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Post by Kapitan on Jun 24, 2023 22:23:47 GMT
I actually don't see the disconnect. If there wasn't going to be a Beach Boys reunion album--which we've had zero hints of whatsoever--he could still press for a tour. And there's no reason they couldn't do a semi-simultaneous solo (trio) album. I think Al wants as much as possible, frankly.
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Post by B.E. on Jun 24, 2023 22:33:04 GMT
The conversation with Al happened a couple weeks ago.
But as newbbfan said, Al was still hoping for a reunion as of the Grammy tribute show, but is currently at least looking forward to working on an album with Brian and Blondie.
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Post by B.E. on Jun 24, 2023 22:36:01 GMT
I wonder what it is exactly that the one member is still very angry about causing them to shut down Al.
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Jun 24, 2023 22:44:39 GMT
I actually don't see the disconnect. If there wasn't going to be a Beach Boys reunion album--which we've had zero hints of whatsoever--he could still press for a tour. And there's no reason they couldn't do a semi-simultaneous solo (trio) album. I think Al wants as much as possible, frankly. If I'm reading the post correctly - and some of the recent but scant news - Al was trying to "get a Beach Boys' reunion going" at the Grammy Tribute Concert, while, if not simultaneously pretty close, starting to work with Brian Wilson and Blondie Chaplin on a new BW solo album. To put it mildly, that ain't gonna sit well with Michael E. Love. There's enough/a lot there to piss Mike off right from the start. Brian doing yet another solo album which means NOT another Beach Boys' album. IMHO that will NEVER sit well with Mike under any circumstances. Never. And, Al working with Brian - NOT Mike! It might not be songwriting, but how does Al pull that off, getting into Brian's circle? It's the B.Wilson-M.Love partnership that makes the magic, the history, the $$$$$$$ so says/thinks Mike. As far as touring, Mike has shown over the last three decades that he isn't interested in Al's live performances. I called Al ambitious in my prior post. I'll add over-reaching or not exactly the Beach Boy that Mike is interested in working with. Brian is back, well I never knew that he was gone...
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Post by B.E. on Jun 24, 2023 22:53:42 GMT
I actually don't see the disconnect. If there wasn't going to be a Beach Boys reunion album--which we've had zero hints of whatsoever--he could still press for a tour. And there's no reason they couldn't do a semi-simultaneous solo (trio) album. I think Al wants as much as possible, frankly. If I'm reading the post correctly - and some of the recent but scant news - Al was trying to "get a Beach Boys' reunion going" at the Grammy Tribute Concert, while, if not simultaneously pretty close, starting to work with Brian Wilson and Blondie Chaplin on a new BW solo album. To put it mildly, that ain't gonna sit well with Michael E. Love. There's enough/ a lot there to piss Mike off right from the start. Brian doing yet another solo album which means NOT another Beach Boys' album. IMHO that will NEVER sit well with Mike under any circumstances. Never. And, Al working with Brian - NOT Mike! It might not be songwriting, but how does Al pull that off, getting into Brian's circle? It's the B.Wilson-M.Love partnership that makes the magic, the history, the $$$$$$$ so says/thinks Mike. As far as touring, Mike has shown over the last three decades that he isn't interested in Al's live performances. I called Al ambitious in my prior post. I'll add over-reaching or not exactly the Beach Boy that Mike is interested in working with. Brian is back, well I never knew that he was gone... We don't know that. All of the news coming from Al about the new album has come this month. And it's possible that the work hasn't really even started yet. What would that have to do with Al trying to get a reunion going as late as the Grammy tribute show some four months earlier? And even if the plans go back to last year and Mike was aware of them...so what? If he's so opposed to Brian Wilson solo albums, maybe he should facilitate a reunion instead of continuing the status quo with his touring band operation and solo albums of his own. Instead, he seems to be shooting down Al at every turn.
