Sign the petition to include Blondie and Ricky in the 2012 Reunion!

[PongHit]

EVERY SINGLE SONG that The Beach Boys will be playing on this tour

I doubt this ^ is accurate — the phase with Blondie/Ricky was a unique couple o' years when the live show was deliberately trying to move away from 'the traveling jukebox' setlist.  The new 50th anniversary show will likely include things like "Little Deuce Coupe," "Surfin' Safari," "Be True To Your School," "Shut Down," "409," etc.

[Aegir]

Blondie and Ricky definitely played all the bigger early hits live, Surfin' USA, Fun Fun Fun, Barbara Ann, California Girls, etc. Towards the end of Ricky's tenure with the band they started playing Little Deuce Coupe and Catch a Wave.

[drbeachboy]

he probably has played nearly EVERY SINGLE SONG that The Beach Boys will be playing on this tour

I doubt this ^ is accurate — the phase with Blondie/Ricky was a unique couple o' years when the live show was deliberately trying to move away from 'the traveling jukebox' setlist.  The new 50th anniversary show will likely include things like "Little Deuce Coupe," "Surfin' Safari," "Be True To Your School," "Shut Down," "409," etc.

I saw The Beach Boys in 1974 without Blondie, but with Dennis & Ricky together on drums and they did quite a few of the songs that were mentioned. I'm not really sure what your issue is, but the main deal here is that both Blondie & Ricky were "Official", dyed in the wool, Beach Boys, whether you approve or not.

[Autotune]

he probably has played nearly EVERY SINGLE SONG that The Beach Boys will be playing on this tour

I doubt this ^ is accurate — the phase with Blondie/Ricky was a unique couple o' years when the live show was deliberately trying to move away from 'the traveling jukebox' setlist.  The new 50th anniversary show will likely include things like "Little Deuce Coupe," "Surfin' Safari," "Be True To Your School," "Shut Down," "409," etc.

I saw The Beach Boys in 1974 without Blondie, but with Dennis & Ricky together on drums and they did quite a few of the songs that were mentioned. I'm not really sure what your issue is, but the main deal here is that both Blondie & Ricky were "Official", dyed in the wool, Beach Boys, whether you approve or not.

I think a lot of us fans, still do not quite see Blondie and Ricky as beach boys. Notwithstanding their tenure as full-time members... which is hard to understand for some like myself.

They were a grouo within the group in a way.

They are good muisicians and singers, and would be a nice addition to some of the events, but their role in this reunion can only be secondary, just as their role in the band's history has been tangential (in spite of an excessive studio album presence during a couple of years).

Regarding the comments that Blondie's voice would be a nice addition to the blend, I don't agree. His sound is too guttural, and there are others to sing on his harmony range. Not that he is without merit as a singer.

[drbeachboy]

The thing is, it is like revisionist history. We bitch about Mike Love doing it, but now we have fans doing it to a certain extent. Like, oh they don't really count because they weren't here long enough. Or, it was during a time when they weren't as popular, etc.. The argument that I responded to about Blondie & Ricky not ever playing Shut Down or 409 is like saying David shouldn't be there because he never played All This Is That.

[Jon Stebbins]

My point being, I think it'd be pretty sweet seeing Ricky Fataar playing drums on ALL of these songs since, uh, well, he probably has played nearly EVERY SINGLE SONG that The Beach Boys will be playing on this tour with the band while he was with them, which is more than you can say for David for the post-Surfer Girl material.

I think your point in support of Blondie and Ricky's well deserved credentials for being included in a reunion would be more credible if you could keep your facts straight. You are not doing them any favors by using a badly framed argument.  First off David was on studio recordings post Surfer Girl, like all of the new LDC LP tracks and at least a couple later than that...but that's a minor issue. However, if you know anything about Dave you'd know that one of the huge revelations of his life was when he rejoined the Beach Boys in 1997 and had to learn all of the post 1964 material that he wasn't on. That's when it hit him so deeply regarding Brian's genius, because he had to learn Wouldn't It Be Nice, Good Vibrations, Sloop John B., California Girls, Heroes and Villains, Sail On Sailor etc.. etc.. etc... And as he learned those songs and toured the world with the Beach Boys playing them night in and night out the brilliance of that music reminded him of Brian and the band's incredible growth after he left. Between his time as a solo artist, with Al and the Endless Summer Band, playing with Mike's side project in the late '70's, and playing gigs with the Beach Boys in the '70's, 90's, 2000's...Dave has played far more Beach Boys material than what's on the first three LP's...he's been doing it for many years...and he does it beautifully.

