Stamos In Reunion

[Mikie]

Stamos wouldn't bother me so much if he wasn't such a big ham.  He loves to get attention from the screaming girls.

Saw a Youtube clip of him recently where he was on drums and throughout the entire song he was messing with some girl who was standing next to him. Not really concentrating, just talking and carrying on with this chick standing next to him, not even focused on the show.

[guitarfool2002]

The success of the Pet Sounds and Smile sessions box sets, in relation to sales numbers of similar 4+ disc box set deluxe editions, might suggest there is a large number of fans who like that part of the Beach Boys history, and some would even say it was because the music on those sets contains a level of sophistication and innovation which continues to amaze and win over new fans, and which would belie the age of the people who made that music in 1966-67. If some of those fans prefer that recorded legacy over the legacy and image of the live shows from the past 4 decades or so, that's their choice. And if some prefer the live act through the years, with the costumes, humor, stage banter, nostalgia trips, good music, live vocals...that's a great thing too, and the Beach Boys live band has regularly been a big draw at various venues. I think they can and do co-exist.

I really don't think there is such a divide between the various camps as might be suggested, although it isn't hard to see why some fans who are more into the 60's era might not enjoy some of the live antics or even the live shows in general as much, especially viewed from afar. And vice-versa.

[guitarfool2002]

Stamos wouldn't bother me so much if we wasn't such a big ham.  He loves to get attention from the screaming girls.

I'm not taking sides either way, but how was that different from Mike Love's stage act? Or for that matter, any number of male musicians who play live rock and roll?

[filledeplage]

Stamos wouldn't bother me so much if we wasn't such a big ham.  He loves to get attention from the screaming girls.

I'm not taking sides either way, but how was that different from Mike Love's stage act? Or for that matter, any number of male musicians who play live rock and roll?

You are balanced in your thinking...and, it is hard to rip ourselves from that funky time in the late 1960's and early 1970's...

Dennis loved the adulation of the ladies, tossing drumsticks out to the crowd!  That's Entertainment!

( Little fyi - there is an exhibit of Cyrus Dallin's work in Arlington, Mass.)

The Beach Boys are now, to a greater extent, a "family" event, in venues other than casinos where there are age limitations...in the late 1980's, it became very apparent, we had to learn to share them!

At least, we could get a beer or glass of wine, legally, later in the game...No more paper bags with Boone's Farm. 

[SMiLE Brian]

I want the Beach Boys to just perform the music, not some over the top show with cheesiness. The 1985-1995 live period of the band was already cheesy enough with Stamos, cheerleaders, and too many early era songs in an ironclad setlist.  Only now is the group recovering from the crap because people discovered their progressive material they made from 1966-1973.

[Zach95]

http://www.examiner.com/beach-boys-in-national/john-stamos-set-to-join-the-beach-boys-for-50th-tour

I'm sorry but I just completely disagree with this.  John has no right to be playing in this reunion. It's pointless and completely unnecessary.

[Emdeeh]

... can anyone confirm the current working/personal relationship these individuals have with either Mike, Bruce, Al or Brian?  Are they still in contact?  Have they worked with any of these people recently (within the last 3 or 4 years)?  

The short answer to much of the list is yes.

Ricky -- drummer for Bonnie Raitt, who has a new album coming out and is likely to tour behind it

Blondie -- will probably be out touring with the Rolling Stones this year

Matt Jardine -- part of Al Jardine's solo band (which put on an excellent show in NC last year), also works with the Surf City AllStars with Al and David, showed up at the Reagan celebration mini-reunion last year

Billy Hinsche -- Al Jardine's musical director and has toured with Brian and Mike & Bruce as well
 
Eddie Carter & Bobby Figueroa -- also with Al's band


As for the main topic of this thread, I've got nothing against Stamos personally, but he is not a selling point for me when it comes to going to see the guys in concert. (Neither are orchestras or other distractions.) I'm paying to see Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, David Marks, Mike Love, and Bruce Johnston perform. That's what I'm interested in seeing (along with some of my favorite supporting band members).

[Justin]

I want the Beach Boys to just perform the music

How is Stamos on stage going to prevent that?  Regardless of how much Stamos is in the show--which is yet to be seen---I'm not sure how why people are this bothered? With all the people on stage....we're barely going to even HEAR Stamos (except for him probably doing "Forever") at all!  But if people are bothered with just his presence on stage...sheesh.  

Perhaps someone should start a petition to cancel the entire tour now, eh?

[SMiLE Brian]

I want the Beach Boys to just perform the music

How is Stamos on stage going to prevent that?  Regardless of how much Stamos is in the show--which is yet to be seen---I'm not sure how why people are this bothered? With all the people on stage....we're barely going to even HEAR Stamos (except for him probably doing "Forever") at all!  But if people are bothered with just his presence on stage...sheesh.  

