There are some really good qualities to Mike and they are these: 1) He was smart enough to stay away from drugs. 2) He helped keep the band together (until 2012). 3) He's not Murry Wilson. Even though I would've preferred to see the Wilson/Jardine version of the Beach Boys I'm looking forward to seeing Love and Johnston next month.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback, Ann! Those are excellent points and the third one also gave me a laugh! I saw the Wilson/Jardine show with Chicago last summer. (If you're interested, I talked about my impressions of that show pretty extensively in episode "129 Cool Stuff I Found Out Part 11.") I haven't seen the Love/Johnston show since December, 2018. I've got tickets to see them in the Detroit area on August 20th. Hope you enjoy the show next month and, if you have a chance, please follow-up with your thoughts on it! Thanks, Ann!
@vincentcupo9004
Жыл бұрын
Virtually every Beach Boy vocal session I hear Mike in the room, occasionally goofing around, but carefully listening to Brian’s directions to sing these parts and then he delivers his part spot on; and it’s such an important part to that inimitable genetic Beach Boys vocal blend that plays such a huge part in their legacy
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
Excellent points, Vincent! Thanks for the feedback and insights!
@etanwishmedia6121
3 жыл бұрын
"it's a bold move of him to play so much of his solo material (pause) when it's terrible." Steve this was a great line! LOL
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Etan! (I stand by it!)
@chouchoumuse2729
8 ай бұрын
It would be the truth for so many bands, though. Either they play their classics from way back then or they play their recent stuff that add nothing exciting to music in general. Usually they play it safe and only play a couple of new songs during their concerts. Look at the Rolling Stones who have not created great albums since Mick Taylor left the band (except for a couple of songs maybe), it would be bold on their part to play let's say 50% of recent compositions at concert. They'll never do it.
@michaellazzeri2069
Жыл бұрын
His name is Tim Bardowell, & he was there in '81 & at that disastrous '97 show when Mike finally had to come clean & apologize for how poorly they sang , & that Carl was very ill, & would never perform again . Less than 1/3 of the audience stayed -------though i did, to the sad end. But yes, his name is Tim Bardowell. he was there in '81 , also. ---------------MJL
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the follow-up and thanks again for the info, Michael!
@robertbeckerbecker1354
4 жыл бұрын
"It was a bold move...when his solo stuff is terrible."
@ItsJustLiam.
5 ай бұрын
Please please please do a video just taking about all the diffrent beach boys concert expirences you have and go over the history of the standard show they would do and how it has changed overtime. That would be so sick
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
5 ай бұрын
That's a great idea! The first concert I went to was in 1980, so, unfortunately, I missed them in their "prime" concert days. It could still be really fun to put together. I've made a note of it. Thanks for the suggestion, Liam!
@RunningP123456
2 жыл бұрын
I come back for "it was a bold move for Mike to play so much of his solo material, when it's terrible" cracks me up 😂
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, RunningP! Truth be told, it made me laugh when I thought of it after about his fourth solo song during the concert I saw!
@vinstyles
Жыл бұрын
Great frontman is Mike.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
Agreed! Thanks, Vyvyon!
@MrPicofmylife
4 жыл бұрын
Good to hear your discussion on this topic. I like Mike for who he is and I can't imagine a live Beach Boy show without his presence. The band needs a firm, noticeable and even controversial front man, all of which Mike Love has always been. Not to mention his contribution as a singer and songwriter. Being a fan, it's not my business to be appalled by the band's inner tensions but to consume and enjoy what they've given me. And after all, I accept the conflicts (including lawsuits which contributed a lot to Mike's bad reputation) as a part of their legacy. Interesting and well argued video! P.S. I liked seeing your concert program from the early 80's! Would be nice to see its content.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comments and the interesting perspective. Whatever else might be said about Mike, he played a vital and irreplaceable role in the band. I've heard a lot of people say that "The Beach Boys aren't The Beach Boys" with no Wilsons in the band. They might have a point, but I agree with you that The Beach Boys would not be The Beach Boys without Mike Love either. Hope to hear more from you! Thanks!
@jeffwhitchervinyldestinati4486
2 жыл бұрын
Great video! I agree on every single point. Like him or not, Mike was an integral member of the band. The other Beach Boys were by no means faultless when it comes to their problems in the 70’s and 80’s.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback, Jeff! I suppose, like with most things, people like very clear "heroes and villains" in the Beach Boys story. I think the reality has many shades of grey. The comments are much appreciated, Jeff!
@hastobe303
3 жыл бұрын
"Dennis Wilson was actively trying to destroy the show." Yep, that sounds like 80's Denny. Hilarious.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
One of these days, I'd like to tell my full recollection of that show...but I think the profanity involved might get me kicked off of youtube! Thanks for the comment, hastobe!
@theHOOD61
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Please do, it cannot be lost to time
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@theHOOD61 Thanks! I'll get that worked out at some point!
@myopia2020
4 жыл бұрын
Hello, Steve :) I just discovered your channel via Giggens's. Though I'm hardly a big Mike Love fan (lol), my stance on him has softened over years. If I hadn't received credit and royalties for the words I'd written, I'd be upset too. And while they not be particularly deep or profound, or soulful most of the time, his fun-in-the-sun lyrics (surfing, cars, girls) of the early years are actually quite good for **what they are**, and played a major role in catapulting the Beach Boys to fame and creating the whole California Myth ("California Girls" arguably the crowning achievement of his career). And occasionally he could come up with something of real poignancy ("The Warmth of the Sun"). And let's be honest: Mike's paisley poetry for "Good Vibrations" (I love the colorful clothes she wears, the way the sunlight plays upon her hair...) is much better than Brian's fairly bland lyrics (It's weird how she comes in so strong....I wonder what she's picking up from me). While Mike may come off as an arrogant, condescending jerk who's not nearly as smart as he thinks he is much of the time, he was also indispensable to the band. The Beach Boys would have never really become the Beach Boys we know and love without him..They needed an extroverted showman on stage.And as you say, he was the perfect front man.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
4 жыл бұрын
Welcome to the channel and thanks so much for the comments! I think you've absolutely "hit the nail on the head" with your comments on Mike. I couldn't agree more. Looking forward to hearing more from you!
