Love at 75

[Juice Brohnston]

Looking back (with Love), what is Mike's legacy in the history of R&R?
Surely one of the most recognizable voices
Co wrote many songs vital to the American songbook
As mentioned on the board, quite possible the record holder for playing live to the most people.
Happy Birthday, Dr.Love

[KDS]

Happy Birthday, Mike. 

[Shane]

Al posted a nice birthday message to Mike on his facebook. 

[AndrewHickey]

I don't think he -- yet -- holds that record. BB King's career was longer, and for much of that time he played more shows a year than even Mike ever has, averaging between two and three hundred shows a year (and like MIke he played pretty much any venue that would book him, from arenas on down).

I do, however, suspect his legacy will be looked on rather more kindly than the current perception of him. In a few decades' time, once none of the band members are with us (and of course I hope that will be *many* decades), the fighting and lawsuits will have been forgotten, and assuming any music from the rock era is still listened to, the music will be all that survives.

And Mike's an integral part of that. My own tastes don't run as much to the fun-in-the-sun eras of the band, where he was most important, but even on records like Smiley Smile or Carl and the Passions, he's an important element in both songwriting and vocals. And I think it's very likely that the earlier stuff will still survive.

Mike's skills are as an entertainer, rather than an artist, and entertainers never get the respect that artists do. But he's an entertainer who's been an important part of the creation of some very fine art, and I think that will be what he's remembered for long after everyone's forgotten "wheeeeeen" or how many times he's been married or who did what in the end of the 2012 tour.

But I hope we won't have to consider what his legacy is for a long time, because I hope he'll be out there touring -- and either adding to or detracting from that legacy depending on your point of view -- for many more years. And I hope he has a great birthday.

[JK]

Many happies, sir. Your voice and your lyrics are an important part of the soundtrack of my life.

[urbanite]

I wish Mike the best on his 75th.  I suspect that some of his less popular moments, such as the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame speech, will be part of the discussion about him for many years into the future.  Of course, his moments of greatness as a songwriter will always command the most attention.

[Micha]

For interested residents of Germany: In the ZDF videotext there's 7 pages about Mike for his birthday today. A couple of wrong dates, but defensively and with tongue in cheek referring to the Brian/Mike antagonism with mentioning of the upcoming autobiographies. NPP is also mentioned.

Brian only got 6 pages for his 70th birthday!

[KDS]

I don't think he -- yet -- holds that record. BB King's career was longer, and for much of that time he played more shows a year than even Mike ever has, averaging between two and three hundred shows a year (and like MIke he played pretty much any venue that would book him, from arenas on down).

I do, however, suspect his legacy will be looked on rather more kindly than the current perception of him. In a few decades' time, once none of the band members are with us (and of course I hope that will be *many* decades), the fighting and lawsuits will have been forgotten, and assuming any music from the rock era is still listened to, the music will be all that survives.

And Mike's an integral part of that. My own tastes don't run as much to the fun-in-the-sun eras of the band, where he was most important, but even on records like Smiley Smile or Carl and the Passions, he's an important element in both songwriting and vocals. And I think it's very likely that the earlier stuff will still survive.

Mike's skills are as an entertainer, rather than an artist, and entertainers never get the respect that artists do. But he's an entertainer who's been an important part of the creation of some very fine art, and I think that will be what he's remembered for long after everyone's forgotten "wheeeeeen" or how many times he's been married or who did what in the end of the 2012 tour.

But I hope we won't have to consider what his legacy is for a long time, because I hope he'll be out there touring -- and either adding to or detracting from that legacy depending on your point of view -- for many more years. And I hope he has a great birthday.

Well said. 

[The LEGENDARY OSD]

I don't think he -- yet -- holds that record. BB King's career was longer, and for much of that time he played more shows a year than even Mike ever has, averaging between two and three hundred shows a year (and like MIke he played pretty much any venue that would book him, from arenas on down).

I do, however, suspect his legacy will be looked on rather more kindly than the current perception of him. In a few decades' time, once none of the band members are with us (and of course I hope that will be *many* decades), the fighting and lawsuits will have been forgotten, and assuming any music from the rock era is still listened to, the music will be all that survives.

And Mike's an integral part of that. My own tastes don't run as much to the fun-in-the-sun eras of the band, where he was most important, but even on records like Smiley Smile or Carl and the Passions, he's an important element in both songwriting and vocals. And I think it's very likely that the earlier stuff will still survive.

Mike's skills are as an entertainer, rather than an artist, and entertainers never get the respect that artists do. But he's an entertainer who's been an important part of the creation of some very fine art, and I think that will be what he's remembered for long after everyone's forgotten "wheeeeeen" or how many times he's been married or who did what in the end of the 2012 tour.

But I hope we won't have to consider what his legacy is for a long time, because I hope he'll be out there touring -- and either adding to or detracting from that legacy depending on your point of view -- for many more years. And I hope he has a great birthday.

Oh my...looks like someone here still believes in:

The Easter Bunny
Santa Clause

and the Tooth Fairy.   

