he put on some pretty incredible shows with his solo band with the classic smile lineup prior to the 2012 beach boys 50th tour. IME, the classic early 60s beach boys material felt a little uncomfortable, and then brian would really come alive when he played his current music, or songs with updated arrangements that fit with his voice at the time like the songs from smile. when i saw him in 2007 or 2008, he was touring his new "lucky old sun" album, his last collaboration with van dyke parks, and it was like there were two different people up on stage, a confused old man during songs like surfin usa, and then this incredible magnetic voice and presence leading one of the best live bands ive ever seen when they played the lucky old sun album. i will never forget how dramatically the whole show changed the moment he started that album. it wasnt just him, it was the band, the music, the crowd, the whole vibe, it was like within seconds of the music starting you were just in a different place at a different show watching a different band.
I saw some of those amazing shows after his "return" to the stage. I'd put Smile at SPAC up there with one of the best shows I ever saw. I did a meet n greet once and although I know it was likely hard for him to do, he was in VERY jovial spirits and joked with us...I was expecting perfunctory and I got a human interaction I wil never forget...Most importantly I think it was great for him to come back out on the road and feel the love we all had for him
"Brian Wilson's songs weren't just for summer—they drifted through every season like a half-remembered dream, always just a little too beautiful to hold. I used to turn them up when I was alone, singing along while the waves hit the shore like a heartbeat that wouldn't quit. Down by the pier, with the mist rolling in and city lights flickering on the water, his music felt like it had always been there—like it always would be."
Wilson's performance at the above-mentioned 1999 Bridge School Benefit at Shoreline was amazing and completely changed my attitude about him and Beach Boys music.
His life was one of the most bizarre, twisted saga's ever lived, from child genius to parental abuse, from the highest highs to extended dramatic lows all while suffering with mental illness. It was a gift for him & us that he was able to get himself together later in life and get back on stage.
A couple of personal Brian Wilson stories: The second time he played the Bridge Benefit was 2006. Those shows always started with Neil Young playing two or three songs by himself and I always tried to catch those opening songs.
This particular time I was out at the front gates when Neil was about to start so I took the shortcut through backstage to pop out in the bowl. This took me right past the performers side of the stage, where Wilson and his wife were in front of me about to walk through a passgate into the venue to listen to Neil, while Neil's tour manager was imploring them to NOT do that but to watch from a VIP area backstage.
Wilson just blew him off and went through the curtain and into the lower bowl. The tour manager knew me and immediately grabbed me and told me to stay with them, find seats for them and keep people away, clearly concerned about anything setting Wilson off.
I stepped through the curtain and found them standing in the isle listening to Neil's first song, where people were definitely noticing him. I introduced myself and told them of some open seats on an isle where they could sit, which they were happy to accept. As I walked them to the seats I told them if they didn't want to be bothered I could keep folks away, but he just smiled at me and said it was no problem and I should just relax and listen to Neil, so I sat down in the row behind them and kept a watchful eye.
A number of people saw him and respectfully approached, asking for autographs or a handshake, and he was open and friendly, responding with a smile & a word to everyone while clearly enjoying the music.
When Neil finished I escorted them back to the dressing room area and Brian asked me what my job was at the venue, how long I'd been there and who my favorite performers were. When I said the Grateful Dead he said he loved Jerry Garcia. He was friendly, relaxed, interested, sharp and clear-eyed.
But then, later that evening, about an hour after he had performed, I was in line in the backstage catering room (before Live Nation took away that type of perk for lowly hourly managers) when Wilson barged into the room with a blank look on his face and shouted, "MASHED POTATOES!!!". He then shoved through the line to the serving counter and shouted, "MASHED POTATOES!!! MASHED POTATOES!!!"
When the server asked if he wanted anything else he again shouted, "MASHED POTATOES!!!" When she timidly asked if he wanted gravy.................. "MASHED POTATOES!!!" So she handed him a plate of mashed potatoes and he shoved back through the line and out the door.
After he left the room we were all frozen in an uncomfortable silence. Artists virtually never went into that catering room, always being served in their dressing rooms, so as usual the room was full of stagehands, backstage workers and schlubs like me. We all knew who he was and that we had just witnessed the dark side of mental instability.
A friend turned to me and said, "Always take your meds", something we said jokingly to each other for years after that, but it was an especially jarring moment for me since I had seen him completely coherent just a few hours before.
