THE ENDLESS SUMMER WILL CONTINUE AFTER THE BEACH BOYS 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR WRAP

[Justin]

Why couldn't that press release at least end on a positive note and say something like "Keep an eye out for possible future plans with all original members of the Beach Boys in the near future.  Stay tuned!"

At least make it sound like the last few months actually MEANT something to them...

[runnersdialzero]

Why couldn't that press release at least end on a positive note and say something like "Keep an eye out for possible future plans with all original members of the Beach Boys in the near future.  Stay tuned!"

What would those plans be, though?

[Justin]

A "Love You" tour?

You're right...why mention plans if there aren't any?  But considering all parties have all voiced just how great the reunion has been and how they wish it would continue...why not have the press release reflect that a little? It wouldn't hurt.  I mean, I'm looking at it especially from Mike's position.  Mike's getting the brunt of crap thrown at him for this so you'd think he'd be looking for something to include there to "soften" the blow a tad.  It's just weird that he didn't take that opportuity.  You know like, "We're returning to the old format...but we could regroup again in the future!"

[Don Malcolm]

Status quo ante.  Andrew is correct.

Much greatness poured forth from this tour.

First, they still "got it." (Never a doubt in my mind!)

Second, musicians from each of the bands worked together!  Wow! 

Third, resurgence of interest and appreciation for the music.  Win-win!

But, many who don't access to the regional areas of the tour were disappointed not to see the Touring Band in their more "local" community event venues.  One season won't be all that bad.  And, the music got to more far-flung areas with the Touring Band.  What is really cool is the creativity during the long separation.  Al put out a great album, Brian released work as well, and the younger guys are working on their own cool stuff as well and seem less "in the shadows" than their predecessors.

Lastly, they appeared genuinely delighted working in front of very appreciative fans.  Now, it is time for a breather.  My instinct tells me that we have not seen the last of them touring as group.  Brian looks as if he is more than delighted to be Mr. Beach Boy!  Stay tuned.

To all you wonderful British-based fans: Just rock out next week!  At "this year's" grand finale!   

Think you are on it 100% fact-wise, attitude-wise, and otherwise-wise, filledeplage...let's savor the year we've had. This time last year all of this would have been a 100,000-to-1 shot. Blessings should be accepted and acknowledged with gratitude and humility. Let's be joyful and have some faith that the Boys just might have figured out a way to make their complicated situation work for them. In short: miracles can happen!

[HeyJude]

Why couldn't that press release at least end on a positive note and say something like "Keep an eye out for possible future plans with all original members of the Beach Boys in the near future.  Stay tuned!"

What would those plans be, though?

That is a very good question. But this "announcement" makes it seem like the reunion is over, period. Which it may be. But unless they're trying to set up the next reunion project as a surprise by letting as assume it won't happen again, all this announcement does is reflect negatively. AGD is right, it's a good "CYA" item I suppose in terms of setting up expectations.

I wish I could think of a less ham-handed analogy, but this announcent reads like an e-mail from your bank that states "Good news! Concerning your $5000 balance, as we go forward, you will see that the $3000 you deposited this month is no longer there, but the original $2000 you started with is still there rockin' out some good vibrations and keeping the spirit of your bank account alive!"

[HeyJude]

As long it doesn`t interfere with the possibility of the group doing more recording in future, I don`t see this as being a big deal. In recent years the Mike and Bruce shows have been excellent and musically similar to the recent reunion tour. If they were to pass through my town (they won`t) then I wouldn`t hesitate to go to see them.

I'm sure it won't functionally interfere with future reunion activities. But if they had any even slight idea that they might do something else together, I would think such an annoucement that firmly states exactly who is and isn't in the touring lineup going forward wouldn't be needed. Unless, again as AGD pointed out, this is just something to back them up when or if people start complaining about future scaled-back shows.

[HeyJude]

I dunno. It's still a mystery to me. The three shows I saw online are mid October shows - one in Waco (at a 5K seater) and two gigs in Biloxi. And mid October to boot. I just don't understand why the chinese fire drill to get back on the road, when you could easily do it in mid to late November. Heck, call 'em Christmas shows. Doing it on the heels of London, with greatest hits, a DVD and a boxset in the offing seem mercenary.

