by those in power. David Leaf had already found Brian's team at UCLA that brought him back to health a decade later, but I was the one who recommended them on David's behalf. No one was interested, so that's on me. They "knew better." I guess my meek presentation contributed to how things went pear-shaped. Life is full of these sad stories when people are all compromised by their own issues (in my case, lack of confidence).

The fact that Brian and the music lived on is nothing less than a miracle of love. I'd rather focus on that than the flip-side. Both are human and maybe useful stories in their own ways. People as brilliant as Brian and brothers could soar to the heights and hit rock-bottom. If the stories help others, great.
50  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Brian's most active late-70's period on tour on: June 13, 2019, 02:04:02 PM
Brian really had no interest in touring as a BeachBoy at that time. He was told he needed the money, primarily by all the people on his payroll.

That's one of the reasons I used to get into trouble here. Apparently, it's not okay to say that people on Brian's payroll wanted to keep their jobs (the majority of them did, with the exception of a few good guys). Or that people who write a book about Brian/BBa want to sell a book, or whatever. (Fine with me, but tell the truth about it, please. I'm not accusing anyone of not caring, just admit there's an additional motive).

Also, at that point in time there had to be a Wilson performing for it to be a legitimate Beach Boys show. Brian wasn't happy and it showed.

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