Is anybody going to one of the Mike&Bruce gigs?

[Jon Stebbins]

David being an "original member" is just a coincidence at this point, really. Most of the songs the band plays live, he didn't play on. And the ones he did play on, he often doesn't play his guitar part, but Carl's. I don't see how that makes him more legitimate than Bruce.

There were only five Beach Boys who were in the band called the Beach Boys that rose from a local group playing to 50 kids to massive fame and success playing to audiences of 10,000 screaming fans. Only three of them are still alive. Dave is one of them.

[filledeplage]

Doesn't it suck that we're even having this conversation? This tour was unbelievable. Finally it was The Beach Boys. It was arguably the best they've been since '75. Brian's band with Totten and Cowsill -- this thing was an embarrassment of riches. Everybody was there nailing it. And it's over before it even began. It's heartbreaking is that it has to go back to what it was before April. Mike and Bruce's show is tight and professional, but Mike's voice is shot from never taking a break over the years and the show includes a FULL HOUR of someone else singing the tunes while Mike points at his temple and waves. Al's show has never gained enough traction to ever evolve past rehearsal/soundcheck levels, and Brian's gigs have devolved at times into "Weekend At Bernie's" territory. But somehow when they all get together -- and together with David, who's happy, healthy, and batting .1000 -- it amazingly all fits. The carry each other and reach incredible heights together. It was masterful.

The "timing" of the announcement is a moot point. I think a week into this tour everybody kinda looked at each other and thought, "Wow -- not only is this happening, but this is actually ART. This thing is what it was always SUPPOSED to be and always fell flat. It's not cheap, it's not lame." That this thing is running the risk of being a one-off is a sin. And I sincerely believe that despite a tour wrap set for England, the fact that this was the best live show running made everyone believe -- ESPECIALLY due to the fact that Mike Love has been pining to finally get Brian "back" for 15 years -- that this would be how it will play out (e.g. with panache and class and Brian Wilson for once wanting to be a Beach Boy.) Instead it's like a kid getting adopted by a rich family and being sent back to the orphanage after a year. Pointing out that that was always the plan doesn't mean anything in the grand scope of things. A choice was made and it was a poor choice. It was the wrong choice.

Howie - this conversation was always on the table.  There was zero deception, as to the window, but the tour was enlarged from the original 50 concerts scheduled. You are more than correct in calling it ART.  The flow into Brian's work, was seamless with Brian's guys.  After having seen Brian's solo tours and observing these awesome guys, they seemed to take the lead with Pet Sounds material (not typically covered in BB set lists.) This seemed to be second nature, but, on the other hand, Brian's guys got into the more fun and light hearted fare with true exuberance.  

Dave Marks was a star, unquestioned.  I've seen Al's band, last summer in Newport, RI, and found them tremendous.  They have nothing to apologize for; I disagree with your assessment. Those guys were the 1975 guys, for the most part; Billy Hinsche, Al's MD, Cannata, Ed Carter, Figueroa, and his boys, (Matt and Adam.)

Lots of what has been online, seems to be an effort to coerce decisions publicly, that might be better privately settled in the board room as the members of the corporation, with a wish list, and strategy to carve out what they might look like in the future.  Sort of a game plan.  "Getting them through the tour" as it has been characterized, has happened.  Square One.

And that is likely where this will all end up (the board room) and hopefully, dignified, and with less conflict. The Touring Band already did a show.  No one can call them lazy.  "The sky is not falling," as in that old folk tale, Henny Penny.  They are back to business.  I look at it as a business decision to be arrived at, prudently, and hopefully free of this irrelevant social media input.

I'd like to see Brian and Mike work together, after all they are the Rogers and Hammerstein, the Sherman's, etc., of our generation, and American Rock.  Only good will flow from that old alliance.  

[SurfRiderHawaii]

David being an "original member" is just a coincidence at this point, really. Most of the songs the band plays live, he didn't play on. And the ones he did play on, he often doesn't play his guitar part, but Carl's. I don't see how that makes him more legitimate than Bruce.

There were only five Beach Boys who were in the band called the Beach Boys that rose from a local group playing to 50 kids to massive fame and success playing to audiences of 10,000 screaming fans. Only three of them are still alive. Dave is one of them.

