Sharing Thoughts and Memories

[retrokid67]

Hey there fellow fans  I wanna try something.  I want to  dedicate this thread to the good times  by letting those of you who had a chance to see the guys in their prime back in the day or now and those who got the chance to meet any of them share some warm memories with those of us who never got a chance to  . I'll start it off, the Beach Boys Concert in Chicago (2012) was the first concert I've ever attended and it was the best concert I've ever attended 

[SloopJohnnyB]

2012 was a wonderful year for us fans, wasn't it? I'm glad you were able to see the show.

I go back to 1977 I believe. I was in the 10th grade jr. high school. It was the first time I saw the Beach Boys in concert. Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. Huge stadium tour. Outdoor concert. Beautiful weather. Party atmosphere.

Jan and Dean reunited and appeared during the show. 'Country Pie' was performed. Pacific Ocean Blue was released around this time. This is my favorite era for the band. Obviously because I was there to experience it but it also was a special time. My thoughts anyway.   

[retrokid67]

2012 was a wonderful year for us fans, wasn't it? I'm glad you were able to see the show.

I go back to 1977 I believe. I was in the 10th grade jr. high school. It was the first time I saw the Beach Boys in concert. Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. Huge stadium tour. Outdoor concert. Beautiful weather. Party atmosphere.

Jan and Dean reunited and appeared during the show. 'Country Pie' was performed. Pacific Ocean Blue was released around this time. This is my favorite era for the band. Obviously because I was there to experience it but it also was a special time. My thoughts anyway.   

That show sounds like it was awesome  .  I became a fan when I was a sophomore (10th grade) too 

[Marcella]

Dismissing the band as beach/surf/car song fluff until I was a mere 35 years old, I came to the Beach Boys in May 2012 after seeing the Boys live because I felt I owed it to Brian Wilson to see him live with the band during the 50th reunion tour. I was captivated by Brian's presence and began an obsession with all things BW/BB that continues unabated today. I saw Brian at the BAD Beck tour in Philly last October and will continue to marvel at the wealth of wonderful music this band has graced us with.

This is a good thread retrokid, you have been a very positive addition to this board. Don't let the old guard (wet blankets) dampen your enthusiasm….

[retrokid67]

Dismissing the band as beach/surf/car song fluff until I was a mere 35 years old, I came to the Beach Boys in May 2012 after seeing the Boys live because I felt I owed it to Brian Wilson to see him live with the band during the 50th reunion tour. I was captivated by Brian's presence and began an obsession with all things BW/BB that continues unabated today. I saw Brian at the BAD Beck tour in Philly last October and will continue to marvel at the wealth of wonderful music this band has graced us with.

This is a good thread retrokid, you have been a very positive addition to this board. Don't let the old guard (wet blankets) dampen your enthusiasm….

Thanks Marcella      and yes their shows that year were great they still got it 

[SloopJohnnyB]

2012 was a wonderful year for us fans, wasn't it? I'm glad you were able to see the show.

I go back to 1977 I believe. I was in the 10th grade jr. high school. It was the first time I saw the Beach Boys in concert. Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. Huge stadium tour. Outdoor concert. Beautiful weather. Party atmosphere.

Jan and Dean reunited and appeared during the show. 'Country Pie' was performed. Pacific Ocean Blue was released around this time. This is my favorite era for the band. Obviously because I was there to experience it but it also was a special time. My thoughts anyway.  

That show sounds like it was awesome  .  I became a fan when I was a sophomore (10th grade) too  

Very cool!   No internet back then so it wasn't easy finding or meeting other Beach Boys fans. I don't think my high school had a Beach boys Fan club. We did have a 'music appreciation' class. I wrote a paper reviewing Pacific Ocean Blue! True story!  

This band and their music will live on and on being passed on through the generations. I know it's a thrill to discover a band for the first time and really get into their music. Going back and hearing the old albums for the first time is always a thrill.

Yeah, that was a special time being a sophomore in high school. Not quite ready to start worrying about college and what you are going to do with the rest of your life. I started going to a lot of concerts at that time. I saw Bruce Springsteen for the first time in 1978 in a small theater (the Stanley) along with so many other bands. I got to see some of the new wave bands like Blondie and DEVO in late 70's. Wow, I just remembered seeing a band called the Fabulous Poodles (opening for Sha Na Na maybe?)  Still a big fan of Kim Wilde but never got to see her perform live.

My very first concert was in 1977. The J. Geils Band was the headliner. I think they changed their name to 'Geils', Monkey Island-era. Edgar Winter was second on the bill. The opening act was some new band called Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers. Never heard of them. But wow...