@michaelslavin1601
2 жыл бұрын
While I see your point and agree with majority of what you have posted, I still hold the firm view that had Love and his mother had of confronted the beast Murry tight at the beginning none of this would of happen (suing). Instead of taking money (for his lyrics) Love and his mother should of demanded the credits, looks like Love got to eat the cake and the icing as well. Still not a huge fan of Love.
@zapdunga12
Жыл бұрын
Look at what Mike Love had to go through. He had to deal with Murray Wilson. Al Jardine leaving to go to school. David Marks a 12 year old. Brian having a break down and quit touring. Go through replacements. Then Al comes back and David gets thrown out. Brian not giving Mike lyric credit. Murray selling his songs. Dennis and drugs and Charles Manson. Brian replacing the Beach Boys with the Wrecking Crew. Brian having another breakdown. Dr. LANDY, Brian having another breakdown. Having to sue Brian for the songs he Co wrote. And so much more. Yet in every interview Mike always says he loves Brian.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
I absolutely agree! Some of the stuff he's been through with those guys had to have been completely exasperating. Though, of course, I'd love to see another "reunion" some time, I can't blame him for wanting to run his own show with a bunch of hired professionals and, hopefully, far less drama than in years past! Thanks for the feedback, Zapdunga!
@sheatiller2465
2 жыл бұрын
The difference between Mike Love and Roger Daltrey, I think, is that Roger was supportive of his band's groundbreaking creative steps, and didn't try to hold Pete Townshend back. He also cared a lot for his bandmates health, as evidenced by his thoughts on how Pete needed to quit the band and the road in the early 80s.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
That is an EXCELLENT point, Shea! Naturally, there are more differences between Love and Daltrey than there are similarities and those are key differences! Thanks for the excellent insights, Shea! Much appreciated!
@chouchoumuse2729
8 ай бұрын
I'm not too sure how I feel about comparing Daltrey to Love. So much about them feels quite different. Yes, on the one hand I understand what you mean, they had no other great prospect in life so the survival of their respective band was vital to them and they did all they could to keep their band together, and yes, they were frontmen (although Daltrey was much more a classic frontman than Love). On the other hand, there are many differences in my opinion. Daltrey was the archetype of the rock and roll singer, arguably (one of) the best in the world. He was an idol to a whole generation of young people. I don't think Love is in that category at all. Also, the nature of the two bands is very different. Another difference is that Mike Love did participate in songwriting, which Daltrey pretty much never did. Also all the Beach Boys could sing lead quite well and the lines (roles) between the different members were permeable and interchangeable, such as sharing lead and of course singing those harmonies together, etc. Each Who member had a more definite role. One last note about the Who, even though Daltrey was the declared unique frontman, Enwistle always sang his own songs and Towshend sang a few on each album. He sang more than Daltrey on Tommy!! I think both of them were very average singers and when you have the best singer in the world you let him sing lead. I can't stand the Who songs not sung by Daltrey. In response to the other comment, yes, Daltrey seems to always have had a positive, loving energy, caring for others, especially for Keith. Towshend and Entwistle, I never felt such a good vibe from them. I was actually shocked to hear recently that Pete said he thought Keith was not a good drummer. Love may not have had the same care and loving energy as Daltrey did, but who knows how hard it must have been to see Brian Wilson's mental health deteriorate from within the band. I can't imagine.
@timrolls2854
4 жыл бұрын
What about Carl Wilson as the frontman? Everyone in the band praised Carl for being their "rock" during their years without Brian. Everyone circled around Carl, I'd say from the late 60s until his death. He's certainly my favorite Beach boy as a human and a singer. A close second would be Dennis or Brian. I appreciate the video BTW, I always thought he kinda got a bad rap.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comments. Carl was great and is sorely missed. Coincidentally, Thursday's episode looks at Carl's solo work. Hope you'll check it out and looking forward to hearing more from you!
@PapaNicksMusic
3 жыл бұрын
Carl was the leader of the touring band, but he wasn’t a “front man.” He took on the responsibility of insuring the quality of the performances, but Mike was the guy who kept his eye on the audience.
@DougParks
Жыл бұрын
Mike Love is the face of the Beach Boys. His unique lead vocals grace many of their biggest hits. It is no understatement to say he is of huge importance to the group over the decades, and he still "brings it" on stage when tirelessly touring with his band. Much Love to Mike.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback, Doug! I agree and it is truly admirable and amazing that he's still out there performing! Gotta give the guy credit! Thanks again!
@joannamiller6613
Жыл бұрын
I agree 100%..just saw him perform in Durham, incredible show and he’s still killin’ it (same with Bruce). In my opinion, he’s one of the best front men of all time.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
@@joannamiller6613 Definitely! As I plan to mention in next week's episode, I also thought Mike is in better voice now than he was when I last saw him in 2018. As a performer, he is certainly an "iron man." (Bruce too!) Thanks for the comments, Joanna!
@joannamiller6613
Жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 awesome, I can’t wait to watch! And looking forward to more Bruce content too..I’m seeing them in Atlantic City next week! Appreciate your content 👊🏻
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
@@joannamiller6613 Very cool! I've done several episodes on Bruce and I keep finding new stuff, so I'm sure there are more to come. Hope you enjoy the Atlantic City show! If you have a chance, I hope you'll follow-up with your thoughts on the show after you've seen it. Thanks, Joanna!
@timrolls2854
4 жыл бұрын
channels like these make me happy
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
4 жыл бұрын
Very, very nice to hear that! Thanks!
