Ouch!....Al Opens Up Again.

[Cam Mott]

All the digs at Mike, not mentioning him by name, "we're the heart and soul of The Beach Boys"... so childish. Just STFU and let the music speak for you.

I think it's worth mentioning that they are essentially The Beach Boys.  You know how many people are being fooled by Mike Love's "Beach Boys"?  Probably a crapload of people going to those shows, I'd wager.  He gets the name--BAD has to prove that they are the ones who deserve it.  And I don't think they can rely on the music to speak for them when the general public--and probably even the general audience of a "Beach Boys" show--aren't even aware that there are two bands!

To me wanting BAD to be the Beach Boys is an Al and fan-tasy. I don't hear Brian claim BBs for his solo tour. He seems quite happy to be Brian and guests.

[bossaroo]

as usual Al just tells it like it is, very matter-of-factly. he doesn't come across at all bitter, really... unlike certain members here.

[Bicyclerider]

as usual Al just tells it like it is, very matter-of-factly. he doesn't come across at all bitter, really... unlike certain members here.

Exactly.  Al is actually very easy on Mike, more than most people here, and he doesn't say anything that isn't true.  Those who have a problem with it are the usual Mike apologists and boosters who refuse to acknowledge anything negative about Mike.  Go Al!

[Jim V.]

Not really! It's a nice plainspoken interview and there's nothing sad about this tour, even without That Other Guy... The upstart missed out.

Brian's recent tact is probably better: "no comment."

For sure - Alan's comign across as a bitter and petty-minded little man.

Yes, Al surely is coming off as bitter. However, I noticed you defended ol' Brucie when he insulted an entire continent (the one you live in, in fact) saying they "hate success" apparently because he has a hard-on for Ronald Reagan and you Europeans are apparently all socialists like that Barack Obama guy. So yeah, that's not bitter or petty or anything. No pathetic pre-conceived notions about a bunch of country he probably knows dick about. Just a guy expressing his opinion, right?? Sure.

Or Mike for that matter, he's spent years basically saying Brian's a pathetic shell of a man who can't think for himself. He even complained that the group's latest album went to number 3. And won't stop complaining that he can't get Brian in the situation the he prefers. But no, you never pointed out how bitter he always comes across.

Just Al.  I was almost starting to believe you were starting to be less obvious in your allegiance to Mike n' Bruce. But a comment like yours shows where you heart really lies.

[ontor pertawst]

If only we could all take a lesson from Mr. Positivity and "get around" these petty issues.

Hi, I'm Fan-tasy Mike Love. You may know me from some Sunkist commercials a few decades ago or from my incredibly successful bleating on the soundtrack of one of those Dom Cruise films. People often approach me when I'm "hanging ten" on the beach or attempting to bed a series of naive young girls with low self esteem who want to get into show business but have to settle for a green room in Biloxi for now and ask me: "Fan-tasy Mike Love, how could we get past negativity and bad feelings about our fellow man?" That's when I wipe my glassy, watery eyes and nod thoughtfully, staring off just three inches past their head where the Maharashi says the zygon chakra resides and fortifies our energies... after a few seconds I then sigh, belch a Morningstar soy sausage belch and explain that meditation isn't just the topic of a few badly performing Beach Boys songs from the late 60s and early 70s but a real and vital practice that can help fill countless hours of our day sitting still repeating nonsensical words. That's when they say "Thank you, Fan-tasy Mike Love. I'll pretend that's some sort of wisdom and go talk to Bruce Johnston instead. You weird, weird man."

Surf's up!

Ok, I admit it. I'm just killing time until details from tonight's show pop up. How exciting!

Anyway, ooo yes, Alan Jardine. He's a semi-automatic spitting cobra of a man, right? Oooo.

[Sheriff John Stone]

If we're talking about comments made in an interview, which I thought was the issue, then Al is setting a new precedent. Yeah, Mike led the movement to have Al kicked out of the band (although didn't there have to a vote taken?), but I don't recall many interviews where Mike made derogatory comments about Al. Actually, you have to look hard to find the real reasons (facts) why Mike wanted Al out of the band.

Yes, Al is being asked questions about the "end" of the reunion, but you would think Al, a 72 year-old man who has seen so much go wrong in his band, would find a more tactful and appropriate way to answer these questions. I mean, take the high road, show a little class, if you have any.

If you don't like speculation or an honest opinion, then click on.... What I really find sad (mad?) about Al's comments is that he doesn't appear to realize that he is being used by Brianandhiswifeandmanagers just to sell tickets. Sure, Al alone ain't gonna sell many tickets, but he does add something to the package, and that's what Melinda is selling - a package deal. I really think Brian could care less whether or not Al Jardine is on stage with him. But, maybe they do like his over-the-top praising of Brian, his constant ass-kissing, and his forced laughter at every syllable Brian utters.

