Brian Wilson / Al Jardine / Blondie Chaplin Fall 2015 Tour Thread

[SMiLE Brian]

BW with Al, Blondie, Billy H, and others in his band is certainly a more authentic BB experience these days.

[ppk700]

I was at tonight's show. I doled out the extra cash for the VIP package with the sound check. ppk700's list is pretty darn accurate from what I can recall from memory. At the sound check they also played You Still Believe in Me (and it sounded great). I think they'll be adding that to upcoming setlists. To answer GuyO's question they didn't play She Knows Me Too Well.

I'll start with the good:
1. Soundcheck far surpassed anything I was expecting. Granted I don't have much concert experience, let alone VIP experience. There were about 15 of us and I was sitting in the front row taking video of Brian and Al from a few feet away and singing along. They played a couple complete songs and it was like a mini private concert of sorts. Simply blew me away. I was expecting it to just be guys tuning their instruments and playing short snippets of songs (not necessarily in unison).

2. Going in, I really didn't keep tabs on what the setlist was going to be. The setlist had just about all my favorite Beach Boys tunes, so I was ecstatic.

3. The band sounded great. Brian kept saying Jardine between songs and I didn't realize he was sometimes referring to Al and sometimes referring to Al's son. Al's son sang the high parts and I thought he was spectacular.

4. Speaking of Al, he seemed like a really nice guy and I thought he added a tremendous amount to the show. I couldn't believe how good his voice still sounds. As far as the performances go, Brian isn't the focal point for very much of the show. Without Al and Blondie, I probably would have been disappointed by the show, because at the end of the day, I'm there to see Brian Wilson / Beach Boys. However, those two took the spotlight for much of the show and gave the show the authenticity it needed.


The bad:
1. I was in the 3rd row and I experienced the piano blocking out my view of Brian (except for songs where I got to stand). Didn't seem like he was doing a whole lot anyways though. I had a great view of Al and Blondie. That was a bit disappointing, but the sound check from earlier made up for it (as I got to see Brian from close up at that point).

2. I'm pretty bummed about how the Meet and Greet was. That was one of the major reasons I got that ticket package and the package was like $500. There were only like 15 of us there, but they really rushed us through (they said they were running behind schedule). They handed Brian my item to sign as they had me walk around the table to stand behind him. As he handed me my signed item he yelled "picture!". They snapped the picture and I got rushed out of there. I didn't even get a chance to say anything to him. It didn't damper the soundcheck and concert portion of the experience for me. The more I reflect on it though (now that it's over), the more it bugs me. I'll probably never get another opportunity to say anything to him in my life (and he has meant so very much to me through the years). It's clear Brian doesn't like doing signings and taking pictures. On the other hand, it wasn't like the line had 100 people. I'm sure part of it is my fault and I probably had unreal expectations. I thought it would be more like the VIP group would get to spend 15 minutes backstage with the whole band and talk to all the different members for a little bit.

Hey Big Daddy,

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I really wanted to go with the VIP package, but I just couldn't afford it. I was back in row 30... but I had a great, clear view of the stage - an aisle seat, and no one sitting in front of me.

What drove me crazy was how many people kept walking up and down the aisle, during every song. It was ridiculous how many people decided to get up and go to the bathroom or smoke a cigarette during "Surf's Up"!! And a whole drove of people left after "God Only Knows". Gotta beat the dang traffic! 

Pretty awesome that they played "You Still Believe In Me" during the soundcheck... did they play any other songs not played during the actual concert?

[ppk700]

BW with Al, Blondie, Billy H, and others in his band is certainly a more authentic BB experience these days.

I went to go see Mike, Bruce, and David last year, and while I really enjoyed it, I gotta say, I agree with you.

[RubberSoul13]

BW with Al, Blondie, Billy H, and others in his band is certainly a more authentic BB experience these days.

I went to go see Mike, Bruce, and David last year, and while I really enjoyed it, I gotta say, I agree with you.