Getting back to the Beach Boys I saw them regularly through the early to mid 1980's. Beyond that if there wasn't a new Beach Boys album coming out I guess I didn't pay attention. You start to get involved with this whole 'life' thing. You don't have as much free time as you use to.

It's great that both Beach Boy camps are touring. I'd rather see them together but what can we do. Let's enjoy these guys and their music while we can.    

[Mr. Wilson]

WOW  J.Geils Band+  Edgar Winter { W/ Rick Derringer } + Tom Petty + Heartbreakers.. HELLVA show.. !! Back in those days that was common especially with outdoor shows..   TRY These } Johnny + Edgar Winter  Gary Wright + Peter Frampton.....  Triumverat  Bob Welch's Fleetwood  Mac  Jefferson Starship.....  .. Kansas + Kinks...     Montrose w/ S Hagar{opener} Dave Mason... Aerosmith {opener} Mott the Hoople...     KISS  Manfred Mann Earth Band  Foghat...  Ted Nugent  Brian Augers Oblivion Express Elvin Bishop...   I could go on .. For me the 70"s were outstanding for concerts.. Average prices..??  7.50  6.50  5.50  4.50   Don't think I ever went to a show that was more than 12-15 $$... I am not kidding

[SloopJohnnyB]

Those J. Geils / Edgar Winter / Tom Petty tickets were $3.50 in advance. $4.40 at the door! I'm looking at a copy of the original newspaper advertisement that I copied from microfilm at my local library. I still have the ticket stub which has the date and price. This show was indoor at the Civic Arena.

I was never a smoker of anything. Ever. Back in those days people were allowed to smoke at indoor concert events. You could smell the smoke.   When the lights came on during intermission you would see this gigantic smoke cloud that hovered up near the ceiling of the arena. That cloud was gigantic! ha! Crazy times. I didn't see any fighting or anything. People were just having a good time. My high school buddy's older brother took us to the show. Good times and fantastic show.

Anymore Beach Boys memories out there?  I hope I didn't derail the main topic. 

[retrokid67]

Those J. Geils / Edgar Winter / Tom Petty tickets were $3.50 in advance. $4.40 at the door! I'm looking at a copy of the original newspaper advertisement that I copied from microfilm at my local library. I still have the ticket stub which has the date and price. This show was indoor at the Civic Arena.

I was never a smoker of anything. Ever. Back in those days people were allowed to smoke at indoor concert events. You could smell the smoke.   When the lights came on during intermission you would see this gigantic smoke cloud that hovered up near the ceiling of the arena. That cloud was gigantic! ha! Crazy times. I didn't see any fighting or anything. People were just having a good time. My high school buddy's older brother took us to the show. Good times and fantastic show.

Anymore Beach Boys memories out there?  I hope I didn't derail the main topic. 

yea did any of you guys get to meet them

[Shady]

Ahhhh, 2012, what a year 

The 2012 Wembley show was literally the greatest night of my life.

My only regret is that I didn't go to the Albert Hall gig as well as the Wembley one, by all accounts it was the better UK show.

[Mr. Wilson]

Have I ever met the BB..?? Yes and its always been an accident.. 1} 1973 Hollywood Paladium .. I met Brian + Marilyn  for 5 minutes ..Al twice that night for a minute or two and Blondie for a couple of minutes and me + April are on the cover of the live lp 1974 from that show.. 2} Dennis + Brian a few times at Brother studios 1976-77-78. 3} Dennis at autograph session at record store west Hollywood for POB 1977   4} 1983 Santa Barbara I met Brian Al Bruce Dennis Dean Torrence  + Landy..  5} 1985 met Al + Brian  at Harry Langdon's photo studio and saw the other 3 walking around..  6} 1995 Cerritos center  I met Al + Carl after the show.. 7} I went to a show in  Reno Nevada august 1997 the last time I saw Carl Wilson sing + play... 8} 1999 I met David Leaf at a show in Anaheim on BW 1st solo tour talked for 10 minutes or so.. 9} 2000  Santa Barbara met Nick + Darian for a few moments and later Steve Kalinich   10} 2001 Los  Angeles Carl Wilson charity concert. Met Bw + the whole backing band..  Nick + Jimmie Hines were especially nice..  Also talked to Marilyn + her husband .. I believe I met who I think was Jon Steebins.. He noticed my SMILE t-shirt. Or jeez it could have been Alan Boyd.. I was a little buzzed that night and scared that I was so close to the inner circle I was intimidated in the small surroundings.. Sat for part of the show with Greg Larson..  Frank Holmes the artist was there.. Plus all the friends + Famiy were takin turns on stage singing + Skunk Baxter was there.. And Timmy Schmidt also.. It was quite a nite believe me..   11}  2009 Los Angeles TLOS show Meet + Greet..  Brian + Jeff  12} 2012 C50 Indio Ca Met all the Beach Boys + all backing band members  except for Brian + Jeff.. Paul + Scot Totten + Probyn + Scotty were especially nice + Scotty Bennett  used my cell phone a couple of times. One part of my conversation with one of the guys was very interesting not gonna say who but I learned that when they are not on the road making money playing with BW they do what most people would do.. Collect unemployment...!!..   As ive mentioned before ive been very lucky.. RIP Carl + Dennis