As I recall, Dave one of the two guys the girls really screamed for (Dennis the other).  He was a teen idol, amongst other things. A lot of young teenage girls related to Dave because of his age.

[Jonathan Blum]

David being an "original member" is just a coincidence at this point, really. Most of the songs the band plays live, he didn't play on. And the ones he did play on, he often doesn't play his guitar part, but Carl's. I don't see how that makes him more legitimate than Bruce.

Until I heard David play the lead on "Pet Sounds", I might have agreed with you.  But that made it clear, he's contributing spectacular stuff to the music which goes beyond his original role.  In terms of how much they're representing this ongoing entity called "The Beach Boys" on stage, I'd say Dave's leapfrogged ahead.

No disrespect to Bruce, but at the show I saw, it was his rather wispy rendition of "Disney Girls" versus a whole stack of powerhouse guitar parts.

Cheers,
Jon Blum

[runnersdialzero]

I'm buying tickets out of spite to support The Mike And Bruce Show. I am not attending the shows.

[Don Malcolm]

Yes, there were some superb creative decisions that made it into the tour--David's "Pet Sounds" showcase being one of the best.

But too much of something good is all too obviously something to which our "boys" are simply allergic. That said, I suspect that this will all blow over in due course. But if for some reason it doesn't, please keep in mind that we got more than we could have possibly expected.

Brian and Mike have playing ring around the rosey with respect to the band for so long that I doubt they could stop doing so even if they were enjoined by a court order. You've got to take the wacky weirdness with the greatness--they are, for better and/or worse, totally and completely inseparable.

[mabewa]

I'd be happy to see the Mike and Bruce show if it happened to come over to Japan (unless it was at a big festival, in which case I'd probably skip it).  I just wouldn't think of it as the Beach Boys.  A couple of BBs members doing a good version of the BBs stuff--that's fine with me.  /

I always get puzzled, though, when people credit Mike with keeping the BBs name and music alive through his endless touring.  From my point of view, the BBs music survives for the same reason that The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix and The Doors' music survives...  because it's great and timeless.  The vast majority of rock fans I know were interested in the BBs reunion, but had no idea that there has actually been a "Beach Boys" touring all this time.  Shows at county fairs and casinos just fall off the radar for most people.  It's not that I feel that they are harming the band's legacy or anything, but they aren't really significantly helping it, either. 

[Aegir]

David being an "original member" is just a coincidence at this point, really. Most of the songs the band plays live, he didn't play on. And the ones he did play on, he often doesn't play his guitar part, but Carl's. I don't see how that makes him more legitimate than Bruce.

There were only five Beach Boys who were in the band called the Beach Boys that rose from a local group playing to 50 kids to massive fame and success playing to audiences of 10,000 screaming fans. Only three of them are still alive. Dave is one of them.

Mike & Bruce setlist, September 26, 2009 (from Eric's setlist archive). I will note whether either David or Bruce where in the band and arguably either played or sang on the track.

1. Surfin’ (intro) - neither
2. Catch A Wave - David
3. Hawaii - David
4. Do It Again - Bruce
5. Surf City - neither
6. Surfin’ Safari - David
7. Surfer Girl - David
8. Getcha Back - Bruce
9. Darlin’ - Bruce
10. I'm So Young - neither
11. When I Grow Up (To Be A Man) - neither
12. Why Do Fools Fall In Love - neither
13. Be True To Your School - David, maybe
14. Don’t Worry, Baby - neither
15. Little Deuce Coupe - David
16. 409 - David
17. Shut Down - David
18. I Get Around - neither
19. Ballad Of Ole’ Betsy - David, maybe
20. God Only Knows - Bruce
21. Good Vibrations - Bruce
22. Kokomo - Bruce
23. Then I Kissed Her - Bruce
24. California Girls - Bruce
25. Sloop John B. - Bruce
26. Wouldn’t It Be Nice - Bruce
27. Help Me, Rhonda - Bruce
28. Barbara Ann - Bruce
29. Surfin’ U.S.A. - David
Encore:
30. Summertime Blues - a case could be made for David, but Mike & Bruce don't perform Brian's arrangement of the song but Adrian Baker's from the 90s, so, neither
31. Fun, Fun, Fun - neither

grand total:
David - 10, including two maybes
Bruce - 12

Not saying David shouldn't be respected. I own Dave/Jon's book, have two The Moon albums and two Colours albums, and have listened to The Marksmen's stuff and Dave's solo album "I Think About You Often" on Spotify. when I saw Mike & Bruce in 2007 and David appeared on stage unannounced, I was freaking out with joy. I have the youtube video of Dave singing "Forever" with Mike & Bruce in Edinburgh saved to my favorites and I watch it often.

