Brian on future Beach Boys plans, no more reunions!

[filledeplage]

Perspective, please. When Brian denied reports of a reunion, he was full of it. Who knows what's actually going on right now? The job of BW's press agent is to make him look good, so you won't hear anything different from her.

What we have right now are a small handful of facts and a mountain of speculation. The facts suggest no tour of the full band this year. The facts likewise suggest that any further full-band shows (2014 and beyond) are uncertain at best, unlikely at worst.

Another group album would be great. But Mike's statements in the past make his participation seemingly contingent on a greater role in writing songs with Brian, which I doubt will happen. So again, probably unlikely.

Let's also look at Brian's record of writing new material. He did a reasonable amount of new work on TWGMTR, but at least a third (or more) of the album's material dated from the late 90s (title track, Spring Vacation, Strange World, Summer's Gone). His last creative surge was the TLOS writing sessions in 2006. With that in mind, anything he's working on now is likely to be older / recycled songs.

My main concern in all of this was that Brian would be seriously depressed or bummed out by Mike forging ahead with his own thing. But BW is stronger than that now, and it seems like he wants to keep doing things his way (as does Mike). That friction is what makes their partnership as songwriters work (or at least work in the 60s) and made the C50 shows riveting. But at a certain age, friction doesn't really hold much appeal. You want to do what you love without hassle. Everyone seems to want to do that now, and I'm gradually accepting that that's okay. New album or not, more reunion dates or not, whatever.

They did great. Hopefully Brian has another 15 years or so of interesting studio work left in him, and can play with his band as much as he likes. Hopefully Mike keeps challenging himself with diverse setlists. Hopefully Al can latch onto someone and not piss them off. And hopefully Dave keeps rocking.
Amen.

Wirestone - years down the road, when history attempts to reconstruct the History of The Beach Boys, I would opine that the composer/lyricist team memorialized, will be Wilson-Love.  Other writers and collaborators of note will occupy a footnote.  They are the architecture of the genesis of the band.  TWGMTR is a nice song, maybe a sleeper, but my favorite is Think About the Days.  It still gives me that little gasp when I hear it.  I think of it as their essence, their vocals.  Imitated but never duplicated.

And, speculating about anyone's behavioral health status, when not in any professional capacity to do so, just fuels innuendo and speculation in the same way, there is this "statement" from another music forum.  And bad journalism, "firing" band members to revert to the "status quo ante" for the Touring Band, is just ridiculous, in my view.  That story reared its head post Grammy awards, and I think it was clearly out of line, to get in Brian's face and ask it.  

If it was a source of discomfort and it was known by the journalist, then, in my view, it was indiscreet. Since when do journalists feel they have to know more than they "need to know," and push the bounds of decency?  If you see someone walking with a cane, do you put your foot out to trip them?

That is a physical challenge and you get out of their way to ensure their safety.  Why is a behavioral issue any different?  It is not different in my view. A challenge is a challenge.  One you see and one is non-apparent.  I found it an indecent and indiscreet question.  It was a long overdue evening to celebrate a project that was criticized for years, and who knows how much journalistic critics added to the non-completion with speculation and innuendo.  The band members' vocals in that project are unparalleled.

C50, in my view was a very special event, and it was never represented otherwise.  It was a "reunion" for an "anniversary" event.  Their corporate board drives the train, and, should the members decided to forge ahead in whatever manner, it is their decision.  

Brian has had many brilliant people around him.  No doubt. But, the down-to-earth stuff, that most people relate to on an everyday basis is what gave them that jump start into our music culture.  And, Mike could somehow "translate" those notes into words that the public could relate to and embrace.  

Who knows, when all this tabloid journalism (and some very credentialed sources have sunk to this low level) nonsense clears, some inner board workings will begin to churn?  I'd say it is a definite "maybe."  Not unlike everything else in life.  

And, Happy Valentine's Day to all you lovers of the Beach Boys music!  

[Letsgoawayforawhile]

Brian just posted the Rolling Stone article on his Facebook.
Is he trying to get a fight started or what?

It's all PR shenanigans, pay no mind. They must think their fans are really stupid.

It's all just unnecessary.
It's only hurting Brian.

[Myk Luhv]

I honestly don't care about any of this nonsense. Someone let me know when the music drops.

[SloopJohnnyB]

How do we know if Brian, Mike and others in the circle aren't just messing with the press? For better or worse publicity is publicity. It keeps the rumors going. It keeps the Beach Boy name in the press. It's all good.

Chances are good that Brian and Mike had a real 'heart to heart' conversation last year. I'm sure this year is mapped out. Is it fair to the fans not knowing the BB future? Well, I say it's OK to keep them guessing. Keep everyone guessing. When a big announcement arrives then it's great!

[Sam_BFC]

Wasn't GIOMH and BWPS recorded there?

I think BWPS was done at Sunset Sound.

