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

[HeyJude]

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. 

As with everything else a well-known, famous musicians might do, it's impossible to know how much they *need* that extra revenue from meet-and-greets. My guess is that they typically don't need to do 20 meet-and-greets to actually turn any profit of any sort. It's just extra revenue. As Wirestone mentioned, an outside firm probably often if not usually administers the program. But the artist obviously signs off on it, and they clearly don't care that they do indeed come across as just "money grubbing" in some cases (obviously one's opinion as a fan and their outlook on economics, etc. will dictate whether they feel it's actually "money grubbing").

I think the meet-and-greet thing is similar to the ticket price phenomenon. Many artists just sort of have their managers/agents/promoters just do whatever the industry standard is. I remember McCartney one time being asked about excessive ticket prices, and he said his people just look at what top tier bands/artists charge, and they just set his price somewhere in the vicinity of that. Same with the meet-and-greets. The promoter for the tour says "Hey, we have a company that does this VIP package thing that many bands do. Wanna add that on? All you have to do is let them watch the soundcheck, and then set aside some time for photos and autographs, and you get X% of that up-charge."

[SurfsUpTillIDie]

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. 

As with everything else a well-known, famous musicians might do, it's impossible to know how much they *need* that extra revenue from meet-and-greets. My guess is that they typically don't need to do 20 meet-and-greets to actually turn any profit of any sort. It's just extra revenue. As Wirestone mentioned, an outside firm probably often if not usually administers the program. But the artist obviously signs offHn it, and they clearly don't care that they do indeed come across as just "money grubbing" in some cases (obviously one's opinion as a fan and their outlook on economics, etc. will dictate whether they feel it's actually "money grubbing").

I think the meet-and-greet thing is similar to the ticket price phenomenon. Many artists just sort of have their managers/agents/promoters just do whatever the industry standard is. I remember McCartney one time being asked about excessive ticket prices, and he said his people just look at what top tier bands/artists charge, and they just set his price somewhere in the vicinity of that. Same with the meet-and-greets. The promoter for the tour says "Hey, we have a company that does this VIP package thing that many bands do. Wanna add that on? All you have to do is let them watch the soundcheck, and then set aside some time for photos and autographs, and you get X% of that up-charge."

To try and put a positive spin on the VIP since some are dwelling on the negatives. I can understand people having high expectations. I pretty much knew what the meet & greet would be going in. It happened to be a much greater experience then I thought it would be.

I got to shake their hands and tell them all thank you. They signed multiple items for me (even though it said one small item) Blondie had a huge smile on his face as I thanked him. I shook Brian's hand and thanked him for all he and Melinda have been doing for mental health awareness (which is a cause very near and dear to me) he said Thank you very loud with a huge smile and then said "Well I had to do it!" the handler took pictures of everything so I have this all to remember forever. I didnt go in expecting to be best friends with any of them. I just wanted to pay my respects to my favorite song writer and let him know what he means to me, whether or not it matters to him i don't know. It is something I will remember though. I don't think he was put in a situation that was out of his comfort zone ( the meet and greet probably lasted 15 to 20 minutes altogether)

The sound check was about six full songs while they worked out technical bugs and bantered while we were flies on the wall. One song they didn't play at the show which was a surprise (You Still Believe In Me.) we got to sit where ever we wanted and take as many photos or videos. I met Billy Hinsche after sound check and had him sign my sheet music. Everyone was super nice and I didn't get any vibes if discontent for their fans. The show was stellar. The only issue was how Brian's piano was angled. I was directly in front of Al in the third row and was difficult seeing Brian's face while he sat at the piano.

Otherwise I would recomend this experience as long as you understand what it is you are purchasing. I am not a wealthy person at all and saved up. To me experiences are worth more then money. To me this was well spent and I will do it again next year if I get a chance!

[GoodVibrations33]

New show added

December 6 - Sunrise Theatre - Fort Pierce, FL

I'm going to this show.  More info:  http://www.sunrisetheatre.com/shows/brian-wilson/index.html

[Emdeeh]

For some odd reason, Brian's tour dates page has the Ft. Pierce show listed as happening today. But the venue's website had the correct date as Dec. 6, with Mike & Bruce stopping by a few months later.

BW's message board also has another date, Nov. 29 at California State University Chico, Laxson Auditorium in Chico, CA.

[HeyJude]

I've added the two new dates to the top post. 

[GoodVibrations33]

For some odd reason, Brian's tour dates page has the Ft. Pierce show listed as happening today. But the venue's website had the correct date as Dec. 6, with Mike & Bruce stopping by a few months later.

