Mike Love memoir due 2016

[HeyJude]

Amazing..

It's going to be ripped to shreds on this board.

But of course. Whether it deserves it or not. 

I don't think so. There will always be a hand full of people who will bash it regardless. But I think assuming it will be ripped to shreds by the board is doing a disservice to most of the folks here.

I think if the book is truly fair and not overtly, as Mikie mentioned, full of excuses and justifications, it will be welcomed by the scholarly fans here.

As far as I'm concerned, it's not a question of whether the book will be ripped whether it deserves it or not. The question is whether those who do criticize the book will be immediately minimized as "anti-Mike" and characterized as bashing the book due to ulterior motives.

An important question is, "What if the book is actually good and fair?"

But another equally important question is, "What if the book ends up being a self-serving, defensive book, done "An American Family"-style, with the aforementioned justifications?

Considering the data we have to work with as far as media interviews as well as interviews given to authors (e.g. Carlin, etc.), the track record doesn't bode well for any substantial self-criticism and self-assessment.

I also worry that whatever good stuff that might be buried in such a book (not salacious or scandalous stuff, but important pieces of historical information) might be scrubbed away for fear of a plethora of lawsuits.

After what happened with Brian's 90's book with Landy, regardless of the weird circumstances of that one, I'm surprised any publishers would give these guys a deal. I guess they just make sure they have REALLY good libel insurance.

[rn57]

Keeping my fingers crossed that one chapter will be a shot-by-shot account of the making of Scrooge's Rock'n'Roll Christmas.  (Just looked up the cast on IMDB and to my surprise found out the movie's female lead is Lee Benton, whom I've been Facebook friends with for years - forget how that happened.)

And, jesting about a foreword aside - once this book comes out the Tweets will fly fast and furious from Van Dyke's keyboard. 140,000 characters probably won't suffice for him, let alone 140.

[HeyJude]

Yes, I think it would be coming out without the Brian movie and book.  Didn't Mike tell a British newspaper a while back that there are a lot of fallacies about me.  I think he has some scores to settle.  I'd like to read about the the time he fasted and had to be brought to the hospital, and what it was like to have a daughter married to your bandmate.

I'm sure all of these guys have pondered the idea of doing a memoir over the years, and have been asked about it numerous times.

Mike may have gotten this thing out regardless of any outside influence. But it's certainly possible that he saw a book and film centering on Brian coming and that those things may have provided extra motivation.

It'll be interesting to see if the book gets a co-credit, as in "by Mike Love, with X", or if he goes the route of ghostwriter.

[rn57]

The real question is if the book can be perceived as anything but a measure of damage control and competition, due to its timing. Does anyone really think this book would be written and released at all (let alone in the next year or so) if not for "Love and Mercy" and Brian's upcoming bio?  

This kinda makes me wonder if plans for yet another movie are up Mike's sleeve to go with this book.....

[SIP Mike]

Yes! this is incredible news. please release the albums too, they have been lnguishing in the dark opining for release for too long.
love and love,
SIP Mike.

[HeyJude]

The real question is if the book can be perceived as anything but a measure of damage control and competition, due to its timing. Does anyone really think this book would be written and released at all (let alone in the next year or so) if not for "Love and Mercy" and Brian's upcoming bio?  

This kinda makes me wonder if plans for yet another movie are up Mike's sleeve to go with this book.....

That I would tend to doubt, at least as far as anything like the Brian film. Even the Brian film is going to get relatively "indie" sort of distribution.

I don't think Mike could get a Mike-themed film funded and distributed.

I suppose Mike could once again get behind someone else's film project, something like "An American Family." Normally I would say any sort of TV movie or miniseries project could never possibly get a greenlight after two previous TV movie bombs on the group, but I suppose I could see a cable network funding another miniseries docudrama on the group. Even in that case, it would be cheap TV movie fare and would not field the type of recognizable names found in the Brian film.

[GhostyTMRS]

As far as I'm concerned, it's not a question of whether the book will be ripped whether it deserves it or not. The question is whether those who do criticize the book will be immediately minimized as "anti-Mike" and characterized as bashing the book due to ulterior motives.

That wouldn't surprise me. Any criticism of what Brian does lands people in the "anti-Brian" camp so I expect it'll go both ways. All the wild-eyed accusations of "ulterior motives" seem to come from users who have gripes with each other. This "kids in the playground" mentality runs rampant on this board and does any legitimate discussion or critique a major disservice.

Then again, that's practically every message board about anything. Evidently people just can't help themselves.

[HeyJude]

I'm hoping the photoshop gurus on the board here can come up with some good mockups for potential book covers.....