[Doo Dah]

With all due respect Sheriff, I was AT the Pittsburgh show. Whether or not the inclusion of Dave and Al is purely to move tix, the end result is you had two lively linchpins driving the entire show stage center. Probably the closest we'll ever get to a reunion. The real contagious energy that Al brings to the proceedings (not to mention a flawless voice) makes any BAD&Beck show far more interesting than a typical hit parade. Leave that stuff for sloppy seconds at Sea World.

As for his quotables, I fully agree with many here who basically said 'if you had to endure what Al has endured, he has the right'. Damn straight. He is saying what I would say. And I have loads of class. Loads.

[Mikie]

The real contagious energy that Al brings to the proceedings (not to mention a flawless voice) makes any BAD&Beck shows far more interesting than a typical hit parade. Leave that stuff for sloppy seconds at Sea World.

Good 'un, Leo!  Tellin' it like it is.   

In my case, I'll be headed for the BADBeckBlondie show.  Looking forward to the occasion.

[Cyncie]

You know, maybe I'm just not cynical enough for this board.  So, since I'm so darn blissfully naive, Im just going to go on believing that maybe Al and Brian and David actually did enjoy playing together in a band again. And, I'm going to keep thinking that they like making music and just want to keep on going., making new albums and touring together. And, I'll just suppose that maybe they were more than a bit disappointed that Mike decided otherwise. And, maybe that's  all Al's saying.

In my world, I can  think what I want.  

[Jim V.]

If we're talking about comments made in an interview, which I thought was the issue, then Al is setting a new precedent. Yeah, Mike led the movement to have Al kicked out of the band (although didn't there have to a vote taken?), but I don't recall many interviews where Mike made derogatory comments about Al. Actually, you have to look hard to find the real reasons (facts) why Mike wanted Al out of the band.

Yes, Al is being asked questions about the "end" of the reunion, but you would think Al, a 72 year-old man who has seen so much go wrong in his band, would find a more tactful and appropriate way to answer these questions. I mean, take the high road, show a little class, if you have any.

If you don't like speculation or an honest opinion, then click on.... What I really find sad (mad?) about Al's comments is that he doesn't appear to realize that he is being used by Brianandhiswifeandmanagers just to sell tickets. Sure, Al alone ain't gonna sell many tickets, but he does add something to the package, and that's what Melinda is selling - a package deal. I really think Brian could care less whether or not Al Jardine is on stage with him. But, maybe they do like his over-the-top praising of Brian, his constant ass-kissing, and his forced laughter at every syllable Brian utters.

You know, overall I respect the point you're making, but I gotta say, why is it all of the sudden on Al to be the guy taking the high road? Mike Love never really cared about that. Neither did Dennis, or to be honest, even Brian during the "my band is so much better than The Beach Boys" years.

And maybe Al is finally just exploding about this, because he feels like this might be one of the last chances to leave a big mark with The Beach Boys, and instead of going out there and trying to work more together, as Brian, Al and Dave wanted, Mike decided that it'd be easier to tour the county fair circuit.  Now, mind you, Mike Love has as much right to do what he wants as anybody else, but I could still see why Al is peeved. He liked having his band back, the thing he knew for most of his adult life, and he probably thinks it sucks that it got taken away as quickly as it seemed to come back together.

[Sheriff John Stone]

If we're talking about comments made in an interview, which I thought was the issue, then Al is setting a new precedent. Yeah, Mike led the movement to have Al kicked out of the band (although didn't there have to a vote taken?), but I don't recall many interviews where Mike made derogatory comments about Al. Actually, you have to look hard to find the real reasons (facts) why Mike wanted Al out of the band.

Yes, Al is being asked questions about the "end" of the reunion, but you would think Al, a 72 year-old man who has seen so much go wrong in his band, would find a more tactful and appropriate way to answer these questions. I mean, take the high road, show a little class, if you have any.

If you don't like speculation or an honest opinion, then click on.... What I really find sad (mad?) about Al's comments is that he doesn't appear to realize that he is being used by Brianandhiswifeandmanagers just to sell tickets. Sure, Al alone ain't gonna sell many tickets, but he does add something to the package, and that's what Melinda is selling - a package deal. I really think Brian could care less whether or not Al Jardine is on stage with him. But, maybe they do like his over-the-top praising of Brian, his constant ass-kissing, and his forced laughter at every syllable Brian utters.

You know, overall I respect the point you're making, but I gotta say, why is it all of the sudden on Al to be the guy taking the high road? Mike Love never really cared about that. Neither did Dennis, or to be honest, even Brian during the "my band is so much better than The Beach Boys" years.