BW's message board also has another date, Nov. 29 at California State University Chico, Laxson Auditorium in Chico, CA.

I noticed that too, and got excited for a split-second!

[Debbie KL]

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. 

As with everything else a well-known, famous musicians might do, it's impossible to know how much they *need* that extra revenue from meet-and-greets. My guess is that they typically don't need to do 20 meet-and-greets to actually turn any profit of any sort. It's just extra revenue. As Wirestone mentioned, an outside firm probably often if not usually administers the program. But the artist obviously signs offHn it, and they clearly don't care that they do indeed come across as just "money grubbing" in some cases (obviously one's opinion as a fan and their outlook on economics, etc. will dictate whether they feel it's actually "money grubbing").

I think the meet-and-greet thing is similar to the ticket price phenomenon. Many artists just sort of have their managers/agents/promoters just do whatever the industry standard is. I remember McCartney one time being asked about excessive ticket prices, and he said his people just look at what top tier bands/artists charge, and they just set his price somewhere in the vicinity of that. Same with the meet-and-greets. The promoter for the tour says "Hey, we have a company that does this VIP package thing that many bands do. Wanna add that on? All you have to do is let them watch the soundcheck, and then set aside some time for photos and autographs, and you get X% of that up-charge."

To try and put a positive spin on the VIP since some are dwelling on the negatives. I can understand people having high expectations. I pretty much knew what the meet & greet would be going in. It happened to be a much greater experience then I thought it would be.

I got to shake their hands and tell them all thank you. They signed multiple items for me (even though it said one small item) Blondie had a huge smile on his face as I thanked him. I shook Brian's hand and thanked him for all he and Melinda have been doing for mental health awareness (which is a cause very near and dear to me) he said Thank you very loud with a huge smile and then said "Well I had to do it!" the handler took pictures of everything so I have this all to remember forever. I didnt go in expecting to be best friends with any of them. I just wanted to pay my respects to my favorite song writer and let him know what he means to me, whether or not it matters to him i don't know. It is something I will remember though. I don't think he was put in a situation that was out of his comfort zone ( the meet and greet probably lasted 15 to 20 minutes altogether)

The sound check was about six full songs while they worked out technical bugs and bantered while we were flies on the wall. One song they didn't play at the show which was a surprise (You Still Believe In Me.) we got to sit where ever we wanted and take as many photos or videos. I met Billy Hinsche after sound check and had him sign my sheet music. Everyone was super nice and I didn't get any vibes if discontent for their fans. The show was stellar. The only issue was how Brian's piano was angled. I was directly in front of Al in the third row and was difficult seeing Brian's face while he sat at the piano.

Otherwise I would recomend this experience as long as you understand what it is you are purchasing. I am not a wealthy person at all and saved up. To me experiences are worth more then money. To me this was well spent and I will do it again next year if I get a chance!

Thanks for that - wonderfully put!  "Reasonable expectations" is the key.  I think it's probably natural that when an artist has impacted our lives in a powerful way that we secretly hope that when we meet them that they'll sense this closeness and feel the same way about us. It's natural, but not likely, and as grownups, it's good to know that's nearly impossible.  The person has not only just met you, but he/she/they are "at work" and are focused on that situation.  However, they'll see that smile on your face, hear your "thanks" and sign what you bring and you get that and a photo as a memory.  I think those things - great memories - are more valuable over time.  It certainly isn't a demeaning process.  The artists knows you thought enough of them to pay the big bucks. Good for you!

[SurfsUpTillIDie]

Thank you Debbie! As I sit here watching Glen Campbell's documentary the more I realize the gift we ALL have that these guys (Brian and Al especially) are still out there. Take the opportunity that you can get and make your memories happen before they are to late.

[Debbie KL]

Thank you Debbie! As I sit here watching Glen Campbell's documentary the more I realize the gift we ALL have that these guys (Brian and Al especially) are still out there. Take the opportunity that you can get and make your memories happen before they are to late.

So true...how lucky we are to have just had this artist in our lifetime - what a joy!

[Emily]

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

This is so cool, as is so much that's going on with BW. It's been said many times over the last decade, but his renaissance is fascinating and singular. I'm still not convinced, sort of. Like it's going to disappear because it just seems so unlikely. But there it is, and there's it's been for years!

