Meeting Mike and/or Bruce at their show

[RubberSoul13]

Hello there...haven't posted in a looooooong time!

has anyone accomplished this?

Mike and Bruce's Beach Boys are playing in Lancaster which is like a 30 minute drive for me. The tickets are a flat rate of $75 and there is no way in hell I'd pay that to see their production after experiencing SO much for just $375 last year.

However, I printed out my meet-n-greet picture last year as an 8x12 and thought it would be cool to some day (or days...) get some (if not all) the boys to sign it.

Since it is not a far drive, I was considering going up to the venue and waiting outside for when they pulled up and walked into the venue, hoping that I could get Mike and/or Bruce to sign it. Has anyone ever tried this or can anyone provide any insight?

And yes, I know it sounds a bit hypocritical to want their signature yet...I won't go to their concert. I don't want my feelings to fuel any debate in THAT area...

[Lowbacca]

The tickets are a flat rate of $75 and there is no way in hell I'd pay that to see their production after experiencing SO much for just $375 last year.

I don't get that part.. 

[AndrewHickey]

Well, firstly, I'd say you should probably go to the show. Mike & Bruce's band can put on an *astonishingly* good show, and it's well worth that sort of price. If you're making the trip anyway you'd be daft not to, in my opinion.

That said...

I've met the band, or members, outside gig venues a few times, as well as occasional backstage trips and so on, and the advice I'd give is this:

Try to meet them *after* the show rather than before -- they might turn up as much as five hours early on some occasions, to soundcheck, while on others the principals will turn up literally minutes before the show, leaving the backing band to soundcheck without them. But they always leave at around the same time.

Mike will almost certainly sign anything you stick in front of him, and be at least minimally friendly. He'll want to get away quickly, but he will talk to you while signing your photo or whatever, and if you *do* go to the gig itself he might talk more if he recognised you from the show (first time I met him he recognised me as "the one who knew the words to *all* the songs" because I'd been mouthing along to stuff like All This Is That, Til I Die and Summer In Paradise during the show -- he really pays attention to the audience).

Bruce... varies. I've met him a few times now. A couple of times he's been absolutely wonderful, chatting with everyone, joking with them, signing anything people wanted signing and generally being lovely. One time I met him he was just plain *weird* -- he has a strange sense of humour, put it that way -- and the other times he's been minimally polite -- not rude, but clearly not wanting to talk, saying "thanks for coming" or something but making it clear that he didn't want to talk or sign autographs or anything like that. I've also seen him be *astonishingly* rude to other fans on one occasion, but only one. Don't expect to get Bruce's autograph, or even eye contact, but it might happen.

[RubberSoul13]

The tickets are a flat rate of $75 and there is no way in hell I'd pay that to see their production after experiencing SO much for just $375 last year.

I don't get that part.. 

I don't really explain myself well do I?  

Last year, I got to see all five beach boys from a dead center seat in the second row, attend soundcheck, meet and chat with the band, interact with them during the show, and have easily one of the most memorable nights of my live thus far for $375. It was worth every penny.

In 2010, I saw Mike & Bruce for $30 and that show was great, really it was! I cannot justify paying $75 to see a show Beach Boys show that is just "great" after my experience last year. Especially when it isn't really "The Beach Boys" in my eyes nor do I comprehend the sudden leap in ticket prices. I won't hear any new songs and I can probably do all of Mike and Bruce's routines if I wanted to. "wheeeeeeeeen" "Bruce won a grammy!" "This is Paul McCartney's favorite song"...

I still have artistic respect for both men and their recordings but, I would not "get my moneys worth" seeing them in concert again. Unless Bruce whips out "Deidre"...  

[RubberSoul13]

Well, firstly, I'd say you should probably go to the show. Mike & Bruce's band can put on an *astonishingly* good show, and it's well worth that sort of price. If you're making the trip anyway you'd be daft not to, in my opinion.

