Bbb summer 2013

3 Mill Grove, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4BS ENGLAND Email: funky.pretty@btinternet.com Tel: (+44) (0)1455 559433 Volume 13 Number 1 – Summer/Autumn 2013

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t IS actually Summer in Britain, as I type this; sunshine, heat, blue skies and...depending on where you are in the world, blue sea and amazing surf. We truly didn’t think that we would be lucky enough to get THIS type of weather in “Jolly Blighty” but here it is...and here we are, celebrating another Summer with the Music of “Our Boys” and grateful for same.

And THIS is what should put us all is a great mood:

Of course, the price may be a little steep, but for the many who have been waiting for so long to hear “Wouldn’t It Be Nice To Live Again” and other such rare cuts (and of course, you can never please ‘em all!), this should make (most of) the masses happy.

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To spread even more happiness, not only had the Mike & Bruce Beach Boys performed two dates in England, this year (both were as part of Festivals, in both Hyde Park and then Henley on Thames) but also, Brian will be performing, at time of writing, 7 shows, with Alan Jardine and David Marks. Sorry Brits; nothing in GB or Europe as yet, but we can live in hope. “Never say never” is a phrase which comes to mind.

August 13 — Kennett Square, PA - Longwood Gardens

So...within this latest newsletter, we’ll have news of these shows, along with thoughts on the latest happenings, as we celebrate “Hot Fun In The Summertime” (sorry!) and this Girl On The Beach, will be looking forward to whatever comes next. It’s going to be interesting, for sure.

August 28 — Charlottesville, VA - Telos Wireless Pavilion

August 14 — Ramapo, NY - Provident Bank Park August 16 — Hampton, NH - Hampton Beach Casino August 17 — Hyannis, MA - Cape Cod Melody Tent - Day Show - 3pm August 17 — Cohasset, MA - South Shore Music Circus - 8pm Show August 18 — Toronto, ON - CNE Fair August 22 — Nanaimo, BC - The Port Theater August 23 — Vancouver, BC - Pacific national Exhibition August 24 — Mason, WA - Mill Bay Casino August 25 — Snoqualmie, WA - Snoqualmie Amphitheater August. 29 — Bolivia, NC - Odell Williamson Auditorium August 30 — Asheville, NC - Biltmore Estate August 31 — Anderson, IN - Hoosier Park

September - 2013 September 01 — Elkhorn, WI - Walworth City Fair September 06 — Lincoln, CA - Thunder Valley Casino Resort September 20 — Frederick, MD - Great Frederick Fair

Val Johnson-Howe

September 21 — Ocean City, MD - Sunfest 2013 September 22 — Charleston, WV - Clay Center for the Arts

THE BEACH BOYS TOUR DATES

September 25 — Richmond, VA - Innsbrook After Hours, Snag

All Shows Featuring Mike Love & Bruce Johnston (only)

a Job Pavilion September 26 — Easton, PA - State Theater

NEW DATES ADDED!

September 27 — Willamsport, PA - Community Arts Center

July 10 — Oxfordshire, UK - Henley-On-The -Thames Festival

September 28 — Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Casino

July 12 — Manchester, IA - Delaware County Fair

September 29 — West Springfield, MA - The Big E

July 13 — Greenville, WI - Lions Park July 14 — Washburn, WI - Lake Superior Big Top Chataqua

October - 2013

July 19 — Chesapeake, VA - Chesapeake Park

October 05 — Galveston, TX - The Grand 1894 Opera House

July 20 — Baltimore, MD - Pier 6

October 06 — Galveston, TX - The Grand 1894 Opera House

July 26 — Big Flats, NY - Tag Summerstage

October 07 — San Antonio, TX - Majestic Theater

July 27 — Ocean Grove, NJ - Great Auditorium

October 11 — Biloxi, MS - Beau Rivage

July 28 — Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun

October 12 — Biloxi, MS - Beau Rivage October 17 — Tuscaloosa, AL - Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre

August - 2013

October 18 — Hampton, GA - THE RALLY at Atlanta Motor

August 01 — Grand Rapids, MI - Meijer Gardens

Speedway

August 02 — Sterling Heights, MI - Freedom Hill Ampitheatere August 03 — Bowling Green, OH - Wood County Fair

Brian Wilson, with Alan Jardine

August 04 — Cleveland, OH - Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica

and David Marks – Tour Dates

August 06 — Cancun, Mexico - Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort August 08 — Verona NY, Turning Stone Casino

July 20, 2013

August 09 — Chautauqua, NY - Chautauqua Institution

The Grand @ The Golden Nuggett

August 10 — Montreal, QC - Maddies Place Outdoors

Atlantic City, NJ

August 10 — Ottawa, ON, Canada - National Arts Centre

July 21, 2013

August 11 — Rouyn-Noranda, QC - PRESQU'ILE du LAC

Stage AE – Outdoor Stage

OSISKO

Pittsburgh, PA

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July 23, 2013

A loving notice from the Love family:

Kresge Auditorum Interlochen MI

May 4, 1918 - June 20, 2013

July 25, 2013 Fraze Pavililion

Milton Edward Love was born to Edward Fieldon Love and Edith Rose Clardy Love On May 4, 1918 in Los Angeles, California.

He and his younger brother Stanley and sister Marjorie attended public schools in Los Angeles. Milton graduated from Washington High School and was celebrated as All City End in football and went on to attend UCLA.

Kettering OH July 26, 2013 Ravinia Fesetival Highland Park, IL July 27, 2013 Weesner Family Ampithheatre Apple Valley MN October 20, 2013 Greek Theatre Los Angeles CA

Brian Wilson will be touring with Al Jardine

September 10th, 1938 he married Emily Glee Wilson and together they raised six children who became accomplished in the areas of the arts, music, athletics and business.

& David Marks for a series of shows that promise to be the musical highlight of the Summer. A quote from Paul von Mertens, in Brian’s band: "The shows are featuring all

Milton enjoyed a long career at Love Sheet Metal founded by his father in 1909. Milton served his country outfitting naval ships with galleys during the height of critical wartime industry. Milton was a proud member of Sheet Workers International Association Local Union 105 for 50 years. He was a talented master draftsman who worked very hard to support his wife and growing family.