And I know it's all PR rah-rah, but these press releases that speak of how these shows will prove 'the music lives on' are just jive. Of course the music lives on...it lived and breathed this summer as it hasn't in decades.

I think you make some good points concerning why they are so quick to get back on the road, and to play those types of venus and cities. Nothing against those venues or cities. But it is odd to go to an over dozen-piece reunion lineup with 5 Beach Boys playing Wembley Arena to a 7-piece band with 2 Beach Boys playing a casino in Biloxi.

[HeyJude]

For the whole reunion tour I often wondered if the tour was put together very quickly (and thankfully very, very well) because of the bookings that Mike & Bruce already had for October (and didn't they also have to cancel some shows earlier this year?). So contracts were already signed for the Mike&Bruce show to play after the Beach Boys tour. I'm not surprised that Brian didn't know this (see Rolling Stone) as this is Brian. Plus no one ever said that it would be certain they'd continue together.

I know that we don't know the details concerning these October bookings, but based on what I've heard and what I've observed, I think it's at the very least very debatable as to whether the Mike/Bruce show absolutely *had* to do these October gigs. There may have been little or no consequences to cancelling those shows.

The recent announcement also doesn't read as if this scaled back lineup just has to knock out a few random shows they were previously obligated to do. It reads as though after September 28th, it's back to the way it's been for 14 years.

[drbeachboy]

I dunno. It's still a mystery to me. The three shows I saw online are mid October shows - one in Waco (at a 5K seater) and two gigs in Biloxi. And mid October to boot. I just don't understand why the chinese fire drill to get back on the road, when you could easily do it in mid to late November. Heck, call 'em Christmas shows. Doing it on the heels of London, with greatest hits, a DVD and a boxset in the offing seem mercenary.

And I know it's all PR rah-rah, but these press releases that speak of how these shows will prove 'the music lives on' are just jive. Of course the music lives on...it lived and breathed this summer as it hasn't in decades.

I think you make some good points concerning why they are so quick to get back on the road, and to play those types of venus and cities. Nothing against those venues or cities. But it is odd to go to an over dozen-piece reunion lineup with 5 Beach Boys playing Wembley Arena to a 7-piece band with 2 Beach Boys playing a casino in Biloxi.

Maybe Mike will see the light once he & Bruce hit the road alone. My crystal ball can foresee another full band tour, come next year.

[Eric Aniversario]

Yeah, I'm bummed that the reunion seems to be coming to an end (at least temporarily), but I will still be going to all the BB related shows in my area, (M&B, Al, Brian) and enjoying them!  Mike & Bruce put on a killer show, and the band has a sound that I actually prefer to Brian's band.  Brian's band, while technically excellent, has less of a "fun" sound and more of a "serious" sound than Mike's, for whatever reason.  I will also be looking forward to going to shows at smaller venues, and not having to deal with large stadiums and exorbitant ticket prices.  The reunion was fun while it lasted, and I took (almost) every opportunity I could to see shows in my area...went to 3 out of 4 shows within 150 miles.  Every show was worth the $$$ I spend on myself and friends, but looking forward to a lighter, mellower experience in 2013.

[Justin]

Yeah, I'm bummed that the reunion seems to be coming to an end (at least temporarily), but I will still be going to all the BB related shows in my area, (M&B, Al, Brian) and enjoying them!  Mike & Bruce put on a killer show, and the band has a sound that I actually prefer to Brian's band.  Brian's band, while technically excellent, has less of a "fun" sound and more of a "serious" sound than Mike's, for whatever reason.  I will also be looking forward to going to shows at smaller venues, and not having to deal with large stadiums and exorbitant ticket prices.  The reunion was fun while it lasted, and I took (almost) every opportunity I could to see shows in my area...went to 3 out of 4 shows within 150 miles.  Every show was worth the $$$ I spend on myself and friends, but looking forward to a lighter, mellower experience in 2013.

+ 1

And to clarify: the "fun" sound that the Mike/Bruce band brings is due in part by John Cowsill, in my opinion.  His energy is contagious and the way he bangs out those tunes, really get through you.  The band configuration on this past tour was impeccable--and to me, was the best way to have this music performed. 

