New Jeff Beck interview. Discuss.

[guitarfool2002]

Take Beck's comments with a grain of salt. Actually, take them with a heaping pile of salt, because he's only telling a very small portion of what he could be discussing about his touring and working with Brian Wilson.

From all reports...that's Brian. Simple as that. If Beck was looking for something more tuned into a mythology of a notorious party-ready rock star, he'd naturally be disappointed. Because that isn't Brian and hasn't been Brian for a long time. If ever.

Now Beck is on tour with ZZ Top. Apart from Beck's obligatory 15 minute long blues free-for-all jams on songs like "Going Down" and trading licks on "La Grange", I wonder first if Beck is doing a similar jazz-fusion set like he did on the BW tour, and second how the crowds who go to see ZZ Top's brand of music are responding to it.

Keep this in mind: Those who saw the tour can chime in anytime...would it have been too much to ask for Beck to do at least one or two Yardbirds tunes, or even something more recognizable to the audience than the sets he played on the BW tour?

Let it be known that Jeff Beck wasn’t exactly personality plus behind the scenes of that tour, either. I gotta say, I thought his solo set during those shows was ridiculous. A boring chunk of garbage in the middle of heaven. Truly, I don’t understand how anybody walked away from those concerts NOT saying: “That was literally 50 minutes of the worst, out-dated, instantly forgettable, '80s incidental chase scene music." To be placed in the MIDDLE -- not an opening act -- but the CENTER of that show (as if he's a PEER, e.g. Paul Simon) was, like, death. The original intent was to have him, Brian, and the whole ensemble team up for some Yardbirds hits -- which quickly went out of the window.

Taking into account the fact that he’s gotten a ton of press from being linked to Brian Wilson — which led to his “co-headling” tour with ZZ Top (which will no doubt leave THEIR fans scratching their heads, and drinking in the lobby, like I was after the first time sitting through Beck's set); talking like this about Brian -- for the second time, mind you -- is an unprofessional, pig move. I’d wipe his stuff off the LP, if it’s even still on.

Such a "lifelong fan" of Brian's (as he's professed) and he doesn't know Brian's deal?

Bad form. Lousy music. Absurd Klute hair. Dresses like Star Wars (at 70).
Glad he's not comin' back.

Since mine got lost at the bottom of page 1, and Howie and I are saying basically the same thing, making the same points in slightly different ways, please read both of 'em...and consider what's being said - both said outright and suggested.

There is more to the story, I'm sure.

The reason why Brian and Jeff Beck started working together, both studio and live, is a very, very simple one. This answer is for KittyKat and the others who asked:

Brian heard Jeff Beck play his instrumental version of Surf's Up at a benefit concert, and it floored him, blew him away. He liked the way Jeff played guitar, and interpreted the song. So when the opportunity came up for them to join musical forces, not only was Jeff Beck a Beach Boys fan from the 60's but he also wanted to try it. And Brian wanted to try it too having been blown away by Jeff's interpretation of his song. So arrangements were made for them to join up.

Simple. As. That.

If I'm wrong on any of that history, please correct.  

So it didn't work out...that's life, tough sh*t. Too bad it didn't work for either party, but that's what happened. It also happens to everyone in music on a daily basis. Some pairings, some duets, some gigs in general just don't pan out no matter how much the artist wants them too. Again, "T.S." Move ahead.

But it's not cool to see the back and forth through Beck's comments.

Again, has Brian said anything negative in public about Jeff Beck? I'm sure he probably could, but as far as I know he has not.

Regarding the shows: I said my peace, as did Howie regarding the lack of Yardbirds and other material.

Try this one on for size...

Would it have been out of bounds to expect Jeff Beck to do some Beach Boys songs with the three original members on stage?

Beck is a known car collector and vintage auto enthusiast who enjoys wrenching on his own rides in his free time.

How cool would it have been to have included a version of the Beach Boys "car medley" that has been played live since the 60's? 409, Shut Down, Little Deuce Coupe...etc. Have Beck ripping it up on guitar, Brian singing, Al and Dave playing and singing the same parts they had done in '63.

Rock and Roll fantasy for some, right there.

Maybe someone in an interview should or could ask Beck, Brian, Al, or Dave whether something like this was ever considered and why it was not done on stage.