Acknowledged by Emily in her unpublished book, which was dedicated to her husband, Milt, it reads as follows:

the hits that fans, both casual and serious, would expect, but we're also delving into some rare cuts as well, adding some songs that have rarely, if ever, been performed live.

We also have the opportunity to highlight Al and David's contribution to the Beach Boys music, particularly Al's vocal power ad David's seminal surf guitar style.

Having had an extended break, Brian and the

“This book is dedicated to Milt, the father of my six wonderful children. Without his support we couldn’t have had the environment that led, I think, to our children’s success. Thank you for all the years you left your warm bed at five in the morning.

Love, Glee.”

band are really stoked to get out and play!"

W

After Emily’s death in 1979, Milt married Beulah Martin Searles, affectionately known as “Pat”. They enjoyed 25 years together in “Chapter Two” as it was lovingly called.

e are very sorry to report the news of the death of Mike Love’s father, on

Milton expressed himself artistically with a passion for photography, developing his

June 20th 2013. He was 95.

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images in his darkroom at the Love’s home at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Fairway.

Additionally he worked with stained glass, oil and watercolor. Family musical gatherings also provided a creative environment, which had far reaching influences.

he raised his cane and arms high and sang proudly alongside his son. “Dad stole the show!” Milton was a strong proud man even at the end. He had a peaceful passing surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Milton spent time in Hawaii and many years in Oregon. In his final year of his life, Milton returned to Southern California.

Milton will be interred beside his loving wife Emily Glee At Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar, California during a private family gathering.

Milton enjoyed 95 years of a beautiful life that availed him of world travel and the love and pride of his ever-growing family.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Stephanie, brother Stan and sister Marjorie Hillman.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Miramonte Pointe, his home for 8 years in Clackamas, Oregon, for their dedicated care, support and affection for Milt. Milton relocated to La Vida Del Mar in Solana Beach, California where he instantly became a favorite resident of staff members. We are deeply grateful to the nurses, caregivers, dining staff, and administration for their compassionate love and devotion to Milt’s care during the last months of his life.

Milton is survived by his children and their spouses: Michael & Jacquelyne, Maureen, Stephen, Stanley& Karen, and Marjorie & Joe, along with his Grandchildren: Melinda, Teresa, Hayleigh, Christian, Summer, Mike Jr., Brian, Ambha, Grant, Shane, Collin, Kevin, Emily, Michele, Michael and Isabella. And Great Grandchildren: Cameron, Derek, Liam, Gianna and Genelle.

Milton was best known for his “dry” wit, brutal honesty, his charm, his love of chocolate and ice cream, love of Christmas and his deep devotion to family. Milton embraced a very strong hard work ethic, which he passed along to his children. Milton enjoyed a long life of independence. Even well into his 90’s, his routine included daily visits to Safeway where he shopped for groceries and enjoyed a Starbucks hot chocolate in the morning and a chocolate/banana smoothie in the afternoon. He was nicknamed “double trouble” by the Safeway staff.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Milton’s favorite charity, The American Red Cross at www.redcross.org, in loving memory/honor of Milton Love. All donation receipts can be emailed to swmeleco@sbcglobal.net.

With Gratitude, The Love Family Mike Love also posted this on his Facebook page:

Milton continued to travel well into his 90’s, attending grandchildren’s graduations and family holiday gatherings in Tahoe annually and as recently as Christmas 2012. He enjoyed visiting and traveling with Mike on tour and particularly enjoyed a standing ovation by the audience when introduced on stage

This last 10 days has been an interesting journey for me and my family as we said goodbye to my Dad. First, I want to thank everyone for having been so kind and loving towards my Father. Your get well wishes and Happy Birthday sentiments really touched him. I shared with him many of your comments and he smiled so 4

Beach Boys Britain – Liverpool Event, Saturday May 18th 2013

happily. After 95 years on Earth, he is now in Heaven and reunited with his beloved Glee, my Mom. My Dad Milt was surrounded by us as he took his last mortal breath and we are grateful to have been a part of his transition. My Dad was always and will continue to be my inspiration! He is gone but the lessons he shared will live on forever. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

Mike Love Milton Edward Love, courtesy The Love Family

......................................................................

Bono’s “ONE” project has been honored with Al Jardine and Sean Lennon’s remake of “Give Peace A Chance”. Al has also recorded “If I Had A Hammer” with Richard Barone, which can be found on You Tube.

We would like to congratulate Al Jardine for becoming a Grandfather once more! His son Matt and daughter-in-Law Susie are proud parents of a lovely baby boy. Very Best Wishes from us all here at Beach Boys Britain.

Although there were a few performers unable to attend at the last minute, having the great Adam Marsland join us, made up for a lot.

Adam presented his new album , entitled “The Owl and The Full Moon” and I am pleased to say that many copies were bought, following Adam’s performance. A review of this album 5

can be found in this edition of the newsletter.

Notable performances were also by Brian Barry, Craig Boyd, Alec McIntosh and the wonderful Surf School Drop-Outs, who were performing at the IPO and joined all the above, on stage. Can we forgive them for singing “Barbara Ann”? I think we probably can, as displayed by all the happy, singing faces at the venue!

afternoon, Merseyside style. There was, of course, the customary sight-seeing tour of Liverpool the following day! And before we go onto another subject, PLEASE make a note for mid-May 2014, when something VERY SPECIAL is being planned. This is likely to be a ticketed event, due to it being extraspecial – and you’ll find out why, as soon as all details have been worked out.

Stomp Convention – Saturday, September 21st 2013: We are excited by this year’s Beach Boys Stomp Convention Special Guest, who will be Carli Munoz.

Details, along with an application for tickets form can be printed out on Beach Boys Stomp’s own website: http://www.beachboysstomp.co.uk/ Or, you can write to Roy Gudge, 23 The Woolmead, East Street, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7TT. Tickets for the Convention are £15 each, but will go up as at August 15th, so don’t procrastinate too much!