[KDS]

Only took eight posts. 

[HeyJude]

I hope he'll be out there touring -- and either adding to or detracting from that legacy depending on your point of view -- for many more years. And I hope he has a great birthday.

Well geez, as unlikely as it is, can't we at least *hope* he's not out there detracting from his or the group's legacy?

I hope he and everyone lives a great, long life. But if one believes he's detracting from the band's legacy, I don't think the topic of retirement is out of line.

Or, you know, trying to do something to *not* detract from his or the band's legacy. There's always that.

[HeyJude]

Al actually posted a pretty cute birthday message to Mike on Facebook. Just the slightest sardonic tone to it, if one chooses to read it that way. But still a nice gesture. Birthday wishes seem to be all they share on Facebook.

Perhaps someday they can have an open dialogue, promote each other's projects, etc.

[The LEGENDARY OSD]

Only took eight posts. 

Would have only been 2 if the phone hadn't rung.

[KDS]

I hope he'll be out there touring -- and either adding to or detracting from that legacy depending on your point of view -- for many more years. And I hope he has a great birthday.

Well geez, as unlikely as it is, can't we at least *hope* he's not out there detracting from his or the group's legacy?

I hope he and everyone lives a great, long life. But if one believes he's detracting from the band's legacy, I don't think the topic of retirement is out of line.

Or, you know, trying to do something to *not* detract from his or the band's legacy. There's always that.

I don't think the shows they've put on in recent years in any way detract from the band's legacy.  

Some of the recent quotes / soundbites.....eh......

But, there's plenty about that in other threads.  

[AndrewHickey]

I hope he'll be out there touring -- and either adding to or detracting from that legacy depending on your point of view -- for many more years. And I hope he has a great birthday.

Well geez, as unlikely as it is, can't we at least *hope* he's not out there detracting from his or the group's legacy?

I hope he and everyone lives a great, long life. But if one believes he's detracting from the band's legacy, I don't think the topic of retirement is out of line.

Or, you know, trying to do something to *not* detract from his or the band's legacy. There's always that.

Just to be clear, I don't believe he's doing anything to detract from either -- the two shows I saw last year were as good as one could imagine -- I just realise that a sizeable number of people on the board disagree with me.

[MaryUSA]

Hi all

Happy Birthday Mike!!!

[CenturyDeprived]

Al actually posted a pretty cute birthday message to Mike on Facebook. Just the slightest sardonic tone to it, if one chooses to read it that way. But still a nice gesture. Birthday wishes seem to be all they share on Facebook.

Perhaps someday they can have an open dialogue, promote each other's projects, etc.

One wonders if Mike had been kicked out of the BBs by Brian or Al, or made to feel that way (multiple times in the case of Al), if Mike would be as gracious and still publicly wish them happy bday.

I applaud Al for putting politics aside. I'd crown Al the new Mr. Positivity for that.

I hope Mike has a happy 75 and that he finds the happiness he seems to be looking for. I also hope that Mike thinks of gracious people like Al Jardine who make healing gestures, and considers that a Jardine-like positive response towards others in the BB world could positively influence Mike's future public interviews - and his reputation - for the better. Keep your interviews clean like Al Jardine, Mike!

[Sheriff John Stone]

Happy Birthday, Mike Love, and thank you for all of the good vibrations and fun, fun, fun you've provided to millions and millions of fans around the world over the last 54 years!

[Rocker]

I don't think he -- yet -- holds that record. BB King's career was longer, and for much of that time he played more shows a year than even Mike ever has,

I guess Jerry Lee Lewis also has a couple more shows on his back... and he is still going

[The Shift]

Happy Birthday Mike, been listening for 50 years this summer and it never grows old!

[GhostyTMRS]

The history books have already been written and all seem to follow the same bullet points. None of the boys have anything to worry about...

"The Beach Boys exploded onto the music scene with songs about sun, fun, California girls and fast cars. Rising to the challenge of the British invasion, the group (particularly its leader Brian Wilson) met the Beatles head on with complex and introspective songs about teenage loss and yearning, culminating with the landmark album "Pet Sounds". Mental illness, internal disagreements and substance abuse wreaked havoc on the band in that album's aftermath, resulting in their psychedelic masterpiece SMiLE getting shelved for nearly 50 years. Between that time, there were breakups, reunions, and some occasionally brilliant if not downright odd records, but the group continued as a fan favorite live attraction in multiple incarnations. When they were firing on all cylinders they were as good as any of their peers, if not better. As drummer Dennis Wilson once said "The surf was up when we were around". Indeed."

That seems to be how it goes in all of the history of Rock books I see these days. I'm fine with that.   

[You Kane, You Commanded, You Conquered]

Happy birthday Mike! Am I the only who think's he's actually gotten handsomer with age?

[The_Beach]

Happy birthday mike!!

[jiggy22]

Happy birthday Mike!

[Myra]

Happy Birthday, Mike. 🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🍿🍨