@tarp11z
2 жыл бұрын
I appreciate this. There are so many armchair critics who know little more than the pleasant sounds they hear on record. There are a myriad of factors that hold and keep a band together... whether it's local cover band, to a world famous bohemouth such as the Beach Boys. The fact is that there is only one Brian Wilson on the planet, but even he couldn't hold it together with all the talent in the world. He needed, as you say, a frontman. He also needed someone to rein him in once in awhile. So, Mike got Pet Sounds wrong. He got a lot right for the last sixty years. And if you like live music, he's the main reason the last two generations got to see the Beach Boys. I for one got to see them at Red Rocks on July 20th, 1986. Thanks, Mike!
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the excellent and balanced feedback and insights, Jess! Much appreciated!
@stevejacobson3474
Жыл бұрын
Yes Mike did have a unique voice back early days. He also was kind of a bad a** punk attitude Which helped the band not sound so whimpy. I'll give him credit for that and for keeping The Beach Boys alive but now his voice is really shot.
@bchnwgn
6 ай бұрын
Hey Steve - Accurate points on Mike's contributions as a frontman, and holding things together when necessary - he deserves the kudos he's earned. He's certainly contributed some excellent lyrics at times, and his voice is more pleasing on some albums compared to others...but what a freakin' polarizing guy. He's responsible for what is arguably the worst moment in RnRHoF history (and there are plenty of them,) and there's been no shortage of corny and cringeworthy onstage comments. I both appreciate and despise the guy. But hey, this is the BBs we're talking about, and as you pointed out both Brian and Dennis contributed their own chaos and challenges on stage or on the air. BTW, I'm not sure about the context of the comments below, but the guy who performed live with the BBs at different times was Phillip Bardowell, not "Tim." My family and I saw Phillip in a small club out here years ago opening for Venice - he was excellent!
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for the feedback and perspective, Chris! Mike Love is definitely "polarizing" for a lot of fans. Like you, I try to take a balanced view. Thanks, too, for the info on Phillip Bardowell!
@TonysMusic1974
3 жыл бұрын
It's a bold move to even try to Defend the indefensible.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Good point! Thanks, Tony!
@AnxietyMentor
2 жыл бұрын
Dennis Wilson would have also been a great front man.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
He definitely had the charisma to do it. Good point, AM!
@MrRckstdy77
5 ай бұрын
Mike Love was creative in his writing Lyrics and and a good collaborator with Brian. And he is an American Treasure. The Beach Boys was America's answer to the British bands.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
5 ай бұрын
I agree. It's nice to see that Mike seems to finally be getting more credit from fans for his lyrical contributions. Thanks for the comments and perspective, Abraham!
@MrRckstdy77
5 ай бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 No Lyrics = No song.
@calwianka
3 жыл бұрын
Great defense, Steve. I like that you don't just go along with the huge numbers who dislike him and dont give him credit for his leadership role.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Ocaso! Much appreciated!
@jorgecallico9177
3 жыл бұрын
I have long said some of the things the narrator says here. Mikes biggest mistake was not in questioning the group's direction for wanting to stick with the outdated cars and surf music but came more recently. This was when at the end of the Beach Boys highly successful 50th-anniversary tour in 2012 he effectively fired Al Jardine and Brian Wilson. Wilson even publicly complained by using the very word that it was like he and Al had been ''fired''. Had Mike not 86ed Al and Brian he could have recouped much of the prestige that he lost after suing Wilson back in the 1990s. I have seen bandleaders make similar mistakes. as what Mike did after 2012. They start thinking that ''sound business decisions for themselves are always good for the band''. When in fact the loss of Al and Brian's presence, especially in light of the deaths of the other two Wilsons Dennis and Carl have been an absolute disaster to the group. While I agree that Mike has always been a capable frontman, his presence has only worked because of the powerful image of the remaining original men. Johnston's tagging along as Mike's mascot on stage isn't helping. In fact, it allows those elements of Mike's dark side to rub off on him nowadays whereas as before he remained unblemished. It is almost like Bruce has now become part of the problem. That he'd have been better off touring with Al and Brian. Meanwhile with Mike finally now in total control of the Beach Boys name and direction? He is steering a ghost ship. Granted that the group has enjoyed the longest run of Pop/Rock success in history. That all good things must come to an end. Perhaps Mike's current group's composition plays well to a younger generation that doesn't have the memories we oldtimer's do. However The Beach Boys are composed of memories. That and both Brian and Al. Without the presence of both men on stage? The Beach Boys are finally dead. And Mike effectively killed them. All through his inflated opinion of his own self-importance. He certainly was an important contributor to the band, but only when things were secure underneath with both Al and Brian. In fact Brian's recent return to apparently good health and sanity tends to balance the tragic loss of his other two brothers. Thus by firing Brian and Al? Mike has REALLY made himself look bad. He is now seen as having kicked Brian down when he was finally starting to get back on his feet. So Mike's recovery could only occur today if both Al and Brian are willing to let bygones be bygones. While both men are good, caring people? I think that Mike has finally cooked his own goose. His deeds after 2012 were unforgivable.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Good points! I don't know the economics of what happened in 2012 though I suspect Mike must have figured he'd make more money going back to the Mike/Bruce "Beach Boys." The end of that tour was sad but not surprising. Given the band's history over the last 30 years or so, you kind of knew it was going to end with some big rift. (I was actually a little surprised it lasted as long as it did!) Mike definitely made himself look bad and his "Beach Boys" are two members away from being a "tribute act." I saw Mike's "Beach Boys" in 2018 and went with very low expectations. As I mentioned in the video, I had to admit I was impressed that he's still out there doing it after all these years and those songs are, undoubtedly, still fun to hear live. (That said, I'd greatly prefer to hear Brian and Al doing them!) Thanks for the comments and analysis, Jorge! Very interesting perspective! Hope to hear more from you!
