Brian / Al / Blondie Summer 2015 Tour Thread

[Marty Castillo]

Finally, the VIP experience was fairly smooth and less strict than VIP Nation's version on the C50 tour. Today, we were let into sound check, told we could sit anywhere, roam around, take as many photos as we wanted. That was great! Almost made the concert anticlimactic. Al and Blondie were still trading lines on Sail Away: "Why don't you do this part and I'll come in here..." When Brian, Al, and Blondie left, the band stayed to run through some stuff and that's when I heard them trying Funky Pretty. We were escorted to a table in the lobby where the three BBs sat, Sharpies in hand. They were all pleasant, signing things readily, and Brian gave some very genuine smiles and handshakes, looking me right in the eye when I thanked him. Good experience.

I'd like to hear more about the VIP experience. I figured it would be a rehash of the strict VIP Nation C50 experience. I had no interest in a quick posed picture and then hustled away without any meaningful engagement. How far ahead of the concert did you have to be there for the soundcheck? Did they do a professional photo at the meet & greet or could you use your own camera? Did they limit what you could have signed and how many things you could bring? I'm on the fence, but might have to pull the trigger depending on your response...

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

I'm not going to lie...I'm really sad about missing the meet and greet. It's one of those things where the more I think about it,  the worse I'm feeling about it.

That said, got to meet a couple of the guys post-show (Paul and Darian), who were extremely nice and cool.

[Shady]

I'm not going to lie...I'm really sad about missing the meet and greet. It's one of those things where the more I think about it,  the worse I'm feeling about it.

That said, got to meet a couple of the guys post-show (Paul and Darian), who were extremely nice and cool.

We'd all take it badly, unlucky man.

[shadownoze]

Re: VIP experience --
We had to be at the venue at 3:00; the show started at 7:30. Once we checked in, we were given a nice BW VIP laminate on a lanyard. We had a chance to check out the merch table and to buy stuff as long as we had cash in the proper amount. Nice to get that out of the way. After waiting awhile, we could hear the band starting up. Ten or fifteen minutes later, we were admitted to the theater and told we could sit anywhere, roam around if we wished, and allowed to take photos and video at will. Al and Paul welcomed us to the sound check and told us it was really behind-the-scenes stuff. So there was starting and stopping and rerunning of that last chorus one more time. After each song, Brian would say, "What now, Paul?"
When everyone was satisfied, our guide led us back out to the lobby as Paul asked the band to stay put, except for the three stars. We were given copies of the Love and Mercy sheet music, which Brian had signed earlier in the day. After five minutes or so, Brian, Al, and Blondie came out and sat at a table. We had been told we could bring one item to have signed. I had them sign a birthday card for my daughter. There was no photographer present, bunt the road manager was happy to take shots with your phone or camera. I had a few seconds to speak to the guys and pose for a pic. Then I held out my hand to Brian and said Thank you and he shook my hand, looking me in the eye and saying you're welcome, while my wife snapped a shot. That's the one I'll treasure. He looked much more at ease and natural this time, with a not-fakey looking smile.
I was first in line, so I was the first one done. I wish now that I'd hung around to see what others brought to be signed. But we were now free until showtime, so we left the venue, went and had dinner and came back in plenty of time for the show.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

  :

[ontor pertawst]

Damn, this is a great tour. I was just remembering that the other night right as the audience was reeling from "Wake the World" and they lurched into "Busy Doin' Nothin'," people behind me literally gasped loudly. I suspect one of them to be the guy who yelled KEEP IT CLEAN!

I know you're out there, you!

I am definitely in for another round in September.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

Damn, this is a great tour. I was just remembering that the other night right as the audience was reeling from "Wake the World" and they lurched into "Busy Doin' Nothin'," people behind me literally gasped loudly. I suspect one of them to be the guy who yelled KEEP IT CLEAN!

I know you're out there, you!

I am definitely in for another round in September.

If you're talking about last night, that was me

[Shady]

How was the attendance for last nights show?

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

Pretty much full or close to it. 

[mikeddonn]

Sounds great!  Keep it coming so all of us in the UK know what we're missing!

[shadownoze]

At last night's show in Austin, the second balcony was closed, but the rest seemed pretty full. A friend who is an usher there said there were over 1600 tickets sold in advance.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

Ahh...didn't even realize there was a second balcony.

[HeyJude]

Anyone at tonight's show?

[Emdeeh]

Better late than never (in publicity)... from today's AJC:

http://music.blog.ajc.com/2015/06/24/brian-wilson-will-bring-good-vibrations-to-atlanta/

BRIAN WILSON WILL BRING GOOD VIBRATIONS TO ATLANTA
June 24, 2015
By Melissa Ruggieri

Brian Wilson has watched “Love & Mercy,” the new theatrical adaptation of his life, four times.

“Each time I liked it even more. I was fascinated with the people who portrayed me. They were very well done,” Wilson said last week.