[retrokid67]

Have I ever met the BB..?? Yes and its always bee an accident.. 1} 1973 Hollywood Paladium .. I met Brian + Marilyn  for 5 minutes ..Al twice that night for a minute or two and Blondie for a couple of minutes and me + April are on the cover of the live lp 1974 from that show.. 2} Dennis + Brian a few times at Brother studios 1976-77-78. 3} Dennis at autograph session at record store west Hollywood for POB 1977   4} 1983 Santa Barbara I met Brian Al Bruce Dennis Dean Torrence  + Landy..  5} 1985 met Al + Brian  at Harry Langdon's photo studio and saw the other 3 walking around..  6} 1995 Cerritos center  I met Al + Carl after the show.. 7} I went to a show in  Reno Nevada august 1997 the last time I saw Carl Wilson sing + play... 8} 1999 I met David Leaf at a show in Anaheim on BW 1st solo tour talked for 10 minutes or so.. 9} 2000  Santa Barbara met Nick + Darian for a few moments and later Steve Kalinich   10} 2001 Los  Angeles Carl Wilson charity concert. Met Bw + the whole backing band..  Nick + Jimmie Hines were especially nice..  Also talked to Marilyn + her husband .. I believe I met who I think was Jon Steebins.. He noticed my SMILE t-shirt. Or jeez it could have been Alan Boyd.. I was a little buzzed that night and scared that I was so close to the inner circle I was intimidated in the small surroundings.. Sat for part of the show with Greg Larson..  Frank Holmes the artist was there.. Plus all the friends + Famiy were takin turns on stage singing + Skunk Baxter was there.. It was quite a nite believe me..   11}  2009 Los Angeles TLOS show Meet + Greet..  Brian + Jeff  12} 2012 C50 Indio Ca Met all the Beach Boys + all backing band members  except for Brian + Jeff.. Paul + Scot Totten + Probyn + Scotty were especially nice + Scotty Bennett  used my cell phone a couple of times. One part of my conversation with one of the guys was very interesting not gonna say who but I learned that when they are not on the road making money playing with BW they do what most people would do.. Collect unemployment...!!

Wow I wish I was that lucky

[Quincy]

Saw them in 73 at Foxboro Stadium in Massachusetts. Loggins and Messina and Linda Rondstant were also on the bill..They played their early hits only at the end of the show.

[messofhelp]

Palace theatre  manchester late 60s ...... wembley stadium 75 ....  wembley arena. 78 ( I think!) ... brian in Barcelona 2006 and then the boys in 2012 same venue. All totally different experiences but that summer of 75 show...off the boodle!

[Mr. Wilson]

you saw the legendary 75 wembley show where the BB blew Elton John of the stage..??

[Niko]

My C50 show in HK was just incredible. Small ish crowd...the place wasn't even sold out. Maybe 7,000 MAX. It was after seeing that show I decided to focus my life on becoming a musician. Nothing in life can compare to the joy in that room, thanks to some old men who can still sing. There was an empty concrete area in between the two 'zones' of seats, and after maybe 10 songs, the entire area was filled with people dancing, children and older folks. It was so beautiful, and while I'm sad that I probably won't experience something like that ever again, I'm glad I got to see it (I missed my first opportunity to see them in Eugene, Oregon.)

I'm sure most others who saw it can relate.