@jorgecallico9177
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 I'm kind of in the same ship as you're sailing Steve. On the one hand, I hear the enormous amount of criticism of Mike and while I recognize its relevance I still want to give the fellow a fair shake. However his effective firing of Brian and Al was inexcusable and probably not something that the group can ever recover from. It would have been another thing if men like Jeff Fossket and Matt Jardine had been given a bigger voice in the group over the decades. The group would have grown and developed more depth. A better scene for both them and Bruce who is a very talented man yet is often overshadowed by the truly original members' presence. Matt obviously being Al's own son a generation younger. Jeff is a talented Emcee and like Matt, has a truly fine falsetto voice. He came along quietly into the band in the late 1970s, but never got recognized as a real member either. And the lack of recognition for both of these fine musicians and singers is also due to the strong-armed management techniques of Mike. Bruce is sorta just a sideman now too and that's also kinda sad. Because unlike the others he has had a solid, successful career on the side. Both with the Rip Chords and his ''I Write The Songs'' tune that scored Barry Manilow a Number 1 hit back in 1974. Thus the criticism of Mike is probably warranted. Granted we live in a media-driven, conspiracy theory-oriented pulp fictional tabloid world. While he is certainly not the germ of the universe? Mike has consistently made decisions that are selfish. This has always surprised me in as much as one would THINK that his being one of the more significant leadership figures in the field of Transcendental Meditation that he SHOULD HAVE MOVED PAST HIS EGO A LONG TIME AGO!!! And yet based upon his choices, he apparently hasn't. Did Mike REALLY need to sue Brian's estate? Not really. But he saw only the money. Now had he spent his lawsuit award on say ''Saving cancer patients in war-torn Bosnia'' or some such highly meritorious cause? Then I might be more inclined to forgive him. But you just know that he didn't do this. He probably bought stock in some expensive sports car company. Or maybe he started a whole new line of ''Mike Love Baseball Caps To Hide Male Baldness''. He had already made plenty of money without bringing a lawsuit against his own first cousin. A person who is probably closer to him than most guy's own brothers. Fiorst rule of endearing yourself to public approval, APPEARANCES ARE EVERYTHING!! Don't sue your brother. Not even if he screws your wife. It can only bring Bad Press. You see, I wouldn't have sued my own cousin. And for the same reason why I never sued my ex-wife. I didn't like the reputation that it would have earned me. This is why I still get along with my family today. This is worth more than my ex-wife's money. Let her face God with her theft on her conscience. I don't want that! The thing that gives me the perspective that I have is that I too have had to work under bandleaders who've made decisions based upon SELF, but not the good of the group. The only difference being that we weren't famous and yet the principles are just the same. I was in the position of being fired such as were Al and Brian. It hurts and it hurts the group. So I have seen lots of guys like Mike. They LIVE off of creative, nice guys like Al & Brian. Then shit all over them. Why? Because they can and also because IT DOESN'T BOTHER THEM TO ACT LIKE ASSHOLES. You may not believe it, but I still do want to believe in Mike. However, it's getting a little late for that. He's probably not capable of seeing the world through a humble lens. In other words, He gained the world, but the band lost its soul. In the meantime? Very good video Steve! Keep 'em coming!
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@jorgecallico9177 Excellent points and perspective, Jorge! Jeff Foskett and Matt Jardine are both very talented. (I wish they had made Jeff Foskett an "official" Beach Boy years ago!) I wish Bruce had taken a larger role in the band over the years. His contributions are always a highlight and I love his voice. I suspect he's found a position he's most comfortable with. (I've always been a little puzzled by him. He's a guy that can write great songs and has, at times, been extremely prolific, yet seems to be content as a "sideman" most of the time.) Like you, I think Mike is always driven by "the bottom line" in whatever he does; not by the reputation he gains, not by long-term planning, and certainly not by any artistic considerations. I also agree that Mike's behavior often seems wildly at odds with transcendental meditation. (If TM has made Mike more humble and loving...I don't think I'd want to see what kind of guy he'd be without it!) Thanks again for the perspective, Jorge! Very interesting and much appreciated!
@jorgecallico9177
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Nice to hear from you. There's just one last point I feel heavily inclined to make. That is that I truly want to forgive Mike. Either that or to see more of his good side. If you had caught me on a good day? I might have said some of the very same, highly positive things that you've said. In fact, I have often written some less than flattering thoughts about Mike, and then a minute or two later wished that I hadn't said them. Part of the problem is just as I mentioned before, I have been used and abused by people such as Mike. A bandleader sent me home without any money way back in 1977. He too, like Mike had lots of charisma, sang well, and was a fantastic, outgoing frontman. However, he had refused to pay my friends in the band according to their agreement that I had witnessed. I decided that I wanted no part of him of his band ever again and then quit. It was a long, COLD winter night ride back to my parent's home. I stayed out of work for several months afterward. This is why I found it very disturbing that Mike let go of Big Al Jardine, Brian Wilson, and David Marks right after the 50th-anniversary tour ended. Granted that each of them has made plenty of money over the years-.However, all of them really enjoyed playing the tour on the 50th. The band REALLY sounded great too! That and the audience was like One with the band. I really felt the impact that The Beach Boys had on the whole world. Even today,, nearly some sixty years since their start we can see people from all over the world dig the band. Whether Polynesian, Japanese or Swedish kids? They're all rockin their brains out at the Beach Boys concerts. I just don't want to see it ever end.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@jorgecallico9177 With the first hand experiences you described and having dealt with similar personalties before, I can more easily understand your perspective on Mike. (Sounds like a very rough experience back in '77. Sorry you had to go through it!) I would certainly have loved to see the reunion line-up last too! (For me, I didn't find out how good the shows were until it was too late for me to see it. I really regret missing those shows!) For the first time in years, they had a line up that as truly as possible (without Carl and Dennis) represented "The Beach Boys" instead of "Mike's 'Beach Boys' featuring Bruce." I'd have loved to see that continue! Thanks for the comments and insight, Jorge! Always great to hear from you!
@markbrodie7491
2 жыл бұрын
Hey Steve, some very good points raised about Mike Love here. I've always thought that the Beach Boys would have been completely different if it weren't for Mike. His lyrical and musical sensibilities are par excellence (well, most of the time, anyway!). I can always tell which songs Mike had involvement in as opposed to just Brian working alone. Great video as always! By the way, could you do a video review of the Sunrays' album, "Andrea"?, and maybe explore their career a bit? I've always been interested in this group and they do have some very good songs!