[Jim V.]

My point being, I think it'd be pretty sweet seeing Ricky Fataar playing drums on ALL of these songs since, uh, well, he probably has played nearly EVERY SINGLE SONG that The Beach Boys will be playing on this tour with the band while he was with them, which is more than you can say for David for the post-Surfer Girl material.

I think your point in support of Blondie and Ricky's well deserved credentials for being included in a reunion would be more credible if you could keep your facts straight. You are not doing them any favors by using a badly framed argument.  First off David was on studio recordings post Surfer Girl, like all of the new LDC LP tracks and at least a couple later than that...but that's a minor issue. However, if you know anything about Dave you'd know that one of the huge revelations of his life was when he rejoined the Beach Boys in 1997 and had to learn all of the post 1964 material that he wasn't on. That's when it hit him so deeply regarding Brian's genius, because he had to learn Wouldn't It Be Nice, Good Vibrations, Sloop John B., California Girls, Heroes and Villains, Sail On Sailor etc.. etc.. etc... And as he learned those songs and toured the world with the Beach Boys playing them night in and night out the brilliance of that music reminded him of Brian and the band's incredible growth after he left. Between his time as a solo artist, with Al and the Endless Summer Band, playing with Mike's side project in the late '70's, and playing gigs with the Beach Boys in the '70's, 90's, 2000's...Dave has played far more Beach Boys material than what's on the first three LP's...he's been doing it for many years...and he does it beautifully.

Whatever.

The jist of my point still stands, and I'm pretty sure that most fans value the 1972 Beach Beach over the 1998 Beach Boys. And gimme Carl & The Passions over Saluting NASCAR By Three Guys that Can't be Credited as "The Beach Boys" on this release.

And it is wonderful that he learned that about Brian's genius. And I think David seems like a totally awesome guy. And I think its great he's part of the reunion. My only quarrel is that it would be a crying shame to many if David wasn't part of the reunion, but the lack Blondie and Ricky merely elicits a "meh". It's just odd. And I really am beginning to think they won't be included because their presence would confuse the public. Whereas, you could replace Bruce, Al, and Dave with Jeff Foskett, Christian Love, and John Cowsill and the public wouldn't bat an eyelash, because most people know Brian, maybe Mike, and then some other guys, and the one that drowned.

[Mike's Beard]

The band were at their peak live in the early 70's, in no small part due to Blondie and Ricky's contributions. Getting them involved seems like a no brainer to me.

[PongHit]

I'm not really sure what your issue is

As I said, I don't think the following is literally accurate, as stated: "EVERY SINGLE SONG that The Beach Boys will be playing on this tour." That's all — no biggie.

I love the Blondie/Ricky period — the live album they're on is one of my favorite things in the catalog — and it's the 'best of' album I recommend to newbies.

[PongHit]

The argument that I responded to about Blondie & Ricky not ever playing Shut Down or 409 is like saying David shouldn't be there because he never played All This Is That.

I never said they "shouldn't be there" — and certainly not because they didn't play Shut Down or 409.

[PongHit]

a lot of us fans, still do not quite see Blondie and Ricky as beach boys. … their role in this reunion can only be secondary, just as their role in the band's history has been tangential

The above ^ is obviously true.  Nearly 40 years ago, when the decision was made to add Blondie/Ricky as members, the intention must have been for it to last longer than a couple years.  Had they remained in the band for, say, 10 years or so, maybe the notion of them becoming 'full time' members would carry more weight now — and their current status would be less "secondary" and "tangential."  

The point is: a line had to drawn.  Clearly, the core of this 'reunion' is getting Brian & Mike back together to do it again.  Beyond that, since Carl & Dennis are gone, the next obvious choices are Al, Bruce, and David.  Additionally, we have a cast of dozens of surviving people who have contributed to the legacy in various ways: Blaine, Kaye, & other Crew members, Asher, Parks, Hinche, Dragon, Carter, Blondie, Ricky, Foskett, Stamos, Sahanaja, Totten, and many others.  Can they all be on stage at some point during 2012?  It would be cool if they were, but it's unrealistic, isn't it?

[Jon Stebbins]

My point being, I think it'd be pretty sweet seeing Ricky Fataar playing drums on ALL of these songs since, uh, well, he probably has played nearly EVERY SINGLE SONG that The Beach Boys will be playing on this tour with the band while he was with them, which is more than you can say for David for the post-Surfer Girl material.