But you shouldn't have to take down Bruce to bring up Dave.

[SamMcK]

I do think Bruce should be given props for his longevity but at the same time it was David who grew up in Hawthorne with the Wilson's and Love's. He was almost family, if the Beach Boys hadn't retained their success and remained a small local California band they never would have even met Bruce!

[hypehat]

I'm not inclined to think of that as a wholly bad thing, seeing as Brian Wilson probably needs an entourage to make sure he takes his medication, help him about with his dodgy back and keep his nerves in check. And we know he loves his band. He's been touring with them for 13 years, has known them for longer (Jeff for much longer), and regularly collaborates and hangs out with them! Plus, they're f***ing amazing!

He's also quite canny, but IDK whether the band, Melinda, and everyone else is solely there as his PR, y'know? He's a pensioner with well-documented mental issues. And, if presenting BW in a favourable light = playing Our Prayer and Marcella, who's complaining?

I think the 'no-one to answer to' thing is key. Both Brian & Mike think that they own the band, I think - the prevailing thing that springs to mind is during the nineties, where Brian kept trying to regain control with songs, and in the studio (he never really stopped even after going solo according to what we know now). He finally got that on TWGMTR, although not without struggle. What's odd is that Mike's domain has always really been the stage - If Brian decided never to record with the group again, Mike wouldn't dare record under The Beach Boys' name (I wonder if the licence provisions ever got into THAT minefield) just as no-one ever suggested that Brian tour solely as The Beach Boys. But Brian's been walking on Mike's turf - suggesting songs that he's never played, that Mike might well like but sees as anathema due to their obscurity. After all, he's a businessman, and a born entertainer - he wants safe, cheap, repeatable thrills. Brian just goes 'let's play Marcella, I love that song, my band know it, GO' (if the Rolling Stone article is any indication), even though I don't think BW's band have played Marcella for years!

Maybe Brian and Melinda spend their spare moments plotting Mike's downfall by playing 'Summer's Gone', but I seriously doubt that. But I think the impression that presenting the spectrum of The Beach Boys music, from Kokomo down to CATP, is being perceived as a threat or a controversial move by certain parties is really quite sad.

It's weird. All Mike's ever wanted is to write with Brian again, sell records, do big shows. And now he's got that! And it's not good enough. He wants control of his band that he's been touring for the last 50 years whilst Brian's been doing god knows what.

Conversely, all Brian wants is his band back doing what he wants them to, like they should - I reckon Brian's always seen them as 'his' band, maybe abdicating it to Carl in more difficult times or the nineties, with Mike 'King of the Road'. But Brian always took care of the music, he was always called on for it even when he was 300lbs and inhaling cocaine in a bathrobe. I don't think calling it his band, and that him being in charge as a state of affairs is unreasonable, if only because when the band opposed him in the nineties we missed out on a new Beach Boys album full of Paley session songs (that would probably have saved the world) and a Pet Sounds symphonic tour, both with Carl Wilson. Terrible ideas. 

I'm just thinking out loud, as this whole business has been stewing in my head since Wembley - I'm not picking on you, Justin, if that's what you think!

Nice post!  Thanks for a great exchange here.  I think we're essentially on a similar page but we're just focusing on a few separate ideas.  We could agree that this whole thing is way too complicated to answer in a few words...or even a quick press release!    There are so many strings criss-crossing across this topic that it's difficult to pin down one sole reason.  But I'm starting to realize that each issue is strongly connected to the other and eventually creates a domino effect that could effect any future plans.  I, of course, don't think Brian and Melinda were there plotting schemes and plans because I truely believe they also were lenient and open on this tour (I'm not as confident things would remain as serene if they were to tour together on a consistent basis, though).  Like I said earlier, everyone on board put the BS aside to try to get through this tour and it proved to work in everyone's favor.  Your point about the tug of war on control of the band is spot on.  Both Brian and Mike have their own way of presenting the music but I believe that Mike had to concede to Brian and his team to execute this tour.  Basically I feel that Mike had to put aside his issues and simply allow things to go as they were planned.  For Mike, I think it took a lot.  He obviously survived and came out (practically) unscathed but it was more "accommodating" than he's been used to.  I'm sure he was happy to do so it but I wouldn't guess he'd be up for all that "accommdating" being a permanent thing--and that is in itself what we're arguing here:  why won't Mike accept this reunion as a permanent thing?

