The First Gig: Anselmo Valencia Ampitheater Tucson, AZ 4/24/12 (SETLIST/REVIEWS)

[HeyJude]

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/media/images/medium2/20120425114514854.jpg

Just wanted to mention to AGD that it appears Al is playing a Strat on the tour!  

[Lowbacca]

So.. nobody at the Tucson show recorded anything to put on YouTube? Where are the videos, goddamnit...  

[endofposts]

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beach-boys-kick-off-50th-anniversary-tour-in-tucson-20120425

[SonoraDick]

How was Mike's voice?  Did he sound thin, like in the Do It Again video?  Wonder if his voice will hold up during the tour.

Mikie, I was very pleased with Mike's voice last night. No longer powerful, but still the strongest  I've heard him in five years. Maybe the layoff has helped him & he'll weaken over time. Not all all nasally, either... he sounded like, well, he's about 70. None of the hoarseness that seems to have plagued him in recent times. He still has that distinct sound you'd recognize from a mile away, if he could project that far.

On another "note", let me say that, in my opinion, he's still a great showman. Rather than the physical movements of the past, he's now limited to his gestures, which, granted, can sometimes be annoying, and his eye contact/expressions.
I'm sure he's happy as a clam to be back in this position but there wasn't a hint of boasting last night... No "I sing the lead on ..." (I think that was just in jest, anyway); in fact, very little discussion. But I think he's still great fun to watch, even if he can't leap onto the piano for the encore any longer.

[GoofyJeff]

I've just spent the last two hours (more or less) listening to my newest iTunes playlist, based on last night's setlist (yes, including TWGMTR thanks to a YouTube MP3 encoder, which I'll replace with the official MP3 from Amazon tomorrow... and the redone "Do It Again") and I must say, it is a SOLID set.  Great introduction for new fans, like my bro's gf.

Now if we could only get recordings of these concerts to tide me over until Summerfest...

[Aegir]

Did Mike do those bass vocals in H&V? "duh heroes, duh heroes, duh heroes and villains" Did he do the Papa Ooom Mow Mow vocals during Barbara Ann?

DID BRIAN PLAY BASS?

[SonoraDick]

So.. nobody at the Tucson show recorded anything to put on YouTube? Where are the videos, goshdarnit...  

I imagine you might see some crummy iPhone video shot from way back, but no cameras were allowed... I talked with a couple of people who had to return to their car to leave theirs. Must have been a Capitol decision because the venue alllows pocket cameras. Those who were observed using their phones got a light shined on them to get their attention & then a wave from security to knock it off, but nothing confiscated that I saw. I did sneak my pocket camera in, but never took it out until "FFF" and even then only shot stills, with the hope of getting a good shot of as many in the band as I could rather than sound for one song. I did video the entire soundcheck performance of "TWGMTR" but I suspect it won't be very good... from way in the back. Haven't checked it yet.  

[Lowbacca]

DID BRIAN PLAY BASS?

No.

@RS link: nice and fair review.  


@SonoraDick: Okay, thanks anyway.   Some more photos would be nice, though. From any source.

[SonoraDick]

Did Mike do those bass vocals in H&V? "duh heroes, duh heroes, duh heroes and villains" Did he do the Papa Ooom Mow Mow vocals during Barbara Ann?

DID BRIAN PLAY BASS?

1) I'm quite sure no... but Brian very clearly sang "bicycle rider, just see what you done"
2) & 3)  No

[Justin]

Thanks for the show and meet and greet reviews, SonoraDick.  That's weird that they're sending mixed signals about the autographs.  Question, regarding the photo with the band...do they just snap the picture as you walk up and greet the guys or is there an opportunity to say hello and then all pose for the picture?   I ask becauase on the VIP nation FB page photo section of other meet and greets it appears that many fans seemed unaware of their photo being taken and have pictures of them talking with the artist and even hugging the artist (back towards the camera) so it made me think just how "prepared" the fans were when they walked up to the artist.  Any info on that would be great!

[TimmyC]

SonoroDick - thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions about the VIP/soundcheck/meet and greet. Have to say that I'm quite deflated after reading your post. I kinda have a lump in my throat about the money I spent on the VIP upgrades for the Mohegan Sun show on May12. Not sure it was worth it. I guess I kind of feel like a sucker. I realize they're old, but if it's just a cattle call where you're lucky if just one or two of them even acknowledge your presence, I don't know... sounds like a rip off.

[SonoraDick]

Somebody at the Tucson gig spotted any cameras / recording devices near the stage (not belonging to people in the audience)? Or maybe they are planning on recording a specific gig in some prestigious venue later on the tour, when everything is smoothed out and everybody is comfortable.

Lowbacca, we were advised by a poster upon entering that the show was being professionally recorded. We were in the front row & there must have been half a dozen video/still photographers in front of the stage (at least one was on the stage) at all times. Bet we see some video at least on the PBS special.

I think they picked a good night. The group was ON!

[SG7]

You didn't get to see any of the touring band either? Kind of disappointed to hear that.

[guitarfool2002]

Just curious - having experienced it, was the meet-and-greet worth it? It sounds like the soundcheck access was a nice premium though the logistics got a bit messed up, but the m+g wasn't as good.

Thanks for the reviews and firsthand reports, much appreciated!

[Wrightfan]

Kokomo is up. It's the whole performance but shot VERY far away.

It's a cool stripped down arrangement but the guy filming is singing louder than the band 

[Paulos]

After seeing the setlist I have had no choice but to go straight to ticketmaster to buy tickets for the Berlin gig, it may mean flying 600 miles but I don't care, it's going to be worth it, see you in Berlin guys!