And maybe Al is finally just exploding about this, because he feels like this might be one of the last chances to leave a big mark with The Beach Boys, and instead of going out there and trying to work more together, as Brian, Al and Dave wanted, Mike decided that it'd be easier to tour the county fair circuit.  Now, mind you, Mike Love has as much right to do what he wants as anybody else, but I could still see why Al is peeved. He liked having his band back, the thing he knew for most of his adult life, and he probably thinks it sucks that it got taken away as quickly as it seemed to come back together.

Two quick points on that. History has shown, after you sort out the facts, that the three you mentioned - Mike, Dennis, and Brian - were not always good bandmates. Brian consistently disappointed, Dennis was a negative and divisive influence, and do I even have to describe Mike? And I'm not even talking about their personal lives! Their bouts of unprofessional behavior is legendary. You almost began to EXPECT bad things from those guys. But Al was different, at least in his dealings with the press. Yeah, he would always say something wacky or totally false, but he never resorted to taking shots at his bandmates. Al was the normal one, right? Good old Al Jardine, the gentleman farmer. Keep it clean with Al Jardine. I don't care for Al's new attitude. At all.

Now, to make this perfectly clear, and to address Doo Dah's above post/response.... Al has every right - EVERY RIGHT - to say whatever he pleases in his interviews. Al earned that right. I don't begrudge him that at all. I'm just saying that I wish he wouldn't "go there", wouldn't stir things up, and wouldn't make negative assertions about Mike - IN THE MEDIA. I wish he would save his comments either for a BRI meeting or say them to Mike's face. And maybe Al already did both. I just don't think it serves any positive purpose to dredge up negative feelings in these recent interviews. Dodge the questions. If you don't know how, just ask Brian. he's mastered the art.

I can understand how others might disagree with my stance. "Give it right back to Mike. He deserves it..." Nah, not after after everything that has gone down. And I mean everything. All of the triumphs - and tragedies - that those guys lived through. Together. Again, if Al has something to say or get off his chest or complain about, find a better outlet. Really, at this stage in their lives, with all the success and fame and wealth and honors, I would've hoped they would've been past all the crap and backbiting. I guess I'm naive...

[runnersdialzero]

Folks in here acting like little old Al Jardine has really said anything more harmful and petty than the ridiculous sh*t the people behind Brian have said in recent years. Seriously?

[Dancing Bear]

You know, overall I respect the point you're making, but I gotta say, why is it all of the sudden on Al to be the guy taking the high road? Mike Love never really cared about that. Neither did Dennis, or to be honest, even Brian during the "my band is so much better than The Beach Boys" years.

"I wish they all could be lke David Marks" (singalong)

[Sheriff John Stone]

You know, overall I respect the point you're making, but I gotta say, why is it all of the sudden on Al to be the guy taking the high road? Mike Love never really cared about that. Neither did Dennis, or to be honest, even Brian during the "my band is so much better than The Beach Boys" years.

"I wish they all could be lke David Marks" (singalong)

"I wish I could be like David Marks. Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa..."  

[Rocky Raccoon]

I honestly didn't find anything insulting in that interview.  Of course Al is bitter towards Mike, wouldn't you be in his situation?  But then taking that into consideration, I think he's been pretty tame about it.  There hasn't been any name calling or anything, he's just stating how he feels.  What's so wrong with that?

[SurfRiderHawaii]

Upstart - One who has suddenly gained wealth, power, or other prominence, but either has not received social acceptance or has become arrogant or presumptuous.

I'd say that's name calling. Kinda a weird word choice for an otherwise "clean Jardine" interview. Not that I disagree.

Guess Al is just promoting the tour by controversy.

[shelter]

Not really! It's a nice plainspoken interview and there's nothing sad about this tour, even without That Other Guy... The upstart missed out.

Brian's recent tact is probably better: "no comment."

For sure - Alan's comign across as a bitter and petty-minded little man.

I think he comes across as a guy who finally stands up against someone who has not been very nice to him one time too many. Good for him.

[Lonely Summer]

All the digs at Mike, not mentioning him by name, "we're the heart and soul of The Beach Boys"... so childish. Just STFU and let the music speak for you.

At least his digs are put in a nice way. He could have flat out called him an asshole or worse. I am quite convinced at this point that more went down at the end of C50 than Mike just going back to the status quo. Wondering now if some verbal promises or whatever were broken last minute.

The Beach Boys are being downright civil towards each other compared to the ex-Kinks. Dave Davies is in the latest Rolling Stone talking about reuniting with Ray, and at the same time calling both Mick Avory and Ray "arseholes". No,  I think Al is being quite gentlemanly here. And it's hard to argue with which group is more legit - the one that has the BB's primary composer, arranger, visionary, along with the best voice in the band, and one of the original BB guitarists....or....the band that has their main lead singer, frontman, often lyricist...and a guy that can't stop adjusting his mic stand - when he's not clapping or dancing.