Always take your meds indeed.
My other Brian Wilson story happened a few years later, at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga CA. He was in the middle of his show and was standing in front of his piano talking to the audience when he suddenly started slurring his words and shaking his head. He wobbled and then collapsed on stage. The crowd gasped while band members and someone from the back jumped to his side.
I was just a patron watching the show from an area above the seats and was horrified like everyone else. I happened to look to my side and noticed that the general manager of the venue, who I knew, was near me and chatting with a group of people, clearly not seeing what had just happened, so I went over and told her that Wilson had just collapsed. She turned pale and rushed backstage as medical staff were moving Wilson away on a gurney.
Being a naturally curious type, as the crowd milled about I made my way near the backstage entrance to try to see what was happening.
After a few minutes, the GM came back out, this time her face flushed red with anger. She walked over to me and whispered that Wilson was fine, that it was all just a prank that he thought was funny. Needless to say, even after all these years you never want to mention Brian Wilson's name to her.
An announcement was made that he was fine and he came out and finished the show like nothing had happened.
Meds or no meds, Brian Wilson was a strange dude.
And a true genius. Which often seems to go hand-in-hand.
>>>lance do you mind if i copy/paste that into the beach boys subreddit<<<
While both stories are absolutely true, neither of them are particularly positive stories about Brian Wilson. I told them here because, well, here is here.
I would assume on a site like that there are seriously devoted Wilson fans who are likely hurting bad right now, would they really want to hear those the day after he passes?
Still, I don't own those stories and I did put them out there. At least for the moment it's still a free country so do as you will, maybe just say these were told by a former worker at Shoreline, no names please.
>>>Great great story Lance that you've shared before but never gets old<<<
I know I've told the collapse story before, but I don't recall ever telling the mashed potatoes story. But then I do love to tell stories so anything is possible.
These days I'm enjoying more & more the exercise of dusting off and writing out my little experiences, thanks for indulging me.
>>>that opening song was usually if not always 'I am a child"<<<
That's also my recollection, along with Comes a Time. Occasionally he would mix in something different or play a third song. It used to bother me a bit that he didn't mix it up more, but after a while it became tradition to me, and I'm big on tradition.
^^^I know I've told the collapse story before, but I don't recall ever telling the mashed potatoes story. But then I do love to tell stories so anything is possible.^^
I found it on the 'Brian Wilson in Court Conservatorship' thread from last May 2024. You went into even more detail about the Bridge School Performance of 1999:
The Beach Boys... The Soundtrack of our lives as Surfers and living the life on the beach... I met Brian Wilson in 1986 at the Los Angeles Song Writers and Singers Awards at the Wiltern theater, I was on the Video crew for the shoot and it was for VH-1, what a cool Event, Janis Ian, Los Lobos who was Willie Dixon's Backup band . Yes, I also got to talk too and shake hands with Willie Dixon, he was bigger than life. I also spoke with Dave Hildago that night and told him that Jerry and the boys were playing in Long Beach this coming weekend, He said Really!!! Well Los Lobos showed up in Long Beach that weekend and did Good Lovin>La Bamba> Good lovin.. ( I like to think i had a hand in making that happen) So, Then this Lucite clear Grand Piano is brought out center stage and its time for Mr. Brian Wilson to take the stage for the 1st Time in many years. Brian walks out on stage in a white suite to a standing ovation and sits at the Piano. The entire Wiltern Theater goes completely silent And Brian plays "In My Room".... Sereal as it gets.. He played about 4-5 songs, The crowd standing ovation , He only came out and bowed...Knowing he just left a Story...He actually hung out for a bit , I was able to say Hello to him and Thank him for all the Music he had Given us.... I have this all on a VHS someplace in a Box. It was Never released on VH-1.....
Brian Wilson's 83 birthday is today. It's only fitting that God or the Universe or whatever chose to bring him in on the first day of Summer. KISMET!!!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
This was just posted on Brian
This was just posted on Brian Wilson's Facebook page :
We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away.
We are at a loss for words right now.
Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving.
We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.
Love & Mercy
RIP BRIAN!!!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
Surfs up Bri...
Surfs up Bri...
https://youtu.be/gcw1lfANmrc?si=YPWvjq-V8qjEStWO
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Philzone Refugee
So many great tunes. Thank
So many great tunes. Thank you. R.I.P.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
The warmth of the sun....