Chatting briefly after a flight from northern California to San Diego, where he would perform the second of his 20-date summer tour with opener Rodriguez, Wilson praised the accuracy of the film -- which stars Paul Dano as “Pet Sounds”-era Wilson and John Cusack as the musical legend in the ‘80s -- and acknowledged that “the harder parts of my life were difficult to watch.”

Wilson’s complicated life story is certainly ripe for Hollywood and is handled with sincerity and sensitivity in “Love & Mercy.” Even the love story with wife Melinda (astutely played by Elizabeth Banks) earns validation from Wilson, who said he was pleased with the portrayal of the couple.

But while the Hollywood-ized story of Wilson’s life is nestled in theaters alongside summer blockbusters such as “Jurassic World” and “Inside Out,” his current musical journey has steered him back to the stage. He will perform in Atlanta on Friday at the Fox Theatre.

The career-spanning set lists from the first few dates of the tour have so far included Beach Boys chestnuts “Heroes and Villains,” “In My Room,” “God Only Knows,” “Little Deuce Coupe” (with tour guest Al Jardine), “Sail On, Sailor” (with other tour guest Blondie Chaplin on lead vocals) and the two songs Wilson said he enjoys playing most in concert “because they’re good records” -- “California Girls” and “Good Vibrations.”

The show also includes a trio of tunes from Wilson’s current album, “No Pier Pressure,” released in April. “Sail Away,” “Runaway Dancer” and “One Kind of Love” are the choices Wilson plucked to play from the new release.

Wilson, who turned 73 last week, worked on the album for about a year and was joined by younger artists including country darling Kacey Musgraves and Fun frontman Nate Ruess. The celebrated songwriter said he knew the album was ready to roll, “by the harmonies … we tried to make a lot of harmonies on the album.”

While he hadn’t yet met tour opener Rodriguez after the first night of the tour, Wilson was eager to shake hands with the man who was the topic of the fascinating 2012 documentary “Searching for Sugar Man.” The film won an Academy Award the following year for best documentary feature and turned the once-reclusive folk performer Sixto Rodriguez into a cult favorite who has now achieved single-moniker recognition.

Rodriguez is the only other name joining Wilson and his crew for the near future.

When asked if there were any plans for another Beach Boys reunion concert, such as the one in 2012 in celebration of the band’s 50th anniversary, Wilson responded resolutely, “At this point, no.”

CONCERT PREVIEW
Brian Wilson
With Rodriguez. 8 p.m. Friday. $46.50-$96.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.

[rn57]

http://www.dallasobserver.com/music/brian-wilson-was-at-peace-with-his-legacy-last-night-at-verizon-theatre-7346669

[J.G. Dev]

I watched "Searching for Sugar Man" last night to get a better idea of what Rodriquez is all about. It's an incredible story and he seems like quite a character. Looking forward to seeing the Boston show.

[HeyJude]

The setlist is up on the setlists.fm website, and appears identical to Austin. No "Ding Dang" or "Funky Pretty" yet.

[rn57]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBfbKmysOpw

Wild Honey last night. Sound could be better, but you can still hear Blondie scorchin' it at the end.

[Kamandi]

Finally, the VIP experience was fairly smooth and less strict than VIP Nation's version on the C50 tour. Today, we were let into sound check, told we could sit anywhere, roam around, take as many photos as we wanted. That was great! Almost made the concert anticlimactic. Al and Blondie were still trading lines on Sail Away: "Why don't you do this part and I'll come in here..." When Brian, Al, and Blondie left, the band stayed to run through some stuff and that's when I heard them trying Funky Pretty. We were escorted to a table in the lobby where the three BBs sat, Sharpies in hand. They were all pleasant, signing things readily, and Brian gave some very genuine smiles and handshakes, looking me right in the eye when I thanked him. Good experience.

I'd like to hear more about the VIP experience. I figured it would be a rehash of the strict VIP Nation C50 experience. I had no interest in a quick posed picture and then hustled away without any meaningful engagement. How far ahead of the concert did you have to be there for the soundcheck? Did they do a professional photo at the meet & greet or could you use your own camera? Did they limit what you could have signed and how many things you could bring? I'm on the fence, but might have to pull the trigger depending on your response...

In LA the VIP folks were asked to be there by 3 PM but there was a delay in getting into the venue of at least a half hour. The soundcheck was several songs in when the group was asked to sit in the first couple rows, right in the blazing 100 degree sun! Most of the band was in the heat so there could be little complaining. I didnt hear any notice regarding photos but people quickly pulled out cameras and phones and recorded the event. Brian asked a couple times if it was time for the meet and greet but Von Mertens would say they need to do a few more songs. Blondie was there the entire time but only played for Wild Honey and Sail Away however he would be motioning to the sound guys in the back during the entire check if something seemed off. Sebu came out to do his tune and to practice Dont Worry Baby. He pretended to take a bite out of Al's apple. Eventually Brian said "Its time for the meet and greet!" so thus endeth the soundcheck.

