Mike's continuing beef with Al

[Smilin Ed H]

Just as well he was on Bummer; apart from his vocals, there's not much reason to listen to it. Clearly an inspired move by Mike to bring him back into the fold.

[Cam Mott]

I think I agree with Jude in a sense except I think all of the Boys are/were constantly teetering back and forth in a balance of what they would like to do and what their audiences seem to be demanding/responding to.

[tpesky]

Yes I agree, it seems like they all had their moments when they would question different things. I wonder what would have made Al do the watch thing as AGD mentioned, it seems very out of character for him to do something like that during a performance, off stage may be entirely different, I don't know.  I have to say this is an excellent thread, very informational fan for a fan like myself who is somewhere in the middle as far as Beach Boys knowledge, it is great hearing from the experts and I think it is great because these events have a direct connection to the state or lack thereof of The Beach Boys today.
Hmmm sounds familar cracked me up cause I know Brian has a tendency to do this at times.

[Dave in KC]

Our veterinarian's cousin is MARRIED to Alan and have I gotten some earsfull. I wish I could say what I heard but suffice to say Al has repeatedly gotten hosed. As for his dedication to the group, I know from personal knowledge and experience he was a team player and that's what really counts. Other than the fact he is a fantastic musician and person.

[Pretty Funky]

The story of him walking of stage. If it was during a encore with every man and his dog on stage would he have been missed? May have been a kids birthday he had to catch or something but a late gig start due to any number of problems may have put him behind schedule. I may be wrong but it sounds like a one-off.
How much slack was cut for the Wilsons over the years?

[endofposts]

When and why did Al become a corporate member of the Beach Boys?  Because my understanding is that he wasn't always, though that was a long time ago.  His situation is somewhat like that of Don Felder of the Eagles, though Al has been a Beach Boy much longer.  But it's similar in that an "outsider" was asked to be a full voting member of a band that has a core, and then the core members were not willing to give him a full say later.  And there were significant legal and financial ramifications due to that.

[Cam Mott]

Good point about who gets cut how much slack.

When Al was less than an equal shareholder it wouldn't be out of line for him to have a less than equal say would it. Doesn't bode well for all those scenarios where Al was supposedly crucial in group votes either.  Regardless they each have always had only one [or less] vote and everything has been said to have been decided democratically [with the exception of Brian's healthy period].

[Andrew G. Doe]

When and why did Al become a corporate member of the Beach Boys?  Because my understanding is that he wasn't always, though that was a long time ago.  His situation is somewhat like that of Don Felder of the Eagles, though Al has been a Beach Boy much longer.  But it's similar in that an "outsider" was asked to be a full voting member of a band that has a core, and then the core members were not willing to give him a full say later.  And there were significant legal and financial ramifications due to that.

I've heard two different dates, 1967 and 1970. I tend to go with the earlier one.

[Jon Stebbins]

When and why did Al become a corporate member of the Beach Boys?  Because my understanding is that he wasn't always, though that was a long time ago.  His situation is somewhat like that of Don Felder of the Eagles, though Al has been a Beach Boy much longer.  But it's similar in that an "outsider" was asked to be a full voting member of a band that has a core, and then the core members were not willing to give him a full say later.  And there were significant legal and financial ramifications due to that.

I've heard two different dates, 1967 and 1970. I tend to go with the earlier one.

Just FYI...Al gave me a later date than either of those when we discussed this very subject. His memory on dates and chronology isn't always the greatest , and I haven't seen any paper work to back up his claim. But I had thought it was '67 myself due to logic...but he told me no way...he said it came much later.

[MBE]

Didn't Gaines say 1973?

[Andrew G. Doe]

Call me sad, call me anal, call me a geek, but I found a date for the "Got a plane to catch" gig - late May/early June 1990, San Francisco. And Alan walked out in mid-set, not during the encore.

There, you can all sleep soundly tonight.

[Dave in KC]

Did the group know he was going to leave? Maybe he had an urgent family need, or a funeral or wedding to go to.

[Pretty Funky]

...or the trots!

[Cam Mott]

....or a bus to catch.

[Pretty Funky]

...or the song was "Summer Of Love" and it gave Al the sh*ts and he would rather be hit by a bus!

[Wilsonista]

Call me sad, call me anal, call me a geek, but I found a date for the "Got a plane to catch" gig - late May/early June 1990, San Francisco. And Alan walked out in mid-set, not during the encore.

There, you can all sleep soundly tonight.

Documented in the "auto"biography.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Mebbe so, but that's not my source. :-)

[SurfRiderHawaii]

Regardless of any and all legal issues, Al Jardine is missed in the Beach Boys.  He still sings great and his presence would add validity to the band!

I guess the sad truth of it all is that the 'Beach Boys' are really no more and the present touring group, as Bruce has said, is just keeping the music alive.

In the meantime, I am looking forward to solo efforts from Brian, Mike,  Al and Bruce; and the release of unheard of 'BB' stuff from the vaults.  David seems to have no problem making and releasing music.  By the way, has anyone noticed the similarity between David's style and Dennis?  Not the same voice but, what, a vibe?  Comments?

[tpesky]

I think Al and Dave make a unique and strong partnership. While I have not heard them together personally, I have heard strong reviews and hearing them separate, I think Al's voice and Dave's guitar playing would make a great experience for a lot of fans, maybe some new twists on some songs! Would love to see some more live action with these 2, Al can handle the lead on alot , if not most of the Beach Boys catalog with the exception of course of the falsetto Brian leads that he used to be able to do. Dave's lead guitar playing has that tremendous early 60's sound. I would be interested in some in depth offerings from both of them together!