Perhaps someone should start a petition to cancel the entire tour now, eh?

I want the music to stand for itself, instead of the cheesy stage shows done in the past that distract from the music.

[drbeachboy]

I want the Beach Boys to just perform the music

How is Stamos on stage going to prevent that?  Regardless of how much Stamos is in the show--which is yet to be seen---I'm not sure how why people are this bothered? With all the people on stage....we're barely going to even HEAR Stamos (except for him probably doing "Forever") at all!  But if people are bothered with just his presence on stage...sheesh. 

Perhaps someone should start a petition to cancel the entire tour now, eh?

I want the music to stand for itself, instead of the cheesy stage shows done in the past that distract from the music.

Where have you been? Stage shows have been cheesy since the mid-70s. When I go to a concert, I am there for the music no matter what the stage show consists of. As for Stamos, he will neither add nor substract anything from the music.

[Zach95]

I want the Beach Boys to just perform the music

How is Stamos on stage going to prevent that?  Regardless of how much Stamos is in the show--which is yet to be seen---I'm not sure how why people are this bothered? With all the people on stage....we're barely going to even HEAR Stamos (except for him probably doing "Forever") at all!  But if people are bothered with just his presence on stage...sheesh.  

Perhaps someone should start a petition to cancel the entire tour now, eh?

You're exactly right! I DON'T want him on stage. I don't care if I can hear him or not! I don't want him to be associated with the Beach Boys AT ALL.  He's a fan. Leave it at that.  You would think the people behind this reunion would freakin realize that there is some serious opposition to this decision, and do something about it.

[SMiLE Brian]

I want the Beach Boys to just perform the music

How is Stamos on stage going to prevent that?  Regardless of how much Stamos is in the show--which is yet to be seen---I'm not sure how why people are this bothered? With all the people on stage....we're barely going to even HEAR Stamos (except for him probably doing "Forever") at all!  But if people are bothered with just his presence on stage...sheesh. 

Perhaps someone should start a petition to cancel the entire tour now, eh?

I want the music to stand for itself, instead of the cheesy stage shows done in the past that distract from the music.

Where have you been? Stage shows have been cheesy since the mid-70s. When I go to a concert, I am there for the music no matter what the stage show consists of. As for Stamos, he will neither add nor substract anything from the music.

I was born in 1991.   I just want to go back to the pre-endless summer mindset of the band.

[Wirestone]

While I usually enjoy joining in these communal Beach Boys freakouts, I'm holding my fire on this one.

There are some distinctions we should make here.

1.) Stamos joining for a handful of encores in the LA area is unfortunate, perhaps, and would lead to come some cringing from those of us who know and care about the band.

2.) Stamos joining for the entire 50-show tour, and being present for the entire show (and actually performing songs) is a very different matter. It would be a f*cking travesty.

However, I see no evidence that 2.) is what the group actually plans to do. Once I do, I will find a pitchfork and join you all at the gates of Castle Lovenstein.

[drbeachboy]

I want the Beach Boys to just perform the music

How is Stamos on stage going to prevent that?  Regardless of how much Stamos is in the show--which is yet to be seen---I'm not sure how why people are this bothered? With all the people on stage....we're barely going to even HEAR Stamos (except for him probably doing "Forever") at all!  But if people are bothered with just his presence on stage...sheesh.  

Perhaps someone should start a petition to cancel the entire tour now, eh?

I want the music to stand for itself, instead of the cheesy stage shows done in the past that distract from the music.

Where have you been? Stage shows have been cheesy since the mid-70s. When I go to a concert, I am there for the music no matter what the stage show consists of. As for Stamos, he will neither add nor substract anything from the music.

I was born in 1991.  I just want to go back to the pre-endless summer mindset of the band.

They haven't done that since, well.... pre-Endless Summer.

[Justin]

... can anyone confirm the current working/personal relationship these individuals have with either Mike, Bruce, Al or Brian?  Are they still in contact?  Have they worked with any of these people recently (within the last 3 or 4 years)?  

The short answer to much of the list is yes.

Ricky -- drummer for Bonnie Raitt, who has a new album coming out and is likely to tour behind it

Blondie -- will probably be out touring with the Rolling Stones this year

Matt Jardine -- part of Al Jardine's solo band (which put on an excellent show in NC last year), also works with the Surf City AllStars with Al and David, showed up at the Reagan celebration mini-reunion last year

Billy Hinsche -- Al Jardine's musical director and has toured with Brian and Mike & Bruce as well
 
Eddie Carter & Bobby Figueroa -- also with Al's band

Thanks.  

