Endless Summer TV Show

[guitarfool2002]

Was it the buzz around their recent hit with Kokomo and Brian's solo album (more of a critical-media success than in sales, but still) which gave the Beach Boys the clout to be tapped to host a variety show?

This was a classic "summer replacement" syndicated series, designed to fill time slots in local stations' schedules, but it still took a helluva lot in terms of working out a deal, shooting a pilot episode to shop (if that happened here), and actually making it happen as a real show with a full summer's worth of episodes.

As pointed out above, this specific year wasn't exactly an earth-shattering one in terms of what the Beach Boys were actually doing in the now, rather it seems they were still riding the wave of the previous year...

...so who got them a deal to host a television series like this? Is there any backstory to how this show actually got bought in syndication and shown on TV?

[Sheriff John Stone]

Yeah, you never knew what Brian was gonna say during those "campfire chats". In addition to scaring the hell out of the kid for venturing too close to the fire, there was the segment when Brian got on Mike's case - actually I'm not sure how to describe it; I'll just say he pointed it out - for covering "Be My Baby" on Looking Back With Love. I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it.

Hello ? He's on it (bvs and keyboards), and produced the basic track. This has been established for, oh, over 20 years.

When I wrote that "I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it", I was referring to the INCLUSION of the "Be Me Baby" track on Mike's solo album, Looking Back With Love, not Brian's participation on the track, which, in 1989, wasn't 20 years past, but about 9. Due to Brian's mental state during that period, I was surprised that he had a knowledge of the tracklisting of another bandmember's solo album, especially Mike's, which wasn't exactly an opus. Frankly, I'm surprised if/that he even listened to it a single time.

Is there any chance that you could go away again, this time for longer period of time, a much longer period of time?

[Gohi]

Yeah, you never knew what Brian was gonna say during those "campfire chats". In addition to scaring the hell out of the kid for venturing too close to the fire, there was the segment when Brian got on Mike's case - actually I'm not sure how to describe it; I'll just say he pointed it out - for covering "Be My Baby" on Looking Back With Love. I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it.

Hello ? He's on it (bvs and keyboards), and produced the basic track. This has been established for, oh, over 20 years.

When I wrote that "I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it", I was referring to the INCLUSION of the "Be Me Baby" track on Mike's solo album, Looking Back With Love, not Brian's participation on the track, which, in 1989, wasn't 20 years past, but about 9. Due to Brian's mental state during that period, I was surprised that he had a knowledge of the tracklisting of another bandmember's solo album, especially Mike's, which wasn't exactly an opus. Frankly, I'm surprised if/that he even listened to it a single time.

Is there any chance that you could go away again, this time for longer period of time, a much longer period of time?

Yep. There's no reason to be so unbelievably rude and snippy, especially over something as trivial as this. AGD makes this board a much grumpier, less enjoyable place to browse.

[drbeachboy]

Yeah, you never knew what Brian was gonna say during those "campfire chats". In addition to scaring the hell out of the kid for venturing too close to the fire, there was the segment when Brian got on Mike's case - actually I'm not sure how to describe it; I'll just say he pointed it out - for covering "Be My Baby" on Looking Back With Love. I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it.

Hello ? He's on it (bvs and keyboards), and produced the basic track. This has been established for, oh, over 20 years.

When I wrote that "I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it", I was referring to the INCLUSION of the "Be Me Baby" track on Mike's solo album, Looking Back With Love, not Brian's participation on the track, which, in 1989, wasn't 20 years past, but about 9. Due to Brian's mental state during that period, I was surprised that he had a knowledge of the tracklisting of another bandmember's solo album, especially Mike's, which wasn't exactly an opus. Frankly, I'm surprised if/that he even listened to it a single time.

Is there any chance that you could go away again, this time for longer period of time, a much longer period of time?

Seriously, don't you think Brian would remember recording a version of his most favorite song, no matter when it was or who it was with?