Because Beck-cars-Beach Boys-car songs...seems a no-brainer.

Just food for thought.  

[mikeddonn]

In earlier interviews on the subject, Beck was quoted as saying "He doesn’t speak. He’s clearly in need of attention. But that’s just my opinion.”

A picture of Brian not speaking with Beck at a session.

I'm not being an arse for the sake of it but seriously, have you ever seen a more staged 'candid' photo ? No movement whatsoever.

Jeff must have really big thumbs if there's no movement in that photo!

Are Beck's comments any worse than the stories about Brian's weirdness which people have dined out on for years?  For example, Brian tried to put his head in a sandwich in a restaurant or stop his kids' school bus to ask the driver for a cigarette!

I think some people need a little perspective here.  The reason Brian hasn't said anything negative about Beck is maybe because he hasn't given an interview since the tour ended.  Or, he hasn't been asked or couldn't remember or...

Brian is Brian, Jeff has been asked questions about the tour situation and has made some valid points, but yes should have been a bit more diplomatic about Brian's state of mind.  The story in the deli is also something that is pure Brian.

[guitarfool2002]

I think some people need a little perspective here.  The reason Brian hasn't said anything negative about Beck is maybe because he hasn't given an interview since the tour ended.  Or, he hasn't been asked or couldn't remember or...

Brian is Brian, Jeff has been asked questions about the tour situation and has made some valid points, but yes should have been a bit more diplomatic about Brian's state of mind.  The story in the deli is also something that is pure Brian.

My perspective is crystal clear, technicolor, and straightforward, through two posts and two posts only in this thread (not including this one  ).  Can't speak for others. 

Are the points valid? Or is there more to it?

Beck also has all but blamed having to do "meet and greet" events on this BW-Beck tour which deprived him of his afternoon naps with contributing to whatever it was that had him in the hospital a few months ago.

Valid as well? 

[Pretty Funky]

In earlier interviews on the subject, Beck was quoted as saying "He doesn’t speak. He’s clearly in need of attention. But that’s just my opinion.”

A picture of Brian not speaking with Beck at a session.

I'm not being an arse for the sake of it but seriously, have you ever seen a more staged 'candid' photo ? No movement whatsoever.

 

Still from the "Rock & Roll To The Rescue" video, ergo... not staged. Not good... but not staged.

Ok...In hindsight, pretty much anything from the C50.

[mikeddonn]

I think some people need a little perspective here.  The reason Brian hasn't said anything negative about Beck is maybe because he hasn't given an interview since the tour ended.  Or, he hasn't been asked or couldn't remember or...

Brian is Brian, Jeff has been asked questions about the tour situation and has made some valid points, but yes should have been a bit more diplomatic about Brian's state of mind.  The story in the deli is also something that is pure Brian.

My perspective is crystal clear, technicolor, and straightforward, through two posts and two posts only in this thread (not including this one  ).  Can't speak for others. 

Are the points valid? Or is there more to it?

Beck also has all but blamed having to do "meet and greet" events on this BW-Beck tour which deprived him of his afternoon naps with contributing to whatever it was that had him in the hospital a few months ago.

Valid as well? 

The point I was making about perspective is that Beck's comments are not really a big deal in the grand scheme of things.  Most of the public who read the comments will have heard it all before in various magazines etc through the years.  This doesn't make it right but when Brian's family and friends have said worse over the years why should Beck cop so much flak?  In the latest interview he seems quite jovial about the whole thing (Eric Clapton also told a similar story to the Deli one about how Brian pretty much snubbed him (not intentionally) but as if they had never met.  Brian just isn't comfortable in those situations (hiding when McCartney visited him in the 70s).

As for the reason Brian wanted to tour with Beck being He liked "Surf's Up" from a tribute concert 12 years ago I doubt it.  More like management wanted some publicity and felt he could do an album with a 'cool' peer so they could cash in.  It was probably 'put' to Brian it would be a good idea.  The need to tour quickly was probably also to make some bucks when the iron was still hot.  I think the whole meet and greet thing sums a lot of that up.  And Beck, rightly IMHO, wasn't too comfortable with it.