[tpesky]

I will still go to any BB related concerts in my area but I know I will be thinking stuff like wow I just heard Bruce croak through the bridge of Surfer Girl instead of BW, I didnt hear BW on Sloop John B I heard 5 people singing the lead, I didn't hear Al nail WIBN or Rhonda, I had nice versions but not them. I didn't hear Dave wail on guitar. I enjoyed Mike and Bruce's band and they sound good, but I think part of that enjoyment was because I had forgotten how much Al adds to the sound, how awesome the guitar solos can be, or what a treat it is to have Brian there in many ways.  When I first saw Mike and Bruce after '98, I compared them to the Carl/Al group and was disappointed. I kind of moved on and forgot and just accepted them as Mike and Bruce now and gained more enjoyment for them but now I have comparisons again....and that's gonna affect my enjoyment.

[runnersdialzero]

NO FOSKETT NO REUNION. PERIOD.

GOOD LUCK MIKE YA SLACKASS

[HeyJude]

It's funny; I've always been disapproving or, at best, kind of ambivalent about the Mike/Bruce shows, and I haven't gone to see them. Based on how good Totten and Cowsill are, and that Mike actually sounds pretty good overall vocally, I'd probably consider seeing that show now based on nothing but being pleasantly surprised by them.

But, maybe it makes no sense and sounds petty or too finicky or too simplistic, but I'm almost more apt to not see the scaled back BB show now not because I object to use of the name (or insert the other arguments people have used since 1998), but simply out of almost a protest to signify how much of a missed opportunity it is not not continue with this reunion lineup.

I admit it, it's literally a case of holding the Mike/Bruce band to a higher standard (calling itself the BB's mind you) in light of something I didn't know was going to be so good until I saw it, and that is the awesome reunion lineup. As I said before, aside from it being the novelty of a "reunion" and a 50th anniversary, it's just an awesome live show.

I don't even feel like this tour was a bigger production or a bigger hassle or expense. I saw the reunion lineup at the same venue I saw Brian play in 2005, and I don't think the tickets were much more expensive than the the most expensive Brian tickets I've bought. Bring the reunion on again, same venue, same lineup, same price! I'll be there!

[SMiLE Brian]

I wonder how much longer Mike and Bruce can keep this touring pace up.

[runnersdialzero]

I wonder how much longer Mike and Bruce can keep this touring pace up.

One would think not much longer. I know it's good to keep active, especially in old age, but Gosh Darn - Mike and Bruce are like machines or something. I just hope Mike doesn't have a heart attack mid-"WHEEEEEEEEEIN" on stage one of these days because he pushed himself too much for too long.

[I. Spaceman]

I wonder how much longer Mike and Bruce can keep this touring pace up.

One would think not much longer. I know it's good to keep active, especially in old age, but Gosh Darn - Mike and Bruce are like machines or something. I just hope Mike doesn't have a heart attack mid-"WHEEEEEEEEEIN" on stage one of these days because he pushed himself too much for too long.

That's a bitchin' way to go.

[SMiLE Brian]

I wonder how much longer Mike and Bruce can keep this touring pace up.

One would think not much longer. I know it's good to keep active, especially in old age, but Gosh Darn - Mike and Bruce are like machines or something. I just hope Mike doesn't have a heart attack mid-"WHEEEEEEEEEIN" on stage one of these days because he pushed himself too much for too long.

That's a bitchin' way to go.

I think Mike would like it that way.

[BB Universe]

Some thoughts in no particular order:
I don't think this is surprisning at all. Mike has always loved to perform. Brian not so much if at all. One guy wants to be on the road alot; the other hardly at all.
Mike and Bruce are keeping the Beach Boys name as an ongoing band in the public's mind as they have done so since Carl's passing. And, the non-touring members do benefit financially from the touring "Beach Boys".
This Tour was fantastic but was meant to be a "limited engagement" from the outset. I'm sure we all kind of hoped otherwise after seeing how good they were live but I think it had little chance beacuse of all the variable involved. What the tour did do, however, was show that they can put it together and do it in the future (health issues aside) if they want to do so again. Hopefully they will.
Perhaps Brian will eventually get back to the studio and put together material for a follow up album that all the guys will come together in the studio, make and release. They don't need to continue to tour to do so.  
There might be a question as to whether the crowds would continue to be so large if one knew that this was to be an ongoing thing.
Many of the groups that have recently reunited for a special tour have then stopped touring and the individuals, if they want, then continue to then perform on their own. Its akin to what's happening here.
I do wish that Al and David would perform with Mike and Bruce from time to time now that they have moved beyond past issues.