And another short answer to the issue is that it's easier to add Stamos to the mix than any of these other guys.  He has had a consistent "friendship" with Mike Love for years now and has constantly joined them on stage.  Mike and Brian are making the calls here.  They need to make Brian feel comfortable...the backing band is made up of 95% Brian's guys.  The 5% go to Mike's guys: Cowsill, Totten and apparently Stamos.   How do you merge Ricky, Figueroa, Carter into the band without disrupting the entire group?  It would turn into a different band...not Brian's anymore.  So, this "hostage situation" idea of "we can only get Stamos if we get these other guys" just doesn't really work.  To Mike, Stamos is a guy he knows and has worked with recently...all these other guys are Al's guys that he himself hasn't worked with in a while that cannot join the group because there is no room for them.
Creating the band for this tour should have been the easiest task for Mike and Brian--- and it's very obvious that they definitely took that route.

I am there for the music no matter what the stage show consists of. As for Stamos, he will neither add nor substract anything from the music.

+ 1
 
If Stamos was taking the place of say, a Brian Wilson or Al Jardine...fine...let's have ourselves an uproar.  But as it is...the five main principles have not been disturbed.  Those voices will still blend wonderfully on "California Girls"...so I could care less if Stamos comes along or not.

[drbeachboy]

While I usually enjoy joining in these communal Beach Boys freakouts, I'm holding my fire on this one.

There are some distinctions we should make here.

1.) Stamos joining for a handful of encores in the LA area is unfortunate, perhaps, and would lead to come cringing from those of us who know and care about the band.

2.) Stamos joining for the entire 50-show tour, and being present for the entire show (and actually performing songs) is a very different matter. It would be a f*cking travesty.

However, I see no evidence that 2.) is what the group actually plans to do. Once I do, I will find a pitchfork and join you all at the gates of Castle Lovenstein.

How is it a travesty? Even the shows that he has done over the past few years, he mostly stays in the background. He generally doesn't come front until the home stretch and/or the encore. You guys are making way too much of his presence. Remember, it is all about the music. It always has and always will.

[Justin]

While I usually enjoy joining in these communal Beach Boys freakouts, I'm holding my fire on this one.

There are some distinctions we should make here.

1.) Stamos joining for a handful of encores in the LA area is unfortunate, perhaps, and would lead to come cringing from those of us who know and care about the band.

2.) Stamos joining for the entire 50-show tour, and being present for the entire show (and actually performing songs) is a very different matter. It would be a f*cking travesty.

However, I see no evidence that 2.) is what the group actually plans to do. Once I do, I will find a pitchfork and join you all at the gates of Castle Lovenstein.

That's what I've been saying for a while now.  And I agree with you that I doubt Stamos will be playing all 50 dates.    But geez...it could possibly lead to "come cringing"....yikes!  Is there a pill for that?? 

[Wirestone]

Er -- "some cringing," I should say.

While I usually enjoy joining in these communal Beach Boys freakouts, I'm holding my fire on this one.

There are some distinctions we should make here.

1.) Stamos joining for a handful of encores in the LA area is unfortunate, perhaps, and would lead to come cringing from those of us who know and care about the band.

2.) Stamos joining for the entire 50-show tour, and being present for the entire show (and actually performing songs) is a very different matter. It would be a f*cking travesty.

However, I see no evidence that 2.) is what the group actually plans to do. Once I do, I will find a pitchfork and join you all at the gates of Castle Lovenstein.

How is it a travesty? Even the shows that he has done over the past few years, he mostly stays in the background. He generally doesn't come front until the home stretch and/or the encore. You guys are making way too much of his presence. Remember, it is all about the music. It always has and always will.

If it were all about the music, Stamos wouldn't be there in any form.

[Rocker]

Let me ask once more: did Stamos ever tour with them outside the U.S. ? If not, I couldimagine he's just on it for the states or maybe even just for the Grammies or New Orleans show.
There's a problem for me with Stamos being treated like the biggest star in the show. The way Mike uses to make such a big thing out of it is putting the whole thing down. Look at the Reagan birthday party (and that was not the worst). There shouldn't be no guests, the only focus should be on the Beach Boys and their music.
It would be acceptable if Stamos was there for just a few appearances but not the whole tour. Cowsill's the much better drummer anyway.  

Right now I have to imagine that party with Stamos and a drunk, knife-fiddling Dennis....

[SMiLE Brian]

I want the Beach Boys to just perform the music

How is Stamos on stage going to prevent that?  Regardless of how much Stamos is in the show--which is yet to be seen---I'm not sure how why people are this bothered? With all the people on stage....we're barely going to even HEAR Stamos (except for him probably doing "Forever") at all!  But if people are bothered with just his presence on stage...sheesh.  

Perhaps someone should start a petition to cancel the entire tour now, eh?

I want the music to stand for itself, instead of the cheesy stage shows done in the past that distract from the music.

