Show 26: Cynthia Mitchell Woodlands Pavillion- Woodlands, TX 8 June 2012 (SETLI

[petsite]

And guys, here is a FUNNY story. As my wife and I are being escorted to the gate by security (escorted for safety, not throwing us out), a small curtosy bus drives by us with Mike, Bruce, Al and Scott Totten and a few others. As they get all the way past us, I notice that the back door (where they store bags and breifcases etc), is WIDE OPEN with a duffle/workout type bag hanging out the back. I yell at the bus STOP STOP! THe security people say whats up? I say that bus has the rear door open. They flash lights and hit sirens to tell the bus to stop. As we walk past the bus, Bruce and Mike are looking out at my wife and I. The bus driver opens the door and yells whats the problem!??" Dude, you left the back door to the bus open and sh*t is falling out onto the road. I said it loud enough for everyone to hear. The bus driver runs back yelling no no no no no..............

It was a hoot!

[EgoHanger1966]

I was there last night. I was in the pit, right up front. Went to the soundcheck, and afterwards the WONDERFUL Probyn handed my wife and I a couple of back stage passes. I also spent WAY WAY too much on merch, but its "THE BOYS", you know?

The concert exceeded my expectations. Wonderful , moving tributes to Dennis and Carl. Glad to see the crowd's reaction to that. And also for the entire crowd (not just us with the BB sickness ) reactions to the rare and new tracks. Truly a magic night. I had heard earlier in the day that Brian was having an "off day" so I was ready for it. And he was. But he is such a trooper. He worked hard at fighting those demons (once saw him during a slow song he wasn't singing close his eyes and was saying something I couldn't make out.).  And to hear Bruce just kick the sh*t out of Disney Girls was so special. All in all, a great night...............................except

I have a question for those in the know about the band (as I don't follow the rest of the group much). When did Bruce Johnston, the man who gave me a 2 hour interview in 1979 to help me out at work and another hour in 1981 and was SO SO SO kind, become such a prick. He came down to the backstage area after the show. I waited a bit and went up to him with my copy of pet sounds and asked him to sign it. The folks he was talking to were extremely nice and asked me how long I had been a fan, etc. As Bruce was signing the LP, I thanked him again for the interview all those years ago and how it helped me out at the radio station I worked at. He said "that was 23 years ago, no recent stories?" Taken aback I said thanks again for everything, told him I heard that new comp box-sets were coming out in the fall and I couldn't wait. He handed me back my LP and pen, and said "well, save your pennies for the box-set, you and I are through talking." Just then the kid of the guy to whom Bruce was talking said to me "did you know that Bruce produced LPs for the Beach Boys?" I said yes I did, LA and Keeping The Summer Alive. Told the kid I though Bruce tried the right thing with HCTN. Bruce turned to me and said "HEY, I SAID U AND I ARE THROUGH TALKING! SERIOUSLY!"

Now I can understand when u hang around someone forever and wont go away that you would get mad. It has happened to me. But I am talking about standing there for MAYBE 5 mins, probably less. I mean come on DUDE, who do you think pays their hard earned dollars to keep you and the guys in the style you have grown accustomed to? ALWAYS be nice to fans. Understandably, you will have the wackos who require a swift kick, but no someone who is just standing there saying a few kind words. It ruined the rest of my experience for me. And the fondness I always had for Bruce and the way he stands up for Brian's music. End Of Rant.

PS - Scott Totten and Probyn Gregory are 2 of the most wonderful guys you could ever ever meet. Scott didn't want to sign my PS copy because it was like signing a copy of the Bible for him. I told him no, it was my way of saying thanks for the music.

Damn, just reading that story made ME feel horrible. I'm really sorry that happened to you.
For someone to say "you and I are through talking" is incredibly rude - who does he think he is, Brian Wilson?
If he really didn't want to speak to you, the least he could have done would have made a polite excuse, like "hey man, thanks for taking the time, but I want to be fair to the other fans" or something.

[Doo Dah]

Very sorry to hear about your experience backstage. Sometimes when someone is so blatantly rude, it kind of stuns you. I would probably have just stood there and said nothing. Of course after 5 minutes I probably woulda been fuming!

