New Mike Examiner interview

[Sheriff John Stone]

Sheriff, good point, and I remember that discussion.  I think my beef is the extreme emphasis on touring and very little on recording.  Why is that?  That's what I don't see a satisfactory response on.  Even given your (sweetdudejim's) item 4, it seems recording would be much easier and much more feasible than touring.

Question: Could Brian, Al and Dave record a new BB album minus Mike?  Not explicitly leave him out, but leave an open invite and still record as The Beach Boys if he declined?

A BB album without Mike wouldn't suffer lyrically or musically (IMO, of course), and frankly his vocal contribution to TWGMTR was less than stellar.  I'd be cool with a Mike-less new BB album.

Be patient, it's just a matter of time until we get around to arguing about a potential new album!

I honestly don't know about about the legalities of a new Beach Boys' album without Mike, but you know Mike would fight it and the lawsuits would tie it up for years. We could probably come to a consensus that it is not necessary for Mike Love to contribute to the songwriting, lyric writing, or production of a new Beach Boys album. But, I'd hate to read the multiple threads and posts (including mine ) when it comes to whether or not Mike's vocals are necessary for a new Beach Boys' album.

[AndrewHickey]

In 2011 Mike & Bruce sold out Epsom racetrack, near London, which has a capacity of 10,875...

... one of whom was young master Hickey (front row, directly above security dude in hoodie):

That was a festival with other acts on the bill.

It wasn't a festival, and no other acts were on the bill. There's really no need to just make stuff up,you know.

[Mikie]

Hey, I don't see a security guard in the front row of that picture (London?) Would somebody point out Hickey?

[Shady]

In 2011 Mike & Bruce sold out Epsom racetrack, near London, which has a capacity of 10,875...

... one of whom was young master Hickey (front row, directly above security dude in hoodie):

That was a festival with other acts on the bill.

It wasn't a festival, and no other acts were on the bill. There's really no need to just make stuff up,you know.

The band join Scottish rockers Texas and boyband The Wanted for the 2011 line-up.

Unless it was spread out over a few days, in which case I am wrong

http://www.epsomguardian.co.uk/news/8811763.Beach_Boys_added_to_line_up_for_music_festival/

[bgas]

Hey, I don't see a security guard in the front row of that picture (London?) Would somebody point out Hickey?

You don't see that guy in the black hoodie, between the stage and the "fence" ?

[Mikie]

Ah, OK, the guy with the green sweatshirt and the black scarf on?

[bgas]

Ah, OK, the guy with the green sweatshirt and the black scarf on?

either  a scarf or a huge beard

[AndrewHickey]

In 2011 Mike & Bruce sold out Epsom racetrack, near London, which has a capacity of 10,875...

... one of whom was young master Hickey (front row, directly above security dude in hoodie):

That was a festival with other acts on the bill.

It wasn't a festival, and no other acts were on the bill. There's really no need to just make stuff up,you know.

The band join Scottish rockers Texas and boyband The Wanted for the 2011 line-up.

Unless it was spread out over a few days, in which case I am wrong

http://www.epsomguardian.co.uk/news/8811763.Beach_Boys_added_to_line_up_for_music_festival/

I was there. I'm in the photo in your post. I was there from the moment the doors opened until the last notes died away. There were no other bands on the bill. That article also says it was 'an indoor concert', which is obviously wrong just from looking at the photos.

(And it's a huge beard, not a scarf).

[Mikie]

Damn! Front row seat! Were you one of the first to buy tickets or did you (or somebody else) pull strings to get that choice spot?

[Shady]

In 2011 Mike & Bruce sold out Epsom racetrack, near London, which has a capacity of 10,875...

... one of whom was young master Hickey (front row, directly above security dude in hoodie):

That was a festival with other acts on the bill.

It wasn't a festival, and no other acts were on the bill. There's really no need to just make stuff up,you know.

The band join Scottish rockers Texas and boyband The Wanted for the 2011 line-up.

Unless it was spread out over a few days, in which case I am wrong

http://www.epsomguardian.co.uk/news/8811763.Beach_Boys_added_to_line_up_for_music_festival/

I was there. I'm in the photo in your post. I was there from the moment the doors opened until the last notes died away. There were no other bands on the bill. That article also says it was 'an indoor concert', which is obviously wrong just from looking at the photos.

(And it's a huge beard, not a scarf).

Can't argue with that.

[MaxL]

In 2011 Mike & Bruce sold out Epsom racetrack, near London, which has a capacity of 10,875...

... one of whom was young master Hickey (front row, directly above security dude in hoodie):

That was a festival with other acts on the bill.

It wasn't a festival, and no other acts were on the bill. There's really no need to just make stuff up,you know.

The band join Scottish rockers Texas and boyband The Wanted for the 2011 line-up.

Unless it was spread out over a few days, in which case I am wrong

http://www.epsomguardian.co.uk/news/8811763.Beach_Boys_added_to_line_up_for_music_festival/

I was there. I'm in the photo in your post. I was there from the moment the doors opened until the last notes died away. There were no other bands on the bill. That article also says it was 'an indoor concert', which is obviously wrong just from looking at the photos.