I won't get to see this show until November however, I can compare what I saw on the Beck tour in '13 with what I saw this summer in Lancaster (Mike, Bruce, and David) and I think it depends on what you're looking for when defining an "authentic" experience. If the number of originals on stage is all it takes, then there's a lot of fluctuation as to who is more "authentic" from year to year.

But I'd have to say that if you're looking for a rocking evening of nostalgia and ALL the hits, The Beach Boys touring band is the way to go. However, for the vast majority of us here, I think we get something much greater out of seeing and hearing Brian Wilson with his immense band. Personally, I think there's a lot of missed potential in that band right now. They focus on too many hits, but not really enough to call it a greatest hits gig. I wish they would just go for the deep stuff and offer a second experience to the Beach Boys live scene, instead of attempting to offer an alternative. 

[Big Daddy]

I was at tonight's show. I doled out the extra cash for the VIP package with the sound check. ppk700's list is pretty darn accurate from what I can recall from memory. At the sound check they also played You Still Believe in Me (and it sounded great). I think they'll be adding that to upcoming setlists. To answer GuyO's question they didn't play She Knows Me Too Well.

I'll start with the good:
1. Soundcheck far surpassed anything I was expecting. Granted I don't have much concert experience, let alone VIP experience. There were about 15 of us and I was sitting in the front row taking video of Brian and Al from a few feet away and singing along. They played a couple complete songs and it was like a mini private concert of sorts. Simply blew me away. I was expecting it to just be guys tuning their instruments and playing short snippets of songs (not necessarily in unison).

2. Going in, I really didn't keep tabs on what the setlist was going to be. The setlist had just about all my favorite Beach Boys tunes, so I was ecstatic.

3. The band sounded great. Brian kept saying Jardine between songs and I didn't realize he was sometimes referring to Al and sometimes referring to Al's son. Al's son sang the high parts and I thought he was spectacular.

4. Speaking of Al, he seemed like a really nice guy and I thought he added a tremendous amount to the show. I couldn't believe how good his voice still sounds. As far as the performances go, Brian isn't the focal point for very much of the show. Without Al and Blondie, I probably would have been disappointed by the show, because at the end of the day, I'm there to see Brian Wilson / Beach Boys. However, those two took the spotlight for much of the show and gave the show the authenticity it needed.


The bad:
1. I was in the 3rd row and I experienced the piano blocking out my view of Brian (except for songs where I got to stand). Didn't seem like he was doing a whole lot anyways though. I had a great view of Al and Blondie. That was a bit disappointing, but the sound check from earlier made up for it (as I got to see Brian from close up at that point).

2. I'm pretty bummed about how the Meet and Greet was. That was one of the major reasons I got that ticket package and the package was like $500. There were only like 15 of us there, but they really rushed us through (they said they were running behind schedule). They handed Brian my item to sign as they had me walk around the table to stand behind him. As he handed me my signed item he yelled "picture!". They snapped the picture and I got rushed out of there. I didn't even get a chance to say anything to him. It didn't damper the soundcheck and concert portion of the experience for me. The more I reflect on it though (now that it's over), the more it bugs me. I'll probably never get another opportunity to say anything to him in my life (and he has meant so very much to me through the years). It's clear Brian doesn't like doing signings and taking pictures. On the other hand, it wasn't like the line had 100 people. I'm sure part of it is my fault and I probably had unreal expectations. I thought it would be more like the VIP group would get to spend 15 minutes backstage with the whole band and talk to all the different members for a little bit.

Hey Big Daddy,

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I really wanted to go with the VIP package, but I just couldn't afford it. I was back in row 30... but I had a great, clear view of the stage - an aisle seat, and no one sitting in front of me.

What drove me crazy was how many people kept walking up and down the aisle, during every song. It was ridiculous how many people decided to get up and go to the bathroom or smoke a cigarette during "Surf's Up"!! And a whole drove of people left after "God Only Knows". Gotta beat the dang traffic! 