[KittyKat]

I thought that Brian and Beck met up again at a Vegas rock fantasy camp not long before the album work and tour. That meet up was the impetus that threw them together. I assume it was the fantasy camp director who just happened to put them in the same class.  I wonder how verbal Brian was with the fantasy campers or Beck himself. Maybe it was the variability of Brian's personality that Beck couldn't understand.

Jeff might think he's trying to "save" Brian by making his situation public. Perhaps he is saying these things out of compassion, but he obviously does not understand it's somplicated. That's why I can't get that offended. I think he means well. He just has a lack of tact.

[Pretty Funky]

 

The look on the face of the one right in front of Mike is priceless.

Its the 'Love thang' bump and grind look!

[punkinhead]

Interesting if Danny Boy is included. As a teacher, I have been forced to listen to this song far too many times at recitals and school concerts to ever want to hear it again but doubtless they can put their own spin on it.

The stories about Brian are not really a surprise. Rather tame in comparison with the old tales of farting in Marie Osmond`s face or sitting on the studio floor with his c*ck out.

What stories are these? I've never hard of them...is there a place or book I can read it?

[Nicko1234]

What stories are these? I've never hard of them...is there a place or book I can read it?

The Wilson Project by Stephen McParland.

[guitarfool2002]

I think some people need a little perspective here.  The reason Brian hasn't said anything negative about Beck is maybe because he hasn't given an interview since the tour ended.  Or, he hasn't been asked or couldn't remember or...

Brian is Brian, Jeff has been asked questions about the tour situation and has made some valid points, but yes should have been a bit more diplomatic about Brian's state of mind.  The story in the deli is also something that is pure Brian.

My perspective is crystal clear, technicolor, and straightforward, through two posts and two posts only in this thread (not including this one  ).  Can't speak for others. 

Are the points valid? Or is there more to it?

Beck also has all but blamed having to do "meet and greet" events on this BW-Beck tour which deprived him of his afternoon naps with contributing to whatever it was that had him in the hospital a few months ago.

Valid as well? 

The point I was making about perspective is that Beck's comments are not really a big deal in the grand scheme of things.  Most of the public who read the comments will have heard it all before in various magazines etc through the years.  This doesn't make it right but when Brian's family and friends have said worse over the years why should Beck cop so much flak?  In the latest interview he seems quite jovial about the whole thing (Eric Clapton also told a similar story to the Deli one about how Brian pretty much snubbed him (not intentionally) but as if they had never met.  Brian just isn't comfortable in those situations (hiding when McCartney visited him in the 70s).

As for the reason Brian wanted to tour with Beck being He liked "Surf's Up" from a tribute concert 12 years ago I doubt it.  More like management wanted some publicity and felt he could do an album with a 'cool' peer so they could cash in.  It was probably 'put' to Brian it would be a good idea.  The need to tour quickly was probably also to make some bucks when the iron was still hot.  I think the whole meet and greet thing sums a lot of that up.  And Beck, rightly IMHO, wasn't too comfortable with it.

You can doubt what you want, you can remove any notion that Brian and Beck mutually wanted to play music together out of their own free will and attribute to another case of 'Brian's people' (whoever they are) nudging him into something they wanted him to do, and also bring up a meeting with McCartney from 4 decades ago, and then suggest whatever motives you're assuming to be the backbone of this are actually the truth.

But that doesn't mean it's so.  

The seeds were originally planted when Brian heard Beck play Surf's Up...period, end of story. Believe it or not.

Do you have any information on how Brian's meetings with McCartney went in the last...oh...decade or so have gone? I know Paul and Brian have met at various shows, in fact there was the one where McCartney sang God Only Knows on stage with him and described it in an interview as a musical highlight for him.  I'd like to hear more about any of those meetings if something that happened in the 70's is going to be brought up in this topic. Any info to share?

The meet-and-greet thing regarding Beck's missed afternoon naps...take it for what it's worth. I wonder if he's getting enough nap time these days on the ZZ Top tour.

[Cyncie]

Hey, if some guy kept blabbing to everyone that something was "wrong" with me, I'd ignore him at the deli, too.

[MyDrKnowsItKeepsMeCalm]

Hey, if some guy kept blabbing to everyone that something was "wrong" with me, I'd ignore him at the deli, too.