Also present were the IChoir, who we first met last year and who are made up of Adults with Learning Disabilities and their Carers and Staff. They had practiced “God Only Knows” especially for us and – along with the lovely Peter McPartland’s “Liverpool Ukulele Orchestra” made for a very special 6

Brian Wilson Film in the

documentary film projects throughout the years.

Rising young stars Kenny Wormald ("Footloose") and Jake Abel ("The Host") will respectively play Dennis Wilson and Mike Love in "Love & Mercy”.

making!

Entitled “Love & Mercy”...

B

ill Pohlad's indie movie finds Paul Dano playing the Beach Boys leader during his early years

This will take an unconventional look at Brian Wilson's life and explore his legendary battle with mental illness, as well as the love that keeps him alive.

Once he wraps the villainous role of the Rhino in "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti will play Brian Wilson's therapist Dr. Eugene Landy in Bill Pohlad's indie movie "Love & Mercy."John Cusack and Paul Dano are set to star as the troubled Beach Boys front-man during different points in his remarkable life.

Elizabeth Banks will play Melinda Ledbetter, who helped Wilson find the road to recovery.

We are also told that Adam Marsland’s Chaos band bassist, Teresa Cowles, is to play Carol Kaye and that a few other members of the cast have yet to be formally agreed, although Beach Boys Britain may have some “sway” to additional casting...and that’s all we can say about that, for the time being!

A co-production between Pohlad's River Road Entertainment and John Wells Productions, "Love & Mercy" will take an unconventional look at Wilson's life and explore his legendary battle with mental illness, as well as the love that keeps him alive.

Billy’s Bits! Billy Hinsche brings us up to date with his activities...

While Landy primarily served as Wilson's therapist, he also wormed his way into the artist's life to an unhealthy and perhaps unethical degree.

Pohlad is producing, with John Wells and Claire Rudnick Polstein of John Wells Productions. Oren Moverman ("The Messenger") wrote the script and will executive produce with Jim Lefkowitz.

Atticus Ross ("The Social Network") will work on the sound design of the film and the soundtrack.

"Love & Mercy," which is expected to start production this summer, marks a return to directing for Pohlad, who wrote, directed and co-produced his first feature film "Old Explorers" after forming River Road Entertainment. He has also directed and produced a number of commercial and

* June 28 - Billy performed at Wiens Winery in Temecula, CA, as a special guest of 7

singer/songwriter and longtime friend, Michael Angeloff. Among the songs they sang was "RideThat Wave" that was co-written by them.

Mike Love’s Beach Boys, Hyde Park, 7th July 2013

* June 29 - Billy celebrated a birthday ! fter the Beach Boys’ reunion tour ended last year in circumstances which are still only slowly becoming clear, Mike Love returned to touring with his backing band, which licenses the Beach Boys’ name but which only features one other member of the Beach Boys proper, Bruce Johnston.

* July 6 - The group AMERICA invited Billy to perform a few songs with them as part of their encore at Humphreys By The Bay in San Diego, CA, including "Sister Golden Hair" and "A Horse With No Name." * July 11 - The Potato Corner Food Company hired Billy to secure talent and perform at their LA event. Carnie Wilson (Wilson/Phillips), Burleigh Drummond (Ambrosia) and Dawayne Bailey (Chicago) were some of the performers in attendance.

This has been widely condemned, and I can see why — last year’s shows were some of the best I’ve ever seen. But what isn’t fair is that much of this condemnation has involved attacks on his band members, who are all excellent musicians in their own right. Two of them, lead guitarist Scott Totten and drummer John Cowsill, were in the reunion tour band, and added a huge amount to that tour — the main reason I’m upset that the tour ended, in fact, is not because I’ll never see Brian Wilson and Mike Love onstage together again, but because I’ll never see Scott Totten and John Cowsill playing with Probyn Gregory, Nelson Bragg, Darian Sahanaja and the rest of Wilson’s great band

* July 13 - GOOD VIBRATIONS performed at a poolside party for executives of the M Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, NV - Billy represents this outstanding musical group that is a tribute band to The Beach Boys.

Billy with guitarist Dawayne Bailey (Chicago) and daughter Hilary at a private gig in LA

The problem is that when Love started touring as “the Beach Boys” in 1998 after Carl Wilson’s death, the band he was playing with was extraordinarily poor, and even though he’s changed the personnel almost completely since that time — only keyboardist Tim Bonhomme remains of that band other than Love and Johnston — that set people’s perceptions of the band.

But — thanks largely to musical director Scott Totten — Love’s band have now reached the point that while they might not be as good as Wilson’s band (mostly

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— but at the same time, those songs were hits for a reason, and a show that consists of only them is an exhilarating event.

because Love’s smaller band is confined to a guitar/bass/keyboard/drums lineup rather than having vibraphones, hand percussion, tannerins and horns to play with) they’re an astounding live act in their own right.

They no longer cut the corners that the Beach Boys did when Carl Wilson was still alive — they play the staccato section of God Only Knows properly, rather than eliding it, and they do the a cappella break on Sloop John B. They’re *GOOD*.

While waiting for them to come on, and getting into a good position in the crowd, I watched half of Paul Young’s set (pretty poor — his voice has gone). Young got in trouble for extending his set by thirty seconds, to tell the audience that Andy Murray had won the tennis. The Saturdays followed, and were greeted rapturously by the pre-teen kids in the audience, who knew every word of their songs. They still had to drop a song to fit their twelve-song set into the timeslot.

Sunday’s show in London proved that this band is worth seeing. Their set was part of a festival, with a line-up that wasn’t so much eclectic as just stupid. The bill included The Gruffalo, Horrible Histories, Paul Young and The Saturdays, and JLS were headliners. Other days of the Hyde Park festival have coherent bills — next week sees Elton John, Ray Davies and Elvis Costello playing on the same day, for example, which makes sense, but this was just ludicrous, and meant that the touring Beach Boys were definitely not playing to their own audience, but to a bunch of tenyear-old kids and their parents.