Pretty awesome that they played "You Still Believe In Me" during the soundcheck... did they play any other songs not played during the actual concert?

No other full blown non-concert songs were played. The songs from the concert they played during soundcheck were Sail On Sailor, Our Prayer, Heroes and Villains, Darlin, Surf's Up, and Then I Kissed Her (not in that order). I'm guessing they'll continue to work in more Pet Sounds stuff so they are ready for the 50th Anniversary. I think Paul Von Mertens said they hadn't played You Still Believe in Me in like 2-3 years, but it sounded great. One other interesting thing was to see Brian interact with the other musicians during the Sound Check, directing people here and there like a small glimpse of the studio perfectionist we hear on session tapes.

I was in the 3rd row with (I'm assuming) the diehards so I didn't experience the aisle and smoking crap. I would encourage anyone who can make it to a show to go. Seeing Brian up close, I really don't think he'll be around in 10 years. Even though Al looks old, he still seems very spry. Brian looks to be in rough shape overall. His body isn't in great shape, he was limping around and he definitely had high anxiety during the meet and greet. It almost seemed like he may have been experiencing the auditory hallucinations during the meet and greet. He was yelling "picture!" in a desperate plea sort of way to one of the crew as each person cycled through. It wasn't real loud in the room, just a general buzz, but it was like he was trying to combat all the "noise" going on around him. It was almost like a toned down version of the 60s dinner scene in Love and Mercy.

During the Meet and Greet, his face looked different than it does in the TV interviews we see. I want to say that there are certain facial characteristics you see in people with struggling mental health. I hadn't really seen that on Brian's face until the meet and greet. I'd seen glimpses of it from the 80s Landy period in TV interviews/appearances, but not in the more recent stuff on TV.

He was much more at ease once he was behind the piano. I think part of it is that there is a little more distance in being up on stage from the strangers in the audience. Maybe he needs a certain amount of personal space. I'm probably reading too much into things. I will say that I think it is huge for him that Al is there. I don't know that he would have that same amount of comfort without Al.

As a fan, I'd rather they just skip the Meet and Greet if it is really as nerve wracking as it seemed to be for Brian. He seemed to enjoy the stage, I'd say they should probably just stick to that. One thing is for sure, he is a tough SOB.

[HeyJude]

I think the whole "Meet and Greet" thing is difficult. It's a tough topic to get into, because it starts getting into the motives and expectations of both the artist and fan. I think even in the absolute best circumstances, the "Meet and Greet" thing is weird all-around. In the best case scenario, the artist actually enjoys it on some level and they are nice and not trying to rush you through, etc. But even in that best case scenario, they're charging *a lot* of extra money to get a picture and whatever else (maybe signing something, chatting for a bit if you're lucky). It kind of, for me, breaks down the accepted and more palatable "exchange" between music artist and fan. I pay money, and they do music. It starts feeling weird when I'm literally charging my credit card to just be in a room and take a picture, etc. If I'm lucky, they're being nice, but they also know I'm paying for this. And as soon as it's not the "best case scenario", it exponentially starts getting weirder and more awkward.

Once we start going past the "best case scenario", we're dealing with artists that are ambivalent if not annoyed by the process, doing it because the promoter told them it's a quick add-on charge for the ticket that requires VERY little extra effort on the artist's part. They already do a soundcheck, so no extra effort there. It's really just spending an extra however long it is before the show sitting in a chair while fans stream through.

I think, knowing how Brian is, you have to *expect* something outside the best case scenario on these things. And, for me personally, I've never had a great interest in meeting these guys and getting a picture, etc. I'll remember it, they won't. I'd love to sit down and interview these guys. But just "saying I met them", or getting a picture, I can take it or leave it.

The only type of short-term or long-term relationship I'd have any interest having with any of these guys is either a real friendship, or an informative interview, and those are relatively unlikely to happen. Sure, if I bump into one of them randomly before a show, I'm not opposed to snagging an autograph or chatting (did this with Al a number of years ago), if it seems like it's not an intrusion.

