Mike and Bruce Tour 2015

[Andrew G. Doe]

I was not as impressed with the keyboard player, whom I had not seen before.

In which case you've not seen a show since 1992. 

[shadownoze]

I was not as impressed with the keyboard player, whom I had not seen before.

In which case you've not seen a show since 1992. 

You're not far off. I saw M&B once about five or six years ago, but don't remember the keyboard player. Since the revolving stage last night kept bringing him into front and center view, he seemed much more prominent.

[HeyJude]

I was not as impressed with the keyboard player, whom I had not seen before.

In which case you've not seen a show since 1992. 

My recollection is that Tim Bonhomme joined the touring band in 1995, replacing Billy Hinsche.

[Mendota Heights]

Does anyone know if Mike and his hired musicians played That's Why God Made The Rodeo?

[Wirestone]

Pretty sure Meros was in there ...

[Andrew G. Doe]

Does anyone know if Mike and his hired musicians played That's Why God Made The Rodeo?

Brian's band, of course, play for the pure love of the music, spurning any filthy lucre they may be offered as meagre recompense... 

[Gregg]

Just got home from seeing Mike & Bruce's BBs at the Austin Rodeo. After the bucking broncos and bull riding, a circular, rotating stage was hauled out to the center of the dirt arena and fairly quickly set up for the group to start. They only had an hour to play, so it was rapid-fire greatest hits all the way. Scott Totten and John Cowsill were both terrific. Jeff Foskett sounded good on the falsetto parts. I was not as impressed with the keyboard player, whom I had not seen before.
Mike's voice sounded extremely weak tonight; he could hardly hold a steady note for a second.
With the short length of the show, there were not many surprises. I was pleased they did the Carl video with GOK. And they saved Kokomo for the encore...and it got a huge response from the crowd.
The biggest surprise, however, was when local boy Christopher Cross joined the group onstage and sang I Can Hear Music. Here's the video:

http://shadownoze.tumblr.com/post/114020615508/the-beach-boys-at-the-austin-rodeo-with-guest

Christopher returned for the encores of Kokomo and Fun Fun Fun.

All in all, tightly-packed hits show that went over big with a not-so-typical BB audience.

I saw them at the San Antonio Rodeo in 1993 and they also played on a circular, rotating stage! Is that the standard stage set up when they have a rodeo gig? It was pretty weird seeing The Beach Boys in this setting. I was too far from the stage to see very well, but I remember when they did "Little GTO" and thinking "Holy crap! Who is wailing on that high falsetto part?!"  Turns out it was Matt Jardine. I don't think he was singing all the falsetto leads at that point but he soon would.

[Lee Marshall]

Just took a quick trip to your site Andrew...I didn't see a section for this.  Beach Boys TOURING group...a guitarist...played with them years ago...under Mike's direction...last name is Crawford...from Sarnia Ontario I believe?  Any idea who that is or perhaps what is his first name?  Someone asked me.  I don't know.

Thanks...

[SMiLE Brian]

This rodeo show is worse than seaworld. Mike is quite literally putting the BBs name through the mud (and sh*t) of the rodeo.

[Shady]

So they're playing Rodeos now.

[drbeachboy]

This rodeo show is worse than seaworld. Mike is quite literally putting the BBs name through the mud (and sh*t) of the rodeo.

Well, all those Hot-Rod songs are about HORSE-Power.

[Gregg]

So they're playing Rodeos now.

Now? They've been playing rodeos at least for over 20 years, like I mentioned in my post above.

[Autotune]

So they're playing Rodeos now.

Now? They've been playing rodeos at least for over 20 years, like I mentioned in my post above.

Exactly! With a lineup that included Carl "no-Wilson-no-BBs" Wilson.

[HeyJude]

While some of the odd venue types they play now were indeed part of tours in the pre-1998 days with Carl and Al, it is worth noting once in awhile that continued, incessant touring has continued to dilute the name/trademark. They would probably be booking less rodeos, bowling alleys, etc. if they didn’t play 100-125 shows per year, *every* year.

In my area, the larger outdoors amphitheaters and theaters the BB’s were playing even the mid 90’s no longer see “Beach Boys” tour stops. Mike’s band is now playing more wineries, casinos, fairs, etc. Whereas one used to catch the BB’s in the 90’s at, say, Concord Pavilion, now we see them at the Cache Creek Casino (or other similar venues) or the wineries.

Don’t get me wrong, I prefer to see bands at smaller, intimate venues. But I believe Mike’s band is booking smaller, seemingly less conventional concert venues in large part because the brand is diluted and demand is never built up. Having less “original” or “core” members has never helped selling tickets either.  

[Mikie]

In my area, the larger outdoors amphitheaters and theaters the BB’s were playing even the mid 90’s no longer see “Beach Boys” tour stops. Mike’s band is now playing more wineries, casinos, fairs, etc. Whereas one used to catch the BB’s in the 90’s at, say, Concord Pavilion, now we see them at the Cache Creek Casino (or other similar venues) or the wineries.

It's really kinda sad to see this. We use to make fun of them when they announced gigs at gambling casinos. county fairs, Vegas lounges, car dealership grand openings, high school gymnasiums, and bowling alleys.