That said...

I've met the band, or members, outside gig venues a few times, as well as occasional backstage trips and so on, and the advice I'd give is this:

Try to meet them *after* the show rather than before -- they might turn up as much as five hours early on some occasions, to soundcheck, while on others the principals will turn up literally minutes before the show, leaving the backing band to soundcheck without them. But they always leave at around the same time.

Mike will almost certainly sign anything you stick in front of him, and be at least minimally friendly. He'll want to get away quickly, but he will talk to you while signing your photo or whatever, and if you *do* go to the gig itself he might talk more if he recognised you from the show (first time I met him he recognised me as "the one who knew the words to *all* the songs" because I'd been mouthing along to stuff like All This Is That, Til I Die and Summer In Paradise during the show -- he really pays attention to the audience).

Bruce... varies. I've met him a few times now. A couple of times he's been absolutely wonderful, chatting with everyone, joking with them, signing anything people wanted signing and generally being lovely. One time I met him he was just plain *weird* -- he has a strange sense of humour, put it that way -- and the other times he's been minimally polite -- not rude, but clearly not wanting to talk, saying "thanks for coming" or something but making it clear that he didn't want to talk or sign autographs or anything like that. I've also seen him be *astonishingly* rude to other fans on one occasion, but only one. Don't expect to get Bruce's autograph, or even eye contact, but it might happen.

Thanks for such a great response Andrew 

As I said to lowbacca, I've seen their show and totally agree, it is impressive. But I just had a such an unbelievable time last year. It exceeded all expectations and frankly, I'm afraid of spoiling that. I really want to remember the beach boys as a happy unit like when I met them, and that's getting harder to do... 

When I met the boys, Mike met your description. He was very kind and fairly talkative (complimenting my 50th ann. shirt etc.) but Bruce was probably the nicest to me out of all five beach boys! I made them all cards (don't know if they all ever got to read them, the host took them and said she'd "Give them back" ) Anyway, as I was leaving the photo-op Bruce pulled me back, shook my hand and thanked ME! I was a puddle of fandom.

[AndrewHickey]

In 2010, I saw Mike & Bruce for $30 and that show was great, really it was! I cannot justify paying $75 to see a show Beach Boys show that is just "great" after my experience last year. Especially when it isn't really "The Beach Boys" in my eyes nor do I comprehend the sudden leap in ticket prices. I won't hear any new songs and I can probably do all of Mike and Bruce's routines if I wanted to. "wheeeeeeeeen" "Bruce won a grammy!" "This is Paul McCartney's favorite song"...

I suspect the reason for the raised ticket prices is the venue. That's a theatre venue, and one of a run of "classier" venues (theatres, arts centres and so on, rather than fairs and casinos). Generally, if the show is in a theatre, and in the spring or winter, you get longer setlists including rarities, while in the summer or autumn, or if you're in one of the less "classy" venues you get "only" about thirty songs, mostly hits.

So my guess is it'll be a longer show, something like this one at the same venue at about the same time of year eight years ago -- http://members.tripod.com/~fun_fun_fun/5-1-05.html , which would explain the higher price. Though don't blame me if I'm wrong and you go and it's a 15-song run through the hits

[AndrewHickey]

When I met the boys, Mike met your description. He was very kind and fairly talkative (complimenting my 50th ann. shirt etc.) but Bruce was probably the nicest to me out of all five beach boys! I made them all cards (don't know if they all ever got to read them, the host took them and said she'd "Give them back" ) Anyway, as I was leaving the photo-op Bruce pulled me back, shook my hand and thanked ME! I was a puddle of fandom.

To be honest, then, I would not try to meet up with them again. You clearly caught Bruce on a day when he was on-form (and when I've met Bruce and he's been on form, he's been absolutely wonderful) and meeting him on an off-day might spoil your memories in the way you're afraid the show will.