The only thing that really seems enticing about the "Meet and Greet" thing is the soundcheck, and even then I think it's kind of weird. I'd love to see it, but it's kind of weird that the artist opens them up and charges for it. If some fan club people once in awhile get a free glimpse of a soundcheck, that's cool I suppose. But again, paying an up-charge to hear and see the very thing they're supposed to be closing off to the public to get their s**t together so the concert sounds good, is a tiny bit weird I think. It's also a little anti-climactic if one is into the hoopla of a live show. You're going to hear largely the same songs you hear during the show (guys like McCartney do a lot of non-show songs during soundcheck; but he also has been doing a lot of the SAME songs during his soundchecks for like 25 years), and it kind of undercuts the anticipation of seeing the actual show.

I'm not hugely passionate for or against the "Meet and Greet" thing, so I don't want to make it seem like I'm harping on people that dig it. I have very mixed feelings. I think if there's an artist out there that's well-known for doing really cool "Meet and Greet" packages where they're always "on" and interested, and offer tons of cool goodies and whatnot, that might be cool. But most of them are kind of weird and uncomfortable, cattle-call-ish, expensive, the total opposite of organic in any way, etc. Add in the extra awkwardness you'll often encounter with Brian, and I'm frankly quite surprised fans have generally not had trainwreck experiences with Brian's meet and greets.

[guitarfool2002]

Here is a review of Saturday's show:

http://buffalo.com/2015/10/10/news/music/concert-reviews/wilson-gig-is-one-to-remember/

Brian Wilson treats casino audience to joyous affair  By Jeff Miers Updated 8:16 AM October 12, 2015

Brian Wilson is one of the great composers in the history of popular music, and a reasonable argument can be made that his best work exists in a melodic, harmonic and emotional atmosphere that none of his peers has ever fully permeated.

Wilson has suffered greatly in his life, however, and emotional, psychological and substance-related issues have long plagued him. So a Brian Wilson concert in the present day can be a somewhat troubling prospect for those who love the man and his music. There’s a certain amount of trepidation that comes along with the concert ticket: Will Wilson be up to the task? Or has he simply done and seen too much by this point to rise to his former heights?

On Saturday, a full house in the Seneca Allegany Casino Events Center was treated to a lengthy set that found Wilson in mostly good form, surrounded by one of the finest ensembles currently touring. Wilson’s voice is not what it once was, it must be said, and he occasionally appeared a bit uncomfortable, if not downright lost, as he sat center stage behind his grand piano. Yet, on balance, the show was a joyous affair, even if it was mostly a joy of the nostalgic variety that the audibly appreciative crowd experienced.

The man has one of the finest songbooks in existence, and he and his band pulled from that book liberally, touching upon every phase of Wilson’s career, whether he was leading the Beach Boys or working as a solo artist. Wisely, Wilson and his musical director, multi-instrumentalist Paul Mertens, spread around the vocal duties among the 10-piece band, every member of whom could sing, and did. Notable in Wilson’s band was fellow Beach Boy founding member Al Jardine on guitar and vocals, and his son, Matt Jardine, who all but stole the show with his pitch-perfect falsetto singing during “Don’t Worry Baby” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.”

The Wilson band was actually more orchestra than conventional rock band – following the template of Wilson’s music from the career-defining “Pet Sounds” forward. The musicians rotated among various keyboards, and assortment of guitars, percussion, French horn, various saxophones, and flute, all the while contributing to the wall of gorgeous vocal harmony that is the realization of Wilson’s eclectic genius.

There were several moments during the show when hardcore Wilson fans had to be thrilled with the song selection and the manner in which he rose to the occasion when the heat was truly on. “Surf’s Up,” the epic that is one of Wilson’s most moving compositions, was received with reverential silence by the crowd, impeccably performed by the band, and sung with vigor and conviction by the star of the show.