[rn57]

The real question is if the book can be perceived as anything but a measure of damage control and competition, due to its timing. Does anyone really think this book would be written and released at all (let alone in the next year or so) if not for "Love and Mercy" and Brian's upcoming bio?  

This kinda makes me wonder if plans for yet another movie are up Mike's sleeve to go with this book.....

That I would tend to doubt, at least as far as anything like the Brian film. Even the Brian film is going to get relatively "indie" sort of distribution.

I don't think Mike could get a Mike-themed film funded and distributed.

I suppose Mike could once again get behind someone else's film project, something like "An American Family." Normally I would say any sort of TV movie or miniseries project could never possibly get a greenlight after two previous TV movie bombs on the group, but I suppose I could see a cable network funding another miniseries docudrama on the group. Even in that case, it would be cheap TV movie fare and would not field the type of recognizable names found in the Brian film.

Yep, cable was what I meant, pretty much.  I don't think HBO or Showtime would be up for another BBs film, but if Mike felt like it, he could probably get some smaller channel to do a lower-budget thing with B/C-list actors, the approximate equivalent production-wise of Summer Dreams.

[rab2591]

The real question is if the book can be perceived as anything but a measure of damage control and competition, due to its timing. Does anyone really think this book would be written and released at all (let alone in the next year or so) if not for "Love and Mercy" and Brian's upcoming bio?  

This kinda makes me wonder if plans for yet another movie are up Mike's sleeve to go with this book.....

That I would tend to doubt, at least as far as anything like the Brian film. Even the Brian film is going to get relatively "indie" sort of distribution.

I don't think Mike could get a Mike-themed film funded and distributed.

I suppose Mike could once again get behind someone else's film project, something like "An American Family." Normally I would say any sort of TV movie or miniseries project could never possibly get a greenlight after two previous TV movie bombs on the group, but I suppose I could see a cable network funding another miniseries docudrama on the group. Even in that case, it would be cheap TV movie fare and would not field the type of recognizable names found in the Brian film.

It would be incredible if a Mad Men style/quality Beach Boys mini series were to come out. Highly unlikely, but it would be quite a show...

[HeyJude]

The real question is if the book can be perceived as anything but a measure of damage control and competition, due to its timing. Does anyone really think this book would be written and released at all (let alone in the next year or so) if not for "Love and Mercy" and Brian's upcoming bio?  

This kinda makes me wonder if plans for yet another movie are up Mike's sleeve to go with this book.....

That I would tend to doubt, at least as far as anything like the Brian film. Even the Brian film is going to get relatively "indie" sort of distribution.

I don't think Mike could get a Mike-themed film funded and distributed.

I suppose Mike could once again get behind someone else's film project, something like "An American Family." Normally I would say any sort of TV movie or miniseries project could never possibly get a greenlight after two previous TV movie bombs on the group, but I suppose I could see a cable network funding another miniseries docudrama on the group. Even in that case, it would be cheap TV movie fare and would not field the type of recognizable names found in the Brian film.

Yep, cable was what I meant, pretty much.  I don't think HBO or Showtime would be up for another BBs film, but if Mike felt like it, he could probably get some smaller channel to do a lower-budget thing with B/C-list actors, the approximate equivalent production-wise of Summer Dreams.

They shouldn't try. "Summer Dreams" can never be topped...

[Chocolate Shake Man]

I'm excited for the portion of the book where he finds out about this board and concludes that it's a damn shame.

[HeyJude]

Maybe the book will be like "An American Family" and end at 1974.....

[SMiLE Brian]

I'm excited for the portion of the book where he finds out about this board and concludes that it's a damn shame.

I hope OSD and I get mentioned

[rab2591]

I'm hoping the photoshop gurus on the board here can come up with some good mockups for potential book covers.....

obviously a play on this.

[CenturyDeprived]

Amazing..

It's going to be ripped to shreds on this board.

But of course. Whether it deserves it or not.  

I don't think so. There will always be a hand full of people who will bash it regardless. But I think assuming it will be ripped to shreds by the board is doing a disservice to most of the folks here.

I think if the book is truly fair and not overtly, as Mikie mentioned, full of excuses and justifications, it will be welcomed by the scholarly fans here.

As far as I'm concerned, it's not a question of whether the book will be ripped whether it deserves it or not. The question is whether those who do criticize the book will be immediately minimized as "anti-Mike" and characterized as bashing the book due to ulterior motives.

An important question is, "What if the book is actually good and fair?"