[Andrew G. Doe]

Yeah, you never knew what Brian was gonna say during those "campfire chats". In addition to scaring the hell out of the kid for venturing too close to the fire, there was the segment when Brian got on Mike's case - actually I'm not sure how to describe it; I'll just say he pointed it out - for covering "Be My Baby" on Looking Back With Love. I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it.

Hello ? He's on it (bvs and keyboards), and produced the basic track. This has been established for, oh, over 20 years.

When I wrote that "I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it", I was referring to the INCLUSION of the "Be Me Baby" track on Mike's solo album, Looking Back With Love, not Brian's participation on the track, which, in 1989, wasn't 20 years past, but about 9. Due to Brian's mental state during that period, I was surprised that he had a knowledge of the tracklisting of another bandmember's solo album, especially Mike's, which wasn't exactly an opus. Frankly, I'm surprised if/that he even listened to it a single time.

Is there any chance that you could go away again, this time for longer period of time, a much longer period of time?

It was established in the fan word in about 1981, 1982 to at the latest (that was when I heard the 1980 LoveSongs recordings)... and when supposedly knowledgeable posters can say something so, well, unknowledgeable, best that I hang around a bit.  100 lines, by recess tomorrow.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Yeah, you never knew what Brian was gonna say during those "campfire chats". In addition to scaring the hell out of the kid for venturing too close to the fire, there was the segment when Brian got on Mike's case - actually I'm not sure how to describe it; I'll just say he pointed it out - for covering "Be My Baby" on Looking Back With Love. I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it.

Hello ? He's on it (bvs and keyboards), and produced the basic track. This has been established for, oh, over 20 years.

When I wrote that "I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it", I was referring to the INCLUSION of the "Be Me Baby" track on Mike's solo album, Looking Back With Love, not Brian's participation on the track, which, in 1989, wasn't 20 years past, but about 9. Due to Brian's mental state during that period, I was surprised that he had a knowledge of the tracklisting of another bandmember's solo album, especially Mike's, which wasn't exactly an opus. Frankly, I'm surprised if/that he even listened to it a single time.

Is there any chance that you could go away again, this time for longer period of time, a much longer period of time?

Yep. There's no reason to be so unbelievably rude and snippy, especially over something as trivial as this. AGD makes this board a much grumpier, less enjoyable place to browse.

Speaking for myself here, but I wouldn't call a BW part-produced version of his all-time fave song, featuring him on keyboards and bvs and being released (albeit uncredited) on his cousin's solo album trivial. Plus, this isn't BB 101, just as this place isn't BB kindergarten. I assume a certain degree of knowledge (and that's a compliment, btw, not a sly kick).

Oh, and if you think that's me being "unbelievably rude", you've not hung round these parts long, have you ? In the immortal words of Basil Fawlty, "I haven't started yet" (and won't - unproductive).

[Sheriff John Stone]

Yeah, you never knew what Brian was gonna say during those "campfire chats". In addition to scaring the hell out of the kid for venturing too close to the fire, there was the segment when Brian got on Mike's case - actually I'm not sure how to describe it; I'll just say he pointed it out - for covering "Be My Baby" on Looking Back With Love. I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it.

Hello ? He's on it (bvs and keyboards), and produced the basic track. This has been established for, oh, over 20 years.

When I wrote that "I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it", I was referring to the INCLUSION of the "Be Me Baby" track on Mike's solo album, Looking Back With Love, not Brian's participation on the track, which, in 1989, wasn't 20 years past, but about 9. Due to Brian's mental state during that period, I was surprised that he had a knowledge of the tracklisting of another bandmember's solo album, especially Mike's, which wasn't exactly an opus. Frankly, I'm surprised if/that he even listened to it a single time.

Is there any chance that you could go away again, this time for longer period of time, a much longer period of time?

Seriously, don't you think Brian would remember recording a version of his most favorite song, no matter when it was or who it was with?