The Beach Boys use to play the Cow Palace, Winterland, S.F. Civic, Concord Pavilion, Berkeley Greek Theatre, and the largest venues were the Days On The Green at the Oakland Coliseum in the 70's (40-50,000 people) and after Giants baseball games at Candlestick Park in the 80's. The Days On The Green concerts - now THOSE were the days!

[Mendota Heights]

In my area, the larger outdoors amphitheaters and theaters the BB’s were playing even the mid 90’s no longer see “Beach Boys” tour stops. Mike’s band is now playing more wineries, casinos, fairs, etc. Whereas one used to catch the BB’s in the 90’s at, say, Concord Pavilion, now we see them at the Cache Creek Casino (or other similar venues) or the wineries.

It's really kinda sad to see this. We use to make fun of them when they announced gigs at gambling casinos. county fairs, Vegas lounges and car dealership grand openings, and bowling alleys.

The Beach Boys use to play the Cow Palace, Winterland, S.F. Civic, Concord Pavilion, Candlestick Park, and the largest venues were the Days On The Green at the Oakland Coliseum in the 70's (40-50,000 people).  THOSE were the days.

Due to "previous arrangements" this is unfortunately no longer possible.

[Lee Marshall]

Part of it 'could' be that as a tour continues...with gaps in the schedule...they will try to find other places along their pre-determined path in order that they might play more shows as they travel from point A to point B.  It's not like they're skipping back and forth but rather are continuing on a specific path that makes some sense...and more money.  Seems like a good business plan doesn't it?  The more gigs the more everybody makes...and if they can stop in a spot they've never played before [even a rodeo] and make extra dough...everyone gets paid MORE.  These guys are, after all, doin' this to make money.  

Perhaps over decades at 100 to 150 shows a year they have over-played or over-exposed themselves.  Perhaps not.  If the tickets keep selling... ... ...the audience wants MORE.   Seems to me Deep Purple coninued to tour at least into 2012 averaging about 5,000 people a show...and they were glad to do it.  Obviously they're playing smaller venues too.

This isn't going to last much longer.

[filledeplage]

This rodeo show is worse than seaworld. Mike is quite literally putting the BBs name through the mud (and sh*t) of the rodeo.

Smile Brian - BB/BW fans come from the four corners of the earth.  

Why would the band/s ignore any one of them?

And disrespect and discriminate against them because of location-based bias?

This rodeo/seaworld argument is weak and intolerant.  

And mean as against those fans who come from an agrarian/ranch area.  

[Mendota Heights]

It's not like they're skipping back and forth but rather are continuing on a specific path that makes some sense...

The specific path is... downhill.

[Lee Marshall]

What do you expect after all these years and no new albums or hits, ['cept for year 50 with Brian]  There are enough people buying tickets to make it worth it.  Many have never seen the band before and want to.  It's pretty impressive really.  It's not like they're playing dive bars Fridays and Saturdays and then moving on to the next town for the next weekend.

[Gregg]

This rodeo show is worse than seaworld. Mike is quite literally putting the BBs name through the mud (and sh*t) of the rodeo.

Smile Brian - BB/BW fans come from the four corners of the earth.  

Why would the band/s ignore any one of them?

And disrespect and discriminate against them because of location-based bias?

This rodeo/seaworld argument is weak and intolerant.  

And mean as against those fans who come from an agrarian/ranch area.  

I get your point, but Austin isn't exactly an "agrarian/ranch area". As a matter of fact, it is often called the "live music capitol of the world".

And a certain little film/music festival is going on here right now. 

Don't get me wrong. I'm glad they are still entertaining the crowds, but playing the Austin Livestock and Rodeo is kinda weird.

[CenturyDeprived]

What is the oddest/most embarrassing venue that M&B have ever played? I'm sure it's a subjective question to ask, but what would be the candidates?

Have they ever actually played a car wash, or was that just a joke (I'm assuming the latter, but hard to actually know!)

[SMiLE Brian]

The lucky strike https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ja1d0yXGK4

[Lee Marshall]

Just heard a small clip there...but they sounded just fine.  A free show.  A smaller stage.  No video in the background but still a terrific performance.  THAT isn't embarassing.
That NEW fans will get to hear great tunes and go buy or download this music remains a GOOD thing.  NOBODY loses.  What's the problem?

I'm outta here.  This makes stupid sense.

[filledeplage]

This rodeo show is worse than seaworld. Mike is quite literally putting the BBs name through the mud (and sh*t) of the rodeo.

Smile Brian - BB/BW fans come from the four corners of the earth.  

Why would the band/s ignore any one of them?

And disrespect and discriminate against them because of location-based bias?

This rodeo/seaworld argument is weak and intolerant.  

And mean as against those fans who come from an agrarian/ranch area.  

I get your point, but Austin isn't exactly an "agrarian/ranch area". As a matter of fact, it is often called the "live music capitol of the world".

And a certain little film/music festival is going on here right now. 

Don't get me wrong. I'm glad they are still entertaining the crowds, but playing the Austin Livestock and Rodeo is kinda weird.

Glad you understand my point.

They've played for young and old and rich and poor for over five decades. They play for people everywhere.  

What difference is the location? A fan is a fan is a fan.  

Is this music fan snobbism?