Bruce Johnston talks reunion idea.

[SurfRiderHawaii]

Brian can easily stand to do one or two concerts for a DVD.  Be silly not to as:

1) It's easy money
2) It'll revitalize BB record sales
3) Spur interest and new releases from the vaults
4) Bolster interest and sales in Brian's solo efforts
5) The fans deserve to have closure in celebrating 50 years of the Beach Boys
6) Per Dennis Wilson "Brian Wilson is the Beach Boys"

[phirnis]

Are we talking David Foster, producer of Céline Dion and the friggin' Bodyguard soundtrack?

Anyway, here's my guess for the 4-track bonus disc:

BW: The Sprit of Rock'n'Roll
AJ: Help Me, Rhonda
BJ: Rock'n'Roll Survivor
ML: Santa's Goin' To Rishikesh

 

[Rocker]

I don't think Melinda (or whoever runs Brian's business) will agree to an outside produer without Brian's involvement. Maybe Darian AND Brian prducing would get an ok.
But at this moment in Brian's solo-carreer (the success of TLOS) I don't think that they are so keen on a reunion. That's probably Brian's thing. If he really wants to get together with the boys, then maybe, but as long as he let's the decision in the hands of his management.... well, I don't know...

[MBE]

I wonder what Brian really wants as far as the group. I mean does he even know anymore? Not saying that he's dumb but I wonder does he get told the truth.

[Amy B.]

What truth? Brian, here's the truth. You can work with the Beach Boys, who have not made a good album in three decades, whose voices are shot and who don't always get along. Oh, and who lost two key members years and years ago. Or, you can continue your solo career, which has seen creative success of late, with a band at the top of its game that sings well, plays well, and appears to get along great, with "good vibes." What do you think?

[shelter]

I don't see why most people are so negative about this. I think this is really good news. Seems to me like a reunion of some sort is finally a serious option again...

[The Shift]

I don't see why most people are so negative about this. I think this is really good news. Seems to me like a reunion of some sort is finally a serious option again...

Agreed... the BBs' reputation stands on their 60s/70s work so nothing they do now can harm that any more than the stuff they've done since the 80s. And there's a chance that some great material could still come out of it -  not because I think anyone's particularly pulling their weight at the moment but because anything with a Brian Wilson involvement has the potential, no matter how slim and dependent on the astrological charts it might be, of greatness.

What truth? Brian, here's the truth. You can work with the Beach Boys, who have not made a good album in three decades, whose voices are shot and who don't always get along. Oh, and who lost two key members years and years ago. Or, you can continue your solo career, which has seen creative success of late, with a band at the top of its game that sings well, plays well, and appears to get along great, with "good vibes." What do you think?

I think the enthusiasm is coming from the prospect of a reunion for the fans' benefit, not because it might further the careers of guys who would in other walks of life mostly be pulling their state pension by now.  There's no way it would seriously further any band member's career.

There will be fans who consider it a breach of tradition for the BBs to get along together, even for the duration of one gig, just as there are those who spat on the disco version of Here Comes the Night.

But I think there's more acceptance of the idea of a reunion among the fans than there has been for a while; perhaps because Brian's back, perhaps because Al and Mike, despite their albums stalling pre-release, are active creatively again, perhaps because David Marks is back on the scene. There's so much activity yet...

... yet it doesn't matter how well received the work by any one of those individuals is, they'll always be looked on by the public, and referred to in the press, as "Beach Boy" or "former Beach Boy".

They might not play together but they're still the Beach Boys even when they're miles apart.

For the fans' sake, I really hope they do have some form of reunion.  I hope no-one tries to claim it's a return to artistic triumph (like Kokomo !!!), I just hope they can do it for the sake of singing together again, of having fun making some music, of putting old woes behind them, and for the sake of making a few diehard fans happy.

[Magic Transistor Radio]

They should make Brian Eno the producer!

That would be odd

[John]

What truth? Brian, here's the truth. You can work with the Beach Boys, who have not made a good album in three decades, whose voices are shot and who don't always get along. Oh, and who lost two key members years and years ago. Or, you can continue your solo career, which has seen creative success of late, with a band at the top of its game that sings well, plays well, and appears to get along great, with "good vibes." What do you think?

Surely he can do both.

[TdHabib]

They should make Brian Eno the producer!