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback on Mike. Well said! Thanks, too for the suggestion on doing the Sunrays and "Andrea." I really enjoy the album and researching an episode would be a fun way for me to learn more about it. Great idea! Thanks, Mark!
@markbrodie7491
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Steve, looking forward to it!
@thatdude9860
2 жыл бұрын
How about that Mike Love Rock n Roll induction speech. When he was a babbling buffoon. 😂😂😂
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah! It was baffling then...and it's never gotten any less baffling..or "cringe-inducing!" Thanks, dude!
@ChromeDestiny
2 жыл бұрын
In the 60's, Mike's stage banter was lively and sometimes downright hilarious, and later years it became rambling and embarrassing.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
@@ChromeDestiny Good point! I completely agree. Thanks, Chrome!
@revacohen
Жыл бұрын
I saw that! I'm not a fan of some of the people he berated, but I would never think to get up in public and make nasty comments about someone. And I've also read comments on numerous videos where people said they met Mike Love. Most of them described him as one of the rudest people they ever met. He's not someone I would want to be associated with.
@justmadeit2
Жыл бұрын
I think I gave this guy the idea to make this video with my original Mike Love Defense vid from 5 years ago. I made 2, to see it just type in….In defence of Mike Love
@zapple1003
3 жыл бұрын
After reading Mike Love's book, it was good to see his point of view. Trying to put on shows and putting up with Brian Wilson and shape he was in, it couldn't have been easy. Lot of people wrote about The Beach Boys but The Beach Boys were the ones there. Five (or six) people, five (or six) different points of views. Great channel.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comments! I really agree. I was second row at a Beach Boys show in '81 during which Brian wasn't participating and Dennis was actively trying to wreck the performance. Despite it, Mike (and Al and Bruce...Carl was absent that year) managed to put on a decent, professional show. His book is a good read to get his perspective. He most definitely has numerous and sundry faults, but to simply paint Mike Love as "the villain" is, I think, unfair. Thanks for the comments!
@leopoldopetrieska6564
4 жыл бұрын
i like mike's contributions to the band and he kept the group together for decades. i'm such a rabid beach boys fan that i love him just because the boys wouldnt be the same without him
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
4 жыл бұрын
I agree. Mike is undoubtedly an integral part of the band. Whatever else, he's a major part of what made The Beach Boys "The Beach Boys." Thanks for the comments!
@leopoldopetrieska6564
4 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 just today i found your channel and i'm really digging it
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
4 жыл бұрын
@@leopoldopetrieska6564 Glad you're enjoying it and I really appreciate the comments. Thanks!
@G-MAN1958
Жыл бұрын
I agree, Mike Love was one of the truly great frontmen to ever front a band !🎵☮️
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
I saw "Mike's Beach Boys" a couple of weeks ago for the first time since 2018. It was a hot, humid night and Mike (along with Bruce and the rest of the band) really "brought it" for nearly three hours on stage. Gotta admire that kind of stamina in an 82 year-old frontman! Thanks for the feedback, Guy!
@sapporowill
2 жыл бұрын
Just catching up on your vlogs that I missed this year! I think your Townshend-Daltrey analogy was very appropriate in terms of the musical relationship. I often feel that Love was perhaps a essential muse for Brian with some of the tougher edged songs that required a more self-assured confident tone or messenger (although Dennis must have also been a muse for Brian with the surf songs so maybe a hybrid). Most of the Love led songs are tailor suited to his voice and persona so in that regard I think he is an essential part of the BBs music (despite the many inane and awkward things he has done such as the R & R Hall of Fame induction speech...Ouch!). I think this point has been made for many of us who have seen either Brian's band or the current BBs with Mike and then compare that to the sum of these remaining parts (the 50th Anniversary shows in 2012).
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the excellent comments and perspective, William! I agree and I think your point about looking at Brian's band and Mike's "Beach Boys" and "comparing the sum to the remaining parts" is spot on! Thanks!
@NOWtheband
3 жыл бұрын
Good, I'm glad to hear some defense towards Mike. To me all nine of The Boys are heroes (no villains). :-)
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, now! Much appreciated!
@redihip
Жыл бұрын
After reading quite a few books on the Beach Boys, I decided to read Mike's 2016 book "My Life as a Beach Boy" with some trepidation, but was quite surprised by his narrative (with some help by the co-writer?). It gave me a new appreciation of him.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
I agree. I also viewed it with trepidation, especially when they scheduled it to come out just ahead of "I Am Brian Wilson." (I thought Mike was probably trying to "get the jump" on anything Brian would say in his book.) After reading the book, I also came away with a greater appreciation of Mike and a better understanding of his perspective on events. Thanks for the feedback, redhip!
@codex3048
Жыл бұрын
Excellent commentary. I think anybody who is fair looks at the situation and admits that Mike was the captain who kept the ship afloat during all the turbulent storms. Had it been left to the Wilsons, it would have fallen apart not long after 1966.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
I think you're right about that. Thanks for the feedback and comments, Andrew!
@eujrvision2296
Жыл бұрын
agree on a number of points, firstly cannot think of anyone still on stage nearly 60 years on, secondly he has provided leadership, finally people like Brian need a counterweight, geniuses can both create and destroy
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
Excellent points all 'round, EU! I last saw MIke's Beach Boys live in 2018. I may have mentioned this in the episode; to see the early footage of him with the Beach Boys that they projected, and to realize this guy has been doing it since the Kennedy administration, was pretty awe-inspiring! Thanks, EU!
@ruffian1868
3 жыл бұрын
Mike Love - Not War
@niewojt
2 жыл бұрын
I admire this guy. I dislike Mike Love a lot, but he has courage and makes some good points.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the thoughts and comments, Niewojt! I feel the same. He has some strengths, and is undoubtedly an important part of making the Beach Boys "the Beach Boys." At the same time, I'm always amazed at how very "unlikeable" he often comes across. Definitely a lot of "shades of grey" with Mike Love! Thanks again for the comments, Niewojt!