[GhostyTMRS]

I think some people need a little perspective here.  The reason Brian hasn't said anything negative about Beck is maybe because he hasn't given an interview since the tour ended.  Or, he hasn't been asked or couldn't remember or...

Brian is Brian, Jeff has been asked questions about the tour situation and has made some valid points, but yes should have been a bit more diplomatic about Brian's state of mind.  The story in the deli is also something that is pure Brian.

My perspective is crystal clear, technicolor, and straightforward, through two posts and two posts only in this thread (not including this one   ).  Can't speak for others.  

Are the points valid? Or is there more to it?

Beck also has all but blamed having to do "meet and greet" events on this BW-Beck tour which deprived him of his afternoon naps with contributing to whatever it was that had him in the hospital a few months ago.

Valid as well?  

The point I was making about perspective is that Beck's comments are not really a big deal in the grand scheme of things.  Most of the public who read the comments will have heard it all before in various magazines etc through the years.  This doesn't make it right but when Brian's family and friends have said worse over the years why should Beck cop so much flak?  In the latest interview he seems quite jovial about the whole thing (Eric Clapton also told a similar story to the Deli one about how Brian pretty much snubbed him (not intentionally) but as if they had never met.  Brian just isn't comfortable in those situations (hiding when McCartney visited him in the 70s).

As for the reason Brian wanted to tour with Beck being He liked "Surf's Up" from a tribute concert 12 years ago I doubt it.  More like management wanted some publicity and felt he could do an album with a 'cool' peer so they could cash in.  It was probably 'put' to Brian it would be a good idea.  The need to tour quickly was probably also to make some bucks when the iron was still hot.  I think the whole meet and greet thing sums a lot of that up.  And Beck, rightly IMHO, wasn't too comfortable with it.

You can doubt what you want, you can remove any notion that Brian and Beck mutually wanted to play music together out of their own free will and attribute to another case of 'Brian's people' (whoever they are) nudging him into something they wanted him to do, and also bring up a meeting with McCartney from 4 decades ago, and then suggest whatever motives you're assuming to be the backbone of this are actually the truth.

But that doesn't mean it's so.  

The seeds were originally planted when Brian heard Beck play Surf's Up...period, end of story. Believe it or not.

Do you have any information on how Brian's meetings with McCartney went in the last...oh...decade or so have gone? I know Paul and Brian have met at various shows, in fact there was the one where McCartney sang God Only Knows on stage with him and described it in an interview as a musical highlight for him.  I'd like to hear more about any of those meetings if something that happened in the 70's is going to be brought up in this topic. Any info to share?

The meet-and-greet thing regarding Beck's missed afternoon naps...take it for what it's worth. I wonder if he's getting enough nap time these days on the ZZ Top tour.

This speaks to what I said before. Brian likes Paul. He gets along with Paul. While they aren't "friends" they do have a lot in common musically. It only makes sense that he and McCartney would be cordial and friendly (forget what Brian did in the 70's when he was at his lowest point. That has no relevance in 2014).

From what I can tell based on these articles: Brian simply doesn't care for Jeff Beck. True, he may have loved his performance at the tribute and said "Hey, I wanna work with this guy" but then after they spent some time together, Brian cooled on the guy.

If that's the case (and I have a feeling it is) it's no big deal. Life happens. Jeff Beck blabbing to the press about it makes him seem like a jilted lover moaning about how the girl he was crazy about didn't reciprocate his feelings. "She doesn't like me...there must be something wrong with her!". No dude, she just doesn't like you.  

[Dancing Bear]

Anyone on earth who knows that 'pet sounds' is a pop album released in 1966 is sure to have read or heard way worse rumours and stories about Brian's weirdness than those disclosed in jeff beck's interviews. It's nothing new.

On the other hand jeff's comments are very impolite. Whatever he thinks about Brian it's not like Brian will recover or get better at the age of 72 years old. That's where he is now in 2014, if you don't like it, don't hang out or tour with him.

But you know, Jeff's probably as weird as Brian, but he manages to keep it private. yeah, everyone knows he's a bit of an ass and a bit of a misanthrope, but I don't know anything about his private life, I don't know if he prefers girls, boys or cars, if he's been married, if he's got children. When you're an ass it's a good thing that folks don't know basically anything about you to throw stones. 

[KittyKat]

Jeff has been married six times. 

