Blondie Chaplin to Guest with BW on Some Dates

[HeyJude]

AWESOME..!  I also smell a lawsuit building.!  BW + management could be building a strong case to take BB name away from Mike. Look what is happening. You got 4 BB in one band and 2 in another. And who has the rights to use The BEACH  BOYS name.. WHOA.! Im not saying its gonna happen cause im sure they are tired of wasting money on lawyers..And I know they could vote Mike"s rights away also.. Lawsuit anyway from Mike.. So they are setting a precedent if it went to court. it would have to be settled out of court and force all parties to play ball together.. Also isn't this also a way to set rules for the future generations use of the name.. ?  It"s obvious Brian + Al + David were really hurt by breaking up last year and they are striking back the only way they know how.. Recording + touring.. They all seem to think they will live forever and they got plenty of time.. Im sorry they don't.  

 I was and still am among the biggest critics of Mike putting a halt to more reunion gigs. But not much of any of this is realistically particularly possible. Brian can add Ricky Fataar, Bruce Johnston, John Stamos, and anybody else, and it will not result in either Mike losing the license to use the BB name, nor any valid reason for Mike to sue Brian.

I think the demise of the reunion showed a number of things. While one clearly evident thing is that it’s not all roses all of a sudden and they do still have disagreements, it also showed that in terms of the corporate/legal setup, they are all relatively comfortable with how things are, or at least see the uphill battle it would be to drastically change things. That’s not to say that there isn’t possibly some subtle warning shots being fired by Brian’s camp. When he went out with both Al and David, folks wondered if it was a case of trying to send a message to Mike. That was pretty debatable, but ultimately it was a case of three dudes simply continuing on who had toured together last year.

But now, if they are in fact actively seeking out Blondie Chaplin to sit in with the band, one has to wonder if that’s a slightly bigger indication of it being some sort of subtle political move. Not a move to take the BB name, but simply some motivation to get Mike to get the reunion back together, or maybe even a much more general political move to remind Mike that he doesn’t wield as much power as he might thing. But I’m not sure I buy this either. Mike said some complimentary things about Blondie (and Ricky) in a recent ESQ article about “Holland”, but I don’t get the sense that Mike would feel that Blondie touring with the “BAD” is some sort of wake-up call as if that makes the “BAD” (or do we call it “BBAD” for the Blondie shows?) tour a more legitimate “Beach Boys.” I’m pretty sure Brian could resurrect Carl and Dennis and add them to his band and Mike’s feeling of being the torchbearer for the Beach Boys would not change one bit. 

If nothing else, maybe it’s possible we can take it all on face value. Someone suggested having Blondie sing on Brian’s album, and then they all just decided, “Hey, let’s have Blondie play some shows with us!”

[Wirestone]

I think there's some missing of the forest for the trees here. I doubt there will be some sort of immediate action over the name. But just as BWPS was Brian and his folks asserting his ownership of the Smile story -- and his right to perform the music -- adding three Beach Boys to his touring outfit sends a similarly unmistakable signal. Brian still sees himself as a Beach Boy, and he can still lead a band with them. It reminds me a lot of Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, where a band of former Yes members managed to tour and record more convincingly than the guys who then were using the Yes name. There was never an attempt to take the term Yes from Chris Squire -- but the very existence of ABWH made his version of Yes seem a little cheap and tacky.

[Mikie]

If nothing else, maybe it’s possible we can take it all on face value. Someone suggested having Blondie sing on Brian’s album, and then they all just decided, “Hey, let’s have Blondie play some shows with us!”

And I'm sure that's all this is here. Nothing more, nothing less.

[thatjacob]

Atlanta, please!

Fingers crossed for this one.

[Mr. Wilson]

I agree with Wirestone .. There is a message being sent.. And the comparison to YES is very good.. I just wish BB would grow up... Time is short.. Even if they all live to be 100 yrs old.  How much longer are you all gonna be able to sing like that..  Kiss + make up please..