But another equally important question is, "What if the book ends up being a self-serving, defensive book, done "An American Family"-style, with the aforementioned justifications?

Considering the data we have to work with as far as media interviews as well as interviews given to authors (e.g. Carlin, etc.), the track record doesn't bode well for any substantial self-criticism and self-assessment.

I also worry that whatever good stuff that might be buried in such a book (not salacious or scandalous stuff, but important pieces of historical information) might be scrubbed away for fear of a plethora of lawsuits.

After what happened with Brian's 90's book with Landy, regardless of the weird circumstances of that one, I'm surprised any publishers would give these guys a deal. I guess they just make sure they have REALLY good libel insurance.

I sincerely hope that there's a person in Mike's inner circle who can convince him to let down his defensive guard just a bit, owning up to some regrets of personal actions, here and there, throughout his story. Just a bit. Without hiding behind someone else to deflect. You know, the way Brian honestly has expressed regret for some of his own personal actions over the years. Are we going to get more than a couple sentences about Shawn?

Totally not holding my breath, as incredibly defensive people often stay that way until the very end. But I hold out a sliver of hope that Mike (or loved ones who might influence him) might realize that his legacy would benefit in the long run. I want very much for Mike's reputation to be humanized.

[Shark]

I think we are going to get some good stuff out of it but...and I say this as a big fan of Mike's...there will almost certainly be some of the same that we get over and over in interviews: playing up his contributions, while minimizing others.  I truly hope he gives credit where it's due and what I'm most anxious to see is how he talks about Dennis.  Its been over 3 decades since his death and hopefully he can let some of the bad blood go and not rag on the guy too much for his drug use, womanizing, etc. 

Does anyone want to make any predictions if he mentions his own marijuana use in the book? 

[Mikie]

I think we are going to get some good stuff out of it but...and I say this as a big fan of Mike's...there will almost certainly be some of the same that we get over and over in interviews: playing up his contributions, while minimizing others.  I truly hope he gives credit where it's due and what I'm most anxious to see is how he talks about Dennis.  Its been over 3 decades since his death and hopefully he can let some of the bad blood go and not rag on the guy too much for his drug use, womanizing, etc. 

Does anyone want to make any predictions if he mentions his own marijuana use in the book? 

You can fully expect him to play up his contributions. I'm sure he'll give credit where it's due while not forgetting to document his song credits, etc. I hope he will be very candid and talk about his relationship with Dennis and other band members, in addition to his use of drugs. I'll skip over the subject of Maharishi, except during the period when he met the Beatles. Everything that he's sidestepped before in interviews should be discussed in the book.

[halblaineisgood]

.

[joe_blow]

I'm curious if he will mention Dennis being addicted to drugs and alcohol, or how he came up with the words to Good Vibrations?
It would be interesting to know if he spoke to Paul McCartney in India about any Beatles songs in the works.
Or will he comment  if he should have got credit on the Knebworth CD for piano on Help Me Rhonda? Or how did Brian get invited to the Spanish version of  Kokomo?
Did Landy become a co-writer or producer?

[Pretty Funky]

I'm hoping the photoshop gurus on the board here can come up with some good mockups for potential book covers.....

This is all i ask, this is all I need.

Perhaps the mod's can forward the 'Weird Mike Love Pictures' thread to the publishers?

[The LEGENDARY OSD]

Looking forward to the chapter defending his mode of dress on stage. Would be interesting if the pictures included those outfits and hats in his walk in closet.

[The LEGENDARY OSD]

I'm excited for the portion of the book where he finds out about this board and concludes that it's a damn shame.

I hope OSD and I get mentioned

[Micha]

The question is whether those who do criticize the book will be immediately minimized as "anti-Mike" and characterized as bashing the book due to ulterior motives.

That should depend on the way they criticize it. Undoubtedly, there will be things about this book that are to be criticized rightfully, as Mike is a human being. Parts of it will be self-serving and defensive, as any of our autobiographies would be if we wrote them (or had them written). The real question is, how much has Mike mellowed with age to deliver a book with some self-critical content? If there is some self-critical content and some criticizers only focus on the self-serving part, those can deservedly be called anti-Mike.

If the book should turn out all self-serving and not self-critical in any way, I will be anti-Mike's-book.

[Andrew G. Doe]

The real question is if the book can be perceived as anything but a measure of damage control and competition, due to its timing. Does anyone really think this book would be written and released at all (let alone in the next year or so) if not for "Love and Mercy" and Brian's upcoming bio?  

Photo finish. It was mentioned to me (as a future consideration) June 2013 at Henley: Brian's book was announced a couple of months earlier.