[Lowbacca]

After seeing the setlist I have had no choice but to go straight to ticketmaster to buy tickets for the Berlin gig, it may mean flying 600 miles but I don't care, it's going to be worth it, see you in Berlin guys!

Yeah man, see ya there. 

=> http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,12430.0.html (originally a thread just for the Berlin gig which I am attending)

[SonoraDick]

Thanks for the show and meet and greet reviews, SonoraDick.  That's weird that they're sending mixed signals about the autographs.  Question, regarding the photo with the band...do they just snap the picture as you walk up and greet the guys or is there an opportunity to say hello and then all pose for the picture?   I ask becauase on the VIP nation FB page photo section of other meet and greets it appears that many fans seemed unaware of their photo being taken and have pictures of them talking with the artist and even hugging the artist (back towards the camera) so it made me think just how "prepared" the fans were when they walked up to the artist.  Any info on that would be great!

Justin, The photo was shot by our VIP "host, who was a nice guy. I doubt that he took any pics without the subject knowing... but I made sure to get my talking in before since I knew there were others waiting their turn after. This sounds stupid, but I can only say I THINK I remember looking into his camera. Guess I'll see when the photo is available for download. That part all happened pretty fast when it was my turn.

Your event may be different, but I'll bet the "itinerary" you'll receive from VIP is standard... no time for autographs. But, they don't do it in front of you anyway. So, regardless of what it says, bring something you'd like signed with you.

[Stegibo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywRTZiMu-5E
Mike sounds great on Kokomo, best in years!
Argh, I wanna hear WIBN with Al on lead!!!  

[Iron Horse-Apples]

H&V is basically the Smiley Smile version, apart from "You're under arrest" before "Children Are Raised", and Brian sings "Bicycle Rider" in last chorus, and it ends with "Bridge To Indians"

So the classic BB version, but with a little tip of the hat to more recent versions

[SonoraDick]

SonoroDick - thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions about the VIP/soundcheck/meet and greet. Have to say that I'm quite deflated after reading your post. I kinda have a lump in my throat about the money I spent on the VIP upgrades for the Mohegan Sun show on May12. Not sure it was worth it. I guess I kind of feel like a sucker. I realize they're old, but if it's just a cattle call where you're lucky if just one or two of them even acknowledge your presence, I don't know... sounds like a rip off.

TimmyC, I'm sorry, sure don't intend to leave the wrong impression. In my opinion, the package was worth EVERY PENNY I paid, if just for the fact I had a great seat for the concert that I couldn't have possibly acquired any other way. A couple of snafus with the VIP portion the first night, but those will work out better later on. For the meet & greet, I'd just suggest being aggressive. Pick the one you'd most like to say something to & tell him what's on your mind, & then try to move on to the next before the photo. Wish I had planned a little better & known a little more beforehand, but I felt the Beach Boys (with the obvious and understandable exception of Brian) were most co-operative. It was quick, but I'm still thrilled today!  

[southbay]

Thanks for the show and meet and greet reviews, SonoraDick.  That's weird that they're sending mixed signals about the autographs.  Question, regarding the photo with the band...do they just snap the picture as you walk up and greet the guys or is there an opportunity to say hello and then all pose for the picture?   I ask becauase on the VIP nation FB page photo section of other meet and greets it appears that many fans seemed unaware of their photo being taken and have pictures of them talking with the artist and even hugging the artist (back towards the camera) so it made me think just how "prepared" the fans were when they walked up to the artist.  Any info on that would be great!

Justin, where you VIP'ing at?

[Justin]

I'll be at the Santa Barbara and Irvine shows!  You going to any?

[southbay]

SonoroDick - thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions about the VIP/soundcheck/meet and greet. Have to say that I'm quite deflated after reading your post. I kinda have a lump in my throat about the money I spent on the VIP upgrades for the Mohegan Sun show on May12. Not sure it was worth it. I guess I kind of feel like a sucker. I realize they're old, but if it's just a cattle call where you're lucky if just one or two of them even acknowledge your presence, I don't know... sounds like a rip off.

TimmyC, I'm sorry, sure don't intend to leave the wrong impression. In my opinion, the package was worth EVERY PENNY I paid, if just for the fact I had a great seat for the concert that I couldn't have possibly acquired any other way. A couple of snafus with the VIP portion the first night, but those will work out better later on. For the meet & greet, I'd just suggest being aggressive. Pick the one you'd most like to say something to & tell him what's on your mind, & then try to move on to the next before the photo. Wish I had planned a little better & known a little more beforehand, but I felt the Beach Boys (with the obvious and understandable exception of Brian) were most co-operative. It was quick, but I'm still thrilled today!  

Thanks for all of your input.  BTW guys, not that I am an expert by any means at all, but I have met all of the guys with the exception of David.  They all have disticnt personalities and respond to different statements, questions.  Depending on who you want to converse with, Sonora is correct.  Go to that guy with your comment.  Unsurprisingly, a complement about an "obscure" song seems to really work best with them all. EXAMPLE, "gee Mr. Jardine, I really love your vocal on Lady Lynda." (or San Simeon. Or Lookin at Tomorrow.  You get the idea)  Works every time.  They like that you are a real "fan".  I think they apprecaiate you know their catalog, not just Help Me, Rhonda.

[southbay]

I'll be at the Santa Barbara and Irvine shows!  You going to any?

Too bad, I'll be Las Vegas and Hollywood Bowl.  Oh well, hope you have a great time.  Thanks for your work last night.