(And it's a huge beard, not a scarf).

I was also there and am in that picture (twenty-something in Hawaiian shirt) and yeah it wasn't a festival, no other acts on that night. I recall The Wanted played there a few weeks after or something, Texas the week before.

[AndrewHickey]

Damn! Front row seat! Were you one of the first to buy tickets or did you (or somebody else) pull strings to get that choice spot?

It wasn't a seated gig. I *always* get to the front row for standing gigs -- I was in the front row for both Italian shows on the reunion tour, too.

Still wasn't as good a spot as AGD had in Epsom, though -- he's the one who took those photos...

[Mikie]

So that explains the security guard standing in front of you.  He's watching you closely so you don't mow anybody else down trying to get close to the stage......

[bgas]

So that explains the security guard standing in front of you.  He's watching you closely so you don't mow anybody else down trying to get close to the stage......

More likely to stop you from getting to AGD

[Nicko1234]

This whole thing started with somebody saying people don't know the difference between the M&B show and the original band. I see it differently, the demand is much greater when all the guys are together.

Greater perhaps but much greater?

Take away the 50th anniversary tag and how much greater would it really be? Even members of the group themselves said for several years that the demand wouldn't be there for a 'reunion' because the group never split up.

[Mike's Beard]

Chill pills all round?

+1.  Really wish everyone could be cool with everyone else's opinions, regardless of what you may think of them.  It is possible to respectfully disagree with someone without being insulting.  Everybody here would do well to remember that.

Smile Brian is a good friend of mine on this board and yet I completely disagree with his opinion on The Mike and Bruce Show. You can hold a different viewpoint from someone and still respect what they have to say. Some just can't view a Brianless BB's as anything less than sub par. I'm not bothered because Brian is by far the worst live performer out of the bunch. I think as long as M&B put on a good show then they are doing no harm to the legacy. How many 50+ year old bands are still out there in any configuration? Let Mike continue to fly the flag as he has done. Anytime the they can all put their collective baggage aside as they did for the C50 then let's just treat it for what it was - gravy.

[Micha]

I am of the opinion that new albums need new material only.

So you skip "Help Me, Rhonda" whenever you listen to Summer Days?

Only kidding, of course.

[SurfRiderHawaii]

I am no fan of ML and I interacted with the guy and it wasn't pleasant, on multiple levels.

That said, I think he still does a great job as front man and sings pretty well still. Brian is THE MAN but his voice is not  good. Bruce can still sing and I don't believe his mic is ever turned off (except when the board guy turns it down for hand claps)..

My problem with the Mike/Bruce show for me is primarily the number of seedy, crappy venues they play. Based on my personal, first hand knowledge, I am of the opinion they don't tour for the money or to reach out to fans in remote places. It's a boys club ongoing party and that's what they love. That's why they have Stamos in when they can.

With Brian, Al and David along, there is too much visibility on the band. Essentially,  Mike and Bruce have way more fun doin their own thing.
Probably why they never let Al back in the band. They find him a killjoy maybe.

In a perfect world, we would all like to see  the C50 go on........ But it's not to be. I think Mike and Bruce tarnish the BB legacy but, at the same time, turn on new fans to the great music of Americas greatest rock band. That's MY opinion.

It's hard for idealists like myself and Smile Brian to accept that the world isn't perfect.

[Shady]

Chill pills all round?

+1.  Really wish everyone could be cool with everyone else's opinions, regardless of what you may think of them.  It is possible to respectfully disagree with someone without being insulting.  Everybody here would do well to remember that.

Smile Brian is a good friend of mine on this board and yet I completely disagree with his opinion on The Mike and Bruce Show. You can hold a different viewpoint from someone and still respect what they have to say. Some just can't view a Brianless BB's as anything less than sub par. I'm not bothered because Brian is by far the worst live performer out of the bunch. I think as long as M&B put on a good show then they are doing no harm to the legacy. How many 50+ year old bands are still out there in any configuration? Let Mike continue to fly the flag as he has done. Anytime the they can all put their collective baggage aside as they did for the C50 then let's just treat it for what it was - gravy.

But how do you feel about Mike putting an end to the C50 tour and deciding to return to his version of The Beach Boys.

I can't see how anyone feels that was an ok thing to do.

[Nicko1234]

But how do you feel about Mike putting an end to the C50 tour and deciding to return to his version of The Beach Boys.

I can't see how anyone feels that was an ok thing to do.

A couple of comments about that if I may be permitted to butt in...

The C50 tour had to end at some point. You can't have a 50th anniversary that carries on forever.

Everybody knew in advance that they were getting back together for a specific period. Those first Mike and Bruce dates were announced months previously and everybody including Brian and his management knew about them. Bruce was even announcing to all and sundry on the net that the C50 tour had to finish by a certain point.