[Wirestone]

If nothing else, maybe it’s possible we can take it all on face value. Someone suggested having Blondie sing on Brian’s album, and then they all just decided, “Hey, let’s have Blondie play some shows with us!”

And I'm sure that's all this is here. Nothing more, nothing less.

You really think that having twice as many Beach Boys onstage as Mike's band is like, a total happy accident? Come on.

[Nicko1234]

I think there's some missing of the forest for the trees here. I doubt there will be some sort of immediate action over the name. But just as BWPS was Brian and his folks asserting his ownership of the Smile story -- and his right to perform the music -- adding three Beach Boys to his touring outfit sends a similarly unmistakable signal. Brian still sees himself as a Beach Boy, and he can still lead a band with them. It reminds me a lot of Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, where a band of former Yes members managed to tour and record more convincingly than the guys who then were using the Yes name. There was never an attempt to take the term Yes from Chris Squire -- but the very existence of ABWH made his version of Yes seem a little cheap and tacky.

That may well be true.

As long as Mike is continuing to sell tickets though I'm not sure how bothered he will be.

[Dave Modny]

I agree with Wirestone .. There is a message being sent.. And the comparison to YES is very good.. I just wish BB would grow up... Time is short.. Even if they all live to be 100 yrs old.  How much longer are you all gonna be able to sing like that..  Kiss + make up please..

As do I. Even the least cynical of persons would probably find it a bit of a coincidental stretch that Blondie is now joining the tour for a few dates (and obviously the album). A not-so-subtle message -- whatever the intent -- is most likely being sent.

Though, the exact nature of that intent is still the million dollar question? That long, soap opera saga that we affectionately call the Beach Boys.........carries on. If they call up Ricky next (or Glen Campbell!)...it's game over...lol.

In any event, what a rich time, musically and historically, to be a Beach Boys fan -- whatever one's "poison." So many different flowers in the garden to pick from. Who could've ever imagined any of this 10 years ago? I can't wait for the upcoming "solo" album.....could be something really special. Would I rather have M&B involved as well? Probably. But, at the end of the day, this might be an even better artistic setup. More Al leads, Blondie vocals, etc. That is, the guy with currently the best voice was almost an afterthought on TWGMTR.

[Mike's Beard]

I strongly get the feeling that the BW camp is trying to lean on Mike to reconsider his recent stance on working with Brian again. Maybe Melinda has finally woken up to the fact that the name Brian Wilson is never going to sell that many tickets. Going down the legal route to wrestle the Beach Boys name away from Mike would no doubt result in a legal nightmare, getting them to all team together again for joint usage of the name has got to look like the more attractive proposition.

[Nicko1234]

I strongly get the feeling that the BW camp is trying to lean on Mike to reconsider his recent stance on working with Brian again. Maybe Melinda has finally woken up to the fact that the name Brian Wilson is never going to sell that many tickets. Going down the legal route to wrestle the Beach Boys name away from Mike would no doubt result in a legal nightmare, getting them to all team together again for joint usage of the name has got to look like the more attractive proposition.

There is certainly that element to it and Jeff Beck's inclusion is testament to that.
 

[Wirestone]

I don't think it's as simple as the ticket sales angle. If it was just Brian and Jeff Beck, then yes, it would be that simple. Brian has toured like that before (back in 2001 with Paul Simon) and the benefits are clear.

But he's not going to attract more audiences with the addition of Al, Dave and Blondie, three folks who are all more obscure than him. Their addition has a lot more to do, IMO, with 1.) Brian's desire to keep working with a band like the Beach Boys and 2.) putting pressure on Mike in the press and fan circles, with one eye firmly on that band name.

[KittyKat]

Does the average fan even know or care who Blondie Chaplin is? He guested on one song that's well-liked by hardcore fans, but wasn't a big hit for the band. I don't see it as any indication of bigger things for the Brian/Beach Boys divide, other than that Blondie is making a lot less money now that the Rolling Stones fired him (mostly likely because they wanted to give his part of the budget to rehiring Mick Taylor), so he could use the money right now. I'm glad he got the gig and while I'm sure it pays less, one hopes he'll be paid something. He's also a better singer than Brian for "Sail On."