A table was set up in the shade and water was provided for the guests. It was a lot more leisurely than the 50th anniversary VIP. You could take a photo with your own camera or phone and could have 1 item signed. Most had their tickets signed, a few had cd covers and there was one Pet Sounds album and 3 Holland lps.  Brian seemed drained from the heat and by the end seemed to want to get it over with as he would encourage chatters to get behind them so they could take a photo. Al and Blondie were receptive and friendly. Al was very surprised to see my Magic Transistor Radio EP sleeve and kept asking how much I paid for it. He said it was Brian's masterpiece and asked again where I got it. I told Blondie I saw him with the Stones during the Bridges to Babylon tour and Al piped in that he saw that tour as well and thought it was very good. Technically I had two items to be signed (Holland and the EP) but none of the organizers noticed or said anything and Brian, Al and Blondie all signed. They guy taking photos mistakenly gave my camera to Al so I had to ask for it back. Brian was asked to sign a few more pieces of sheet music and by that time really wanted to go eat, as he stated a couple times while it was winding down.

I had some internal debates about getting the package but now I am really glad I did.

[Menace Wilson]

The vibe last night in Dallas was fantastic.  Brian was in a good mood, and the band kicked ass.  It was a night and day difference compared to the BBs 50th reunion show, which was at the same venue.  This show was so much better.   

Random memories as they come to me:

Brian introduced The Little Girl I Once Knew by saying that the first two notes sounded "Chinese," but not to worry because the rest of the song was "American." 

Twice during the show, Brian divided the audience up and asked the boys to yell real loud and then the girls too.  After the first time, he said something to the effect of "they sound so different but they are both part of the same trip." 

As they were about to begin Sail Away, Al said something like "Aren't you gonna introduce Blondie?" but Brian had apparently forgotten.

Speaking of Al, seemed like he was having some sort of issue with his monitor most of the night. 

Brian introduced "Wild Honey" by saying "This next song rocks like hell!" 

I was really hoping for "Funky Pretty," but it didn't happen.  Maybe next time.  Regardless, the show stepped up a notch whenever Blondie was onstage.

Wake The World segued straight into Busy Doin' Nothin', so there really wasn't much of a gap in between.  Regardless, I screamed my head off after Wake The World, and I think I startled the old couple sitting in front of me.

During the encore, Nelson Bragg pulled out a cowbell and began to 'explore the space.'  Then he went up to Al and started doing the full Will Farrell bit.  I thought it was hilarious...dunno what Al thought.

Also during the encore, Scott Bennet ran over to the drums and started playing the floor tom, and later was doing 'The Robot' at his keyboard station.

Brian introduced Surf's Up by saying "This next song has some really complex vocals."  I braced myself, remembering what some had said about it on this forum, but I thought it was outstanding.  Brian sang on practically the entire song, except a couple of times when he left the high bits for Matt.

Brian was doing his pantomime hand gestures throughout the night: when the lyric referenced driving, he acted like he had a steering wheel in his hands.  When the lyric referenced eating, he'd act like he was spooning something into his mouth. 

Before Runaway Dancer, Brian said, "This next song is usually sung by a guy named Sabu...S..A..B..U...and he's got a big black beard."   

[Gregg]

One sort of funny thing at the Austin show...... there were two women at the front right side providing sign language interpretations to some audience members throughout the entire concert. Each would do a few songs and then the other one would do a few. It was very interesting to watch as they were very animated in their signing, using their entire body to convey the essence of the song. One of them kept making a face like she was smelling something bad. Guess that was supposed to signify " bad ass rock music".

But the funniest thing was when Brian and band did "Surf's Up". She pretty much stood there dumbfounded.

[petsoundsnola]

Before Runaway Dancer, Brian said, "This next song is usually sung by a guy named Sabu...S..A..B..U...and he's got a big black beard."   

That is freaking hilarious.  Should go into the list of Brianisms for sure.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

One sort of funny thing at the Austin show...... there were two women at the front right side providing sign language interpretations to some audience members throughout the entire concert. Each would do a few songs and then the other one would do a few. It was very interesting to watch as they were very animated in their signing, using their entire body to convey the essence of the song. One of them kept making a face like she was smelling something bad. Guess that was supposed to signify " bad ass rock music".

But the funniest thing was when Brian and band did "Surf's Up". She pretty much stood there dumbfounded.

Saw that! She was also doing the chatter motion with her hand while Brian was talking during several songs, and pantomined laughter when Brian chuckled after the 'how many Jardines do we have?' bit.

[HeyJude]

My hastily written review of opening night in Saratoga is up on my blog (blog and Facebook links below in the signature line). Wrote it to get out there before the tour ends! Because it was written during random down time this past week, it's probably not the most well-written review ever, but in any event...

[drbeachboy]

To those of you attending the Philadelphia show on Monday (6/29), let's agree on a time & place to meet up, if only for a few minutes before the show. I would really like to meet all of you.