I think your point in support of Blondie and Ricky's well deserved credentials for being included in a reunion would be more credible if you could keep your facts straight. You are not doing them any favors by using a badly framed argument.  First off David was on studio recordings post Surfer Girl, like all of the new LDC LP tracks and at least a couple later than that...but that's a minor issue. However, if you know anything about Dave you'd know that one of the huge revelations of his life was when he rejoined the Beach Boys in 1997 and had to learn all of the post 1964 material that he wasn't on. That's when it hit him so deeply regarding Brian's genius, because he had to learn Wouldn't It Be Nice, Good Vibrations, Sloop John B., California Girls, Heroes and Villains, Sail On Sailor etc.. etc.. etc... And as he learned those songs and toured the world with the Beach Boys playing them night in and night out the brilliance of that music reminded him of Brian and the band's incredible growth after he left. Between his time as a solo artist, with Al and the Endless Summer Band, playing with Mike's side project in the late '70's, and playing gigs with the Beach Boys in the '70's, 90's, 2000's...Dave has played far more Beach Boys material than what's on the first three LP's...he's been doing it for many years...and he does it beautifully.

Whatever.

The jist of my point still stands, and I'm pretty sure that most fans value the 1972 Beach Beach over the 1998 Beach Boys.

I wish that was the case. I certainly do value the '72 BB's more, and probably about 2954 more of us do too. The majority of the people that will go to these reunion gigs won't care or know the difference. The 1972 Beach Boys played to 10,000 on a big night. The 1998 Beach Boys played to 150,000 on a big night...hard to imagine...but true. I think the 1998 Beach Boys biggest audience is somewhere around 300,00 at a festival in Germany. I'd estimate they probably picked up more fans on those tours than the '72 tours. Maybe they aren't as appreciative as we are...but they love the Beach Boys. Bottom line is that we agree that Blondie and Ricky deserve to be included...I'm 100% for it and will do what I can to help.

[filledeplage]

To Sweet Jim (The Dude)...This whole 50 year dynamic is mind-boggling.  I have already said my 2 cents about the early 70's and the love for the 73/74 concert era.  Love it and listen in its entirety (which is the test, I think) about that era.  Whether it is NASCAR or a Hallmark mini-release, it all adds up to keeping the music alive.  

This Christmas, while "making the rounds" I listened to some really enlightening stuff from some of the young cousins in the family, who were impressed that I had seen the Boys, but not so much the "Boys" but John Stamos.  Their information reference for the Beach Boys stems from Full House.  One bright young man, working in California, took a trip up to see the "house" of the fictional family.

The other young girl cousins were between 10 and 17 or so and they said they like the Beach Boys because they had the 8 seasons  of Full House, on DVD!  It ran from 1987 to 1995 or so, eight seasons, so these kids are the 2nd generation to have Full House on DVD, with the episodes that featured the Boys.   It was a real "a-ha" moment for me.  I would guess that Stamos must be around his late 40's, but for these kids,  with DVD's, he is still a twenty-something.  It is delightful to hear these kids say they like the Beach Boys but, still a shock to even imagine that they know/like a band, whose members are already or nearly 70 years old!  

The Rolling Stones don't have a Stamos, even if they have Blondie, whom I have seen, with them.   I'll bet he (Old Mick) wishes he did, to cultivate a new market share!   I'm kidding! (Maybe)

The point is, that, all these 50 year transitions of the band and conotations for each generation and interest group make it really difficult, to cater to all potential concert goers.  I was a college/grad school student during the "Blondie and Ricky" years.   Maybe the management will do a guest "cameo" segment of the show, in certain markets, featuring some of the past band members, all great musicians.  Who knows?  But, frankly, that era, although super creative and I identify with it, is one of high interest for 50 and 60 somethings, and, maybe only potentially workable in certain markets.  And, how do you ensure the future of the music?  

Que será, será...

[Mikie]

I'm really glad everyone on this thread has agreed that Ricky and Blondie are real Beach Boys and deserve to be acknowledged either on a 50th Anniversary TV/video/special and/or live on stage with the band at some point during the 2012 tour. Let's hope for the best!

[bgas]

I'm really glad everyone on this thread has agreed that Ricky and Blondie are real Beach Boys and deserve to be acknowledged either on a 50th Anniversary TV/video/special and/or live on stage with the band at some point during the 2012 tour. Let's hope for the best!