[The Shift]

How do we know if Brian, Mike and others in the circle aren't just messing with the press? …

… I'm sure this year is mapped out. …

Wouldn't be the first time that's happened – they certainly messed with the press and their fans in 11/12 and there might well be more going on that is apparent.,

That said I think 2013 is mapped out – there'll be the box set and little else.

Wouldn't now expect a new group album before 2014 but am optimistic for that; maybe a small tour (10 dates USA, 50 dates UK, RFH & RAH) to promote as well – The Reconciliation Tour ⓒ.

[Shady]

Brian just posted the Rolling Stone article on his Facebook.
Is he trying to get a fight started or what?

What a classless move

[Emdeeh]

I seriously doubt that Brian does any of the actual posting on his Facebook page....

[Letsgoawayforawhile]

I seriously doubt that Brian does any of the actual posting on his Facebook page....

I know it wasn't him, but it was still a dumb move. If anything, it'll just make Mike less interested.

[Shady]

I seriously doubt that Brian does any of the actual posting on his Facebook page....

Of course, it's more likely Jeff.

Not sure what's he's thinking.

[kermit27]

I seriously doubt that Brian does any of the actual posting on his Facebook page....

Of course, it's more likely Jeff.

Not sure what's he's thinking.

Well, if it was Jeff, he must be thinking, "Here's an article about the Great Briiiaaan Wiilsoon!"

[Shady]

I seriously doubt that Brian does any of the actual posting on his Facebook page....

Of course, it's more likely Jeff.

Not sure what's he's thinking.

Well, if it was Jeff, he must be thinking, "Here's an article about the Great Briiiaaan Wiilsoon!"

 

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

  That was a good one.

[monicker]

Love You 2.

Crazy as it sounds, Brian did say he wanted to re-record some of the Love You songs.

When/where did he say this?

[hypehat]

Wasn't GIOMH and BWPS recorded there?

I think BWPS was done at Sunset Sound.

Mark Linett's Your Place Or Mine studio, I think.


As for PR shenanigans, they are just that. Ultimately worthless.

[Andrew G. Doe]

How do we know if Brian, Mike and others in the circle aren't just messing with the press? …

Ahhh... call it a quasi-educated guess that they're not.

… I'm sure this year is mapped out. …

Could be... could very well be... but probably not in the way you're thinking or hoping.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Wasn't GIOMH and BWPS recorded there?

I think BWPS was done at Sunset Sound.

Mark Linett's Your Place Or Mine studio, I think.

Basic tracks Sunset April 13th-17th, remainder of the recording YPOM, May & June.

GIOMH was recorded mostly at YPOM, but also at Western/Ocean Way, and Olympic in London.

[AndrewHickey]

How do we know if Brian, Mike and others in the circle aren't just messing with the press? …

Ahhh... call it a quasi-educated guess that they're not.

… I'm sure this year is mapped out. …

Could be... could very well be... but probably not in the way you're thinking or hoping.

I'd swear that if Brian actually pulled out a gun, shot Mike dead, and said "See, see, he's dead now, we can't possibly ever reunite", there are people on this board who'd call it a publicity stunt for an upcoming reunion tour and say Mike was only playing dead to play along with it.

[Andrew G. Doe]

... and over on the Bloo, there'd be tumultuous applause. I'm not joking, btw.

[Shady]

A reunion is not on the cards.

In terms of the relationship between Mike and Brian, I'm pretty sure were back to square one

[LdC]

I really hope they make a new album though I am also still hoping for a live album/cd from last year...

[Lonely Summer]

It seems pretty clear to me it is over for the Beach Boys - they reunited, made an album, did a tour, now they go their separate ways. It was never promised that the reunion would be permanent. I don't know why this is so hard for us to accept.

[AndrewHickey]

It seems pretty clear to me it is over for the Beach Boys - they reunited, made an album, did a tour, now they go their separate ways. It was never promised that the reunion would be permanent. I don't know why this is so hard for us to accept.

It's easy enough for many of us...

[JohnMill]

It seems pretty clear to me it is over for the Beach Boys - they reunited, made an album, did a tour, now they go their separate ways. It was never promised that the reunion would be permanent. I don't know why this is so hard for us to accept.

Quite simply because many people are way too emotionally invested in this group.  I mean sure, personally I would love to see the group remain intact but having said that I'm personally tired of all the daily drama that seems to surround this band.  To me anyway, it's not interesting, it's not intriguing, it's not fun, it's just a waste of time period.  Add to the fact that it seems as if at times that the members of the group itself seems to feed and stoke the fire of the drama cycle and it just leaves you with an uncomfortable feeling.  Anyhow that is my take on it anyhow.

[hypehat]

It seems pretty clear to me it is over for the Beach Boys - they reunited, made an album, did a tour, now they go their separate ways. It was never promised that the reunion would be permanent. I don't know why this is so hard for us to accept.

Yeah, I can't imagine being sad about my favourite band not making another album!