@bsouth7042
3 жыл бұрын
This was a sober, evenhanded take on Mike Love
@fredgien
3 жыл бұрын
Mike is THE voice of the early BB. We have to thank him for that fact!!
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
No question about it! Whatever else might be said about him, The Beach Boys aren't "The Beach Boys" without Mike! Thanks for the comment, fredgien!
@fredgien
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Greetings from a BB fan from the Hague, the Netherlands!
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@fredgien So cool to know where you're from! Of course, "Holland" has a special place in the hearts of Beach Boy fans! Hope to hear more from you, fredgien!
@fredgien
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 I saw the BB in the seventies in my hometown, it was magic to hear all those familiar songs! My favorite early lp is Surfin’ USA and from their later work Surf’s up! Especially the numbers sung by Carl go directly to your hart….
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@fredgien I didn't see my first Beach Boys concert until 1980. I'd have loved to have seen them in the 70s! I agree about Carl! A magic, unique voice! I sure miss him! Thanks for the comments, fredgien!
@99somerville
3 жыл бұрын
A fair assessment of ML and his value within the BBs.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, somerville! I appreciate the feedback!
@patrowan7206
2 жыл бұрын
Isn't that Dennis on The Beach Boys in Concert album cover you held up while talking about Mike as frontman?
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
True! And good point! Thanks, Pat!
@cabezadepija7318
3 жыл бұрын
anyone who hates mike love MUST watch this video
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Cabeza!
@michaellazzeri2069
Жыл бұрын
In all fairness -------as a lifetime fan from the summer of '62-----------Mike Love has a great , great, bass voice, in harmony. And, he's written some beautiful lyrics ,ie, The Warmth Of The Sun .---- It's his maddening hats -------WHY didn't he spend the $ like Tony Bennett did, & get a worthy hairpiece ?? -----those hats, his nasal voice , & maddeningly sarcastic, ego-filled stage presence ---------that make it so easy to hate on him. He ALWAYS saw The Boys in his very Republican image of being " entertainers " , rather than, artists, & that's the creative rub. And, I have NO Doubt-------none at all------that Mike will outlive all of his bandmates, just to piss them off ! ----------MJL, 77 y/o Now.
Thanks for having the guts to defend Mike. I am a die hard Beach Boys fan and even though I regard Brian as one of the greatest music writers ever, I got so sick of people praising him while pissing on Mike. The group never would have launched like it did without him. I saw a Beach Boys concert in 2001 with only Mike and Bruce, lamenting that 3 other living originals weren't there, and it was still great. Then I saw a 50th anniversary reunion concert and it was the best.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
I didn't see the Mike/Bruce "Beach Boys" until 2018. I have to admit that I really enjoyed it and it was undeniably great to hear those songs played live again! Of course, I'd have loved to see more of the group there but, if we can't have that, I'm happy to see Mike and Bruce still out there doing it! (I'm envious that you saw the 50th Reunion, Martin! I missed out and it's something I truly regret!) Thanks for the comments!
@filmcuts178
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Oh, the 50th concert at the Hollywood Bowl was great. Seeing David back with them was surreal. The highlight was when they sang "All This is That" along with Wilson Phillips (all 3 of them), and children of Dennis, Carl, Al and Mike.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@filmcuts178 That definitely sounds like a great show! It was so cool that they had David back (and from the video I've seen, it looks like his guitar was a great contribution!) Seeing "All This Is That" live would have been a highlight for me anyway...even better with that line-up! You've made me very envious, Martin, though I sure appreciate the info! Thanks!
@johndoyle2429
2 жыл бұрын
Before I get to my point, Yes I will give Mike love credit, because he plays a part in beachboys music, and co-wrote songs with Brian Wilson in the early 60's. But here comes my main point. I didn't think Mike love was very supportive to Brian Wilson when making of Pet sounds, plus the smile was abandoned during that time, made years later. If Brian Wilson hadn't enough of problems with his Dad Murray and Capitol record's. Then Mike love turns around to Brian Wilson says stick to the formular. Look at Beatles or Bob Dylan they didn't stick formular. Like Frank Zappa says one time, you have to take risks now and again. Without the Brian Wilson they would be no beachboys.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
@@johndoyle2429 Excellent point and I agree absolutely, John! I don't think we've ever seen any evidence of Mike having any artistic vision or courage which Brian, certainly in the mid-60s, was brimming with. Brian definitely would have benefited (to say the least!) from a more forward-thinking and supportive partner in his work. Thanks for the comments, John!
@impalaman9707
2 жыл бұрын
There's one other similarity between Mike Love and Roger Daltrey you forgot to mention--they were both born in March (Pisces?). As far as Brian and Dennis go, circa 1980-81, I remember vividly watching the 1980 DC concert on HBO with my mom, and she remarked about Brian--"he looks like he's barely patting the keyboard"! Come to find out later,, he was either pretending to play to keep his brothers happy, or noodling, and they had to turn his keyboard down so he wouldn't be heard! Now Dennis, on the other hand, was taking his role as drummer very seriously during that concert. I remember him very focused, as if the 1964 version of Dennis had magically decided to show up and play for that concert! Now the next year, I went to see them in concert with my dad, September 1981, Dennis was nowhere to be seen. Bobby Figeuroa (?) was deputizing for him. Apparently, something happened after you saw them--I guess, Mike Love finally had enough of Dennis and had him fired. But Dennis had his moments in the latter years. It just depends which Dennis decides to show up---the focused Dennis, or stoned Dennis?
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the thoughts and feedback! Very interesting points! I think you're right on the mark about Dennis. I know I talked to someone who saw another show shortly before or after the one I saw, where Dennis was basically "out of his mind" and, at that show, he'd been gracious and focused and closed the show with "You Are So Beautiful." Maybe I mentioned it in the episode, but my impression of Brian on the night we saw them was that he didn't want to be there and was trying to get them to turn off his mic by playing the wrong song, burping into the mic, smoking when he was supposed to be singing a line, etc. Once his mic was turned off, he seemed to relax and spent the rest of the night doodling on the piano and, occasionally, looking at his watch. I know I came away from that concert profoundly sad about the state both Brian and Dennis were in. It was long road, of course, but it's so great, and seems nearly miraculous, that Brian, at least, was able to come back from those depths! Thanks again for the great comments, Impala!