As my buddy from the original Kingsmen once said - "See that doorway over there? There's not enough room for both Bruce and Mike's head to fit through there..." (and he's a friend of theirs)

[drbeachboy]

I was a little harsh on Bruce. I love the guy, really. All the kindness over the years was great. I guess I was mad cuz it put a damper on what was a FANTASTIC evening. And Bruce was SO GOOD on Disney Girls. That is my wife's favorite (that and Sail On Sailor). So it made it special for me to have her 2 faves done live.

Bruce J. is still the man. We all have off nights. You should see some emails I have sent out when I am tired and mad.....where is that recall button?? LOL

I don't care off-night or not, that was flat out rude of him to treat you like that. To do it to you a second time after someone else asked you a question, was way out of line. And he called President Obama an A**hole?

[Ziggy Stardust]

Jesus christ Bruce, what the hell happened to you ?

[Stegibo]

Write it on the BBB board, Bruce sure will read it there.

[Les P]

I apologize this is so long.

I had mixed feelings when this reunion tour was announced.  After establishing artistic credibility as a solo artist, and having burnished his legacy as the genius behind “Pet Sounds” and “Smile,” why would Brian Wilson want to go back to the cheesy Mike Love endless nostalgia tour (well, other than money)?  And since I rarely listen to the early BB albums, I was indifferent about David Marks’ participation.

So, to Brian or whoever pushed for including deeper cuts with the popular-with-the-masses greatest hits, and for a respectful review of the wide range of Beach Boys’ history, thank you, thank you, thank you.  And thank you to whoever invited David to join.  Last night’s show was topped only by the London Smile premiere as my favorite Beach Boys-related concert, and among the best concerts I’ve ever seen.

There was so much/too much to take in, I wish I had a DVD of it.  “Marcella” was only the 9th song, but I could have gone home after that and felt I got my $85 worth.  Last night I felt Brian’s voice had a bit of a rough edge, for lack of a better word, but it was perfect for “Marcella.”  He was into it, the band rocked the hell out of it, and David was ALL OVER IT.  And to follow with “This Whole World”…a fanboy’s dream.

Other highlights for me: “Disney Girls” yes, Bruce is just incredible on that last high bit.  “Add Some Music” around the piano was very touching, and there was a cute moment when Bruce is reaching for Al’s mic to sing the next line, but Brian sings it and Bruce has kind of a surprised look on his face.  “In My Room” was a spiritual moment, “Heroes and Villains” was great; Brian was into it, and it was wonderful to hear the Beach Boys’ vocal mix on that song again.  I liked “Isn’t It Time” better than the CD, though I still wish there were some variations in the vocal arrangement…

During “TWGMTR,” which they performed MUCH better than they have on late night TV, I was just so thankful, at this stage in their career/lives, to have this opportunity to see them play a great new song.  And to knock it out of the park.  I love, love, love Brian’s band, but...

The POWER of the harmonies tonight is what I keep going back to. I saw Brian during his Pet Sounds tour and was blown away at the amazing recreations his band did. I know that there are parts of that same band still but, my goodness those harmonies belong to the Beach Boys.

Songs that I’ve never cared for that much (“Rock and Roll Music,” – rocked instead of roller rinked,  “Then I Kissed Her” – Al gave it his all and I noticed Brian played piano just with his left hand, the bass line), or overplayed hits I’ve grown tired of (“Do You Wanna Dance” – an energetic Brian vocal, “Help Me Rhonda” from the ageless Al Jardine), all sounded better and reinvigorated.  To me the only song that fell flat was “It’s OK,” which in the context of all these other great songs sounded like a slight, under-developed entry in the canon.

The tributes to Dennis and Carl were lump-in-the-throat time (though I have to confess I kept thinking “this version of “God Only Knows” is so goshdarn fast”).

Brian:  Vocally ragged occasionally, a couple of flubbed cues or lyrics, but overall very good, and with power.  He was very present and engaged in the music.  Not chatty by any means, but moving around here and there, singing backgrounds and very invested in his leads.  He “directed” the band during the “Please Let Me Wonder” instrumental break.  It was definitely not phoned in last night.  He didn’t seem super-excited during the bass-playing encore, but did have a nice moment of choreography with David and Jeff.  I found myself watching him most of the time, a combination of concern about “how’s Brian doing?” and also not wanting to miss whatever quirky thing he might do.