[BB Universe]

Also:
 - I wonder how, if at all, California Saga - should they stay together - will enter into the equation. Will Al hook up with them beacuse his sons are in it? Will Brian have any interest?
 - As others have said, I'll continue to go see Mike and Bruce or Brian and his band or whatever related acts come my way as it is always a fun time. I think Mike and Bruce is more a "sing along"; Brian is more of an event as he often performs something different than before. In either case, its about the music.

[Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again]

The Hall of Fame makes dumb omissions like that sometimes.  For instance, Doug Yule wasn't inducted as part of the Velvet Underground which makes no sense.  He was there longer than John Cale and he deserves recognition (even if he is responsible for the "Squeeze" album, which for those who don't know is pretty much the equivalent of the Beach Boys and "Summer in Paradise").

But when I think about it, the five core members were the ones who contributed the most during the peak years (which in my opinion is between 64-67).

In fairness, wasn't Doug contractually obligated to squeeze out (multiple puns intended)  another VU album no matter the fact that he was the only one left? ..... And it ain't half bad for what it is either.....

And fully agreed that the guy deserves to be placed in the hall of fame immediately!

[Aegir]

Also:
 - I wonder how, if at all, California Saga - should they stay together - will enter into the equation. Will Al hook up with them beacuse his sons are in it? Will Brian have any interest?

I don't think California Saga is going to be a regular ongoing concern. Carnie is too busy being a professional celebrity, Billy already started another Beach Boys cover band with Ed Carter and Bobby Figueroa, Christian will be in the Mike & Bruce lineup of the Beach Boys, and Ambha's still in high school.

also, California Saga is far more niche-interest level than any of the bands out there. Acoustic covers of "Friends" songs? That's not going to sell many tickets.

[Sheriff John Stone]

I have no idea if Al and/or David would like to continue touring with Mike & Bruce as The Beach Boys. With all due respect to Al and David, I don't see how any solo activity they engage in could as exciting and fulfilling as touring as Beach Boys. I don't know what David's plans are, but, I highly doubt that Al is working on a new album. And, how many shows does he play a year with his group/family - 4 or 5? So, I would like to know what happened with those two guys.

Now, with Brian, one thing I am absolutely sure of. If Brian Wilson wanted this thing to continue - IT WOULD CONTINUE! Brian may at times do things that he really doesn't want to do. But, when Brian wants something, he usually gets it. If he wants to tour with Mike & Bruce, and wants Al & David to join along, it will happen. If he wants to record again as The Beach Boys, they will record again.

Yeah, Mike & Bruce are going back to the smaller group/smaller venue touring - without Brian. But, if Brian said, "Hey, let's do some more...", they would jump to it. They might raise tickets prices, T-Shirt prices, sound check prices, hell, they might even charge you to pee. But, it would get done.

[Rocker]

Also:
 - I wonder how, if at all, California Saga - should they stay together - will enter into the equation. Will Al hook up with them beacuse his sons are in it? Will Brian have any interest?

I don't think California Saga is going to be a regular ongoing concern. Carnie is too busy being a professional celebrity, Billy already started another Beach Boys cover band with Ed Carter and Bobby Figueroa, Christian will be in the Mike & Bruce lineup of the Beach Boys, and Ambha's still in high school.

also, California Saga is far more niche-interest level than any of the bands out there. Acoustic covers of "Friends" songs? That's not going to sell many tickets.

But didn't Mike say he was looking forward to next summer with Cal. Saga opening for the Beach Boys?

[Justin]

Yeah he did but it was probably just an empty promise or optimistic wishing/hoping.  Cal Saga can regroup any time they want once they clear out their schedules.  They're not really a true group....they got together and performed less than a handful of times.  They came together to do their part in the 50th Anniversary shenanigans and it looks as though they've moved on.  I'm sure we'll see them again at some point but not a regular basis...