Where have you been? Stage shows have been cheesy since the mid-70s. When I go to a concert, I am there for the music no matter what the stage show consists of. As for Stamos, he will neither add nor substract anything from the music.

I was born in 1991.  I just want to go back to the pre-endless summer mindset of the band.

They haven't done that since, well.... pre-Endless Summer.

A shame, guess I need to break out my Vinyl copy of "In concert" when it was all about the music.

[bossaroo]

here's some footage of a recent Stamos appearance. the guy's an embarrassment.

http://www.silive.com/northshore/index.ssf/2011/12/beach_boys_rock_st_george_thea.html


the Beach Boys are better than this.

Bossaroo - With all due respect, to people's opinions, I was at that show in Staten Island, and John just torched the place with his presence.  You might be philosophically opposed, and that is fine, but if you don't see the Boys in concert, and I have no knowledge if you do or not, you might soften in your perspective,  I think he adds a whole generation of new fans, who are eager to see the old Beach Boys, because they associate a connection with someone closer to an identity of theirs.  

And, I'm flattered that my poor BB brainwashed kids have any interest. Stamos helped cultivate that. He made them cool again for young people! And, I was dee-lighted, when my 4 year olds came into my Kindergarten class in the late 1980's singing "Aruba, Jamaica..." Thank you, Uncle Jesse. Thank you, Bay Watch.  Thank you, Home Improvement, and any other goofy sitcoms, that gave the Boys and The Music another look.  These shows are still viewed all over the world.

i'm not interested in anyone "torching the place" with their TV beefcake persona or whatever his appeal is. the guy is a clown and his presence does detract from the festivities in my opinion. my kids love The Beach Boys too, and you know what? it didn't take a TV show like Full House or Baywatch to make it happen. I just played the CDs a lot... go figure.

I'm well aware that Mike has been cheezin' it up since the beginning. cheerleaders and palm trees and beach balls and Stamos for years now. I just hoped with a reunion of this magnitude and Brian Wilson back on board (and Al. and Dave.) that all those gimmicks would be downplayed or downright unnecessary.

I would much rather see Carnie and Wendy, Justyn and Jonah, and anyone with the last name Jardine or Love up there before John freaking Stamos.

[Ed Roach]

Has this been posted yet:  http://www.tmz.com/2012/01/12/john-stamos-beach-boys-reunion-jesus/

[drbeachboy]

I want the Beach Boys to just perform the music

How is Stamos on stage going to prevent that?  Regardless of how much Stamos is in the show--which is yet to be seen---I'm not sure how why people are this bothered? With all the people on stage....we're barely going to even HEAR Stamos (except for him probably doing "Forever") at all!  But if people are bothered with just his presence on stage...sheesh.  

Perhaps someone should start a petition to cancel the entire tour now, eh?

I want the music to stand for itself, instead of the cheesy stage shows done in the past that distract from the music.

Where have you been? Stage shows have been cheesy since the mid-70s. When I go to a concert, I am there for the music no matter what the stage show consists of. As for Stamos, he will neither add nor substract anything from the music.

I was born in 1991.  I just want to go back to the pre-endless summer mindset of the band.

They haven't done that since, well.... pre-Endless Summer.

A shame, guess I need to break out my Vinyl copy of "In concert" when it was all about the music.

It is always about the music. By the way, he doesn't just stand up there. He plays, along with the rest of the band members. I've seen the Beach Boys many times between 1969-2007. Blondie & Ricky made a difference. John Stamos, not so much.

[I. Spaceman]

I want the Beach Boys to just perform the music

How is Stamos on stage going to prevent that?  Regardless of how much Stamos is in the show--which is yet to be seen---I'm not sure how why people are this bothered? With all the people on stage....we're barely going to even HEAR Stamos (except for him probably doing "Forever") at all!  But if people are bothered with just his presence on stage...sheesh.  

Perhaps someone should start a petition to cancel the entire tour now, eh?

I want the music to stand for itself, instead of the cheesy stage shows done in the past that distract from the music.

Where have you been? Stage shows have been cheesy since the mid-70s. When I go to a concert, I am there for the music no matter what the stage show consists of. As for Stamos, he will neither add nor substract anything from the music.

I was born in 1991.  I just want to go back to the pre-endless summer mindset of the band.

They haven't done that since, well.... pre-Endless Summer.

A shame, guess I need to break out my Vinyl copy of "In concert" when it was all about the music.

Mike Love, 1973.

[Justin]

It is still about the music.  Stamos isn't even replacing--as far as we know---any of the core band members.  It's not like they've taken on Stamos in place of the other guitar players or of Cowsill. 
To me, his addition to the proceedings shows just how little Mike thinks of Stamos' musical/vocal value.  "Sure whatever...come on board we got other guys in the band that can actually sing and play."

I'll start to get upset once I see cheerleaders on stage.