But if they are/were real BBs, did they have signed contracts entitling them to shares of the revenue; or were they listed/pictured on the LPs, but paid as sidemen? 
 and if there is/was a paper trail, how was it so easy to walk away after a fight?

[PongHit]

Has this thread achieved status yet?

The number of views for this thread: 2,335

The number of signatures on the petition: 116

[bgas]

Has this thread achieved status yet?

The number of views for this thread: 2,335

The number of signatures on the petition: 116

well heck. we better all sign it a couple more times each, with other/fake names, so it'll look like enough people really care

[PongHit]

Blondie and Ricky deserve to be included...I'm 100% for it and will do what I can to help.

Who will go to bat for Billy Hinsche?  Doesn't he deserve to be included?

[Mikie]

Yep!  Billy should be recognized as a top notch Beach Boys sideman. Same with Ed Carter, Bobby Figeuroa, Carli Munoz, and Elmo Peeler, who I saw do an outstanding job in the 70's. Throw in Mike Meros, Kawalski, and the Dragons too while we're at it. And Charles Lloyd too. They should be recognized in the video.

[Ed Roach]

The thing is, though, Blondie & Ricky WERE Beach Boys!  That's a distinction not many people can claim, and is the reason I originally mentioned that Blondie was kind of ticked off at the way they are always overlooked.  Sure, he's played & sung with The Stones for years now, (a feat not to be sneezed at), but he & Ricky were invited to become Beach Boys...  Regardless of how things ended between them, it's just a crime, the way they are always just an asterisk in the bands' history.

[PongHit]

he & Ricky were invited to become Beach Boys...

Billy Hinsche was also invited to become a Beach Boy…  and although he declined the official distinction, that doesn't diminish is enormous and long-standing input/support that continues to this day, with his documentaries, etc.

[Phoenix]

I'm a huge fan of the Blondie/Ricky era and would love to see them at least once on the tour (final night, filmed performance for the inevitable DVD, etc) but I'm not surprised by their omission.  Their tenure is like Murray and David all over again.  WE know they were members but the group barely acknowledges them.  Their entire appearance in the Endless Harmony doc (outside of that one eency, weency, don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-it wide shot) was cut from the broadcast and only included with the DVD.  My opinion?  Take em on the road.  Why?  First and foremost, they're Beach Boys.  As Ed said, that's a very short list of people so why not include em all?  But the thing that KILLS me about them not even being considered is the two members missing (now deceased) from the classic "man on the street" line up played LEAD GUITAR AND DRUMS!!!!  Hello??? 

They may not have sang many hits or played on the studio versions on any major "classics" but to me, they're the OBVIOUS choices to replace Carl and Dennis (onstage), as they were great friends (or at the very least proteges) of Carl and Ricky "replaced" Dennis (apparently with his approval) while he was still in the band.  Not to take anything from David (who obviously DID play on the studio versions of several major classics, etc).  The need for his inclusion is a no-brainer.  But Blondie and Ricky are usually thought (or at least referred to) as a "set" and would slip right into the show without having to worry about "who's" guitar player and drummer to use on the tour.

All that said, we'll be lucky if they're even mentioned outside of the box set tracks they're on but I 'd still love to see them on the all but assured 2012 concert DVD. 

[Craig Boyd]

Yep!  Billy should be recognized as a top notch Beach Boys sideman. Same with Ed Carter, Bobby Figeuroa, Carli Munoz, and Elmo Peeler, who I saw do an outstanding job in the 70's. Throw in Mike Meros, Kawalski, and the Dragons too while we're at it. And Charles Lloyd too. They should be recognized in the video.

Sadly Mike Meros died a while back and i've heard that Daryl Dragon isn't keeping too well

[PongHit]

they're Beach Boys.

They "were," not "are."

[Mikie]

Sadly Mike Meros died a while back and i've heard that Daryl Dragon isn't keeping too well

Right. Just looking for acknowledgement though video/still pictures as Beach Boys sidemen through the years, that's all. Meros was with the band from 1979 to 2001, 22 years! Kawalski was the Beach Boys drummer and percussionist from 1968 to 2007, 39 years! Carter played guitar live and on the records from 1968 to the late 90's (30 years), Hinsche for 20 years, and Figueroa for 12 years.  So these guys shouldn't be ignored - they were an integral part of the live (and recording) band for a lotta years!