Mike:  I don’t share the narrowness of his musical/lyrical tastes, and have criticized him more than a few times for that and his predilection for cheese… but folks are right, he is a great frontman for this band.  Even enjoyed his “wheennnnn”…you know, it’s darn impressive how long he held that note, as he dropped to the stage, then his bandmates help him up, and someone plays a little “creaking back” slide on guitar strings.   And a great salesman; several times he pushed those $5 CDs (and sold them all).  I thought his voice was fairly strong during this show.   I have a newfound appreciation for his role in the touring group.

Al:  I grow to love Al more and more.  Very personable stage presence, great smiles and eye contact with the audience, and a voice that sounds like it was put in a time capsule in 1965 and unsealed for the tour.  His “in my carrrrr” vocal in TWGMTR has become one of my favorite moments in the BB catalog.

Bruce:  Always smiling, seems to be the wisecracking joker of the group, happy to be there and sharing that joy with the audience.  Great job on “Disney Girls” (but just a suggestion, Bruce, next time don’t play keyboard and just HOLD the mic instead of continuing to adjust it).   In retrospect, I would have liked to have heard another lead vocal out of him.

David:  Newfound appreciation here.  The rock spirit this band needs.  I wish he had been told to turn up his amp and cut loose with a stripped-down rhythm section on a couple of songs when recording the new album.  Great vocal on “Hawaii” too…would have liked to have heard another lead from him too.

The band:  Well, how could one ask for a better one?  They are just remarkable, and John Cowsill gave it a lot of the energy.  I can sometimes tire of Jeff’s voice, but he was right on and in the right blend in the mix last night.  When I read they were doing “Ballad of Ole Betsy,” I thought WTF?, that’s a wasted slot.  But Scott Totten did a nice job, the harmonies were beautiful, and my wife later said she really liked that one.

The crowd:  In the covered seats, the vast majority were 50s and older.  I was relieved there wasn’t a lot of distracting loud chatter or filing out to get beer during the deeper cuts, and those always earned appreciative applause, (if far from the roaring reception of “Little Deuce Coupe” or “Kokomo”).  They knew who Brian was and gave him several ovations.  They stayed seated except during the most popular numbers, which was fine with me, since they were attentive.  A beach ball bounced around for 1 or 2 songs but fortunately it disappeared because it was distracting as hell.  The folks in the lawn section must have gotten drenched but it looked like few left.

Chatted a bit with Nelson Bragg before the concert, bought his new CD.  Very nice guy.

Overall, I couldn’t have hoped for a much better mix of songs (considering the various factions involved), or a much better concert.  If that’s the last time, you went out on a high.  Endless harmony, indeed.  Thanks, guys.  

[petsite]

Les P is correct. I too was stunned and had mixed feelings about a BB reunion. The first relief for me....when they announced the backing band. Brian's group along with Scott and Mr. Cowsell (LOL) I knew we were in good hands. These guys were fighting to get the deep cuts on the tour. Al got shot down by Mike and Bruce because he wanted to start the second half of the show (when they are around Brian's piano) with Our Prayer. And how cool would it have been to see Mike sing his lines from the cantina version of H&V. At least they left the SMILE ending on the track (Bridge to Indians).

Wanted to show some pics I took last night:

[dumbangel76]

Great reviews Pet and Les P! Thanks for the pics!!

[Rocker]

Thanks for the pictures !


I don't know what is wrong with Bruce. His very strangely animated behaviour during concerts and these kind of stuff off stage makes me wonder if he really might have some health issues (maybe some medication ?). On the Sirius Radio show the interviewer says they have to get Bruce to settle down because h - the interviewe - heard that was the big problem. Also he asks if the radio is still important to the boys and Brian make sure Bruce answers that question and he seems kinda irritated like he didn't know what they were talking about and just says he's addicted to Sirius Radio. It all sounds strange to me when I listen to it. Maybe it's nothing but I have the feeling that something is not right with Bruce. Dunno....

[Doo Dah]

Maybe it's nothing but I have the feeling that something is not right with Bruce. Dunno....

Nothing that a good swift cut to the capital gains tax wouldn't fix!  
Can't resist...I love Bruce Horatio Alger Johnston.