That, I have absolutely no idea about. Especially considering Mike seems to have a massive chip on his shoulder about the artistic legitimacy of the band - why else would he crow about The Beatles all the time, and in terms of superiority? With BW, it's a different approach although possibly the same motivation - 'Paul McCartney really likes my song, I must be good' - but Mike trotting out the 'NME #1 group in the world' anecdote over and over again belies a different approach. He wants to see whether The Boss can get up onstage and jam, or whether The Moptops can match 180 shows a year. Of course, The Boss or Paul McCartney would not be seen dead playing in the venues Mike plays in, and everyone seems to realise this.... except Mike.

It just seems baffling to me that it achieves a lot of what Mike desires - artistic and critical legitimacy for his work (Kokomo has a way to go yet, but hey), big shows, and all the trappings of a mainstream rock legend that Brian has, to a certain extent, been enjoying with his own work - Brian's been on Leno/Letterman/Kimmel for most of his solo records, until very recently he has had no difficulty selling out prestigious theatres and massive festival gigs all over the world, a steady stream of interviews....

It just seems perfect for him. And yet he needed Brian (and wife&managers, which probably stung a lot more). It would be great if Mike could swallow his pride, is all. This format is what The Beach Boys, their music, their legacy, everything Mike professes to give a toss about, deserve!

[filledeplage]

David being an "original member" is just a coincidence at this point, really. Most of the songs the band plays live, he didn't play on. And the ones he did play on, he often doesn't play his guitar part, but Carl's. I don't see how that makes him more legitimate than Bruce.

There were only five Beach Boys who were in the band called the Beach Boys that rose from a local group playing to 50 kids to massive fame and success playing to audiences of 10,000 screaming fans. Only three of them are still alive. Dave is one of them.

Mike & Bruce setlist, September 26, 2009 (from Eric's setlist archive). I will note whether either David or Bruce where in the band and arguably either played or sang on the track.

1. Surfin’ (intro) - neither
2. Catch A Wave - David
3. Hawaii - David
4. Do It Again - Bruce
5. Surf City - neither
6. Surfin’ Safari - David
7. Surfer Girl - David
8. Getcha Back - Bruce
9. Darlin’ - Bruce
10. I'm So Young - neither
11. When I Grow Up (To Be A Man) - neither
12. Why Do Fools Fall In Love - neither
13. Be True To Your School - David, maybe
14. Don’t Worry, Baby - neither
15. Little Deuce Coupe - David
16. 409 - David
17. Shut Down - David
18. I Get Around - neither
19. Ballad Of Ole’ Betsy - David, maybe
20. God Only Knows - Bruce
21. Good Vibrations - Bruce
22. Kokomo - Bruce
23. Then I Kissed Her - Bruce
24. California Girls - Bruce
25. Sloop John B. - Bruce
26. Wouldn’t It Be Nice - Bruce
27. Help Me, Rhonda - Bruce
28. Barbara Ann - Bruce
29. Surfin’ U.S.A. - David
Encore:
30. Summertime Blues - a case could be made for David, but Mike & Bruce don't perform Brian's arrangement of the song but Adrian Baker's from the 90s, so, neither
31. Fun, Fun, Fun - neither

grand total:
David - 10, including two maybes
Bruce - 12

Not saying David shouldn't be respected. I own Dave/Jon's book, have two The Moon albums and two Colours albums, and have listened to The Marksmen's stuff and Dave's solo album "I Think About You Often" on Spotify. when I saw Mike & Bruce in 2007 and David appeared on stage unannounced, I was freaking out with joy. I have the youtube video of Dave singing "Forever" with Mike & Bruce in Edinburgh saved to my favorites and I watch it often.