After the Saturdays, it was interesting to listen to the conversation in the audience, which was completely negative about the Beach Boys. “Why are they even here?” “I can’t believe they’re doing an hour when JLS only get forty-five minutes!” “This is going to be awful,” and much more. The audience just wanted JLS — though it was the adults that were moaning. The little kids in the audience were politely applauding anything that came onto the stage, because they were out for a special treat and were on their best behaviour.

They also had to fit a festival time-slot, and were only given an hour — which is still more than any of the other acts, even the headliners, had. Love’s band have essentially three sets they perform, depending on venue. They’ll do three hours or so in a theatre, with fifty-plus song sets including all sorts of obscure album tracks, thirty-five or so songs at an outdoor show where they’re the primary attraction, and a twenty-song shortened set when they’re playing festivals, sporting events, and other venues where they’re not the main attraction. It was obvious going in that it was the latter we were going to get.

But then the band came out. Cowsill, Bonhomme, and bass player Randell Kirsch (who sings most of the falsetto parts for the band — he has a voice very like that of his friend and collaborator Jeff Foskett, who sings the same parts for Brian Wilson’s band) started up the intro to Do It Again, and then Totten, rhythm guitarist Christian Love (Mike Love’s son, who has a singing voice much like that of Carl Wilson, though he doesn’t have the artistry to use it to the same effect), Johnston and Love came out, and ran through three surfing hits back-to-back, going straight into Catch A Wave and Surfin’ Safari.

This is a shame, as my love for the Beach Boys has little to do with the big hits — I never need to hear Barbara Ann ever again

Surfer Girl followed, with Johnston taking lead on the middle eight, and Love 9

Wilson’s parts, while Love and Johnston sang their own. Unfortunately, they’ve replaced the ukulele part with an acoustic guitar (a shame as Totten played the ukulele on this song on last year’s tour, so clearly knows it), but it was still fun to hear, and a nice track for the fans in the audience.

dancing with his daughter Ambha. Straight after came Don’t Worry Baby, with Kirsch on lead — that one sounded just gorgeous.

Love’s shows usually follow a more-orless chronological progression from 1962 to 1967, with only the occasional diversion, and so now we were up to 1965 and California Girls, with Johnston doing his usual cheesy “Wish they all could be UNITED KINGDOM girls!” bit. Then I Kissed Her followed, with Christian Love sounding as bored as he always does on this one. One imagines him saying backstage “Aw, daaaaad, do I *have* to?”

Beach Boys at Hyde Park - Photo courtesy David Slater

Normally after Don’t Worry Baby, Love’s band would do a medley of four car songs, all played in full, but in this abbreviated set, the “hotwire the hot rods!” section consisted of just Little Deuce Coupe and I Get Around — the latter was the first one to really win the audience around, with a huge proportion of the audience singing along. While they’d been polite from the first, this got the audience fully on-side, and from here on they were happy with everything.

And then we were into the Pet Sounds section of the show. Sloop John B started this section off, with the lead split between Totten and Love, with Johnston harmonising with Totten on the first chorus. Cowsill had been having some problems early in the set with the kit — bits of it kept slipping, though that was fixed after the first few songs — but I thought the problem had recurred here at first. After listening more though, I realised that Love’s tambourine was far too high in the mix, and he was playing terribly. That marred this and the next two songs slightly, but was the only real musical problem of the performance.

Wouldn’t It Be Nice followed, with Cowsill and Kirsch singing Brian Wilson’s part in unison. Wouldn’t It Be Nice is always the most successful song in any Beach Boys-related show in the UK — EVERYONE loves that one.

Hyde Park Hot Rod Slot! Photo: David Slater

During the show the band had been using the videos originally created for last year’s reunion tour, and on the Pet Sounds songs this got very odd — lots of footage of band members who weren’t on stage, and

Isn’t It Time was next, the first real surprise of the show. They played it in more-or-less the single arrangement, with Scott singing Al Jardine and Brian 10

beginning, hadn’t got called back for an encore. But Mike Love’s Beach Boys, astonishingly, were.

especially of Brian Wilson, in 1966, clearly the leader and in charge…

God Only Knows followed, again with the video footage (but not the audio) used during the 2012 tour. Bruce Johnston sang this, and Christian Love did a lovely job on the counterpoint at the end. The video ended with “We love you, Carl”.

I have never in my life seen an audience so thoroughly won over, from mild apathy to roaring approval. Argue all you want about how Brian Wilson’s band is better (it is) or how with only two members the current band aren’t the real Beach Boys (they’re not), or how that setlist is too oriented towards the hits at the expense of the more interesting artistic music (it is). What this band can do is almost bludgeon an audience into submission with one great hit after another, performed impeccably.

It’s an absolutely astonishing experience.

Good Vibrations was next, with Christian Love singing lead (with Totten covering the very highest notes). He did probably the best job of this I’ve heard from him, and it again went down very well, though it still seemed odd to see 1966 Brian on the video screens, directing the band…

And then I was dumbfounded when they started the encore with, of all songs, Goin’ To The Beach — an unreleased, unfinished song from 1979, an outtake from Keepin’ The Summer Alive.

Apparently it’s been finished recently, and it’s appearing on the box set next month, but this is a song that only the most utterly hardcore fans have even *heard of*, and which no-one had heard in a completed form before then.

Kokomo followed, sung by both Loves, and completely killed the momentum stone dead. I know this was a big hit in the US, but no-one except the obsessive fans knows it over here, and none of them like it very much. It works OK in a long set where it can be played as part of a run of more obscure songs, but it has no place in a hits show in the UK. Luckily, Help Me Rhonda won the audience back round, with a wonderful lead vocal from Cowsill.

It’s not actually very good, mind — a basic shuffle, with the lyrics “Goin’ to the beach/Goin’ to the beach with my baby” — but it fit the set well and it was ridiculously exciting to be at the live premiere of a lost song, even if it was lost for a reason; and it’s a mark of how well the band had gone down that they were able to take a risk like that and bring the audience with them.

Halfway through Rhonda, someone came on stage and told Totten “One more song”.