That would be odd

It would either be horrible or amazing, that's for sure!

[punkinhead]

To Wee Helper- that was an amazing read your post was. I commend you for that.

in response about the revalation (like Kokomo), I think Mike Love's days of being a douche is over, for the most part.

[The Shift]

What truth? Brian, here's the truth. You can work with the Beach Boys, who have not made a good album in three decades, whose voices are shot and who don't always get along. Oh, and who lost two key members years and years ago. Or, you can continue your solo career, which has seen creative success of late, with a band at the top of its game that sings well, plays well, and appears to get along great, with "good vibes." What do you think?

Surely he can do both.

Aye, if Robbie Williams can ache for a re-union with Take That AND maintain a solo career, surely Brian can do the same?  

[Dancing Bear]

I wonder if TLOS is considered by Brian's camp a success, if it surpassed expectations or if they expected more from its CD release.

[Howie Edelson]

It's funny how positions change within this band. During a 2005 interview I conducted with Bruce, this was his final word on the subject: "I told Mike, if there's a reunion tour, I'm going to be there -- in the fifth row. I would not be there. Why would I do a reunion tour without Carl and Dennis? Y'know, where's the reunion? Go buy the albums."

[Sheriff John Stone]

I wonder if TLOS is considered by Brian's camp a success, if it surpassed expectations or if they expected more from its CD release.

Exactly, Dancing Bear. And, BTW, you've been making some excellent points/posts lately, too.

This reunion topic has been coming up frequently, for good reason, and there are a fair share of posts about how well Brian is doing in his solo career. But, how sure are we that Brian - and I'm just talking about Brian - is happy about the way things are going? AGD has been good at pointing out the lackluster sales figures over the years. Is Brian happy about having the 27th best album of the year in one publication, enough to keep recording? I'm reading positive concert reviews, but in less than full venues. And how does Brian feel about his solo music? He rarely performs any of it, other than "Love And Mercy". Will he include any of TLOS after this tour?

Some posters are questioning why Brian would want to go back to all of the old problems in The Beach Boys. First, many of those old problems were caused BY Brian, a direct result of his (and Dennis's) substance abuse. And, second, could it be that those problems were from a different time, with different personalities (the guys have changed over the last 20-25 years), and, with proper management/guidance/production, could be avoided? That is a rhetorical question.

Yeah, Brian remains, well, different, that's for sure. But, I would find it hard to believe if he doesn't at least think about getting back with his old family and friends - THE BEACH BOYS! - and maybe having some fun. Yeah, fun.

[MBE]

What truth? Brian, here's the truth. You can work with the Beach Boys, who have not made a good album in three decades, whose voices are shot and who don't always get along. Oh, and who lost two key members years and years ago. Or, you can continue your solo career, which has seen creative success of late, with a band at the top of its game that sings well, plays well, and appears to get along great, with "good vibes." What do you think?

I know you love the Brian camp but you are misrepresenting what I am saying plus grossly underestimating the others talents. As the recordings of Soul Searchin and You're Still A Mystery prove the Beach Boys could still make great records under the right circumstances. As recent tours by Mike and Bruce as well as Al they can also artistically stretch out on stage. He wouldn't have to give up his solo career for a few sessions or a concert or even a tour.What I am saying is that if Brian is reminded of bad things about the others (which you cannot deny Melinda has done publically see Mojo 1996 interview Larry King etc.) he naturally wouldn't want to work with them.  This is not uncommon because artists are often manipulated, but Brian is more vulnerable for obvious reasons. I am proud of many of his solo achievements and I cannot speak for anyone but me, but I am here because I love the Beach Boys and that means every one of them. Brian obviously is the head talent, but I am just so tired of all the crap said about the others.

[Beach Boy]

What truth? Brian, here's the truth. You can work with the Beach Boys, who have not made a good album in three decades, whose voices are shot and who don't always get along. Oh, and who lost two key members years and years ago. Or, you can continue your solo career, which has seen creative success of late, with a band at the top of its game that sings well, plays well, and appears to get along great, with "good vibes." What do you think?