[MyDrKnowsItKeepsMeCalm]

I saw Brian Wilson and band at the 10/9 Flushing NY show, and had meant to post a more detailed review but life got in the way lately. I did want to share a few thoughts:

The show was incredible. Brian came out looking a bit frail, but was in great voice with a number of chatty song intros, and the band seemed to be having a tremendous time. A real obvious warmth on the stage for Brian.

The setlist was very similar to other shows on the tour, but I thought it was a very well-chosen mix of old and new with nary a lull.

I love Our Prayer > Heroes and Villains as an opener... beautiful vocally and a nice non-greatest-hits emphasis from Brian and the group.

From No Pier Pressure we got One Kind of Love, The Right Time and Sail Away. Brian introduced One Kind of Love by asking the audience "Hey, has anyone here seen my movie...?" and getting strong applause. I think the song is kind of clunky lyrically, but it was genuinely moving to hear Brian sing it, and poignant to hear him pushing through those difficult high notes with real feeling. The 'ba-ba-ba' section towards the end really stood out in the live setting. The Right Time sounded great, and it too benefited from having a bit more 'punch' live, a bit more raw than the album version. Sail Away was incredible (my favorite off NPP) and Blondie really nailed it, taking over more of the lyrics in this rendition. Blondie was fantastic in general... he moved around the stage a LOT, really challenging/teasing band members and amping up the energy as a song was playing.

One of the other big highlights for me was Please Let Me Wonder... really got goosebumps from this one. I think this is one of the best early Beach Boys songs you can hear Brian sing these days... the range and pacing is absolutely perfect for his current voice, and the band sounded sublime. Very moving. There was a funny intro from Brian to this one, to the effect of "This next song is a love song. Some of you might relate to it... (shrugging, rolling his eyes) WHO KNOWS?"

Love the Pet Sounds material as always, and we were treated to another lovely God Only Knows from Brian.

Al was terrific on California Saga, Kissed Her and Rhonda of course.

All the classic Beach Boys hits were well-played, energetic and enjoyable, and Love and Mercy was a sweet closer.

Tons of standing ovations from the crowd throughout the show, and there was a super excited buzz after the show ended. I can't believe anyone left disappointed.

In case I didn't mention it, great show!   

--Jon

[baseball95]

Anyone go last night? Setlist?

[Matt H]

I heard an ad on the radio today for the show in Cincinnati.  Can't wait for the show!

[HeyJude]

The 10/20 setlist is up at the setlists.fm website. No new songs compared to other shows this year. Looks pretty similar to the earlier October shows. In fact, it looks like the 10/20 show has the same setlist as 10/10, only with two extra songs added ("She Knows Me Too Well" and "You're So Good to Me"):

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/brian-wilson/2015/gaillard-center-charleston-sc-63f5ba1f.html

[jeremylr]

In an advance interview for Brian's 10/24 show at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, the interviewer asked Brian about the chances of a Beach Boys reunion. I was kinda shocked when Brian revealed that he hasn't spoken with Mike in three and a half years.

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/attheshore/headliners/former-beach-boy-brian-wilson-on-growing-learning-and-surviving/article_554030ca-7833-11e5-8839-571ff7f917c1.html

"Now that Brian and Love have gone their separate ways again, is there any chance of another reunion?
'I don’t know — as of right now, I don’t think so,' Wilson says. 'I haven’t talked with Mike in three-and-a-half-years. I can’t answer that question.'"

[J.G. Dev]

While I'm sure it has been a good while since they spoke, 3 and a half years would put him last speaking to Mike at the very beginning of the C50 tour  . 

[HeyJude]

I gather the general idea is that Brian and Mike have probably not seen each other in person since around September 28, 2012.

For that matter, I'm guessing Al has seen Mike in person probably once since then, the Ella event in early 2014. (And who knows if they even personally spoke to each other in the lead up to the July 2014 Jones Beach debacle?).

I guess it's better than it was in past decades. They're partially estranged, but at least there haven't been any lawsuits (so far). 

I also find it quite interesting that despite the awkward end to the reunion and the backbiting (mostly from Mike's side) that has taken place since then, Brian still speaks quite highly of the reunion tour, to the point of saying it's probably his "favorite" tour of the past 17 years. Meanwhile, Mike continues to downplay and minimize the tour, often sounding rather patronizing about the whole thing ("it was nice for the fans", etc.). Brian is currently promoting his solo tour, yet he has no problem saying the reunion tour was his favorite. Meanwhile, Mike can't run away from talking about C50 fast enough so he can tell you how long Bruce has been in the band or how many shows his band still does every year.

[lee]

For anyone interested, the set list last night in Virginia was exactly the same as the Charleston set list Hey Jude posted a link to.

