Brian / Al / Blondie Summer 2015 Tour Thread

[HeyJude]

It's interesting to consider...what if Al appeared with Mike on the same terms that David Marks does? Obviously it wouldn't happen, but if it were to be the current circumstances...what would we hear?

He'd definitely take back his roles on "Help Me Rhonda" and "Then I Kissed Her"...but would he get any additions? "California Saga"...maybe take the lead on "Wouldn't it Be Nice"? I can't see too much else fitting into their typical setlist.

There was some discussion about this last year when it looked like Al might do the Jones Beach gig with Mike. If Al regularly toured with Mike, I would imagine eventually he might worm a song selection or two of his own into the setlist, maybe for something like the extended UK shows. But yeah, by and large, he'd probably be *less* prominent in a Mike show than at Brian's shows. He'd take back a few leads.

We do know based on the eventual Jones Beach setlist and show length that that wasn't even going to be a super long show. It had other acts on the bill and probably a curfew, so they definitely wouldn't have worked any unique Al stuff into the setlist. Dave did the gig, and he wasn't prominently featured either.

I do think Al would make Mike's band better. Something Al really brings to Brian's band, especially since 2013, is a key voice in the vocal blend. I recall him being a little more tentative in his participation in the harmony blend during his 2006/2007 shows with Brian. But now his voice really is that tipping point that makes it sound like the Beach Boys. I think this would just as easily benefit Mike's band if Al appeared there.

But I certainly feel like Al is a much better fit for Brian's band, and after a 2006/2007 stint which seemed to be imbued with a bit more politics and whatnot, I think Al truly does actually comfort Brian. He does kind of serve a little bit of Foskett's old "wing man" role.

[RubberSoul13]

Totally agree. In my opinion right at this moment in time, Al Jardine is the most important living Beach Boy on stage.

If Al and Dave could tour with Mike and Bruce full time as "The Beach Boys", Mike could easily dismiss Foskett (Ike & Scott have the falsetto covered)...and in a dream world, Brian Wilson would fit back into the equation when health/schedules suited!  But seriously.....

[Andrew G. Doe]

I also like the wee 'improvement they made to Barbara Ann.

As in... not playing it ? 

[Niko]

Just got to Seattle for the show tomorrow - immediately bumped into Blondie and got him to sign the copy of Surfs Up I brought with me

[undercover-m]

  whatttt. That's pretty cool.  My friends saw the members of a band we were going to see at a local poster shop but I wasn't with them

[Niko]

Also got to chat with Probyn and Bob lizik. I'd heard so many stories about how warm members of the BW are to fans, so I wasnt too nervous going up and saying hi. They really are lovely people.

[pixletwin]

Brian's show in Salt Lake was wonderful. I was over the moon hearing he and Al sing Surfs Up and I got to hear Busy Doin Nothing... live... Add Blondie to the mix and I had to pinch myself. I recorded the audio of nearly the whole concert. Loved every second.

Rodriguez was ok. Nice diverse set of covers and a few originals. He does a great Bob Dylan impersonation.

[Niko]

They soundcheckesd I'm Broke.

Yes. Just YES

There was also a moment where he made sure his piano just as loud as Scott and Darians

[barsone]

They soundcheckesd I'm Broke.

Yes. Just YES

There was also a moment where he made sure his piano just as loud as Scott and Darians

Will be there in an hour.....how does BW mood seem this evening ?  I'll be in the 5th row behind you meet and greets with my black and blue BW hat on.  Can't wait !!!!!!!!!!!   

[Niko]

They soundcheckesd I'm Broke.

Yes. Just YES

There was also a moment where he made sure his piano just as loud as Scott and Darians

Will be there in an hour.....how does BW mood seem this evening ?  I'll be in the 5th row behind you meet and greets with my black and blue BW hat on.  Can't wait !!!!!!!!!!!  

Very happy and VERY in control. I found out from the band that they started planning the song last night. Brian was handing out parts and it all came together incredibly quickly. The acoustics is this place are beautiful BTW.

Expect the best show you could expect  

[SMiLE Brian]

YES!

[Lee Marshall]

I also like the wee 'improvement they made to Barbara Ann.

As in... not playing it ? 

That would be best.  I mean really.

But.  In the US it's their 5th highest charting hit ever 1 notch below I Get Around, Help Me Rhonda, Good Vibrations and Kokomo.  Everthing else... ... ...follows.

So?  We know nuttin' Andrew.

[barsone]

They soundcheckesd I'm Broke.

Yes. Just YES

There was also a moment where he made sure his piano just as loud as Scott and Darians

Will be there in an hour.....how does BW mood seem this evening ?  I'll be in the 5th row behind you meet and greets with my black and blue BW hat on.  Can't wait !!!!!!!!!!!  

Very happy and VERY in control. I found out from the band that they started planning the song last night. Brian was handing out parts and it all came together incredibly quickly. The acoustics is this place are beautiful BTW.

Expect the best show you could expect  

Great acoustics....start out with Our Prayer.....Its going to be a very fun evening......wishing now I had bought the meet and greet/soundcheck !!

[startBBtoday]

They soundcheckesd I'm Broke.

Yes. Just YES

There was also a moment where he made sure his piano just as loud as Scott and Darians

Wow. That's insane. Of all the officially released songs Brian has, he chooses that to play.

I want to hear Brian and Al tackle "Crack At Your Love."

[Wirestone]

Holy moly. That's really special.

[pixletwin]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is "I'm broke"?

[37!ws]

PT -- "I'm Broke" is a song that, according to "Brian's" "autobiography," he wrote after the big trial to separate him and Landy. Which is strange because Gary Usher, who died two years earlier, mentioned it in his diaries he took when he worked with Brian circa 1986-1988.