[ontor pertawst]

As I watched him last weekend seemingly pretend to play the keyboard intermittently through songs, I imagined it was only audible piped into his earpiece monitor mix as he overlayed hideous Yamaha DX7 tones all over the entire concert. Bell pads and E Piano 1!

Just curious, what's Brian's attitude towards Bruce? While Bruce is seemingly obligated to say nice things about him, you never see much of an acknowledgement or anything in the other direction.

[Wirestone]

I think Brian sees the Beach Boys reunion as basically his reunion with Mike. The other guys, while reasonably pleasant, are incidental. They're distractions. Brian is probably much more interested and engaged by Jeff and his band members than Bruce or Al or Dave.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

As I watched him last weekend seemingly pretend to play the keyboard intermittently through songs, I imagined it was only audible piped into his earpiece monitor mix as he overlayed hideous Yamaha DX7 tones all over the entire concert. Bell pads and E Piano 1!

It was definitely audible on 'Disney Girls' last night, as there was a part where it was just him and his keyboard, with nobody else playing or singing (until Brian joined in).

[ontor pertawst]

Mmm, Yeah, but you have to admit during most every other song he's not exactly audible and just going by when he decides to play a few notes here and there in between frantic mic stand adjustment, if it was audible it might sound a bit weird!

[Les P]

Now, I will get to the drenched part the Boys were about to go into the tributes and I kid you not as they started into Forever it started sprinkling as they went into God Only Knows it picked up more. Such a spirtual moment I will never forget my daughter who is 8 leaning over to me and saying " Daddy, I think Dennis and Carl are crying from Heaven because they wish they could be here and cant but, they are also happy because they aren't fighting anymore"

Dumbangel, thanks for your review, and this story from your daughter choked me up as much as the video tributes.  Quite an exceptional little girl you have!

Petsite, thanks for the photos!

[Justin]

Think of Bruce as another "rhythm guitar player" but on keyboards.  He plays but he's not prominent in the mix because you have both Scott and Darian doing all the lead work since they're the masters at doing the exact parts with laser point accuracy.  Bruce is up for his part on "Disney Girls" since it's very much HIS song.  The other parts of the show: there is no emphasis on the keyboards to be prominent in the mix.  With all that's going on on stage it's not really a priority.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TUlTVmNd3M&feature=relmfu

[GhostyTMRS]

I was there last night. I was in the pit, right up front. Went to the soundcheck, and afterwards the WONDERFUL Probyn handed my wife and I a couple of back stage passes. I also spent WAY WAY too much on merch, but its "THE BOYS", you know?

The concert exceeded my expectations. Wonderful , moving tributes to Dennis and Carl. Glad to see the crowd's reaction to that. And also for the entire crowd (not just us with the BB sickness ) reactions to the rare and new tracks. Truly a magic night. I had heard earlier in the day that Brian was having an "off day" so I was ready for it. And he was. But he is such a trooper. He worked hard at fighting those demons (once saw him during a slow song he wasn't singing close his eyes and was saying something I couldn't make out.).  And to hear Bruce just kick the sh*t out of Disney Girls was so special. All in all, a great night...............................except

I have a question for those in the know about the band (as I don't follow the rest of the group much). When did Bruce Johnston, the man who gave me a 2 hour interview in 1979 to help me out at work and another hour in 1981 and was SO SO SO kind, become such a prick. He came down to the backstage area after the show. I waited a bit and went up to him with my copy of pet sounds and asked him to sign it. The folks he was talking to were extremely nice and asked me how long I had been a fan, etc. As Bruce was signing the LP, I thanked him again for the interview all those years ago and how it helped me out at the radio station I worked at. He said "that was 23 years ago, no recent stories?" Taken aback I said thanks again for everything, told him I heard that new comp box-sets were coming out in the fall and I couldn't wait. He handed me back my LP and pen, and said "well, save your pennies for the box-set, you and I are through talking." Just then the kid of the guy to whom Bruce was talking said to me "did you know that Bruce produced LPs for the Beach Boys?" I said yes I did, LA and Keeping The Summer Alive. Told the kid I though Bruce tried the right thing with HCTN. Bruce turned to me and said "HEY, I SAID U AND I ARE THROUGH TALKING! SERIOUSLY!"