@tomjones5650
3 жыл бұрын
I like Mike. Ike likes Mike. My bike likes Mike. Seriously, I attended nearly 500 shows.Original band,solo etc. Met Mike many times, was always cool n nice guy...
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
I've got to admire anybody who can stay as steady and professional as Mike over so many thousands of shows over so many decades. Thanks for the comments, Tom!
@tomjones5650
3 жыл бұрын
After all these years, better yet decades Dr. Love deserves a break from constant criticism. If not for him live BeachBoys music might be in the rear view mirror long ago....
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@tomjones5650 I agree. Of course, I'd love to see the "real" Beach Boys live. If that's not happening, it's cool that Mike is still out there doing it. Got to give him some credit for keeping it up after so many decades! Thanks, Tom!
@mrg7407
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Correct. If it is that easy i guess anyone can do it. But it is Not and props to those people who can make the show go on.
@redwoodenglishschool2929
2 жыл бұрын
Think that's a very balanced commentary on Mike Love. It's so true that he can be quite insufferable but has done so much for the Beach Boys over the years. Regarding the Dennis Wilson live saga, on the Knebworth 1980 live video you can see Dennis try to wind Mike up during Surfer Girl (Wasn't there a restraining order from Mike against Dennis at this point?). At the end, Carl lunges towards Mike but Dennis holds him back. Clearly a lot of disharmony around that time. Knebworth was a great concert though (despite some dodgy vocals - Mike sounds like he's got a cold and they've altered his voice post-production)
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the thoughts and feedback, Redwood! I saw similar drama with Dennis first-hand at a 1981 concert. I think you're right that there was a restraining order for him to stay away from BB concerts at the time of Knebworth. I know there was one at the time of the concert I saw in '81, though, of course, I had no idea at the time and didn't learn about it until years later. Definitely a lot of "bad blood" and disharmony during those years! Good point about MIke's vocals on "Knebworth" too! I hadn't noticed before. I just gave some of it a quick re-listen and I think you're right! Thanks again, Redwood!
@jorgecallico9177
3 жыл бұрын
Update: You must think that I have a split personality, but today I found myself absolutely grooving to the Beach Boys in their 1980 concert (here:kzitem.info/news/bejne/q6iwroxvZpaba20) that and REALLY DIGGING Mike. He is truly one of the most professional frontmen in the business. They are all (Al, Brian, the late Carl, Bruse and Brian) pretty good at dealing with the audience too, but Mike can totally OWN a crowd. Hope that you enjoy this concert. Dennis is on drums and is totally killin it. A fantastic show drummer.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the link! I know from the comments I've received that this was a great show! Can't wait to check it out! (Great to see them all there...including Dennis!)
@GeorgeFairbrother
Жыл бұрын
Hi Steve, I came to this from part II of 'Carl and the Passions' - I was interested in your observations about how strongly TM was being pushed in some of the material. It's fascinating given the fact that Mike has been frequently critical of some of the less accessible and arguably less commercial projects - Van Dyke Parks' lyrics a prime example - yet perhaps lost his own commercial compass for a while. He seems to have been judged harshly for keeping an eye on the business side of things, yet without a grounded, successful touring band and some commercially viable records, there's no money to support the more ambitious creativity. I guess the eternal dilemma is how art and commerce can live happily side by side without the members, and the fans, splitting down the middle, and how a band might grow creatively without alienating the people who actually spend their hard-earned money to go to the shows and understandably want to hear the soundtrack to their younger lives. I enjoy Mike's stage presence and humour as well, it was a great point about his professionalism as the band was crumbling around him, it was certainly needed on the Australian tour in '78 that we discussed recently. Anyway, some really thoughtful stuff there, thanks for sharing.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the kind feedback and for the thoughts and insights, George! I suppose that tension between commerce and art is an inevitable part of any form of creation that's intended to reach an audience (as opposed to somebody doing something purely for their own entertainment.) Your thoughts about Mike pushing TM in the Beach Boys material, despite it not being commercial (from someone so famous for "thinking commercial") is particularly interesting! It's a really good point and something I hadn't thought of. From all reports, Mike is a sincere and "true believer" in TM. I think he was very serious about "spreading the word." It would be very interesting to know what his thoughts about the commerciality of pushing TM on record were. Thanks, once again, for the great feedback, George! Much appreciated!
@MrDirtybear
2 жыл бұрын
The fact that the courts sided with Mike Love so much in the 1990's confirms my take on him 'for a musician he make a very good lawyer'. Your comments, Steve, about his patented insincerity as a lead singer only add to that. Point taken about Brian and Dennis being unstable characters over the years, and some stability being required around them. Even so I still don't understand the opacity around the corporate history and holdings of the recordings and other properties of Brother records Inc, owners until recently of the licence of The Beach Boys name, which Love keeps for himself. But when matters get to be about ownership rather than curation of the materials owned, then the story will get bitter.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Really interesting perspective and excellent points, bear! "For a musician, he makes a very good lawyer" is an great way of putting it! Thanks for raising these issues. Your thoughtful, insightful comments are much appreciated! Thanks, bear!
@MrDirtybear
2 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Has anyone ever written a book about Brother Records? Has anyone listed what material they own and license, and how it has worked as a label/management company. It would be much more than old dirty laundry aired, it would make an interesting expose....
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
@@MrDirtybear That's a great idea! I agree that I'd much rather hear about that than "dirty laundry." (As you might guess, the music bios that really appeal to me concentrate on the factual aspects of the music. I'm always looking for books with lots of lists and dates.) It would make a great episode too, assuming I can dig up enough solid information. Thanks for the suggestion and I'm going to give it a try!
