What Makes A Beach Boy?

[Ron]

Another thing that seemed to happen around '73 was Al became (in my mind, which may deceive me) a more vital member of the live group.  When I think of the 70's and the Beach Boys live, I always think of Al being pretty much awesome always.  Maybe he stepped it up because of the contract, or maybe they stepped the contract up because he stepped it up.  Either way I think it's a shame that Al's hard work, in the live act, is so hard to notice when you become a fan. I didn't know about it for years, then after watching lots of great live performances started noticing that he was THE MAN, at least for a little while. 

Listen to the "In Concert" version of "You Still Believe In Me" for the audible proof... then skip ahead to "Wouldn't it be Nice".  I don't know when he moved into "awesome" but it was sometime around '73!

[Aegir]

Matt Jardine and Christian Love have both performed on official Beach Boys recordings, played in the live band, and been on an album cover (Sunflower).

[Rocky Raccoon]

There are several rules you have to follow to become a full-time Beach Boy.

1.  In every interview you are given, you must always work in a way to compliment Brian Wilson and/or call him a genius.

2.  You cannot ever object to the wearing of tropical shirts.

3.  You are never to question the inclusion of "Kokomo" in the setlist.

4.  If you do not already have a relative in the band, you have to promise to eventually bring one in.

5.  If you are ever to have a solo career on the side, you are required to re-record a Beach Boys song.

6.  If your hairline starts to recede, you must wear a baseball cap bearing the Beach Boys logo.

Follow these rules and you will be a Beach Boy.

[rn57]

There are several rules you have to follow to become a full-time Beach Boy.

1.  In every interview you are given, you must always work in a way to compliment Brian Wilson and/or call him a genius.

2.  You cannot ever object to the wearing of tropical shirts.

3.  You are never to question the inclusion of "Kokomo" in the setlist.

4.  If you do not already have a relative in the band, you have to promise to eventually bring one in.

5.  If you are ever to have a solo career on the side, you are required to re-record a Beach Boys song.

6.  If your hairline starts to recede, you must wear a baseball cap bearing the Beach Boys logo.

Follow these rules and you will be a Beach Boy.

Well, right now Jeff is flagrantly violating 6) and partially violating 1) (ie, refusing to acknowledge Love You's classic status). So obviously it will be a while before he comes even as close to being a full-fledged Beach Boy as Billy did.

[rn57]

[/quote]What about Darryl appearing on the cover of the 45 release of I Need A Mess Of Help..., or was that Marcella? Yikes, my memory betrays me.
[/quote]

Hmmm....the last time I saw the pic sleeve of Marcella in non-digital form was at a record meet decades ago, and these online images are none too distinct. There are seven people there and you can spot Carl, Dennis, Blondie, Ricky, Mike and Al....but who's the seventh? Looks like Billy a little but it's hard to tell. About all I'm sure of is that it ain't Tandyn Almer.

[Aegir]

if it's the one where they're standing by a car and there's a guy in the car, Dragon is in the car. you can tell from his captain hat.

[Rocky Raccoon]

if it's the one where they're standing by a car and there's a guy in the car, Dragon is in the car. you can tell from his captain hat.

[rn57]

Indeed it's The Captain on the sleeve - wasn't early to figure out from the pic at Wikipedia's entry for the 45. Talk about a very hip way to appear on a BBs record. The vehicle looks like a late-40s model but can't place it otherwise.

[NHC]

Regarding Billy, didn't his father nix his joining in 1969 in favor of college?

[Phoenix]

Thanks!  I was just about to ask again if anyone knew anything.  So far that's the most detail I've heard on the topic of Billy.  Can anyone confirm this?

[Jon Stebbins]

Thanks!  I was just about to ask again if anyone knew anything.  So far that's the most detail I've heard on the topic of Billy.  Can anyone confirm this?

Billy told me that it was a combination of factors...yes his parents wanted him to continue his education at UCLA, but the other factor was that his own group Dino, Desi and Billy were still together and active in '69 and he was loyal to them.

[JanBerryFarm]

There are several rules you have to follow to become a full-time Beach Boy.

1.  In every interview you are given, you must always work in a way to compliment Brian Wilson and/or call him a genius.

2.  You cannot ever object to the wearing of tropical shirts.

3.  You are never to question the inclusion of "Kokomo" in the setlist.

4.  If you do not already have a relative in the band, you have to promise to eventually bring one in.

5.  If you are ever to have a solo career on the side, you are required to re-record a Beach Boys song.

6.  If your hairline starts to recede, you must wear a baseball cap bearing the Beach Boys logo.

Follow these rules and you will be a Beach Boy.

Were you born twisted or did life do this to you gradually ? *LOL*

[Phoenix]

Billy told me that it was a combination of factors...yes his parents wanted him to continue his education at UCLA, but the other factor was that his own group Dino, Desi and Billy were still together and active in '69 and he was loyal to them.

Thanks, Jon!  That makes his ultimate decision make a lot more sense.

Is there any truth that he was asked again to join later?  Like I said, I seem to recall reading that (possibly in the Badman book) but I could be mistaken.

I'd love to hear the version of "Honkin' Down The Highway" with him singing but like all the Blondie and Ricky related materal in the vaults, it'll probably never see the light of day, at least as any high quality, official release.

[Mike's Beard]

The Billy vocal version of Honkin' Down the Highway is out there.

[Phoenix]

Thanks!  I was beginning to think I imagined reading about it. 
The search continues! 

[Jon Stebbins]

Billy told me that it was a combination of factors...yes his parents wanted him to continue his education at UCLA, but the other factor was that his own group Dino, Desi and Billy were still together and active in '69 and he was loyal to them.

Thanks, Jon!  That makes his ultimate decision make a lot more sense.

Is there any truth that he was asked again to join later?  Like I said, I seem to recall reading that (possibly in the Badman book) but I could be mistaken.

I'd love to hear the version of "Honkin' Down The Highway" with him singing but like all the Blondie and Ricky related materal in the vaults, it'll probably never see the light of day, at least as any high quality, official release.

You're welcome. I don't think he was asked in '75. He was very prominent in their live shows that year, singing some leads etc...but i think '69 was his only official offer to be a Beach Boy. Billy, if you read this please confirm or deny.

[Emdeeh]

I've also heard Billy say that he turned down the offer, so he could finish his education.

[ontor pertawst]

Every time I see this thread title, I keep thinking of The Dude responding, "... that and a pair of testicles."