"Carl Wilson and four musicians known as the Beach Boys"

[Da Doo Ron Ron]

I read this in a review of last year's Carl Wilson biography:

from early on, Beach Boys' contracts stipulated that the band would consist of "Carl Wilson and four musicians known as the Beach Boys."

http://pitchfork.com/thepitch/926-carl-only-knows-a-new-biography-of-the-man-legally-known-as-the-beach-boys/

Is there any truth to that? If so, why was the contract written that way?

[c-man]

I read this in a review of last year's Carl Wilson biography:

from early on, Beach Boys' contracts stipulated that the band would consist of "Carl Wilson and four musicians known as the Beach Boys."

http://pitchfork.com/thepitch/926-carl-only-knows-a-new-biography-of-the-man-legally-known-as-the-beach-boys/

Is there any truth to that? If so, why was the contract written that way?

This was after Brian started skipping gigs (in '63), and Carl became the de facto onstage leader. It's mentioned in the Leaf book.

[Mr. Wilson]

If memory serves me correctly.. In 1996 at the R+R hall of fame  i saw a contract on display with those words written on contract.. Also on display was a surfboard donated by Bruce.. Business cards with Brians name listed as leader ..Hawthorne address and phone number.. Something with the name Carl + Passions written on it..  Guitars picks gold records etc..

[bb4ever]

I would guess the contract was written that way because it reflected the reality of the situation.  Carl was the one constant in the Beach Boys.