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Jun 24, 2023 23:03:07 GMT
If I'm reading the post correctly - and some of the recent but scant news - Al was trying to "get a Beach Boys' reunion going" at the Grammy Tribute Concert, while, if not simultaneously pretty close, starting to work with Brian Wilson and Blondie Chaplin on a new BW solo album. To put it mildly, that ain't gonna sit well with Michael E. Love. There's enough/ a lot there to piss Mike off right from the start. Brian doing yet another solo album which means NOT another Beach Boys' album. IMHO that will NEVER sit well with Mike under any circumstances. Never. And, Al working with Brian - NOT Mike! It might not be songwriting, but how does Al pull that off, getting into Brian's circle? It's the B.Wilson-M.Love partnership that makes the magic, the history, the $$$$$$$ so says/thinks Mike. As far as touring, Mike has shown over the last three decades that he isn't interested in Al's live performances. I called Al ambitious in my prior post. I'll add over-reaching or not exactly the Beach Boy that Mike is interested in working with. Brian is back, well I never knew that he was gone... We don't know that. All of the news coming from Al about the new album has come this month. And it's possible that the work hasn't really even started yet. What would that have to do with Al trying to get a reunion going as late as the Grammy tribute show some four months earlier? And even if the plans go back to last year and Mike was aware of them...so what? If he's so opposed to Brian Wilson solo albums, maybe he should facilitate a reunion instead of continuing the status quo with his touring band operation and solo albums of his own. Instead, he seems to be shooting down Al at every turn. We agree! We agree!
Yes, I was/am speculating about the timing. We don't know.
And, yes, absolutely. Mike should find a way to get back into Brian's world if he wants to work with him in a room. Obviously what he has been doing - or hasn't been doing - isn't working. But why do I get the feeling Mike couldn't get one foot in the door even if he tried?
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Post by B.E. on Jun 24, 2023 23:04:37 GMT
We don't know that. All of the news coming from Al about the new album has come this month. And it's possible that the work hasn't really even started yet. What would that have to do with Al trying to get a reunion going as late as the Grammy tribute show some four months earlier? And even if the plans go back to last year and Mike was aware of them...so what? If he's so opposed to Brian Wilson solo albums, maybe he should facilitate a reunion instead of continuing the status quo with his touring band operation and solo albums of his own. Instead, he seems to be shooting down Al at every turn. We agree! We agree!
Yes, I was/am speculating about the timing. We don't know.
And, yes, absolutely. Mike should find a way to get back into Brian's world if he wants to work with him in a room. Obviously what he has been doing - or hasn't been doing - isn't working. But why do I get the feeling Mike couldn't get one foot in the door even if he tried?
Because he burned the bridge 10 times over, probably. Edit: It doesn't seem that Mike has the capacity, or desire, to truly reunite or mend the relationship with Brian on a personal or professional level. Considering how fractured their relationship is, how far back the issues go, and - let's be real - how much Mike's own words and actions (including, legal actions) have contributed to that failed relationship, it really just feels like they're too far gone. It happens to a lot of people who don't have to deal with nearly as much as they've had to. That said, part of me thinks it's never truly too late, but it would probably require what amounts to a personality change on Mike's part. Brian would have to be receptive, too, which he very well may not be. Without these two willing to do what would need to be done, I don't think it's even remotely fair to blame anyone else. Not Al, not Melinda, not anyone else.
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Post by lonelysummer on Jun 25, 2023 1:22:35 GMT
I can't imagine Brian doing a new album now. He sure didn't look in shape to be doing much of anything last summer. What's it gonna be, another album of remakes? Brian Reimagines Phil Spector? In the Key of Hanna Barbera? Al going back to remix Postcard with additional Brian vocals? And sorry, Al, but there's no way Brian is in any shape to tour in 2023. Do you really think Mike wants a semi-comatose Brian on stage with his band? Ahh, Al, the eternal optimist. Gotta love the guy.
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Post by carllove on Jun 25, 2023 2:20:47 GMT
I can't imagine Brian doing a new album now. He sure didn't look in shape to be doing much of anything last summer. What's it gonna be, another album of remakes? Brian Reimagines Phil Spector? In the Key of Hanna Barbera? Al going back to remix Postcard with additional Brian vocals? And sorry, Al, but there's no way Brian is in any shape to tour in 2023. Do you really think Mike wants a semi-comatose Brian on stage with his band? Ahh, Al, the eternal optimist. Gotta love the guy. Couldn’t have said it better. I saw Brian perform on his 80th Birthday. Yep. Also, love Al.
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Post by B.E. on Jun 28, 2023 23:23:01 GMT
Additional information from newbbfan at EHF: For anyone who might have been wary of making an assumption: in a follow-up post newbbfan clarified it was Mike who was "angry and unwilling to reunite".
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Jun 29, 2023 0:03:56 GMT
There's so much to cover here. Where to start? (sigh)
First, with no disrespect to newbbfan, I can't be sure that what he is "reporting" is even accurate. I'll just leave it at that.