[jimmy1949]

Does the average fan even know or care who Blondie Chaplin is? He guested on one song that's well-liked by hardcore fans, but wasn't a big hit for the band. I don't see it as any indication of bigger things for the Brian/Beach Boys divide, other than that Blondie is making a lot less money now that the Rolling Stones fired him (mostly likely because they wanted to give his part of the budget to rehiring Mick Taylor), so he could use the money right now. I'm glad he got the gig and while I'm sure it pays less, one hopes he'll be paid something. He's also a better singer than Brian for "Sail On."

Easy Mikey, easy boy....

[Mr. Wilson]

It"s amazing since Carl died Mike has been yappin about writing + recording with Brian.. He gets the chance + walks away.. WELL.. He did some writing with Brian just not the whole album..Brian even recorded one of Mike"s songs on the LP.. He got part of what he wanted anyway. Brian  is the reason the BB exists + he allways  has written with other people.  .At least 6 -8 other writers just off the top of my head.. Is this about money + ego or getting the best songs.?  Mike is not the writer he used to be. His lyrics are not as clever + sound like rehashes of other songs.. Mike doesn't write adult lyrics. That's what Brian is looking for now.. I do agree the C50 band was to big.. But they sure made a orchestra of sound together didn't they.. If Mike likes playing the Pomona fair + Pechanga casino  he is crazy.. Ill take the Hollywood bowl + Irvine meadows + Greek theatre anyday .. Places Brian played on his own that Mike has not + cant play..And the thing about the tour bus issue..Brian + Jeff on one bus + 4 other BB + 9 other musicians  on another bus.. Must have been  awful tight in that bus..And where did the road crew ride.?.There was a total of 2 busses + 2 big rigs In Indio when I was there..Why Mike was mad at Brian for his own bus is a mystery to me.. Brian has ISSUES.... Im sick of  Mikes  complaining  it doesn't ring true.. He just wants to control everything + Brian+ managment  was given control on C50 tour..And look at everything that's been recorded + issued..  Mike has taken his toys and walked away..

[SMiLE Brian]

Keep preaching Mr. Wilson.

[Nicko1234]

I don't think it's as simple as the ticket sales angle. If it was just Brian and Jeff Beck, then yes, it would be that simple. Brian has toured like that before (back in 2001 with Paul Simon) and the benefits are clear.

But he's not going to attract more audiences with the addition of Al, Dave and Blondie, three folks who are all more obscure than him. Their addition has a lot more to do, IMO, with 1.) Brian's desire to keep working with a band like the Beach Boys and 2.) putting pressure on Mike in the press and fan circles, with one eye firmly on that band name.

As far as point number 2 goes, I think that unless there is some legal wrangling going on behind the scenes that this will make no difference whatsoever to Mike. It certainly doesn't seem to have affected ticket sales this year for M&B.

I don't think Al, Dave or Blondie would attract that many other audience members. But it doesn't hurt to have the 'Brian with other Beach Boys' selling point. After all, Brian's management have (and this is not a criticism) very often come up with ways to make his tours unique from one another including Pet Sounds, Smile, greatest hits etc. To a degree they probably had run out of other ways to sell tickets so including guests isn't a bad idea.

[hypehat]

Does the average fan even know or care who Blondie Chaplin is? He guested on one song that's well-liked by hardcore fans, but wasn't a big hit for the band. I don't see it as any indication of bigger things for the Brian/Beach Boys divide, other than that Blondie is making a lot less money now that the Rolling Stones fired him (mostly likely because they wanted to give his part of the budget to rehiring Mick Taylor), so he could use the money right now. I'm glad he got the gig and while I'm sure it pays less, one hopes he'll be paid something. He's also a better singer than Brian for "Sail On."