But you shouldn't have to take down Bruce to bring up Dave.

Yes, Aegir, no one should take down one, for another. Inclusive is a good thing.

The theatre setlists are usually closer to 40 songs.  The casino shows are shorter; I guess so people can see a show and gamble.
One, where Dave was playing in NY, had 38 songs.  This 50th setlist was extraordinary to include more eras. 

Ya, I'll see them. Any and all. 

[Nicko]

I appreciate the clarify with which your opinion is made. I just don't share it, and it boggles my mind especially if someone really liked this reunion tour, why they wouldn't want to see it continue, at least for a while. "TWGMTR" is a good album, but far from their greatest, and this tour has been amazing but not neccesarily the clear candidate for their best tour ever, so they already aren't literally doing the best work they've ever done. They're just doing really, really well. Extended it for a bit is something I can't fathom being against.

That's not even addressing the possibility that another album and tour could actually be better in some way.

Personally I would quite like to see the reunion happen again. But I can also completely understand why some think they should leave it there.

Realistically things couldn't go this well again...

Without the 50th anniversary tag and the noveltyfactorit would probably be more difficult to sell tickets.

The members are only likely to become worse singers and less agile from now on.

Brian used songs from 1998 to make this album. It would be a toug ask for him to follow it up relatively quickly.

And maybe most important is the fact that these guys have had fractious relationships for decades and did well to get through one tour without someone quitting orgetting fired. The current debacle is evidence of the factthat it might be too much to expect it to happen again.

[Sheriff John Stone]

I appreciate the clarify with which your opinion is made. I just don't share it, and it boggles my mind especially if someone really liked this reunion tour, why they wouldn't want to see it continue, at least for a while. "TWGMTR" is a good album, but far from their greatest, and this tour has been amazing but not neccesarily the clear candidate for their best tour ever, so they already aren't literally doing the best work they've ever done. They're just doing really, really well. Extended it for a bit is something I can't fathom being against.

That's not even addressing the possibility that another album and tour could actually be better in some way.

Personally I would quite like to see the reunion happen again. But I can also completely understand why some think they should leave it there.

Realistically things couldn't go this well again...

Without the 50th anniversary tag and the noveltyfactorit would probably be more difficult to sell tickets.

The members are only likely to become worse singers and less agile from now on.

Brian used songs from 1998 to make this album. It would be a toug ask for him to follow it up relatively quickly.

And maybe most important is the fact that these guys have had fractious relationships for decades and did well to get through one tour without someone quitting orgetting fired. The current debacle is evidence of the factthat it might be too much to expect it to happen again.

I agree with both of you! My heart tells me that I want more touring and more recording because this has been such an enjoyable and exciting experience, and I do think the guys have "something" left and I'd like to hear it. However, my head is leaning toward Nicko1234's points. Sometimes the truth hurts...

As I'm reading the various quotes, posts, and speculation, this whole recent debacle is starting to have a deja vu-like quality. Is this starting to become another SMiLE-like debate?

[Justin]

It just seems perfect for him. And yet he needed Brian (and wife&managers, which probably stung a lot more). It would be great if Mike could swallow his pride, is all. This format is what The Beach Boys, their music, their legacy, everything Mike professes to give a toss about, deserve!

Yeah I agree with that too. 

What if Mike actually thinks that his version of the BB is all that he actually needs?  We're of course going into deeper stuff here that none of us can answer but what if maybe Mike had accepted his version of the band as the new standard for himself?  The reunited group may hve elevated the band's stature for a few months but it looks to me that it doesn't really make Mike bat an eye.  Through his mind, he probably thinks he got the same amount of satisfaction on this tour as he usually gets with his own group but with more time and money being spent (and lost?).  Would he weigh the situation like that?  It certainly looks like it since we know he's already moved on with his own band.  I wish Mike could see things our way but Mike is a complicated dude and I have a feeling that there is more than just a chip on his shoulder that pushes him to do the things that he does.....

[Jon Stebbins]

David being an "original member" is just a coincidence at this point, really. Most of the songs the band plays live, he didn't play on. And the ones he did play on, he often doesn't play his guitar part, but Carl's. I don't see how that makes him more legitimate than Bruce.