I know you love the Brian camp but you are misrepresenting what I am saying plus grossly underestimating the others talents. As the recordings of Soul Searchin and You're Still A Mystery prove the Beach Boys could still make great records under the right circumstances. As recent tours by Mike and Bruce as well as Al they can also artistically stretch out on stage. He wouldn't have to give up his solo career for a few sessions or a concert or even a tour.What I am saying is that if Brian is reminded of bad things about the others (which you cannot deny Melinda has done publically see Mojo 1996 interview Larry King etc.) he naturally wouldn't want to work with them.  This is not uncommon because artists are often manipulated, but Brian is more vulnerable for obvious reasons. I am proud of many of his solo achievements and I cannot speak for anyone but me, but I am here because I love the Beach Boys and that means every one of them. Brian obviously is the head talent, but I am just so tired of all the crap said about the others.

Great post, MBE, so true!

[Awesoman]

What truth? Brian, here's the truth. You can work with the Beach Boys, who have not made a good album in three decades, whose voices are shot and who don't always get along. Oh, and who lost two key members years and years ago. Or, you can continue your solo career, which has seen creative success of late, with a band at the top of its game that sings well, plays well, and appears to get along great, with "good vibes." What do you think?

I know you love the Brian camp but you are misrepresenting what I am saying plus grossly underestimating the others talents. As the recordings of Soul Searchin and You're Still A Mystery prove the Beach Boys could still make great records under the right circumstances.

Yes, and this was when Carl was still alive.  That is no longer the case.  I've said it numerous times and will continue to do so: the Beach Boys are long finished. 

[Amy B.]

I know you love the Brian camp but you are misrepresenting what I am saying plus grossly underestimating the others talents. As the recordings of Soul Searchin and You're Still A Mystery prove the Beach Boys could still make great records under the right circumstances. As recent tours by Mike and Bruce as well as Al they can also artistically stretch out on stage. He wouldn't have to give up his solo career for a few sessions or a concert or even a tour.What I am saying is that if Brian is reminded of bad things about the others (which you cannot deny Melinda has done publically see Mojo 1996 interview Larry King etc.) he naturally wouldn't want to work with them.  This is not uncommon because artists are often manipulated, but Brian is more vulnerable for obvious reasons. I am proud of many of his solo achievements and I cannot speak for anyone but me, but I am here because I love the Beach Boys and that means every one of them. Brian obviously is the head talent, but I am just so tired of all the crap said about the others.

And I think you're misunderstanding what _I'm_ saying. I did not say the others aren't talented or can't make good music. I'm saying I'm not sure they'd work well together in 2009. Look, all their voices are shot, including Brian's, meaning "not what they used to be." So this idea that they'd come together and re-create the Beach Boys sound is not realistic. And considering that 90 percent or whatever of their latter-day output was crap, I don't know what the chances are that their new stuff would be good. And I'm not saying Brian isn't partly to blame for the problems among them. But I'm just saying it has not, by and large, been a positive experience, so I can understand why Brian or whoever might not want to do a reunion. I mean, this idea of "closure"... it's a band. I mean, it's like how Lennon kept telling people to let the whole Beatles thing go. If they want to get together again, fine. If it will help them achieve some sort of peace, great. I'm just tired of all the negative stuff said about Brian's stuff and then these calls for a reunion, as if the only way any of them can make good music is together.

[Sheriff John Stone]

Look, all their voices are shot, including Brian's, meaning "not what they used to be." So this idea that they'd come together and re-create the Beach Boys sound is not realistic.

Amy, I'm the first to admit - and have admitted - that a lot of the talk about a reunion, especially the success of a reunion, is pure speculation. Would the material on a new CD be any good? Could they get along in the studio? On a stage? Would there be a power struggle? And on and on....

But there is one thing I am sure of. Listening to Brian's recent recorded vocals, Al's snippets on his website, Mike's unreleased album, and Mike and Bruce's recent concerts, I am pretty sure that, with the right producer, this configuration of The Beach Boys, in 2009, 2010, whatever, would sound good.

[Dancing Bear]

I'm just tired of all the negative stuff said about Brian's stuff and then these calls for a reunion, as if the only way any of them can make good music is together.

Negative stuff? TLOS is highly aclaimed here. Those who don't think it's THAT special keep to themselves, mostly. I think the calls for a reunion are more in the 'why not try something different?' field than 'solo Brian sucks, put him together with the Beach Boys and he'll write twelve magic masterpieces in one week' negativity.

Now, being blatantly against a reunion because they don't wanna see f*cking Mike Love hopping the gravy train? THAT's negativity.