Again, I was not referring to Brian's recording of the song, or his participation in the track in any way. I was aware of all of that - for over 20 years! What I was simply trying to say, and it really wasn't a big deal, certainly not worth being challenged over, was that when they started to sing "Be My Baby" at the campfire singalong segment on the TV show in 1989, Brian blurted out to Mike, and I'm paraphrasing, "You did it on your album. Yes you did. On your solo album". Yes, I was very surprised how quickly Brian jumped on that. I didn't think Brian gave a sh*t who in the band recorded what, and I don't care that the track was "Be My Baby ". I just can't picture Brian Wilson listening to Looking Back With Love even one time, so, it caught me off guard that he would associate the track with Mike's solo album. Sheesh, what's happening with this board?

[Gohi]

Yeah, you never knew what Brian was gonna say during those "campfire chats". In addition to scaring the hell out of the kid for venturing too close to the fire, there was the segment when Brian got on Mike's case - actually I'm not sure how to describe it; I'll just say he pointed it out - for covering "Be My Baby" on Looking Back With Love. I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it.

Hello ? He's on it (bvs and keyboards), and produced the basic track. This has been established for, oh, over 20 years.

When I wrote that "I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it", I was referring to the INCLUSION of the "Be Me Baby" track on Mike's solo album, Looking Back With Love, not Brian's participation on the track, which, in 1989, wasn't 20 years past, but about 9. Due to Brian's mental state during that period, I was surprised that he had a knowledge of the tracklisting of another bandmember's solo album, especially Mike's, which wasn't exactly an opus. Frankly, I'm surprised if/that he even listened to it a single time.

Is there any chance that you could go away again, this time for longer period of time, a much longer period of time?

Yep. There's no reason to be so unbelievably rude and snippy, especially over something as trivial as this. AGD makes this board a much grumpier, less enjoyable place to browse.

Speaking for myself here, but I wouldn't call a BW part-produced version of his all-time fave song, featuring him on keyboards and bvs and being released (albeit uncredited) on his cousin's solo album trivial. Plus, this isn't BB 101, just as this place isn't BB kindergarten. I assume a certain degree of knowledge (and that's a compliment, btw, not a sly kick).

Oh, and if you think that's me being "unbelievably rude", you've not hung round these parts long, have you ? In the immortal words of Basil Fawlty, "I haven't started yet" (and won't - unproductive).

In the scheme of things yes it is quite trivial and not something to be a dick about. But you seem proud to be cantankerous and rude on a forum so good on you. I don't care if you are "in the know" when it comes to the BBs. That's no excuse for being an elitist. And I'm far from the only person who feels this way. Good luck to ya.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

If it was any other song I'd agree with you.knowing how obsessive Brian is about that song though...

[Smilin Ed H]

Thank God you beat me too it, Andrew! I was just about to post the something similar! Glad I didn't now!

[drbeachboy]

If it was any other song I'd agree with you.knowing how obsessive Brian is about that song though...

Exactly, and doesn't matter whether or not he ever listened to Mike's album again. When you do something like that, you rarely ever forget. Brian is what you call "Sly as a fox". I think he remembers a lot, he just tends to forget details, especially for interviews.

[Iron Horse-Apples]

Yes, there may be a lot wrong with Brian, but the guy has proved time and time again what an exceptional memory he has.

[The 4th Wilson Bro.]

Carl's concert performance of God Only Knows was unforgettable – even better than the one from the Knebworth concert in 1980 that was used in last year's reunion tour.  By the way, those clips from the Endless Summer TV show have been on YouTube for the last few years.  I believe someone mentioned in an earlier post that there is also a DVD available of the entire series.

[Steve Mayo]

I believe someone mentioned in an earlier post that there is also a DVD available of the entire series.

footwear i believe

[Mr. Cohen]

As Al begins to walk out Brian's house after a meeting regarding signing over the monetary rights to his participation on Postcard from California, Brian rushes to his feet and peers out conspiratorially from the curtains surrounding his living room table.