Now I can understand when u hang around someone forever and wont go away that you would get mad. It has happened to me. But I am talking about standing there for MAYBE 5 mins, probably less. I mean come on DUDE, who do you think pays their hard earned dollars to keep you and the guys in the style you have grown accustomed to? ALWAYS be nice to fans. Understandably, you will have the wackos who require a swift kick, but no someone who is just standing there saying a few kind words. It ruined the rest of my experience for me. And the fondness I always had for Bruce and the way he stands up for Brian's music. End Of Rant.

PS - Scott Totten and Probyn Gregory are 2 of the most wonderful guys you could ever ever meet. Scott didn't want to sign my PS copy because it was like signing a copy of the Bible for him. I told him no, it was my way of saying thanks for the music.

Don't feel so bad. I know someone who met Bruce a few years ago and he was both nice and then a complete jerk on the same day. If the Beach Boys are sensitive to dealing with fans, they should pull the old trick McCartney used to do. He would scratch his arm while talking to a fan which would signal his bodyguard that he wanted to get the hell out of there. The bodyguard would come over and say "I'm sorry, but Mr. McCartney needs to go RIGHT NOW!" leaving Paul to smile and say "Gee, I'd like to stay and chat longer but these guys run my schedule'. By using this technique the bodyguard gets all the blame, Paul still comes off as a nice guy and the fan isn't disappointed.

Of course, once his ex-bodyguard spilled the beans, I guess Paul had to come up with another signal.     

[Runaways]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TUlTVmNd3M&feature=relmfu

your vids are a million times better than mine, my camera sucks!

[dumbangel76]

Dumbangel, thanks for your review, and this story from your daughter choked me up as much as the video tributes.  Quite an exceptional little girl you have!

Petsite, thanks for the photos!
[/quote]

Les,

Thank you for the kind words I love that girl with all my heart!

[Pretty Funky]

And guys, here is a FUNNY story. As my wife and I are being escorted to the gate by security (escorted for safety, not throwing us out), a small curtosy bus drives by us with Mike, Bruce, Al and Scott Totten and a few others. As they get all the way past us, I notice that the back door (where they store bags and breifcases etc), is WIDE OPEN with a duffle/workout type bag hanging out the back. I yell at the bus STOP STOP! THe security people say whats up? I say that bus has the rear door open. They flash lights and hit sirens to tell the bus to stop. As we walk past the bus, Bruce and Mike are looking out at my wife and I. The bus driver opens the door and yells whats the problem!??" Dude, you left the back door to the bus open and sh*t is falling out onto the road. I said it loud enough for everyone to hear. The bus driver runs back yelling no no no no no..............

It was a hoot!

It was Karma!

[Sheriff John Stone]

I don't know what is wrong with Bruce. His very strangely animated behaviour during concerts and these kind of stuff off stage makes me wonder if he really might have some health issues (maybe some medication ?). On the Sirius Radio show the interviewer says they have to get Bruce to settle down because h - the interviewe - heard that was the big problem. Also he asks if the radio is still important to the boys and Brian make sure Bruce answers that question and he seems kinda irritated like he didn't know what they were talking about and just says he's addicted to Sirius Radio. It all sounds strange to me when I listen to it. Maybe it's nothing but I have the feeling that something is not right with Bruce. Dunno....

I think he is giddy. Really. Bruce is having a blast. While it was fun and rewarding to tour and perform over the last 30 years, it had to get a little monotonous. Having Al, David and that band - and especially Brian - present changes everything. Just look at how excited we all are!

[dumbangel76]

Great videos!!!

[Sheriff John Stone]

I think Brian sees the Beach Boys reunion as basically his reunion with Mike. The other guys, while reasonably pleasant, are incidental. They're distractions. Brian is probably much more interested and engaged by Jeff and his band members than Bruce or Al or Dave.

Are you referring to just the concerts?

Brian really gave Al some good parts on the album. I read so many articles I can't keep track of them, bit I thought I remember Brian mentioning that he specifically wanted Al to sing, first part of "From There To Back Again" and, because he was so impressed, gave him most of the song.

I do wish Bruce would've been able to contribute a song to the album, but, hey, if all he had was a re-write of "She Believes In Love Again", then he didn't deserve a shot.