After some consultation between Totten and Love, they decided to do *two* more, Barbara Ann and their traditional closer Fun Fun Fun (with Johnston singing the falsetto tag).

And so they left the stage having overrun their allotted time, on a bill that had been timed to the second…

They finished with Surfin’ USA, and I left before JLS came on, as did a thousand or so of the other older people in the audience. As I looked at them — many of them wearing Brian Wilson Pet Sounds tour T-shirts, and clearly, like me, fans of the band’s artistic side rather than the hits — they all looked like I did, with a fixed,

And the crowd — the crowd that had not wanted to see them at the beginning — roared “MORE! MORE!” The Saturdays, who a huge chunk of that crowd had been squealing about from the 11

stupid grin on their faces, exhausted and in shock.

days time: God bless Moss Bros of Farnham for rustling me up a penguin suit in minutes flat.

There is no question in my mind that I would rather see Brian Wilson’s band than this band, and no question that I would rather see the full line-up from last year.

But given that those aren’t options right now (Wilson’s only announced four dates this year, all in the US), the question isn’t “is this the best possible Beach Boys show?” — of course it isn’t. But if one asks “was this worth buying a ticket and travelling down to London?” the answer is absolutely YES.

The evening was stupidly hot and humid and after having endured sitting in a traffic jam for about 30 minutes a mile short of the venue on the banks of the Thames (Mike, as I later discovered, was doing much the same), I got there, picked up the passes and tickets and legged it into the hospitality area, and straight into Bruce who, understandably, didn’t recognise me at first, before heading backstage and meeting Mike and Jacquelyn (and, a most pleasant surprise of seeing David Slater, similarly penguinned). It’s odd: having met Dennis in 1981 and the rest of the band - bar Mike - four years later, it took me until 2011 to complete the set, yet two years later, here we were, enjoying a most pleasant chat during which he graciously declined my request to omit “Barbara Ann” from the setlist. I learned much, such as the book in progress, the proposed archive releases of his solo material dating back to 1978, and a whole mess of background on last years tour, all highly fascinating… but of course, the main reason for being here was the show and, as ever in the UK, the band delivered the goods with considerable aplomb. A 90minute set of wall-to-wall hits was enthusiastically received by some 5000 similarly well heeled punters (the dress code was firmly enforced): of course, by virtue of the venue and the time, it couldn’t be as stunning as the legendary Carling Apollo gig of 2008, but even so there were gems enough to delight the hard-core fans, notably “Goin’ To the Beach”, a Keepin’ The Summer Alive outtake from 1979 that’s set to be released on the upcoming Made in California 6CD box: it’s a fun, undemanding romp which fitted perfectly into the set, no small praise give the classics abounding. The other unexpected highlight was John Cowsill singing the bejeezsus out of “Wild Honey” to the delight of all: otherwise, well, it was

Andrew Hickey

The Beach Boys at Henley Festival, July 10th 2013

LtoR: Scott Totten, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, Randell Kirsch – Photo courtesy David Slater

T

he last time I wore a dinner jacket and bow tie was in September 2004, at the wedding of my American friend’s daughter, and I vowed then that it would take something entirely out of the ordinary to get me into one again. Well, it took almost nine years, but something out of the ordinary came to pass in the form of a phone call from Jacquelyn Love (Mike’s wife), inviting me to be the band’s guest at the Henley Festival in three 12

just the usual suspects, from “Surfin’ Safari” to Kokomo” and pretty much all points in between.

Dance (Bruce) - Barbara Ann - Wild Honey (John) - Fun Fun Fun - Encore: Goin' To The Beach - Surfin' USA Then back to backstage and more gassing before departing home, courtesy of the aforementioned Mr. Slater and arriving (eventually: my map-reading skills aren’t what they once were) at stupid o’clock in the morning. All in all, one of the more bizarre chapters in my BB experience, for which my grateful thanks are due to Mike & Jacquelyn, Tim Bonhomme, Scott Totten, John Cowsill, Randell Kirsch, Bruce Johnston, Christian Love, Jay Jones, David Slater and Moss Bros of Farnham.

Here’s to the next time. Only… no penguin suits this time, please ?

Bruce on stage at Henley – courtesy David Slater

A very nice touch was the use of some of film footage that accompanied the C50 tour of last year, notably images of Carl while Bruce was doing “God Only Knows” – nice little tribute. Mike, of course, handled most of the leads but John, son Christian and Randell all had their moments at mike: the sound and mix overall were excellent for an outdoor show (the stage was in fact afloat on the Thames) and the performance as excellent.

Mike Love, Andrew G. Doe, Mrs. Love and Bruce...

AGD The Beach Boys at Hyde Park and Henley – David Slater

The full setlist was:

Since 1970 I haven’t missed a Beach Boys UK tour (apart from 1980 when I was a member of the National Theatre Company and couldn’t get a night off). Even at £85 a pop for standing only tickets I wasn’t going to miss their one off 2013 show at Henley Festival. I anticipated more dates would follow but I’m sure we were all surprised to hear that that the only other UK gig on a short European tour would be “supporting” boy band JLS at Hyde Park.

It Again - Little Honda - Catch A Wave Hawaii - Surf City - Surfin' Safari - Surfer Girl - Darlin' (John) - Cotton Fields - Don't Worrry Baby (Christian ?) - Little Deuce Coupe - 409 - Shut Down - I Get Around Then I Kissed Her (Randell ?) - California Girls - In My Room - God Only Knows (Bruce) - Sloop John B. - Wouldn't It Be Nice - Good Vibrations (Christian) Kokomo -Help Me Rhonda (John ?) Rock And Roll Music - Do You Wanna 13

collection and most numbers evinced an “I know this one” response from the (mainly female) audience. The night before, we heard 19 songs from the Rolling Stones in their 2 hour set. The Beach Boys gave us 20 – including the UK premiere of “Goin’ To The Beach” (originally recorded in the late 70’s).