Second, if what newbbfan is reporting is valid, is anybody surprised that the "angry Beach Boy" is Mike Love? I don't blame Mike for being angry. If Mike is to be believed, he was misled/deceived with the amount of songs he could contribute or the amount of time he could spend with Brian during the That's Why God Made The Radio sessions. I believe him. As the only Beach Boy to never...quit the band...and as the driving force of the band (good or bad - that's up to you) for the last three decades, he deserved to have more input. Wouldn't you be upset? And I didn't even mention the flak and criticism he received - including from Brian Wilson and camp - when the reunion tour was winding down. Does Mike want to go through all of that again? It's gonna take more than Al being nice at a tribute concert to heal those wounds.
Third, while I appreciate that Al was the good soldier and was "working the room" in the middle of a Tribute Concert - what in the hell did he expect? Sure, Mike was gonna say, "OK, Al, I'd love to put The Beach Boys' band on hold" or "Yeah, man, Melinda and me are fine. No problems there. Let's go!" At the very least Al extended the proverbial olive branch. And, yes, the five members were all there. That's good. But, in the middle of the Grammy Tribute Concert? With several artists/celebrities nuzzling up to the band? With a press who wants their time with the guys? With a less-than-healthy-looking Brian Wilson sitting in a wheelchair, barely uttering a syllable? Like David Marks had any influence? Same with Bruce. Again, I'll give Al credit. Nobody wants a Beach Boys' reunion more than me and I appreciate Al's advocating for it. But, really, what did he expect to accomplish? Maybe it was just to extend the olive branch.
Which brings me to Four. If Al really wants and believes in a reunion - and I believe he does - I wonder if he ever pled his case to Jerry Schilling and asked for his...management input? You know, hold a meeting. Get the guys in a room, not a balcony. Or, maybe somebody (Jerry?) can get Mike and Melinda meeting and talking. Without that, nothing's gonna happen reunion-wise. Did Al ever formally invite all of the guys to his ranch for a day/night of good music, good food, and good TALK? Again, nice try, Al. Appreciate it. Really. But, did you ever consider...ah, nevermind.
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Post by B.E. on Jun 29, 2023 1:19:30 GMT
There's so much to cover here. Where to start? (sigh)
First, with no disrespect to newbbfan, I can't be sure that what he is "reporting" is even accurate. I'll just leave it at that.
Second, if what newbbfan is reporting is valid, is anybody surprised that the "angry Beach Boy" is Mike Love? I don't blame Mike for being angry. If Mike is to be believed, he was misled/deceived with the amount of songs he could contribute or the amount of time he could spend with Brian during the That's Why God Made The Radio sessions. I believe him. As the only Beach Boy to never...quit the band...and as the driving force of the band (good or bad - that's up to you) for the last three decades, he deserved to have more input. Wouldn't you be upset? And I didn't even mention the flak and criticism he received - including from Brian Wilson and camp - when the reunion tour was winding down. Does Mike want to go through all of that again?
Third, while I appreciate that Al was the good soldier and was "working the room" in the middle of a Tribute Concert - what in the hell did he expect? Sure, Mike was gonna say, "OK, Al, I'd love to put The Beach Boys' band on hold" or "Yeah, man, Melinda and me are fine. No problems there. Let's go!" At the very least Al could (did?) extend the proverbial olive branch. And, yes, the five members were all there. That's good. But, in the middle of the Grammy Tribute Concert? With several artists/celebrities nuzzling up to the band? With a press who wants their time with the guys? With a less-than-healthy-looking Brian Wilson sitting in a wheelchair, barely uttering a syllable? Like David Marks had any influence? Same with Bruce. Again, I'll give Al credit. Nobody wants a Beach Boys' reunion more than me and I appreciate Al advocating for that. But, really, what did he expect to accomplish?