More surprises followed in the form of the rarely performed Beach Boys 1967 deep cut, “Wild Honey,” led by former Beach Boy and Rolling Stone Blondie Chaplin, who manned a Gibson Les Paul with authority and led the band through one of the most visceral tunes of the set. “Sail On Sailor” was deeply moving as well, Chaplin again leading the proceedings and bringing a smile to the otherwise stoic Wilson’s face.

One of Wilson’s greatest compositions, “God Only Knows,” was introduced by its writer in a typically self-effacing manner.

“Paul McCartney told me this is his favorite song, so I guess it means something to somebody,” Wilson deadpanned, before delving deeply into the song’s hauntingly addictive melancholy.

The layered vocal harmonies performed by the band during this piece were simply stunning and unerringly on-point.

Wilson has been splitting his shows into two sets on his current tour, but at the Casino, he burned straight through 20-plus songs, stopping only for a brief break before the encore. That encore featured a stream of early Beach Boy hits, including “All Summer Long,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” “Barbara Ann, “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” and “Fun, Fun, Fun.” For the entirety of the encore, the Events Center crowd was on its feet, and Wilson clearly appeared to be basking in their love.

The show ended with “Love & Mercy,” a gorgeous ballad featured in the recent film of the same name. This was classic Wilson – sad but hopeful, firmly clinging to the belief that music can offer healing to those in need of it.

If this was all nostalgia, then it was nostalgia of the highest order.

[SurfsUpTillIDie]

Hello. I attended the concert and did a small write up on my concert experience here:

http://live.autographmagazine.com/profiles/blogs/i-just-wasn-t-made-for-these-times-my-meet-greet-with-brian

With a few photos. I also uploaded my sound check videos to youtube as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RYgNsWMIzs&feature=youtu.be

Some of them came out crooked. sorry. I think maybe I was sitting next to you BigDaddy? I was row 3 seat 15. Had the same issues with the piano. I had a better experience during the meet and greet I think. I shook Brian's hand and told him how I appreciated all he has done for mental health awareness. He said Thank You with a big smile and said Well I had to!

It did feel a little rushed, the sound check was awesome! Almost like a mini concert. Brian's voice was a little week and the mic dropped a bit during the show. Maybe a few bugs need worked out? I would do it all again and appreciate getting to meet the boys!

Adam

[Mike's Beard]

I think the whole "Meet and Greet" thing is difficult. It's a tough topic to get into, because it starts getting into the motives and expectations of both the artist and fan. I think even in the absolute best circumstances, the "Meet and Greet" thing is weird all-around. In the best case scenario, the artist actually enjoys it on some level and they are nice and not trying to rush you through, etc. But even in that best case scenario, they're charging *a lot* of extra money to get a picture and whatever else (maybe signing something, chatting for a bit if you're lucky). It kind of, for me, breaks down the accepted and more palatable "exchange" between music artist and fan. I pay money, and they do music. It starts feeling weird when I'm literally charging my credit card to just be in a room and take a picture, etc. If I'm lucky, they're being nice, but they also know I'm paying for this. And as soon as it's not the "best case scenario", it exponentially starts getting weirder and more awkward.

Once we start going past the "best case scenario", we're dealing with artists that are ambivalent if not annoyed by the process, doing it because the promoter told them it's a quick add-on charge for the ticket that requires VERY little extra effort on the artist's part. They already do a soundcheck, so no extra effort there. It's really just spending an extra however long it is before the show sitting in a chair while fans stream through.

I think, knowing how Brian is, you have to *expect* something outside the best case scenario on these things. And, for me personally, I've never had a great interest in meeting these guys and getting a picture, etc. I'll remember it, they won't. I'd love to sit down and interview these guys. But just "saying I met them", or getting a picture, I can take it or leave it.

The only type of short-term or long-term relationship I'd have any interest having with any of these guys is either a real friendship, or an informative interview, and those are relatively unlikely to happen. Sure, if I bump into one of them randomly before a show, I'm not opposed to snagging an autograph or chatting (did this with Al a number of years ago), if it seems like it's not an intrusion.