[jamsvet]

All the digs at Mike, not mentioning him by name, "we're the heart and soul of The Beach Boys"... so childish. Just STFU and let the music speak for you.

At least his digs are put in a nice way. He could have flat out called him an asshole or worse. I am quite convinced at this point that more went down at the end of C50 than Mike just going back to the status quo. Wondering now if some verbal promises or whatever were broken last minute.

The Beach Boys are being downright civil towards each other compared to the ex-Kinks. Dave Davies is in the latest Rolling Stone talking about reuniting with Ray, and at the same time calling both Mick Avory and Ray "arseholes". No,  I think Al is being quite gentlemanly here. And it's hard to argue with which group is more legit - the one that has the BB's primary composer, arranger, visionary, along with the best voice in the band, and one of the original BB guitarists....or....the band that has their main lead singer, frontman, often lyricist...and a guy that can't stop adjusting his mic stand - when he's not clapping or dancing.

Methinks thou art a little biased towards BW's band

[Pretty Funky]

As a protest Al has not cashed a single BRI licencing check from Mike since the end of the C50....













......

[Robbie Mac]

All the digs at Mike, not mentioning him by name, "we're the heart and soul of The Beach Boys"... so childish. Just STFU and let the music speak for you.

At least his digs are put in a nice way. He could have flat out called him an asshole or worse. I am quite convinced at this point that more went down at the end of C50 than Mike just going back to the status quo. Wondering now if some verbal promises or whatever were broken last minute.

The Beach Boys are being downright civil towards each other compared to the ex-Kinks. Dave Davies is in the latest Rolling Stone talking about reuniting with Ray, and at the same time calling both Mick Avory and Ray "arseholes". No,  I think Al is being quite gentlemanly here. And it's hard to argue with which group is more legit - the one that has the BB's primary composer, arranger, visionary, along with the best voice in the band, and one of the original BB guitarists....or....the band that has their main lead singer, frontman, often lyricist...and a guy that can't stop adjusting his mic stand - when he's not clapping or dancing.

Methinks thou art a little biased towards BW's band

D

Seriously, what does Bruce contribute to their show?

[MBE]

I like Al, honestly though he needs a new publicist! Negative is always the wrong direction and I think he doesn't have to point out that four ex Beach Boys are better than two. I say ex as the band did break up in 1997 only to come alive again for roughly 18 months. I mean just be happy you are touring with most of this great band. IF it is about music why does he care how they are billed? Calling themselves the Beach Boys will sell more seats but not make it sound any better.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Why does the thread title start with "Ouch!" ?  I don't see any "ouch" statements by Al during the brief interview.

As AGD said, all very undignified from Al and not the first time. He's burning his bridges with Mike and I wouldn't be surprised if he dishes the dirt on the goings on during the C50 and the aftermath at some point.

Ah, now THAT would be very interesting... that I would love to see. Who knows, maybe perceived BB 'history' will require re-writing once more.

When he's speaking on his own account, he can bitch and whine for all he's worth (and boy, hasn't he down the years ?) but when he's putatively speaking for two others, maybe he should dial it back a bit and consult them ? Every single interview there's a dig at Mike: OK, we understand, he's not your favorite person in the world right now, but once would be enough.

[Andrew G. Doe]

I cant help but feeling Al is gonna screw up any chance of another reunion..

Nope, money cures all bad feelings, especially in the Beach Boys. Nothing Al has said is worse than Brian accusing Mike of firing the 3 of them.

Brian didn't. Granted, he said it sure felt like it, but that was prefaced by him - OK, his publicist -  correctly stating that Mike couldn't fire him, or anyone.

As for another reunion... not gonna happen. The effort last time was seemingly too much for all concerned.

I was almost starting to believe you were starting to be less obvious in your allegiance to Mike n' Bruce. But a comment like yours shows where you heart really lies.

My allegiance lies where it always has - with the incomparable music and with the frequently frustrating people who made it. Oh, and with as much accuracy as I can bring to the business of documenting that incredible music.

[Jay]

Did Mike cause the end of the C50 tour and celebration? If Mr. Stebbins is to be believed(and I have no reason not to believe him), then most likely. The group had some pretty big offers, and could have continued on well into the new year. But Al is jeopardizing the chances of him, Brian, Dave, Mike and Bruce ever being in the same room again, let alone a stage. The likelihood is getting smaller and smaller with every interview. He needs to be quiet for a few months.

In all fairness, Brian did his fair share by saying that it felt like they had been fired by Mike.