[Jim V.]

In earlier interviews on the subject, Beck was quoted as saying "He doesn’t speak. He’s clearly in need of attention. But that’s just my opinion.”

A picture of Brian not speaking with Beck at a session.

I'm not being an arse for the sake of it but seriously, have you ever seen a more staged 'candid' photo ? No movement whatsoever.

 

Still from the "Rock & Roll To The Rescue" video, ergo... not staged. Not good... but not staged.

Well. Maybe the photo wasn't staged. But the circumstances leading to the photo sure were. I have a feeling that the three ladies with Mike (and the one right in front of him especially) wouldn't have minded being about a million miles away from that dirty old man at that moment.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

First two words that popped into my head after seeing that photo... 'human centipede'

[Andrew G. Doe]

As for the reason Brian wanted to tour with Beck being He liked "Surf's Up" from a tribute concert 12 years ago I doubt it.

Nine.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

Yeah, it was the 2005 tribute,  the one that had the Chili Peppers.  The 2001 was the one you're thinking of, mikeddon.

[phirnis]

So thank God at least he didn't collaborate with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

I actually think that'd be pretty ace.

[Ang Jones]

I saw this article and didn't bother to post the link anywhere. I'm all for honesty but if you seriously believe that someone needs help surely you don't make comments of this kind to a journalist?

Just Jeff Beck's way perhaps - I don't know enough about his character to pass comment.

[Nicko1234]

Well. Maybe the photo wasn't staged. But the circumstances leading to the photo sure were. I have a feeling that the three ladies with Mike (and the one right in front of him especially) wouldn't have minded being about a million miles away from that dirty old man at that moment.

Nah. Mike was a dirty middle aged man at the time. Now he is a dirty old man. 

[Lowbacca]

So thank God at least he didn't collaborate with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Al could hook him up.

[HeyJude]

I think this Beck thing is just a case of what happens when you stick two guys together that are very, very different, and I’m not even talking particularly musically.

Beck is temperamental. He doesn’t seem to go in for showbiz niceties and all of that. He’s a private guy as well, which probably made the meet-and-greet VIP thing from the tour a particular annoyance for him. A friend of mine is a *huge* Beck fan, and also coincidentally share’s Beck’s interest in old cars. Back in the 80’s or 90’s, he spotted Beck at a local car show, and since he already had his camera with him, he started snapping some pics of Beck. From afar. Not obtrusively particularly, and never said a word to him or got any closer than probably 30 feet. Snapped a few photos. Beck gave him a look (hilariously captured in photograph from) like he wanted to kill him. Now, there’s a debate to be had about whether even this was obtrusive and whatnot. But the takeaway from this and other events (he has seen Beck at several car shows, and Beck clearly wants to be left alone) is that he’s a cranky, private guy. He’s also blunt.

This does not bode well for great interpersonal interactions with Brian Wilson. To everybody’s credit, it sounds like they *didn’t* treat the situation with extra kid gloves and brief everyone on how to act and what to say and have a bunch of go-betweens and handlers. It looks like they just stuck Beck in there. The result was some awkwardness. I also think, much like Mike Love’s post-C50 comments about the “TWGMTR” album, the story of how disagreeable the situation was changed some time after it occurred. Months and even years later, the story changes from polite positive comments to “oh my God, it was so weird and awful.”

As for Beck’s career, I think he has had his built-in fanbase for years. It was pretty darn 50/50 in terms of fanbase at the show I went to in Oakland last year. Beck’s guitar playing is amazing and unique. Most of his material is rather tedious, especially the way he presents it in concert. If you’re not into serious guitar wankery, the show is pretty much background music. I didn’t feel worse off for having seen his show. I also am still guessing that some of the stuff he cut with Brian in the studio could sound amazing. It sucks that it may well be Beck’s own bad attitude that is the main factor in the material largely not being heard.

The most frustrating part of Beck’s comments to me are not his negative bits about Brian, but his passive stance on having done the tour with Brian. He acts like someone made him do the tour. He may well be right that it would have been a better idea to finish recording before touring. But he signed on for the tour. He agreed to the VIP packages. He agreed to whatever dictated he had be at the gig by a certain time to shake hands and take pictures. If he thought it was such a bad idea, he could have passed.