Which brings me to Four. If Al really wants and believes in a reunion - and I believe he does - I wonder if he ever pled his case to Jerry Schilling and asked for his...management input? You know, hold a meeting. Get the guys in a room, not a balcony. Or, maybe somebody (Jerry?) can get Mike and Melinda meeting and talking. Without that, nothing's gonna happen reunion-wise. Did Al ever formally invite all of the guys to his ranch for a day/night of good music, good food, and good TALK? Again, nice try, Al. Appreciate it. Really. But, did you ever consider...ah, nevermind. If what I bolded above is true, then I find your reaction to newbbfan's posts pretty odd. The one Beach Boy trying to make it happen, who actually wants it to happen, you're giving the most grief and the one apparently most against it, you're defending the hardest. Why criticize Al's "try" at the tribute concert as if it's the only attempt he's made to reunite the group? Based on other comments he's made in recent years, I think it's much more likely that he's broached the topic many times and in various settings. As for Mike, understanding his anger is one thing, but if that means never trying again, what good is that? That's not nearly as easy to understand...nor is it particularly defensible. But if C50 is really what Mike is still so angry about, he needs to take a step back and appreciate the fact that...all things considered...it was a MASSIVE success. Oh, and using the touring band as an excuse not to reunite is as much of a cop-out then as it is now, IMO. Regarding newbbfan, he posted pictures of both events on EHF and he doesn't have a history of being anti-Mike or making up fan meetings, so I'm inclined to believe him. Not to mention, half of what he reported (i.e. Al working on a new Brian album) Al also shared with an interviewer at around the same time. Or are you implying that Al is lying? Anyway, to an extent, I get it: we can't be 100% sure of what we read or, really, much of anything else. I think that goes without saying. Personally, I think it's too late for a reunion. But maybe, had they been open to it, they could have had a successful reunion about 5-8 years ago. Or, better yet, they could have just continued the last one (with or without a quick break for the guys to rest and for Mike to play those handful of very important touring band gigs he managed to schedule during the reunion ).
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Post by lonelysummer on Jun 29, 2023 1:52:44 GMT
I think what Mike wants at this stage of his life - let's not forget all of these guys are around 80-something - is a life with as little stress and friction as possible. I don't even know how a full Beach Boys reunion is possible with Brian in his current condition. Is that what we really want, Brian being dragged to the stage one more time, to sit there like a vegetable again? How about a "reunion" with NO WILSONS? The time for a reunion was C50, and they did it well. I think Al is the eternal optimist. And when Al being all the rage now, you don't even need all of the guys to be there. Just use Al to simulate their voices. Maybe get some holograms or Abbatars - BBtars? Let's stop all this bickering about a reunion, and put the focus back where it should be - on getting us more archive releases. I want an expanded Beach Boys In Concert with Dennis pissing on the cover.
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Jun 29, 2023 1:54:42 GMT
I thought I went pretty much in depth, B.E. At the risk of repeating and boring everybody:
1. I gave Al credit for his efforts, for advocating for a reunion. I said that a couple of times. My bigger point was that, if he is really serious about GETTING SOMETHING DONE, I think there are better and more effective ways to accomplish it than "working the room". That's all. Al's been talking up a reunion for a few years now, but I wonder if he tried some of the other things I proposed/mentioned...you know, like having real meetings.
2. I simply said that I understand and empathize with Mike for being angry with the way things went down and ultimately ended with That's Why God Made The Radio and the reunion tour. Sure it was a success, but that doesn't eliminate the resentment that Mike personally felt. He's human. And, despite his frustration and unhappiness about some of the issues, he did keep his mouth shut and went with the flow. As for Mike "never trying again", of course that bothers me. More than you know. Again, that's why I keep suggesting that some kind of manager/management intervene because I don't think Mike can get it done on his own. You (B.E.) pointed that out in a recent post and I agree(d) with you. Mike has too many personal issues or unsettled feelings to even start the process it.
3. No, I don't think Al is lying and I didn't accuse him of it. But what does bother me with Al is that many times he just throws out a line about some "news" and then leaves you hanging. Kind of like "I know something that you don't know" or "I'll bet this will entice you". Oh, you can blame the interviewer for not following up, but sometimes it is big news, and should be clarified. Come on, Al, if you're not going to be more specific then don't play that game.
4. Is it too late for a reunion? Yes and no. Much more yes than no. That ship has probably sailed. But, what kind of reunion are you talking about, how extensive do you wanna get, and who would be involved? We've already spent several pages discussing it, but if I learned one thing from this band, anything is possible.
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Jun 29, 2023 2:15:50 GMT
I think what Mike wants at this stage of his life - let's not forget all of these guys are around 80-something - is a life with as little stress and friction as possible. I agree. Do you think Mike, Al, Bruce, Blondie, and David are also bored? Can you be both - wanting as little stress and friction as possible AND being bored at the same time?
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