I’d already paid over £100 to see The Rolling Stones concert the night before so the £35 JLS/Beach Boys ticket was a bargain. I’d seen the Beach Boys/Status Quo Hyde Park show 12 years ago – thankfully, unlike that and most other BB UK al fresco concerts the weather this year was perfect. Scott T reminded me the 2001 show was his first UK concert with the band. This year’s Sunday show was billed as a “family” event and earlier in the day “The Gruffalo” and “Horrible Histories” had taken the stage.

Mike had a good rapport with the crowd, acknowledging that most of them were there to see JLS (however several hundred left the arena with me before JLS took to the stage). All the band were on top form, Mike and Bruce in good voice, "Isn't it Time" was included in the set and Bruce paid homage to Brian and Carl and sang God Only Knows particularly well. I was pleased to see positive reviews in the national press that, despite the almost obligatory digs at Mike, acknowledged that the Beach Boys were the highlight of the day The Guardian critic reported “ musically the band's peerless back catalogue is safe in their proficient hands.

The perfect harmonies and stardust melodies of Little Deuce Coupe and I Get Around still shimmer like musical sunbeams of pop”.

The Beach Boys take the stage at Hyde Park – D Slater

I arrived during Paul Young’s set and like 90% of the audience I joined the crowd at the screen near the back of the arena to watch Andy Murray win the Wimbledon title. Tough for Paul Young but it put the young crowd in a great mood for the rest of the day. I found a spot very near the front and enjoyed The Saturdays giving their “Spice Girls lite” performance and taking stock of the audience realised that I was the oldest (by about 20 years) within a 20 yard radius. This was not a typical Beach Boys crowd. How would they be received?

Those Dancing Beach Boys! Hyde Park – courtesy David Slater

There was a great reception when The Beach Boys took to the stage at 7.15. Even at the front the sound balance was exceptionally good (I’d heard many complaints at the Stone’s show the night before). The 60 minute set list was, as expected, a belt and braces greatest hits

Henley was a truly unique concert. Not least because it was "black tie" only (I saw ticket holders turned away at the gate because they didn't follow the dress code).

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I also had the great good fortune to spend time with the band and crew before and after the show having bumped into Bruce who invited me "backstage". This turned out to be an elaborate marquee with several rooms some distance from the actual stage (which "floated" on the Thames).

amused.

I managed to find a spot at the front of the stage as I had at Hyde Park. The “mosh pit” and tiered seating appeared to be full to the capacity and the band received a great reception despite, just before introducing the band, the Festival director, Stewart Collins. had received boos and heckles from the audience when he told them that next year the Festival was relocating down river. It will be a pity to move. This was a beautiful spot just over the bridge from the historic town.

Earlier I'd wandered the festival grounds which featured several "street artistes" in elaborate costumes and exhibits of unique (expensive) works of art. We also had jazz bands, trad jazz bands, classical pianists and opera soloists as well as a talented accordionist. In one marquee hairstylists dressed in French Renaissance costume created bizarre styles for several ladies Mike told the audience “Everyone looks so fantastic tonight. I particularly like the hairdo’s I see – It looks like a Viking invasion”.

We were lucky with the glorious weather again. I was also very impressed with the stage lighting which, like Hyde Park included screens displaying many of the films shown on the 50th anniversary tour.

All the band were in fine voice (and hopefully they failed to ingest the host of moths and midges attracted by the lights).We were treated to 30 songs in 90 minutes and as I was one of only a handful there who would have seen the Hyde Park show it was a treat to get so many different numbers. I'm always impressed

by John C's ability to sing high powered songs like "Wild Honey" while maintaining his distinctive drum patterns. I’ve posted my video of WH on Youtube.

Celebrity chefs had also prepared meals for several hundred quests (which no doubt dictated the concert start time).

There were scores of beautiful vintage boats (the regatta took place the previous week). Although they couldn't see the stage from the river they would have enjoyed a free show.

I was surprised that, like the Hyde Park show, I didn't see any of "the usual suspects" from BBB and the Blueboard etc - maybe the ticket price or the dress code had put people off. I met John Cowsill touring the grounds. He too was impressed by the variety of incidental attractions and sorry the band hadn't been advised in advance of the dress code as he felt distinctly under dressed. Again, this was not the usual Beach Boys crowd and I had fun playing "spot the celeb". As I was leaving the gents Cilla Black was walking in. I said "Surprise, Surprise - the Ladies is next door". I think she was

Mike's lovely wife Jacqueline joined him for "Surfer Girl" and "Kokomo" and several girls, including Mike's daughter Ambah came on for "Barbara Ann". Scott T was dressed for the occasion (resembling Buddy Holly without the glasses). Mike and Bruce were as vocally strong as I've ever seen them and the crowd sang along with (nearly) every number.

After the show we were treated to a great firework display and if I hadn't been 15

invited "backstage" I'd have joined the audience who moved to another marquee for a Barry Cryer show. The band members were happy with the response to the show (though Bruce said nothing could compare with the audience in Paris 2 days earlier).

Take this CD as an example.

Last year’s reunion tour (of a Beach Boys lineup that had never played together before, but we’ll let that pass) eventually managed to become an artistic triumph.

After starting out with essentially the same hits show that Mike Love and Bruce Johnston play to county fairs across the USA every year (not that there’s anything wrong with county fairs, or the Beach Boys’ hits…), they steadily added more different, interesting material to the sets, while being backed by what is, bar none, the best band I’ve ever seen. The last of the three shows I saw on the tour, at Wembley, was the second best live musical experience of my life (the best, Brian Wilson’s UK tours of 2002, featured six of the same people).

I was chuffed that I had a chance to talk to all of the band and spent some time discussing music with Bruce and rock biographer Richard Havers. As we were leaving Bruce and Mike told AGD and I they would like to do a show where the fans were able to request in advance their favourite "album" tracks.

We’ll be sure to remind them of this next time they plan a tour across the “pond”.

David Slater

And that is more-or-less reflected on this double-CD set. While it’s shorter than most of the shows, at forty-one songs, it manages to contain pretty much all of the hits you’d expect, but also songs like Marcella, The Little Girl I Once Knew, Disney Girls, Pet Sounds, Sail On Sailor and All This Is That, all performed exquisitely.