[Pretty Funky]

Why the concern if Brian could work with The BB's again. The way I read Bruce's post is a one off show, 40 songs nothing more.

So sort out a band, set list (the Mike and Bruce 40 song UK list would do), orchestra for certain tracks. No need for Brian yet.

Gig day. Brian required for ET fluff-piece, sound-check and sings 12-15 leads plus a few oooh-aahhhs in concert. Out-a-there!

One day max. Easy money.

[Wilsonista]

A one-off concert taped for a DVD might come off better than expected because it would be "safe"  *it would be the old songs) and everyone might be on their best behavior. 

Now if you're talking new music..... Brian should just stay solo.

[Jonathan Blum]

AGD has been good at pointing out the lackluster sales figures over the years.

AGD hasn't been so good at comparing these with the sales figures of new material from all the other Beach Boys put together over that time.

Which consists of, two thirds of a gold album twenty years ago, and "Summer In Paradise".

Even the new live albums of classics like Knebworth barely troubled the charts.

Brian, unlike the rest, has a career for new material.  AGD puts down the fact that Brian keeps going to new labels?  So do the others, but in their cases none of the labels have said yes.

If he's going to be interested in a reunion, it's not going to be for sales reasons.  The millions of people who are only interested in the greatest hits aren't going to be amazed by a bunch of 70-year-olds singing songs from when they were 20; the people who will be excited by Brian rejoining the Beach Boys are pretty much the same bunch who bought "Lucky Old Sun" and "Pacific Ocean Blue".  If he goes for it, it'll have to be for the publicity (which boosts his own career), for the fans... and, as you observed, the fun.  Or at the very least the chance to lay old ghosts to rest...

Cheers,
Jon Blum

[MBE]

I know you love the Brian camp but you are misrepresenting what I am saying plus grossly underestimating the others talents. As the recordings of Soul Searchin and You're Still A Mystery prove the Beach Boys could still make great records under the right circumstances. As recent tours by Mike and Bruce as well as Al they can also artistically stretch out on stage. He wouldn't have to give up his solo career for a few sessions or a concert or even a tour.What I am saying is that if Brian is reminded of bad things about the others (which you cannot deny Melinda has done publically see Mojo 1996 interview Larry King etc.) he naturally wouldn't want to work with them.  This is not uncommon because artists are often manipulated, but Brian is more vulnerable for obvious reasons. I am proud of many of his solo achievements and I cannot speak for anyone but me, but I am here because I love the Beach Boys and that means every one of them. Brian obviously is the head talent, but I am just so tired of all the crap said about the others.

And I think you're misunderstanding what _I'm_ saying. I did not say the others aren't talented or can't make good music. I'm saying I'm not sure they'd work well together in 2009. Look, all their voices are shot, including Brian's, meaning "not what they used to be." So this idea that they'd come together and re-create the Beach Boys sound is not realistic. And considering that 90 percent or whatever of their latter-day output was crap, I don't know what the chances are that their new stuff would be good. And I'm not saying Brian isn't partly to blame for the problems among them. But I'm just saying it has not, by and large, been a positive experience, so I can understand why Brian or whoever might not want to do a reunion. I mean, this idea of "closure"... it's a band. I mean, it's like how Lennon kept telling people to let the whole Beatles thing go. If they want to get together again, fine. If it will help them achieve some sort of peace, great. I'm just tired of all the negative stuff said about Brian's stuff and then these calls for a reunion, as if the only way any of them can make good music is together.

I get what you are saying better now, but check my posts on the Chicago show last month. I think Brian was terrific. LOS is so much better then anything I would imagine. Still  I wonder how Brian would feel if he sat down with each ex-member alone and talked to them a few hours. It may make him feel differently then he does now. I see Smile as a great burden he managed to overcome. I see the next step in getting rid of more bad feelings from the past is to do something with the others. Even if they just had a BBQ together I see it as a healing thing. Who knows if anything new would be good, but I feel that each Beach Boy has become a lot more creative since the break up. If this was 1998 I know it would be wretched but the last ten years have seen them all do some very creative work. The voices weren't the same by 1975 but the potential remains. Awsoman the Beach Boys as we knew them can't exist I agree, but I hear still hear Brian writing parts that Mike, Al, and Bruce would sound great singing. I know it would personally make me feel very happy if they could finally find some peace with each other.