The only thing that really seems enticing about the "Meet and Greet" thing is the soundcheck, and even then I think it's kind of weird. I'd love to see it, but it's kind of weird that the artist opens them up and charges for it. If some fan club people once in awhile get a free glimpse of a soundcheck, that's cool I suppose. But again, paying an up-charge to hear and see the very thing they're supposed to be closing off to the public to get their s**t together so the concert sounds good, is a tiny bit weird I think. It's also a little anti-climactic if one is into the hoopla of a live show. You're going to hear largely the same songs you hear during the show (guys like McCartney do a lot of non-show songs during soundcheck; but he also has been doing a lot of the SAME songs during his soundchecks for like 25 years), and it kind of undercuts the anticipation of seeing the actual show.

I'm not hugely passionate for or against the "Meet and Greet" thing, so I don't want to make it seem like I'm harping on people that dig it. I have very mixed feelings. I think if there's an artist out there that's well-known for doing really cool "Meet and Greet" packages where they're always "on" and interested, and offer tons of cool goodies and whatnot, that might be cool. But most of them are kind of weird and uncomfortable, cattle-call-ish, expensive, the total opposite of organic in any way, etc. Add in the extra awkwardness you'll often encounter with Brian, and I'm frankly quite surprised fans have generally not had trainwreck experiences with Brian's meet and greets.

Putting Brian in these situations is rather boneheaded and insensitive. If you want to know Brian The Artist, listen to his music, give Brian The Human Being his space and privacy.

[Wirestone]

The thing is, Meet & Greets are part of the revenue stream now. People won't pay for music online or in physical form, but they will a premium for these kinds of packages. They are almost always run by outside vendors rather than the artists themselves, which can lead to oddness. And they still aren't the equivalent of a backstage pass, which is still free if you know the right people.

[GoodVibrations33]

"Paul Dano sang 'You Still Believe In Me' last night. A great show!" - from Brian's Facebook and Instagram

[HeyJude]

Looks like some sort of private function (obviously). This would also explain why the band was soundchecking "You Still Believe In Me" a few days ago.

Would be interesting to keep the song in the setlist with Matt singing (as an alternative, or in addition to "Don't Worry Baby").

[Rocky Raccoon]

Brian did a beautiful job singing it in this clip from 2013.
I'd love to hear him sing it like this on the current tour.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=e4mIOvMZh3I

[HeyJude]

Additionally, Al sounded good on "You Still Believe In Me" for the '93 "boxed set" tour, and also sang it well when he did it with "Family & Friends" in 1999.

[Matt H]

"Paul Dano sang 'You Still Believe In Me' last night. A great show!" - from Brian's Facebook and Instagram

Here is video of it:

https://youtu.be/Q1Q7f7IfrxM

[GoodVibrations33]

Here is video of it:

https://youtu.be/Q1Q7f7IfrxM

Awesome man, thanks!

[guitarfool2002]

Articles in Rolling Stone:

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/brian-wilson-paul-dano-play-beach-boys-hits-at-love-mercy-dvd-launch-20151013?page=2

And LA Times:

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-brian-wilson-love-mercy-academy-awards-20151012-story.html

...about Paul Dano performing with Brian on stage.

[bgas]

Articles in Rolling Stone:

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/brian-wilson-paul-dano-play-beach-boys-hits-at-love-mercy-dvd-launch-20151013?page=2

And LA Times:

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-brian-wilson-love-mercy-academy-awards-20151012-story.html

...about Paul Dano performing with Brian on stage.

AND, in the Daily Mail, posted by F-email in the L&M thread( three sentences in they rename Melinda " Miranda") :
 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3270484/Good-vibrations-Elizabeth-Banks-parties-Love-Mercy-character-Melinda-Wilson-bash-Beach-Boys-film-LA.html

[John Manning]

Kudos to Dano*!








Any danger of him becoming Bri's Stamos? Nah!