The warmth of the sun....
https://youtu.be/o0so75T7GpI?si=YzqHcqx9gsUnDoLl
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
RIP Brian Wilson. Thanks for
RIP Brian Wilson. Thanks for all the good vibrations, and the squirrely stuff too.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ken D.
RIP - what a great songwriter
RIP - what a great songwriter who was always searching for the sound. Have fun in that great big sandbox in the sky.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bob
RIP. Seems like every day we
RIP. Seems like every day we lose another voice of my youth. Not many of the great ones of the 60's and 70's left. I guess I'll play some Beach Boys.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
I'll start tonight somewhere in here... probably hit Smile too
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Lord Kalvert
Help Me , Rhonda -- rest
Help Me , Rhonda -- rest in peace Brian
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
Family Reunion today...
Family Reunion today...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Jay Sunshine
One of my favorite musicians
One of my favorite musicians that ever lived! Lucky to see him perform many times staring at the Bridge School Benefit in 1999.
A musical genius only rivaled by that of a McCartney/Lennon/Beethoven/Mozart IMO.
The epitome of the sound of ocean surf and sunshine.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
GD & The Beach Boys
GD & The Beach Boys
Fillmore East
April 27, 1971
Searchin': https://archive.org/details/gd71-04-27.sbd.murphy.2221.sbeok.shnf/gd71-0...
Riot in Cell Block #9: https://archive.org/details/gd71-04-27.sbd.murphy.2221.sbeok.shnf/gd71-0...
Help Me Rhonda: https://archive.org/details/gd71-04-27.sbd.murphy.2221.sbeok.shnf/gd71-0...
Okie from Muskogee: https://archive.org/details/gd71-04-27.sbd.murphy.2221.sbeok.shnf/gd71-0...
Johnny B. Goode: https://archive.org/details/gd71-04-27.sbd.murphy.2221.sbeok.shnf/gd71-0...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skyjunk
There is a video with him
There is a video with him directing in the studio that is amazing. Sir Paul and Brian, the Mozart and Beethoven of our times.
RIP
Hully Gully - another GD/Beach Boys connection
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Billy Shears
Who ran the Iron Horse?
Who ran the Iron Horse?
He ran the Iron Horse.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Dr. Benway
he put on some pretty
he put on some pretty incredible shows with his solo band with the classic smile lineup prior to the 2012 beach boys 50th tour. IME, the classic early 60s beach boys material felt a little uncomfortable, and then brian would really come alive when he played his current music, or songs with updated arrangements that fit with his voice at the time like the songs from smile. when i saw him in 2007 or 2008, he was touring his new "lucky old sun" album, his last collaboration with van dyke parks, and it was like there were two different people up on stage, a confused old man during songs like surfin usa, and then this incredible magnetic voice and presence leading one of the best live bands ive ever seen when they played the lucky old sun album. i will never forget how dramatically the whole show changed the moment he started that album. it wasnt just him, it was the band, the music, the crowd, the whole vibe, it was like within seconds of the music starting you were just in a different place at a different show watching a different band.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
I saw some of those amazing
I saw some of those amazing shows after his "return" to the stage. I'd put Smile at SPAC up there with one of the best shows I ever saw. I did a meet n greet once and although I know it was likely hard for him to do, he was in VERY jovial spirits and joked with us...I was expecting perfunctory and I got a human interaction I wil never forget...Most importantly I think it was great for him to come back out on the road and feel the love we all had for him
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: jazfish
Brian Wilson, Rest In Peace.
Brian Wilson, Rest In Peace.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
I was at this one and until
I was at this one and until now had never seen this video from that performance
https://youtu.be/OG3Hbn1MFOQ?si=_RYsKOGMQLpc5kcX
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
"Brian Wilson's songs weren't just for summer—they drifted through every season like a half-remembered dream, always just a little too beautiful to hold. I used to turn them up when I was alone, singing along while the waves hit the shore like a heartbeat that wouldn't quit. Down by the pier, with the mist rolling in and city lights flickering on the water, his music felt like it had always been there—like it always would be."
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: _________
RIP Brian So Dearly Loved
RIP Brian So Dearly Loved from The Surfing World !!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
Some fun studio footage here.