Not that he's a monster or anything -- like I say, the worst he's ever been to me in the many times I've met him is minimally polite, and everyone has good and bad days -- but I'd say you're more likely to come out with a lowered impression of him than a raised one after that.

[RubberSoul13]

Wow! I didn't know M&B even played some of those songs in their band...you're so good to me, the warmth of the sun, TILL I DIE?!? 

As tempting as that sounds, I think I have a new idea....(although I fear I already know the answer) do Mike and/or Bruce do any sort of fanmail?

I got Ringo Starr's autograph this way...about a month before he said no more!

[AndrewHickey]

Wow! I didn't know M&B even played some of those songs in their band...you're so good to me, the warmth of the sun, TILL I DIE?!? 

Yeah, I've seen them do all those songs a few times. And Kiss Me Baby, Here Today, You Still Believe In Me, Sail On Sailor, Let Him Run Wild, Forever, Good Timin', Heroes & Villains with the Bicycle Rider chorus... it really does depend on where you see them. I'm lucky enough to live in the UK, where they often extend their sets even more, but even in the US their theatre sets are often *very* different. I'd put this Mike/Bruce/David set I saw in 2008 up against almost any of the reunion tour sets -- http://members.tripod.com/~fun_fun_fun/4-12-08.html

No idea about fan mail, I'm afraid.

[RubberSoul13]

Wow! I didn't know M&B even played some of those songs in their band...you're so good to me, the warmth of the sun, TILL I DIE?!? 

Yeah, I've seen them do all those songs a few times. And Kiss Me Baby, Here Today, You Still Believe In Me, Sail On Sailor, Let Him Run Wild, Forever, Good Timin', Heroes & Villains with the Bicycle Rider chorus... it really does depend on where you see them. I'm lucky enough to live in the UK, where they often extend their sets even more, but even in the US their theatre sets are often *very* different. I'd put this Mike/Bruce/David set I saw in 2008 up against almost any of the reunion tour sets -- http://members.tripod.com/~fun_fun_fun/4-12-08.html

No idea about fan mail, I'm afraid.

Minus the extended observance of Pet Sounds tracks...that nearly IS the reunion setlist!

[Dave in KC]

To the fellow above talking about eye contact with Bruce. Other than when he may glance at you during the show, having eye contact with Bruce can lead to a very disheartening experience. The first time we were within breathing the same air distance, Austin 1969, it was great. But we were in a pub after a show. The other times, numerous, I got a cold , cold feeling. But I still like Bruce. Been too many years and too many instances to  slag now. He is what he is, a rock star in a ever present self- protective bubble.

[Andrew G. Doe]

If that's Lancaster PA, then it'll be in the American Music Theater, which means an extended setlist. I saw them there in 2005, and the show was excellent (and that was with Kowalski drumming). If you're such a snob about not laying out $75 or so for a couple hours of great music played wonderfully just because it's not Briiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnn, well... the Bloo is that way. 

[AndrewHickey]

Wow! I didn't know M&B even played some of those songs in their band...you're so good to me, the warmth of the sun, TILL I DIE?!? 

Yeah, I've seen them do all those songs a few times. And Kiss Me Baby, Here Today, You Still Believe In Me, Sail On Sailor, Let Him Run Wild, Forever, Good Timin', Heroes & Villains with the Bicycle Rider chorus... it really does depend on where you see them. I'm lucky enough to live in the UK, where they often extend their sets even more, but even in the US their theatre sets are often *very* different. I'd put this Mike/Bruce/David set I saw in 2008 up against almost any of the reunion tour sets -- http://members.tripod.com/~fun_fun_fun/4-12-08.html

No idea about fan mail, I'm afraid.

Minus the extended observance of Pet Sounds tracks...that nearly IS the reunion setlist!