[GoodVibrations33]

Is that lipstick on Brian's cheek? 

[Tony S]

Outstanding! Thanks for posting.

[Rocky Raccoon]

Kudos to Dano*!








Any danger of him becoming Bri's Stamos? Nah!

Dano is too good an actor to be the new Stamos.

[The LEGENDARY OSD]

Fantastic picture of Melinda, Brian, Paul and Elizabeth! One could get lost in Melinda's eyes-they're absolutely gorgeous.   

[Pretty Funky]

Ain't the R&R life a b!tch!

[Pretty Funky]

I think the whole "Meet and Greet" thing is difficult. It's a tough topic to get into, because it starts getting into the motives and expectations of both the artist and fan. I think even in the absolute best circumstances, the "Meet and Greet" thing is weird all-around. In the best case scenario, the artist actually enjoys it on some level and they are nice and not trying to rush you through, etc. But even in that best case scenario, they're charging *a lot* of extra money to get a picture and whatever else (maybe signing something, chatting for a bit if you're lucky). It kind of, for me, breaks down the accepted and more palatable "exchange" between music artist and fan. I pay money, and they do music. It starts feeling weird when I'm literally charging my credit card to just be in a room and take a picture, etc. If I'm lucky, they're being nice, but they also know I'm paying for this. And as soon as it's not the "best case scenario", it exponentially starts getting weirder and more awkward.

Once we start going past the "best case scenario", we're dealing with artists that are ambivalent if not annoyed by the process, doing it because the promoter told them it's a quick add-on charge for the ticket that requires VERY little extra effort on the artist's part. They already do a soundcheck, so no extra effort there. It's really just spending an extra however long it is before the show sitting in a chair while fans stream through.

I think, knowing how Brian is, you have to *expect* something outside the best case scenario on these things. And, for me personally, I've never had a great interest in meeting these guys and getting a picture, etc. I'll remember it, they won't. I'd love to sit down and interview these guys. But just "saying I met them", or getting a picture, I can take it or leave it.

The only type of short-term or long-term relationship I'd have any interest having with any of these guys is either a real friendship, or an informative interview, and those are relatively unlikely to happen. Sure, if I bump into one of them randomly before a show, I'm not opposed to snagging an autograph or chatting (did this with Al a number of years ago), if it seems like it's not an intrusion.

The only thing that really seems enticing about the "Meet and Greet" thing is the soundcheck, and even then I think it's kind of weird. I'd love to see it, but it's kind of weird that the artist opens them up and charges for it. If some fan club people once in awhile get a free glimpse of a soundcheck, that's cool I suppose. But again, paying an up-charge to hear and see the very thing they're supposed to be closing off to the public to get their s**t together so the concert sounds good, is a tiny bit weird I think. It's also a little anti-climactic if one is into the hoopla of a live show. You're going to hear largely the same songs you hear during the show (guys like McCartney do a lot of non-show songs during soundcheck; but he also has been doing a lot of the SAME songs during his soundchecks for like 25 years), and it kind of undercuts the anticipation of seeing the actual show.

I'm not hugely passionate for or against the "Meet and Greet" thing, so I don't want to make it seem like I'm harping on people that dig it. I have very mixed feelings. I think if there's an artist out there that's well-known for doing really cool "Meet and Greet" packages where they're always "on" and interested, and offer tons of cool goodies and whatnot, that might be cool. But most of them are kind of weird and uncomfortable, cattle-call-ish, expensive, the total opposite of organic in any way, etc. Add in the extra awkwardness you'll often encounter with Brian, and I'm frankly quite surprised fans have generally not had trainwreck experiences with Brian's meet and greets.

I've never done one and won't, and like you I think it is "a tiny bit weird". Not targeting the BBs or Brian but do a lot of artists need the money? I would have no problem with members of fan clubs and the like getting a chance for a close up experience but to go along just because you have deep pockets does not sit well for me. The artists appear more money grabbing than they may be and the customer often has a negative experience.