Some fun studio footage here...
https://youtu.be/uVlSVkzbJDA?si=4ptCFAh59me4t_8R
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Def. High
RIP Brian.
RIP Brian.
I know you didn't surf much IRL, but now's your chance to ride some inter-stellar gravity waves.
Get in touch with the Silver Surfer - he'll hook you up.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Lance minimum goad Newberry
Wilson's performance at the
Wilson's performance at the above-mentioned 1999 Bridge School Benefit at Shoreline was amazing and completely changed my attitude about him and Beach Boys music.
His life was one of the most bizarre, twisted saga's ever lived, from child genius to parental abuse, from the highest highs to extended dramatic lows all while suffering with mental illness. It was a gift for him & us that he was able to get himself together later in life and get back on stage.
A couple of personal Brian Wilson stories: The second time he played the Bridge Benefit was 2006. Those shows always started with Neil Young playing two or three songs by himself and I always tried to catch those opening songs.
This particular time I was out at the front gates when Neil was about to start so I took the shortcut through backstage to pop out in the bowl. This took me right past the performers side of the stage, where Wilson and his wife were in front of me about to walk through a passgate into the venue to listen to Neil, while Neil's tour manager was imploring them to NOT do that but to watch from a VIP area backstage.
Wilson just blew him off and went through the curtain and into the lower bowl. The tour manager knew me and immediately grabbed me and told me to stay with them, find seats for them and keep people away, clearly concerned about anything setting Wilson off.
I stepped through the curtain and found them standing in the isle listening to Neil's first song, where people were definitely noticing him. I introduced myself and told them of some open seats on an isle where they could sit, which they were happy to accept. As I walked them to the seats I told them if they didn't want to be bothered I could keep folks away, but he just smiled at me and said it was no problem and I should just relax and listen to Neil, so I sat down in the row behind them and kept a watchful eye.
A number of people saw him and respectfully approached, asking for autographs or a handshake, and he was open and friendly, responding with a smile & a word to everyone while clearly enjoying the music.
When Neil finished I escorted them back to the dressing room area and Brian asked me what my job was at the venue, how long I'd been there and who my favorite performers were. When I said the Grateful Dead he said he loved Jerry Garcia. He was friendly, relaxed, interested, sharp and clear-eyed.
But then, later that evening, about an hour after he had performed, I was in line in the backstage catering room (before Live Nation took away that type of perk for lowly hourly managers) when Wilson barged into the room with a blank look on his face and shouted, "MASHED POTATOES!!!". He then shoved through the line to the serving counter and shouted, "MASHED POTATOES!!! MASHED POTATOES!!!"
When the server asked if he wanted anything else he again shouted, "MASHED POTATOES!!!" When she timidly asked if he wanted gravy.................. "MASHED POTATOES!!!" So she handed him a plate of mashed potatoes and he shoved back through the line and out the door.
After he left the room we were all frozen in an uncomfortable silence. Artists virtually never went into that catering room, always being served in their dressing rooms, so as usual the room was full of stagehands, backstage workers and schlubs like me. We all knew who he was and that we had just witnessed the dark side of mental instability.
A friend turned to me and said, "Always take your meds", something we said jokingly to each other for years after that, but it was an especially jarring moment for me since I had seen him completely coherent just a few hours before.
Always take your meds indeed.
My other Brian Wilson story happened a few years later, at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga CA. He was in the middle of his show and was standing in front of his piano talking to the audience when he suddenly started slurring his words and shaking his head. He wobbled and then collapsed on stage. The crowd gasped while band members and someone from the back jumped to his side.
I was just a patron watching the show from an area above the seats and was horrified like everyone else. I happened to look to my side and noticed that the general manager of the venue, who I knew, was near me and chatting with a group of people, clearly not seeing what had just happened, so I went over and told her that Wilson had just collapsed. She turned pale and rushed backstage as medical staff were moving Wilson away on a gurney.
Being a naturally curious type, as the crowd milled about I made my way near the backstage entrance to try to see what was happening.
After a few minutes, the GM came back out, this time her face flushed red with anger. She walked over to me and whispered that Wilson was fine, that it was all just a prank that he thought was funny. Needless to say, even after all these years you never want to mention Brian Wilson's name to her.
An announcement was made that he was fine and he came out and finished the show like nothing had happened.
Meds or no meds, Brian Wilson was a strange dude.