"Hey, Al, remember when you told me when I was a teenager that, like, Mexican people speak Spanish and stuff?"

"No, not really."

"Yeah, you said that like they say 'hola' instead of 'hi' and junk. They can sense words in another language. Well, I'm writing a song about it. It's called 'Mexican Girl'. It's gonna be really great."

Al looks worried.

"That's nice Brian. I can't wait to hear it. And remember to take care of yourself. OK? Bye, Brian!"

Content, Brian closes the curtain and begins pacing the floor and muttering to himself.

"So when you order a taco that's actually a Mexican word. And when they put enchilada on it that's Mexican. So many things are Mexican, it's like linked together in some kind of cosmic coincidence. Yeah, and burritos, too, they have burritos...."

That Brian sure has some memory!

[bgas]

Yeah, you never knew what Brian was gonna say during those "campfire chats". In addition to scaring the hell out of the kid for venturing too close to the fire, there was the segment when Brian got on Mike's case - actually I'm not sure how to describe it; I'll just say he pointed it out - for covering "Be My Baby" on Looking Back With Love. I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it.

Hello ? He's on it (bvs and keyboards), and produced the basic track. This has been established for, oh, over 20 years.

When I wrote that "I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it", I was referring to the INCLUSION of the "Be Me Baby" track on Mike's solo album, Looking Back With Love, not Brian's participation on the track, which, in 1989, wasn't 20 years past, but about 9. Due to Brian's mental state during that period, I was surprised that he had a knowledge of the tracklisting of another bandmember's solo album, especially Mike's, which wasn't exactly an opus. Frankly, I'm surprised if/that he even listened to it a single time.

Is there any chance that you could go away again, this time for longer period of time, a much longer period of time?

Yep. There's no reason to be so unbelievably rude and snippy, especially over something as trivial as this. AGD makes this board a much grumpier, less enjoyable place to browse.

Speaking for myself here, but I wouldn't call a BW part-produced version of his all-time fave song, featuring him on keyboards and bvs and being released (albeit uncredited) on his cousin's solo album trivial. Plus, this isn't BB 101, just as this place isn't BB kindergarten. I assume a certain degree of knowledge (and that's a compliment, btw, not a sly kick).

Oh, and if you think that's me being "unbelievably rude", you've not hung round these parts long, have you ? In the immortal words of Basil Fawlty, "I haven't started yet" (and won't - unproductive).

In the scheme of things yes it is quite trivial and not something to be a dick about. But you seem proud to be cantankerous and rude on a forum so good on you. I don't care if you are "in the know" when it comes to the BBs. That's no excuse for being an elitist. And I'm far from the only person who feels this way. Good luck to ya.

Really, in the scheme of things, I like AGDs contributions a WHOLE HECK OF A LOT more than I like your paltry posts; And I'm FAR FAR FAR from the only person that feels this way.

[Gohi]

Yeah, you never knew what Brian was gonna say during those "campfire chats". In addition to scaring the hell out of the kid for venturing too close to the fire, there was the segment when Brian got on Mike's case - actually I'm not sure how to describe it; I'll just say he pointed it out - for covering "Be My Baby" on Looking Back With Love. I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it.

Hello ? He's on it (bvs and keyboards), and produced the basic track. This has been established for, oh, over 20 years.

When I wrote that "I was stunned that Brian was even aware of it", I was referring to the INCLUSION of the "Be Me Baby" track on Mike's solo album, Looking Back With Love, not Brian's participation on the track, which, in 1989, wasn't 20 years past, but about 9. Due to Brian's mental state during that period, I was surprised that he had a knowledge of the tracklisting of another bandmember's solo album, especially Mike's, which wasn't exactly an opus. Frankly, I'm surprised if/that he even listened to it a single time.