I don't think David's more legitimate than Bruce. I do think he's more of an original member or co-founder for obvious reasons. He was actually playing music and singing with Carl and Brian prior to any other Beach Boy other than Mike. But Bruce contributed a great deal musically/vocally from the point in time that he joined, and since that point was relatively early (1965) he should be viewed as one of the core Beach Boys. No doubt. But two points that should be made...

To say that David somehow gets a downgrade because he now plays someone else's guitar part in concert instead of his own. Al has been doing that his whole career. Through the whole post '63 period Al played David's guitar part in concert on all those early hits, and he sang Dennis' part in concert on so many of the songs like Surfer Girl and In My Room, even the uptempo stuff he's often singing Dennis' part. And on the SDV2, ASL period material he's playing Carl's rhythm guitar part (since Al was the studio bassist)...my point is that in concert Al has rarely played his own studio part on anything from the classic hit period, and about half the time he's not singing his part either. If we really broke it down it would be obvious that not playing or singing the part you handled on the record is very common in the Beach Boys concert history. And I think most would agree David is a better guitarist than Carl ever was.

The other point is that Bruce joined a band that was at the very top of its success. Al re-joined a band that had just run off a string of huge hits, and had just had the biggest selling rock album of the year. They both joined a safe bet. Dave was there when it was tiny, and he was there when it was huge, and everything in between. That should count for a lot even though his initial tenure was short, it was the most important time for the band's fortunes.

[Rocker]

And I'd love to see David, Brian and Al go out and do the same.  If not, get their own license and tour as the Beach Boys.

That wouldn't be the Beach Boys either

It would be a hell of a lot more genuine and legit than Myke Luhv and his butler-and a lot more successful in the studio and on the road.

You can't call any band "The Beach Boys" that doesn't include Mike Love on a regular basis. I agree that Mike & Bruce shouldn't be using the name, but unfortunately that's what they are doing. But a band of Bria, Dave and Al wouldn't be much more genuine imho. What we got this year is the only way The Beach Boys can happen nowadays.


Anyway, I started this thread because I hoped we'd get some informations about Mike & Bruce's forthcoming gigs. It wasn't supposed to be yet another thread about the parting of the boys. Hopefully we can read reviews and reports of the shows when they happen.

[bgas]

And I'd love to see David, Brian and Al go out and do the same.  If not, get their own license and tour as the Beach Boys.

That wouldn't be the Beach Boys either

It would be a hell of a lot more genuine and legit than Myke Luhv and his butler-and a lot more successful in the studio and on the road.

You can't call any band "The Beach Boys" that doesn't include Mike Love on a regular basis. I agree that Mike & Bruce shouldn't be using the name, but unfortunately that's what they are doing. But a band of Bria, Dave and Al wouldn't be much more genuine imho. What we got this year is the only way The Beach Boys can happen nowadays.


Anyway, I started this thread because I hoped we'd get some informations about Mike & Bruce's forthcoming gigs. It wasn't supposed to be yet another thread about the parting of the boys. Hopefully we can read reviews and reports of the shows when they happen.

I thought you understood this site a lot better than that!

[Rocker]

And I'd love to see David, Brian and Al go out and do the same.  If not, get their own license and tour as the Beach Boys.

That wouldn't be the Beach Boys either

It would be a hell of a lot more genuine and legit than Myke Luhv and his butler-and a lot more successful in the studio and on the road.

You can't call any band "The Beach Boys" that doesn't include Mike Love on a regular basis. I agree that Mike & Bruce shouldn't be using the name, but unfortunately that's what they are doing. But a band of Bria, Dave and Al wouldn't be much more genuine imho. What we got this year is the only way The Beach Boys can happen nowadays.


Anyway, I started this thread because I hoped we'd get some informations about Mike & Bruce's forthcoming gigs. It wasn't supposed to be yet another thread about the parting of the boys. Hopefully we can read reviews and reports of the shows when they happen.

I thought you understood this site a lot better than that!

I stopped long ago even trying to understand this site... 

[Justin]

Another M&B gig scheduled: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel December 31, 2012

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD9MKqsJ3t8

For what it's worth, it does seem that they do book a year out in advance.....