Ah come on, it's a nice gesture! And he is actually a Beach Boy, as MIC attests.

[Nicko1234]

It"s amazing since Carl died Mike has been yappin about writing + recording with Brian.. He gets the chance + walks away.. WELL.. He did some writing with Brian just not the whole album..Brian even recorded one of Mike"s songs on the LP.. He got part of what he wanted anyway. Brian  is the reason the BB exists + he allways  has written with other people.  .At least 6 -8 other writers just off the top of my head.. Is this about money + ego or getting the best songs.?  Mike is not the writer he used to be. His lyrics are not as clever + sound like rehashes of other songs.. Mike doesn't write adult lyrics. That's what Brian is looking for now.. I do agree the C50 band was to big.. But they sure made a orchestra of sound together didn't they.. If Mike likes playing the Pomona fair + Pechanga casino  he is crazy.. Ill take the Hollywood bowl + Irvine meadows + Greek theatre anyday .. Places Brian played on his own that Mike has not + cant play..And the thing about the tour bus issue..Brian + Jeff on one bus + 4 other BB + 9 other musicians  on another bus.. Must have been  awful tight in that bus..And where did the road crew ride.?.There was a total of 2 busses + 2 big rigs In Indio when I was there..Why Mike was mad at Brian for his own bus is a mystery to me.. Brian has ISSUES.... Im sick of  Mikes  complaining  it doesn't ring true.. He just wants to control everything + Brian+ managment  was given control on C50 tour..And look at everything that's been recorded + issued..  Mike has taken his toys and walked away..

A cracking post.

[Mr. Wilson]

WOW. Never thought id get made fun of on my last post.. I was only using info from the Rolling Stone spread from last year..

[Nicko1234]

As far as trying to sell tickets goes...

I had a look at the available seats for one or two of the larger venues and it is scary how many empty seats there are. Now this may well be partly due to the tickets going on sale quite late and they are bound to shift some more. But if they could get some more '4 Beach Boys together' publicity going then it certainly wouldn't hurt.

[drbeachboy]

Does the average fan even know or care who Blondie Chaplin is? He guested on one song that's well-liked by hardcore fans, but wasn't a big hit for the band. I don't see it as any indication of bigger things for the Brian/Beach Boys divide, other than that Blondie is making a lot less money now that the Rolling Stones fired him (mostly likely because they wanted to give his part of the budget to rehiring Mick Taylor), so he could use the money right now. I'm glad he got the gig and while I'm sure it pays less, one hopes he'll be paid something. He's also a better singer than Brian for "Sail On."

What do you mean guested? Are you revising the history of The Beach Boys? Whether you like or dislike his time in the band makes no difference. Blondie was a full-fledged Beach Boy.

[Howie Edelson]

This has been in the works for a while. Glad it's all out now and the dates have been nailed down.
Spoke with Blondie this morning who's really happy about this.
Talked to Al the other night who's even MORE excited to have reconnected with Blondie, both personally and professionally.
Hopefully, next summer we can buy tickets in many markets with all four on board.

I'd love nothing more than to see David Marks and Blondie Chaplin onstage creating some brilliant NEW chemistry together.
How cool would that be?

[SMiLE Brian]

WOW. Never thought id get made fun of on my last post.. I was only using info from the Rolling Stone spread from last year..

I am agreement with ya, its nice to hear some fresh perspective in this debate.

[RubberSoul13]

To me, this all seems to be Brian's management constantly scrambling to get more attention for his projects this fall. However, that's hard to do when there isn't even an album title let alone a release date. The tour with Jeff Beck is a very unique Classic Rock experience, but seems to have earned mixed signals from both fan bases.

Where Mike and Bruce have all the publicity they need...THE BEACH BOYS.

why can't we all just get along.....

[Heywood]

How anybody can find anything negative over Blondie joining Brian, Al and Dave on stage is completely beyond me.
"Guesting" - that's funny!