The Beach Boys Live: 50th Anniversary Tour Album Andrew Hickey analyses for us...

There’s nothing wrong with the performances, the song choice or the album cover at all.

I want to repeat that. The vocal, instrumental and songwriting abilities of the people on that stage shine through here.

No, the problem is the mix.

I

f you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two disasters just the same…

Then you’re a Beach Boys fan, since triumph and disaster are so intermingled in this band that it has become impossible to tell them apart.

The problem most people have been noting is the autotune, slathered on by Joe Thomas, the album’s ‘co-producer’. (Brian Wilson is credited as co-producer as well, but this is almost certainly a vanity credit).

And that is bad. Mike Love and Brian Wilson both sound utterly robotic at

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points, like they’ve been replaced by a square wave.

Mike Love introduces California Saga by talking about Al playing his banjo, and we hear it being tuned in the background — but then it’s inaudible during the song itself.

There’s also utterly shameless use of studio-recorded material — the rerecording of Do It Again from last year, the studio versions of That’s Why God Made The Radio and Isn’t It Time, and even Brian Wilson’s 2004 solo recording of Heroes & Villains (auto-tuned almost out of recognition, but definitely the same recording) all make appearances, lightly dusted with a few dropped-in live bits. But that’s sort of OK — there’s no such thing as an actual live album any more, and at least this doesn’t pretend to be a single show (Bruce says “We must be in Texas!” near the beginning, and sings “in a smaller Texas town” in Disney Girls, Mike says “thank you my people, the car people of Arizona!” after the car medley, and Bruce sings “I wish they all could be Colorado girls” later on. And now those who collect unofficial recordings will know they already have several of the tracks).

And I feel very sorry for John Cowsill, who is bar none the best live drummer I’ve ever seen. But his parts on this tour were worked out to blend with the (now inaudible) percussion parts, and to make matters worse the drum sound on this record is like hearing someone play on biscuit tins.

And then there’s the audience… mixed completely out, for the most part, then mixed up at random intervals for halfsecond bursts, at maximum volume, like they let a small child control that fader.

Given the horrible production Joe Thomas inflicted on the otherwise very good That’s Why God Made The Radio album last year (not to mention the horrors of Stars & Stripes vol 1, The Wilsons and Imagination in the 90s), why do the Beach Boys keep employing this buffoon?

The auto-tune is, frankly, unforgivable — but it wrecks less than a quarter of the album. While it’s present on most of it, there are only a handful of songs where it jumps out as unlistenable. The rest isn’t too badly affected. (The same goes for the reverb that’s all over the thing, and the decisions to double-track some vocals, presumably using performances from multiple shows).

My final problem with the CD is the credits. The musicians are all given minimal credits, so Probyn Gregory is only credited for guitar/vocals (no mention of his horn, tannerin or bass playing), Mike D’Amico bass/vocals (no mention of his drumming on a couple of songs), Scott Totten guitar/vocals (no mention of ukulele), Darian keyboards/vocals (no mention of the tuned percussion parts) and Jeff Foskett guitar/vocals (no mention of the mandolin).

But the other mixing problems are worse.

Huge chunks of instrumentation are mixed down or out altogether. Nelson Bragg’s percussion is a particular casualty — when he mentioned the album on Facebook, he said “I don’t know if you’ll hear me on it”, and I didn’t know what he meant, but now I do. Half his parts simply aren’t audible.

There are usually no more than two guitars in the mix at any time, and two keyboards (at various points on the tour there were up to six guitars playing, and up to four keyboards). This sounds empty and sterile.

Worst of all, Nick Walusko, who dropped out of the tour for health reasons half way through but who definitely played on several of the shows used here, isn’t credited at all. Now, of course, it’s entirely possible that they cut him out of the final mix, but if they can credit the accountants and carpenters they can credit him.

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2. Add Some Music To Your Day (group) 3. Heroes And Villains (Brian Wilson) 4. Sail On, Sailor (Brian Wilson) 5. California Saga: California (Brian /Al Jardine, Mike) 6. In My Room (group) 7. All This Is That (Mike Love & Al Jardine verses, Brian Wilson & Darian Sahanaja choruses, Jeff Foskett tag) 8. That’s Why God Made The Radio (group) 9. Forever (group backing a pre-recorded Dennis) 10. God Only Knows (group backing ditto Carl) 11. Sloop John B (Brian Wilson) 12. Wouldn’t It Be Nice (Al Jardine and Mike Love) 13. Good Vibrations (Brian and Jeff Foskett, with Mike) 14. California Girls 15. Help Me, Rhonda (Al Jardine) 16. Rock And Roll Music 17. Surfin’ U.S.A. 18. Kokomo 19. Barbara Ann (group) 20. Fun, Fun, Fun

But by focusing on the negatives so much, I really am giving a misleading impression of this album. For the most part, it’s a very listenable, pleasant, if over-clean, rendition of some of the finest songs ever written.

There are little moments of beauty scattered throughout it, and despite the mix you can hear just how wonderful these musicians are — and they really are.

Hearing the five surviving Beach Boys harmonising on Surfer Girl and In My Room, or hearing All This Is That live, is still captivating.

It’s worth buying, or at least listening to on Spotify, if you like the Beach Boys. But just don’t expect anything to show you why those of us who were lucky enough to be there will remember last year’s tour with awe forever.