[SurfRiderHawaii]

And I'd love to see David, Brian and Al go out and do the same.  If not, get their own license and tour as the Beach Boys.

That wouldn't be the Beach Boys either

It would be a hell of a lot more genuine and legit than Myke Luhv and his butler-and a lot more successful in the studio and on the road.

You can't call any band "The Beach Boys" that doesn't include Mike Love on a regular basis. I agree that Mike & Bruce shouldn't be using the name, but unfortunately that's what they are doing. But a band of Bria, Dave and Al wouldn't be much more genuine imho. What we got this year is the only way The Beach Boys can happen nowadays.


Anyway, I started this thread because I hoped we'd get some informations about Mike & Bruce's forthcoming gigs. It wasn't supposed to be yet another thread about the parting of the boys. Hopefully we can read reviews and reports of the shows when they happen.

Personally, I've heard all those 60's song/Mike leads a million times.  Mike not in the band wouldn't bother me.  I'd rather hear Brian, Al, and  Bruce sing the non surf/car songs (And have Dave sing the Dennis songs and play those awesome licks of his).

 I'm way over the Mike Love show! It's just an oldies show as far as I'm concerned.

[Nicko]

Any band calling itself The Beach Boys would have to play the hits though, the promoters would demand it.

If Brian wants to tour again in a non reunion mode then he should go out as himself anyway. I'm sure Al and David would be happy to join him if required.

[Mr. Cohen]

I think David gets invited to the Mike & Bruce show. Brian wants his own tour bus just for himself and brings all kinds of weirdness and overhead. Al strikes me as a finicky man that thinks he always knows best, hence why he fell out with the Mike & Bruce show and the all-Brian show. I can't blame Mike for wanting to get away from the circus.  He wants to celebrate the emotionally positive sound he crafted for the Beach Boys without moody weirdos dragging things down with persistent melancholia.

Surf's up, dude.

[SurfRiderHawaii]

Any band calling itself The Beach Boys would have to play the hits though, the promoters would demand it.

If Brian wants to tour again in a non reunion mode then he should go out as himself anyway. I'm sure Al and David would be happy to join him if required.

Unfortunate but true.  A lot of bands are playing their classic albums.  Can you imagine a show doing the entire "Friends" album. Dang & wow!
Or Smile.  but Mike would put the kabash on that - it ain't the formula.

[donald]

Back to the original thread topic;   

As has been noted, these guys are all still healthy and performing....but for how much longer?

It was in this spirit that I finally decided to go and see a Mike and Bruce show a few years ago rather than no Beach Boys at all.

Very glad I did.  As anyone who has seen this act knows, it is top notch with great people and musicians  up on the stage with Mike and Bruce.

Disappointed as I have been all of these years with the exclusion of Al Jardine, I would go again.

And I will continue to go see Brian shows which I have always enjoyed.    And I would  go see Al if it were logistically possible whith his limited performing schedule.

If you are a diehard fan like me, go see these guys.  All of them.  In any configuration.  You don't know when your last chance will come.

[oldsurferdude]

And I'd love to see David, Brian and Al go out and do the same.  If not, get their own license and tour as the Beach Boys.

That wouldn't be the Beach Boys either

It would be a hell of a lot more genuine and legit than Myke Luhv and his butler-and a lot more successful in the studio and on the road.

You can't call any band "The Beach Boys" that doesn't include Mike Love on a regular basis. I agree that Mike & Bruce shouldn't be using the name, but unfortunately that's what they are doing. But a band of Bria, Dave and Al wouldn't be much more genuine imho. What we got this year is the only way The Beach Boys can happen nowadays.


Anyway, I started this thread because I hoped we'd get some informations about Mike & Bruce's forthcoming gigs. It wasn't supposed to be yet another thread about the parting of the boys. Hopefully we can read reviews and reports of the shows when they happen.

Personally, I've heard all those 60's song/Mike leads a million times.  Mike not in the band wouldn't bother me.  I'd rather hear Brian, Al, and  Bruce sing the non surf/car songs (And have Dave sing the Dennis songs and play those awesome licks of his).

 I'm way over the Mike Love show! It's just an oldies show as far as I'm concerned.

ABSOLUTELY!!!! -WELL SAID AND SO TRUE!!!!