[Pet Sounder]

This ticketmaster site lists only Brian for some shows, Brian and Al for others, and Brian, Al and Blondie for others.  Is this accurate, or will all 3 of them be at all of the shows?  Just curious as to who is actually going to be at the show I'm going to...

http://www.ticketmaster.com/Brian-Wilson-tickets/artist/736468

[HeyJude]

This ticketmaster site lists only Brian for some shows, Brian and Al for others, and Brian, Al and Blondie for others.  Is this accurate, or will all 3 of them be at all of the shows?  Just curious as to who is actually going to be at the show I'm going to...

http://www.ticketmaster.com/Brian-Wilson-tickets/artist/736468

Sometimes they list Al or Blondie on the actual ticket listings, and sometimes they don’t. Sometimes they list one or both of them, but only Brian’s name is on the ticket. Sometimes multiple names appear on the ticket. The September San Francisco show was the first time I had a ticket to one of the joint shows that actually showed “Brian Wilson & Al Jardine” on it. Add to that the fact that Ticketmaster doesn't sell tickets to all of the shows. So the billing can be all over the place.

As far as I’ve heard, Al is scheduled to be at all of Brian’s thus-far scheduled shows through the end of this year (he was even mentioned, I believe, as appearing at the 11/4 benefit show). Blondie has been confirmed for all shows, with the exception of the first five shows in November. I believe he returns to the tour for the 11/17 show. I’m guessing they had been purposely not including Blondie’s name on actual concert billings/promotional materials, perhaps because they weren’t sure up until the last few weeks how many shows Blondie would be free for.

[Pet Sounder]

This ticketmaster site lists only Brian for some shows, Brian and Al for others, and Brian, Al and Blondie for others.  Is this accurate, or will all 3 of them be at all of the shows?  Just curious as to who is actually going to be at the show I'm going to...

http://www.ticketmaster.com/Brian-Wilson-tickets/artist/736468

Sometimes they list Al or Blondie on the actual ticket listings, and sometimes they don’t. Sometimes they list one or both of them, but only Brian’s name is on the ticket. Sometimes multiple names appear on the ticket. The September San Francisco show was the first time I had a ticket to one of the joint shows that actually showed “Brian Wilson & Al Jardine” on it. Add to that the fact that Ticketmaster doesn't sell tickets to all of the shows. So the billing can be all over the place.

As far as I’ve heard, Al is scheduled to be at all of Brian’s thus-far scheduled shows through the end of this year (he was even mentioned, I believe, as appearing at the 11/4 benefit show). Blondie has been confirmed for all shows, with the exception of the first five shows in November. I believe he returns to the tour for the 11/17 show. I’m guessing they had been purposely not including Blondie’s name on actual concert billings/promotional materials, perhaps because they weren’t sure up until the last few weeks how many shows Blondie would be free for.

Thanks!

[Beachlad]

My wife got me tickets for the 14th in Cincy.  I sort of goofed she would have gotten VIP but I didn't even think about it until she had placed the order.  I was so excited he was coming to CIncy I didn't check.  I missed out on the 50 anniversary because of work.<retail>  I do have pretty good seats because I am partially disabled and will be in a wheelchair.  I wish I could take my son but his sensory issues might be an issue when he starts crying and say no Daddy sing<g>
Lad

[mojoman3061]

He's playing the Imperial Palace in Biloxi MS Dec 4 - my birthday (and Dennis's)!  Hopefully he'll do Forever.  Not sure if Al and Blondie will be there though.

I'll be at the Biloxi show too.  The info I saw when I got my ticket says Al and Blondie will be there.  I wonder what they'll do for Dennis's birthday?

[America]

I am attending the Durham, NC show on November 19. I look forward to hopefully meeting some fellow board members!

I purchased a VIP ticket, and, beside the confirmation of my order and digital download code, I haven't received any real communication from Ticketmaster or Brian's "people" regarding what time to show up for sound check, where to go, etc.

Anybody know if I should be receiving this kind of info in an email sometime soon or upon picking the tickets up at the venue?

[baseball95]

Heading out to the Brian benifit show tonight in Virginia, went for the VIP $500 package, always wanted to do it figured now was a good time since the money goes to charity. Not sure what to expect but I'm definitely excited. Hope Darian is back and we get This Whole World, at least during sound check. Paul Dano is supposed to be there maybe he'll sing You Still Believe In Me again. Never heard that song and it would be a treat to hear it. I'll post a report and review as soon as I can very excited and luck to be seeing my third Brian gig this year!