Tracklist (all leads Mike Love, with falsetto Jeff Foskett, except where noted): Disc 1 1. Do It Again 2. Little Honda 3. Catch A Wave 4. Hawaii 5. Don’t Back Down 6. Surfin’ Safari 7. Surfer Girl (group/Brian Wilson) 8. The Little Girl I Once Knew (group/Brian /Mike) 9. Wendy (Bruce Johnston) 10. Getcha Back (David Marks) 11. Then I Kissed Her (Al Jardine) 12. Marcella (Brian Wilson) 13. Isn’t It Time (group) 14. Why Do Fools Fall In Love (Scott T and Jeff Foskett) 15. When I Grow Up (To Be A Man) 16. Disney Girls (Bruce Johnston) 17. Be True To Your School 18. Little Deuce Coupe 19. 409 20. Shut Down 21. I Get Around

THE OWL AND THE FULL MOON

W

riting a short review for an album like this is easy meat, because I love every second of it. Every time I turn on the car ignition, it is just there, on a permanent loop and has been, for I don’t know how long. I’ve only heard some of Adam Marsland’s past work, but I’m sure this is his best CD to date and is an absolute must for any true Beach Boys fan with superb harmonies

Disc: 2 1. Pet Sounds (instrumental, lead guitar David Marks) 18

throughout. Anyone not possessing a copy of this album is missing out on a real treat as it is lovingly recorded and mixed with the help of the master, Mr Alan Boyd.

high standard indeed. I do hope Adam starts working again on some new material and gets back into the studio real soon to do another album after he’s recovered from his current, strenuous US tour. I for one, just can’t wait! A final mention needs to be made of the excellent backing vocals provided by Evie Sands and Teresa Cowles on tracks 1,5, and 6, and also of the delightful string and horn work rendered by Mr Eric Summer and our very own Brian Wilson and Beach Boys band stalwart Mr Probyn Gregory.

To begin with, we kick off with the soul like feel of ‘Contamination’ which compliments Adam’s voice superbly, and then move on to the majestic title track ‘The owl and the full moon’. This is the best song I can truthfully say I’ve heard for a very long time, and the album is well worth the price of the admission ticket for this one song alone I feel. Also included are two pop songs, ‘Power pop days’, and ‘Happy face’, and the dark, complex contribution ‘To be human’, which Furthermore, we have a couple of tracks which show off Adam’s remarkable vocal talent to the full. These are, ‘No one’s ever gonna hear this song’ and ‘Song 11’. I wasn’t alone in thinking that Adam had help on these two songs from AB, but I am assured that this is definitely not the case.

Adam has the ability to be able to change the quality of his voice midstream almost, so it sounds like someone else is taking over the lead briefly at various points. He tells me this is down to the vast number of sessions he’s done over the years. The middle section of the album (tracks 5,6 and7), for me are difficult to categorise, although I suppose ‘I wanna be in love’ is a ballad. ‘The man in an empty suit’ and ‘Don’t laugh at how I feel’ are simply great songs. Let’s leave it at that.

Alec McIntosh Kiwi Kyle – A Fan...And Then Some!

I

t all started as a 9 year old when my Dad returned from a business trip and gave me a gift..it was the new album from the Wombles..well Mike Batt singing the Wombles. It had one song on it that I thrashed as I just fell in love with the .it had a catchy beat..the next time I heard this sort of Music was when they were advertising Jan and Deans Greatest hits..I had to have this album and from purchasing this at the age of about 11 I first saw the name Brian Wilson..about 6 months later I was given my first Beach Boys tape..the greatest hits and it was..this tape got played to ruin..and the love fest begun..wind forward to present day and I have been very blessed in meeting the all the surviving members. The first time was in Queenstown in 99..and after that it was go to a concert and just hook up Naturally..I have been very lucky to have met members of the Beach Boys Band and not one has been to busy for a chat..WOW a great bunch of guys and so very humble..my love of this band and that for the music had to be shown so I set about making my own little "Shrine" to the guys and it is party central in my home town over summer with the beautiful sounds flowing out into public all hours of the day..my neighbours love it..members of the public are amazed with it and my family understand me..(although they say they struggle). It is my space and my time out. I can sit in this place and listen to any album and it lifts me..it is my "Happy Place"...

My only slight criticism of the album is that there wasn’t enough of it, and I would have appreciated another couple of tracks for sure. But I’m not really complaining, as all ten tracks are of a very 19

I rarely play my music to others..I will mix the music at a party unless I get a request for the Boys..it is my music and personal to me..I have had some terrible downs in my life, depression being one and throughout all this there was there was one constant..The Beach Boys...they have guided me..they have entertained me..they have been good to me..the most important..They saved me and this is something I will always be thankful for guys..I thank you..my family thank you..my friends thank you..when they visit from now on they will always be sitting in the shrine at "The Table" and be in contact with legends of music that have set standards others have struggled to follow..

Last year in Australia I attended 3 concerts and I flew my wife over for the Melbourne one..Jill is more of a ACDC..Bon Jovi..Jimmy Barnes fan but she was totally blown away by the gig..after the show she turned to me and said "Now I have seen this..I understand you more and can appreciate your love for it"..Jill got to meet Bruce and Mike..

I am a 45 year old Kiwi..married to my best friend..with 3 awesome kids (previous marriage). I am a Police Officer and live in Motueka about 40 minutes drive from Nelson in the South Island, I am a music lover but have a man crush on the sounds of the west coast USA music..and I am proud of it...!

God Only Knows...where I’d be without the following great people, who are just wonderful supporters of Beach Boys Britain and our Aims, as the “Musicians Beach Boys” Club. ...

Particularly this issue, I would like to thank: Andrew Hickey, Andrew G. Doe, David Slater, Billy Hinsche, Bruce Johnston, Kyle Abbott, Eliott Lott, Betty Collignon, Alec McIntosh, The Lovely Ladies of BBFC and of course for their continuing love and support: Lucy Hall, James Crowther and Rob Johnson-Howe, along with Marie and Steven, at Minuteman Press,

Kyle Abbott, Motueka, New Zealand

Lutterworth , Oh – and Granny Spice, for keeping me on my toes!

And please DO check out our wonderful “revamped site” (all credit to Lucy Hall): beachboysbritain.org.uk And also our Message Board with Board Admin Andrew G Doe: b5.boards2go.com/boards/board.cgi?&user – Bellagio And...also, AGD’s comprehensive Reference site: Esquarterly.com/Bellagio/

Above and next : Kyle’s infamous picnic table!

Please check the Boards for updates – and see you here, next time!

Val Johnson-Howe © Beach Boys Britain. No article or any part thereof contained herein may be copied or reproduced without the prior written permission of Beach Boys Britain and the author.

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