Is there any chance that you could go away again, this time for longer period of time, a much longer period of time?

Yep. There's no reason to be so unbelievably rude and snippy, especially over something as trivial as this. AGD makes this board a much grumpier, less enjoyable place to browse.

Speaking for myself here, but I wouldn't call a BW part-produced version of his all-time fave song, featuring him on keyboards and bvs and being released (albeit uncredited) on his cousin's solo album trivial. Plus, this isn't BB 101, just as this place isn't BB kindergarten. I assume a certain degree of knowledge (and that's a compliment, btw, not a sly kick).

Oh, and if you think that's me being "unbelievably rude", you've not hung round these parts long, have you ? In the immortal words of Basil Fawlty, "I haven't started yet" (and won't - unproductive).

In the scheme of things yes it is quite trivial and not something to be a dick about. But you seem proud to be cantankerous and rude on a forum so good on you. I don't care if you are "in the know" when it comes to the BBs. That's no excuse for being an elitist. And I'm far from the only person who feels this way. Good luck to ya.

Really, in the scheme of things, I like AGDs contributions a WHOLE HECK OF A LOT more than I like your paltry posts; And I'm FAR FAR FAR from the only person that feels this way.

Oh nooooooooo 

[KittyKat]

It wouldn't surprise me if Brian has Mike's released and unreleased solo work in his iTunes. He summons it on his iPhone when he's on long walks.

[Pretty Funky]

Carl's concert performance of God Only Knows was unforgettable – even better than the one from the Knebworth concert in 1980 that was used in last year's reunion tour. 

3 min mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAiqMVTUEb8

[guitarfool2002]

Does anyone know anything about the backstory of this TV series? Or is it written in a book somewhere which I'm just forgetting? I'm really curious, and maybe my question got lost in the mix since posting it.

It's like a lost chapter in the whole story, I don't remember all that much fan talk about it in the past few years at least.

[Ian]

Well clearly-in the wake of Kokomo the BBs temporarily had more commercial appeal and were able to get the show deal.  It was in a period when they were reaching out to producers-trying to get on soundtracks, etc.  I don't begrudge Kokomo-as it gave them some renewed mojo but I wish they'd actually used the new interest to follow it up with something GOOD.  I really think that at that moment they needed to make an artistic statement if they were to escape being just a singing jukebox in the 1990s and beyond but they missed the chance.

[Andrew G. Doe]

The TV series ran from June 16th to August 25th.  It was a summer replacement that aired at 7-8pm Pacific and featured live footage from two California May shows (27th at Pacific Amphitheater, Costa Mesa CA and 30th at Universal Studios, Los Angeles CA including Brian's mini set: episode #7 included "Love & Mercy"), 'Club Kokomo' (where the band gave advice to other artists), guest bands and the legendary 'campfire' section, which occupied the final five minutes of each show. In fact, only the first seven shows were entirely new: episodes #8-#11 re-edited previously aired footage to produce 'new' shows.

[guitarfool2002]

Who was behind producing the show itself, or bringing it to air? We know who and what led to the Baywatch association a few years later, and certain record releases around that, yet this involved pitching a weekly show and selling it in syndication - considerably different! I'm also curious if the selling of the show hinged on Brian's participation, which is why almost defying logic for that year's events he was involved with Landy's blessing. That aspect wouldn't be different from selling other Beach Boys products and contracts in previous years, if it were a factor.

[southbay]

To follow up AGD's comment, the May 27 show in Costa Mesa was part of their tour with Chicago during which Brian peformed three songs in the middle of the Beach Boys set.  The Boys left the stage entirely while Brian performed Love and Mercy, In My Car and Country Feelins. His performance was horrible, leather pants notwithstanding.  He did not perform at all with the Beach Boys that night. The May 30 performance at Universal was not part of their actual tour but was a performance taped specifically for the tv series.

[Andrew G. Doe]

True, dat.