Here's the song, as recorded circa 1994:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0fywmY52r0

[bgas]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is "I'm broke"?

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php?topic=1136.0

[pixletwin]

Thanks you two. I hadn't heard this song before. 

[undercover-m]

Just got back from tonight's show! I have to study for a test (on basic music theory, no less), so maybe I'll throw out a review or something later.
I will say I had the biggest smile (no pun intended) when they came on stage and played Our Prayer/HV. And I teared up during Surf's Up.

[barsone]

Well everyone....just back from the Seattle show.  My daughter and I were 5th row center with just a great view of the entire stage.  It was my first concert at the Benaroya Hall and WOW, as Woodstock said earlier during the soundcheck, the acoustics were just fantastic. Maybe because this was the last stop before a 2 week break on the tour, the band had an electricity about them tonite I hadn't seen before in the prior 3 BW shows I've seen since 2011 (BW-Gershwin 2011 in St. Charles Ill.  BW-Ravinnia Chicago   BW-BAD 2013 Akron Ohio).  Everyone and especially Brian seemed stoked.  Brian so much as he almost seemed goofy and confused most of the night.  Actually was at times tripping over his words and lost as he talked too much (yes I know hard to believe). 

Other positives.  Blondie just effin ROCKED.  Wild Honey was fantastic with Blonde's riffs late in the song as he pranced all around the stage.  For you Brits...he was almost "Mick-like" as he was moving around.  I've read everyone's comments over the past year about Jeff Foskett vs Matt Jardine.  Well folks, I heard the winner tonite.  Coming from Matt, the falsetto is MUCH less forced and seems really natural on the high end notes.  He did a GREAT job on Don't Worry Baby and the audience went nuts.  Also he did a fine job covering his old man when AL couldn't quite hit the high notes on I'm Broke.  It was rather funny actually as said earlier on the thread , they put this together today.....and yes it sounded like a student unprepared for his final exam.  Al was wonderful on all his leads and "Right Time" was VERY well received by the Seattle crowd.  Sadly the Seattle crowd was so respectful of others behind them, it took the egging from Scott Bennett to get people to finally stand up mid way through the concert.  The entire back row of guys was FULLY engaged all night.  I am always amazed at the energy Nelson puts in on concert night.   Tonight the dude was nuts.  Over the top in a completely positive way making the sound "sound" like it just came from the studio !!!.  Nick was nuts tonight.  I have never seen him put so much energy into a show like he did tonight.  His energy seemed infectious, and with Paul and Nelson on each side, the entire stage seemed electric.

So Brian.  I was pumped when Woodstock said during Sound check that Brian was animated and relaxed. And wow, I've never EVER seen Brian like this.  Totally relaxed to a fault where he came across as really goofy to the crowd.  Yes I get it, its BW, but at times he really struggled with names in the band and remembering stuff...like the name of his album NPP.  I guess I just felt sorry for him a bit......because I love him so much it hurt seeing him confused a bit.

On a scale of 10 I give it an 8+.  The sound guys were off a bit as some of the mics weren't turned up until a 1/4 into the song, especially for Al.  I dunno, maybe being so close, 5th row, the sound went around us.  But nothing better than enjoying an evening with my daughter at a BW show.  And Love and Mercy at the end had tears in my eyes.  Just love those lyrics.  Typical encore with All Summer Long,  Help ME Rhonda, Surfin USA, Barabara Ann, and FUN Fun Fun.  With Love and Mercy at the end.

I do miss Jeff Foskett's introduction of the band.  He does have more of a show business intro than Paul von Merten's.  Strictly personal preference on my part.
And his  B-R-I-A-N   W-I-L-S-O-N  intro is the best.

Lastly I do truly hope this isn't the last time I get to see him.  Yes he looks old.  But he does seem a bit rejuvenated....maybe the new album....maybe the accolades from the movie.  But he seemed very with it at times tonight.  Yes goofy,  yes confused    but its BW in concert, what more do we want.

[Smilin Ed H]

" Yes I get it, its BW, but at times he really struggled with names in the band and remembering stuff...like the name of his album NPP."

Bit concerning.

[HeyJude]

" Yes I get it, its BW, but at times he really struggled with names in the band and remembering stuff...like the name of his album NPP."

Bit concerning.

He’s been doing stuff like that for decades. That doesn’t particularly worry me, any more so than any of his weird behavior over the last several decades has. 

[HeyJude]

Coming from Matt, the falsetto is MUCH less forced and seems really natural on the high end notes.  He did a GREAT job on Don't Worry Baby and the audience went nuts.  Also he did a fine job covering his old man when AL couldn't quite hit the high notes on I'm Broke.  It was rather funny actually as said earlier on the thread , they put this together today.....and yes it sounded like a student unprepared for his final exam. 

So they did perform “I’m Broke” during the actual show, and Al sang the lead? Very interesting. Hope someone got that one on video for YouTube. I could equally see them add that into the setlist for future shows, or that we’ll never hear it again!

[HeyJude]

PT -- "I'm Broke" is a song that, according to "Brian's" "autobiography," he wrote after the big trial to separate him and Landy. Which is strange because Gary Usher, who died two years earlier, mentioned it in his diaries he took when he worked with Brian circa 1986-1988.

Here's the song, as recorded circa 1994:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0fywmY52r0

I haven’t seen it in quite some time, but I recall that Brian also goes into “I’m Broke” on that “Hotel Tape” video from July 1990 with Bruce, Foskett, and Stamos.