Now as a fan I think it would have been great to have more stuff going on by the 5 members together but none of them had planned for that to happen so I can entirely understand why Mike carried on doing what he had always intended to do and the other band members had always known about.

[filledeplage]

Chill pills all round?

+1.  Really wish everyone could be cool with everyone else's opinions, regardless of what you may think of them.  It is possible to respectfully disagree with someone without being insulting.  Everybody here would do well to remember that.

Smile Brian is a good friend of mine on this board and yet I completely disagree with his opinion on The Mike and Bruce Show. You can hold a different viewpoint from someone and still respect what they have to say. Some just can't view a Brianless BB's as anything less than sub par. I'm not bothered because Brian is by far the worst live performer out of the bunch. I think as long as M&B put on a good show then they are doing no harm to the legacy. How many 50+ year old bands are still out there in any configuration? Let Mike continue to fly the flag as he has done. Anytime the they can all put their collective baggage aside as they did for the C50 then let's just treat it for what it was - gravy.

But how do you feel about Mike putting an end to the C50 tour and deciding to return to his version of The Beach Boys.

I can't see how anyone feels that was an ok thing to do.

It looks like a concept known as "status quo ante."  Or, the state of things "before" - as in before the C50 "event."

And, Mike didn't do anything, but, return to the work arrangement before the event.  

In other words, after C50, he went back to his "regular job."

[Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again]

You're young and going to college on the East Coast...

That explains a lot.

Maybe we all should take this bit of info and step back and ask ourselves: if I was young and in college and a massive Beach Boys fan while all my college friends are blasting Zep, The Stones and The Beatles in their dorm rooms and going on and on about how superior those bands are: the fact that Mike/Bruce are playing SeaWorld and dumpy casinos would not help my argument that The Beach Boys deserve to be placed on the same level as those other bands.... Simple as that. And when you're young and in college, such discussions about music really mean a lot! I mean, they never stop meaning a lot, but at that time in your life, they can take on epic proportions.....

The fact that we went from the C50 tour to SeaWorld sucks. Yes, we can make the necessary excuses and give The Bruce Boys a pass, but it still sucks as a fan in many ways.... That's all. And it is OK to express this feeling....

[SMiLE Brian]

Great points made by my friends here, we may not agree on all BBs matters, but we treat each other with respect.

[Mike's Beard]

Chill pills all round?

+1.  Really wish everyone could be cool with everyone else's opinions, regardless of what you may think of them.  It is possible to respectfully disagree with someone without being insulting.  Everybody here would do well to remember that.

Smile Brian is a good friend of mine on this board and yet I completely disagree with his opinion on The Mike and Bruce Show. You can hold a different viewpoint from someone and still respect what they have to say. Some just can't view a Brianless BB's as anything less than sub par. I'm not bothered because Brian is by far the worst live performer out of the bunch. I think as long as M&B put on a good show then they are doing no harm to the legacy. How many 50+ year old bands are still out there in any configuration? Let Mike continue to fly the flag as he has done. Anytime the they can all put their collective baggage aside as they did for the C50 then let's just treat it for what it was - gravy.

But how do you feel about Mike putting an end to the C50 tour and deciding to return to his version of The Beach Boys.

I can't see how anyone feels that was an ok thing to do.

If this had happened say, only 10 years ago I would have been rather vocal that a permanent reunion would have been worth fighting for, but they're all in their 70's now!!!

Honestly how long do you think they could have possibly kept this thing rolling? Sooner or later I'm certain Brian would have jacked it in. That schedule would have broken him eventually. And then certain camps would have had to face the ugly truth that the world at large doesn't care if The Beach Boys features Al Jardine and David Marks in them or not. As long as it has that guy in the baseball cap up front belting out the classic hits then the Beach Boys brand name will always have market value. Mike knows this.

If in a year or two Brian's serious about getting the guys together for another new album Mike will sign up in a flash, but with the same mindset. An agreed timeframe to work within, a resulting spike in mainstream interest and then back to the day job before the whole thing turns into a chore.

[drbeachboy]

You're young and going to college on the East Coast...

That explains a lot.

Maybe we all should take this bit of info and step back and ask ourselves: if I was young and in college and a massive Beach Boys fan while all my college friends are blasting Zep, The Stones and The Beatles in their dorm rooms and going on and on about how superior those bands are: the fact that Mike/Bruce are playing SeaWorld and dumpy casinos would not help my argument that The Beach Boys deserve to be placed on the same level as those other bands.... Simple as that. And when you're young and in college, such discussions about music really mean a lot! I mean, they never stop meaning a lot, but at that time in your life, they can take on epic proportions.....

The fact that we went from the C50 tour to SeaWorld sucks. Yes, we can make the necessary excuses and give The Bruce Boys a pass, but it still sucks as a fan in many ways.... That's all. And it is OK to express this feeling....

In the late 60's & 70's, I was constantly defending my Beach Boys fandom. Never were venues brought up in the conversations. Today casinos are fairly mainstream, but I can see Sea World being a bit unhip.