And a true genius. Which often seems to go hand-in-hand.
On it goes.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Dr. Benway
lance do you mind if i copy
lance do you mind if i copy/paste that into the beach boys subreddit?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Jay Sunshine
^^^those shows always started
^^^those shows always started with Neil Young playing two or three songs by himself and I always tried to catch those opening songs.^^^
And that opening song was usually if not always 'I am a child". Please correct me if i have that wrong.
Great great story Lance that you've shared before but never gets old.
It always will astound and awe me that the Beatles were 4 guys PLUS George Martin
Brian Wilson basically did these arrangements all by himself in his early 20's.
My favorite and what i will always believe in my heart and soul to be the greatest pop song ever written is Good Vibrations.
Teenage Symphonies to God indeed
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Lance minimum goad Newberry
>>>lance do you mind if i
>>>lance do you mind if i copy/paste that into the beach boys subreddit<<<
While both stories are absolutely true, neither of them are particularly positive stories about Brian Wilson. I told them here because, well, here is here.
I would assume on a site like that there are seriously devoted Wilson fans who are likely hurting bad right now, would they really want to hear those the day after he passes?
Still, I don't own those stories and I did put them out there. At least for the moment it's still a free country so do as you will, maybe just say these were told by a former worker at Shoreline, no names please.
>>>Great great story Lance that you've shared before but never gets old<<<
I know I've told the collapse story before, but I don't recall ever telling the mashed potatoes story. But then I do love to tell stories so anything is possible.
These days I'm enjoying more & more the exercise of dusting off and writing out my little experiences, thanks for indulging me.
>>>that opening song was usually if not always 'I am a child"<<<
That's also my recollection, along with Comes a Time. Occasionally he would mix in something different or play a third song. It used to bother me a bit that he didn't mix it up more, but after a while it became tradition to me, and I'm big on tradition.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Jay Sunshine
^^^I know I've told the
^^^I know I've told the collapse story before, but I don't recall ever telling the mashed potatoes story. But then I do love to tell stories so anything is possible.^^
I found it on the 'Brian Wilson in Court Conservatorship' thread from last May 2024. You went into even more detail about the Bridge School Performance of 1999:
https://vivalazone.org/comment/405377#comment-405377
thanks for that. Feel free to share as many stories as you can bc I will always be intereted in reading them.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Lance minimum goad Newberry
God damn.
God damn.
That was just a year ago and I have no recollection of writing that.
Dementia ain't just a river in......... uh.......... where?
But it's OK, I'm doing fine.
Now, who's got my mashed potatoes?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: The Mayor
The Beach Boys... The
The Beach Boys... The Soundtrack of our lives as Surfers and living the life on the beach... I met Brian Wilson in 1986 at the Los Angeles Song Writers and Singers Awards at the Wiltern theater, I was on the Video crew for the shoot and it was for VH-1, what a cool Event, Janis Ian, Los Lobos who was Willie Dixon's Backup band . Yes, I also got to talk too and shake hands with Willie Dixon, he was bigger than life. I also spoke with Dave Hildago that night and told him that Jerry and the boys were playing in Long Beach this coming weekend, He said Really!!! Well Los Lobos showed up in Long Beach that weekend and did Good Lovin>La Bamba> Good lovin.. ( I like to think i had a hand in making that happen) So, Then this Lucite clear Grand Piano is brought out center stage and its time for Mr. Brian Wilson to take the stage for the 1st Time in many years. Brian walks out on stage in a white suite to a standing ovation and sits at the Piano. The entire Wiltern Theater goes completely silent And Brian plays "In My Room".... Sereal as it gets.. He played about 4-5 songs, The crowd standing ovation , He only came out and bowed...Knowing he just left a Story...He actually hung out for a bit , I was able to say Hello to him and Thank him for all the Music he had Given us.... I have this all on a VHS someplace in a Box. It was Never released on VH-1.....
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: FlutterBy
I feel like that guy called
I feel like that guy called Peter from Binghamton was really into these guys
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Dr. Benway
iirc PJ was also a big BB
iirc PJ was also a big BB/wilson fan
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JBJY34vNa8Y
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Jay Sunshine
Brian Wilson's 83 birthday is
Brian Wilson's 83 birthday is today. It's only fitting that God or the Universe or whatever chose to bring him in on the first day of Summer. KISMET!!!