[Mr. Wilson]

Hey Woodstock don't despair im sure you will have that feeling of euphoria again either with your band or another concert from a band you admire.. Its part of the territory .. As far as C50 goes I saw the tour at the end of the 1st month and there was a couple of things ill never forget.. Bw singing was very good and you could hear his piano and he  knew all the songs.. Also he was REALLY into it and was rockin back + forth in time to the music.. Also when he would hear something he liked he would lift up his right leg and shake it or slap his leg + grin or laugh.. He was enjoying watching and hearing the boys singin.. He liked not being the center of attention and just grooving along..  I also noticed he had got HIS way and there was lots of different songs goin in + out of the set lists.. I was monitoring the set lists here on this board.. It wasn't just meat + potatoes like Mike wanted.. C50 brought tears of joy my way that ill never forget..

[Niko]

Hey Woodstock don't despair im sure you will have that feeling of euphoria again either with your band or another concert from a band you admire.. Its part of the territory .. As far as C50 goes I saw the tour at the end of the 1st month and there was a couple of things ill never forget.. Bw singing was very good and you could hear his piano and he  knew all the songs.. Also he was REALLY into it and was rockin back + forth in time to the music.. Also when he would hear something he liked he would lift up his right leg and shake it or slap his leg + grin or laugh.. He was enjoying watching and hearing the boys singin.. He liked not being the center of attention and just grooving along..  I also noticed he had got HIS way and there was lots of different songs goin in + out of the set lists.. I was monitoring the set lists here on this board.. It wasn't just meat + potatoes like Mike wanted.. C50 brought tears of joy my way that ill never forget..

I think I was kinda lucky in that my show didn't have a video screen. Hearing BW sing God Only Knows and IJWMFTT will always stay with me (they also played It's OK + Betsy  )
But, that was only one show. I love hearing stories (like yours) from fans who have been there for decades.

[Pretty Funky]

1973 Hollywood Paladium.. me + April are on the cover of the live lp 1974 from that show..

What a cool memento as a fan that must be! Still my favourite live BB album and cover.

[Mr. Wilson]

There's a number of people here that post  a lot that are on the cover also from what ive read recently.. If you go back to June + July 2008 youll find a bunch of info on this particular concert pic. April 20th I think 1973 Hollywood palladium .. I believe it was between pages 145 -150.. 2 threads.. Lotta good reading + info on this board

[startBBtoday]

My first show was in September 1994 at the Puyallup Fair in Washington state. I was eight years old but still remember certain aspects rather vividly. I remember Carl's black suit, I remember cheerleaders, the set behind them, Al singing Help Me Rhonda.

My elementary school played Surfin USA on our last day of school that year. By some complete happenstance, my father had just received a Beach Boys mix tape from a college friend of his. He played it in the car that night and what was the first track? Surfin USA.

The tape became mine and I listened to it while playing Super Nintendo with my friends all summer. The summer ended with my family and my friend's family going to the show in Puyallup.

Earlier that summer, my dad had brought out some of his old Beach Boys records, including Holland. The pictures on the back of that album were my first time actually seeing what the band looked like. For some reason I liked Dennis (I think it was because he didn't have a beard) and he became my "favorite member." I was devastated when I learned that he had died. For some reason, hearing the song "Wendy" still reminds me of the day, 10 1/2 years after his death, that I found out Dennis was dead. I read Gaines' book that summer and haven't stopped being a gigantic Beach Boys song ever since.

[messofhelp]

Yes. A fabulous English summers day ... a plethora of acts .. the boys came on about 4 in the afternoon and thousands of English people sang along for a glorious two hours of magic. Then Elton jhon came on and .. well you know the rest!

[retrokid67]

Yes. A fabulous English summers day ... a plethora of acts .. the boys came on about 4 in the afternoon and thousands of English people sang along for a glorious two hours of magic. Then Elton jhon came on and .. well you know the rest!

I wanna know the whole story   

[messofhelp]

It was a very hot sunny day (for once!). The event started late morning introduced by a well known dj called Johnnie Walker and featured a quirky English band called Stackridge; Rufus with Chaka Khan; Joe Walsh; The Eagles ;The Beach Buys and Elton John! The Beach Boys came on late afternoon and produced one of those magical happenings which brought SoCal to London for a couple of hours. The joy of seeing them in the flesh cmbinex with the magical harmonies and the weather .....!! We sang along for a couple of hours of pure unadulterated joy. Most of us had never been to California but fir that short time we were in LA; on Venice Beach and strolling on Santa Monica boardwalk. It was with heavy hearts that the set ended but at least we had Rocket Man to look forward to. However Elton began with Funeral for a Friend and then continued with a load of new stuff that no-one knew. We left along with many others ling beefore the end. Its forty years ago now and I had just left college.. I have just retired but that day still lives long in the memory...

[mtaber]

There is an old thread called "Beach Boys moments" that has a similar theme...