Zackly. This is why, during the reunion tour, I was so down on people who were saying "you wouldn't get this kind of setlist from Mike & Bruce's band, it's all Brian's doing!" -- the setlist for last year followed pretty much *exactly* the pattern of Mike & Bruce's shows. It was better, because it had Brian and Al, and obviously, as competent as Christian Love and Tim Bonhomme are, they don't make up for Darian, Probyn, Nelson, Scott, Paul, and Mike, but it was in all important respects the same show Mike & Bruce have been playing for years.

[SMiLE Brian]

If that's Lancaster PA, then it'll be in the American Music Theater, which means an extended setlist. I saw them there in 2005, and the show was excellent (and that was with Kowalski drumming). If you're such a snob about not laying out $75 or so for a couple hours of great music played wonderfully just because it's not Briiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnn, well... the Bloo is that way. 

My C50 ticket was $80 bucks and it was a way better value.

[Nicko1234]

My C50 ticket was $80 bucks and it was a way better value.

You should still go and see any incarnation if you have the chance. It won't be too long before none of them ever tour again...

[SMiLE Brian]

My C50 ticket was $80 bucks and it was a way better value.

 It won't be too long before none of them ever tour again...

True That.

[Mikie]

It's hard for me to put "rock star" and "Bruce Johnston" in the same sentence.

[Mikie]

For the two "Andrews" in this thread:

Papa Do Run Run and the Surf City All-Stars are great bands too. You should go see them!   

[AndrewHickey]

For the two "Andrews" in this thread:

Papa Do Run Run and the Surf City All-Stars are great bands too. You should go see them!   

Well, Papa Doo have Adrian Baker in them, so that's a no from me. As for the Surf City All-Stars, I'm sure they *are* a great band -- especially when they, like Mike & Bruce's band, play with two original Beach Boys. As soon as they start playing fifty-song sets including Kiss Me Baby, Til I Die, All This Is That, Here Today, You Still Believe In Me, Sail On Sailor, Please Let Me Wonder and Let Him Run Wild, like Mike's band often do, I'll consider going to see them, too.

Well, and as soon as they play somewhere within 5000 miles of me.

[pixletwin]

SurfRiderHawaii met Mike backstage with his wife. I don't think it was a pleasant experience from what I remember.

[Andrew G. Doe]

For the two "Andrews" in this thread:

Papa Do Run Run and the Surf City All-Stars are great bands too. You should go see them!   

As young master Hickey points out, Papa have Baker, and for me, Dean has much the same effect.

[SurfRiderHawaii]

SurfRiderHawaii met Mike backstage with his wife. I don't think it was a pleasant experience from what I remember.

I did but it wasn't my wife but the woman I was dating. I'd characterize my experince with Mike as highly unpleasant but yet he did still sign my tour poster, as did Bruce.

Bruce was very cool and we had a fun talk about England, his kids, Kona surfing,  yada.

[Mikie]

What happened again?  Did Mike try to hit on your girlfriend, Surfrider?

[Shady]

It's a surprisingly unpopular opinion on here but going to see The Mike & Bruce experience following the C50 tour is almost pointless IMO..

Once you hear Al on Rhonda, Brian on IJWMFTT, Mike on Surfin U.S.A and see David shredding on guitar, all on stage together, there's just not point going back.

The pinnacle has been reached.

[filledeplage]

It's a surprisingly unpopular opinion on here but going to see The Mike & Bruce experience following the C50 tour is almost pointless IMO..
Once you hear Al on Rhonda, Brian on IJWMFTT, Mike on Surfin U.S.A and see David shredding on guitar, all on stage together, there's just not point going back.
The pinnacle has been reached.

Oh, what you miss, Shady.  It's not C50 which was an almost spiritual experience, but, it is a wonderful and really fun presentation of the material.  Each band had wonderful musicians; Al's has Figueroa, Hinsche, Cannata, Carter.  Brian's band, you saw at C50, and Mike and Bruce have great guys as well.  

If you love the music, and go with an open mind, you might get a really pleasant surprise.