@iowa61
Жыл бұрын
Mike Love’s current band is not The Beach Boys. He owns the name. The outstanding, transcendent,, Beach Boys reunion-along with more new studio material-would have been extended way beyond 2012 if not for Mike Love. Lunacy.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
I agree; "Mike's Beach Boys" are in no way "The Beach Boys." It sounds like you were fortunate enough to see the 2012 reunion tour, which I missed, to my eternal regret! Thanks for the comments and feedback, Artemus! (Very cool screen name too, by the way! I loved "The Wild, Wild West.")
@iowa61
Жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 I was very lucky to see the Reunion twice. Impossible to overstate how good it was. So great to have the Lost Beach Boy back and in great form. Lots of Easter Eggs too: David Marks coming out from intermission unannounced and playing “Pet Sounds.” The Beach Boys offspring singing delicious album cuts as her group “California Saga.” The album was great as well. And more was in the works until Mike torpedoed it… So yeah. I feel robbed… And you outed me! Big WWW fan…:)
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
@@iowa61 Thanks for the info on the reunion shows! The more I hear about it the more I realize I missed and your memories only added to that feeling. (I hadn't heard about David Marks coming out to do "Pet Sounds" before. That must have been a fantastic surprise!) I really appreciate the follow-up, Artie! Hope to hear more from you in the future and keep an eye out for evil Dr. Loveless!
@muziktrkr
3 жыл бұрын
A while back, Mike did an LA Times interview and all these haters came out of the woodwork, piling on with really nasty comments and I defended him, but then I saw his kids were also posting defending their dad and thanking me for what I wrote.Brian never trashed Mike in his book, Mike was self-depreciating in his but he made it known how much of a nightmare Dennis was, he taunted Mike in such malicious ways that TM probably kept him from strangling Dennis. Mike and Carl kept the band going, and it's really after Carl passed where the wheels came off....but at least "That's Why God Made The Radio" brought the magic back one more time. I think Mike screwed up when he wanted to keep doing the state fairs and corporate gigs with Bruce and his usual crew, because they easily could have booked 2-3 big festivals a year with Brian, Blondie, Al, Ricky and David.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
People love to beat up on Mike (and, I'll admit, there's a lot about him that makes him "punchable.") Having seen Mike (and Carl, Al, Bruce and the backing band) having to deal with Brian and, worse, Dennis, on stage in '81. I can easily understand what a nightmare it must have been. I've got to give it to Mike for professionalism! As you've said, with the state fair and corporate gigs (and his general attitude toward how he operates the band), he certainly seems to lack vision and, I assume, makes his decisions based completely on what it'll do to his bank account. Still, there's much more to him than people like to give him credit for! Thanks for the info, comments and insight, muziktrkr! Great stuff!
@muziktrkr
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 I have wondered what Ricky Fataar and Blondie Chaplin thought about The Beach Boys playing the Sun City resort, being that they're South African natives and must have felt like a slap in their faces having grown up dealing with apartheid until they left. The "Free Nelson Mandela" and boycotts hadn't made waves in 1982, but it hit Queen pretty hard. (How come Queen got all the attention at Live Aid? The Beach Boys were there too!!). If there's a top 10 "Beach Boys Blunders" - I'd put it on the list.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@muziktrkr That's a good question on Sun City! It would be interesting to hear Ricky and Blondie's thoughts. Funny you mention Queen at Live Aid. I was just thinking about that! Is it my imagination, or did Queen's Live Aid performance only become "legendary" after the Bohemian Rhapsody movie came out? I don't recall anyone mentioning it in particularly as a highlight of Live Aid at the time, or any time after, until very recently. Am I right? Thanks for the thoughts and comments, muzirkr! Interesting stuff!
@muziktrkr
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 That would be like a Beach Boys movie highlighting the DC 4th of July concert when they were accused of attracting an "undesirable element".
@juliatutor8099
Жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 The Queen legend at "Live Aid" was created at the time by one man's opinion of their set----Sting said he thought they put on the best set...And you must remember how popular Sting was at the time....
@mikeglossip7598
3 жыл бұрын
There would have been no Beach Boys without Brian Wilson. None of the others could have written all those hits. Noted: Mike Love has lyric credit on some of Brian's compositions.
@thomaspage2761
3 жыл бұрын
Your statement is true; however, there would have been no Brian Wilson and no Beach Boys without Mike Love. None of the other members could do what Mike did both on stage or on the business side. Brain would have been some behind the scenes song writer who would have been forgotten about once his metal health issues kicked in. I am a big Brian Wilson fan. I think is is a musical genius, However, throughout his whole life he has needed someone to dominate him First his father, then no one leading to drugs and mental issues, than Dr. Landry then no one, then regression, then Landry again and then his current wife. When Brian is interviewed alone his praises Mike love to the hilt when one of his handlers is around he hates Mike Love to the hilt. Love him or hate him Mike is still making a good bit of money for Brain, Carl's family and Al, as he puts on a great concert and gives the other five original band members, Brian Carl Al Dennis and Mark credit for their contributions
@mikeglossip7598
3 жыл бұрын
@@thomaspage2761 What would have impressed my is if ML would have carried on in 68-69 without Brian. ML wanted Brian to "Do It Again" with more sun, surf & car music. Brian wanted to move on. Paul McCartney doesn't need to use his former bands name, why does ML? Brian doesnt need that to be recognized. Bruce 'n Mike surf revue (using 90% of BB's hits 63-65), in their show, would be a more appropriate name for the cover band.
@burlingtonbill1
3 жыл бұрын
Actually I think the role of "holding the band together" should be awarded to Carl. Yes, Mike did not want the cash cow to end, but in my mind Carl was the one more dedicated to band perseverance. The CARDINAL SIN for me with Mike is his unforgiveable rant at the HOF speech in 1988. Maybe that room (and Jann Wenner et al) had it coming, but that was no place for it, and Mikey stooped to the level of singing "sheet metal worker" when he did that, NOT lead singer of "America's Band." Yeah, his leads on classic BB hits are legendary, but his other contributions -- besides being "King of the Road" -- over the years has been ONE real gem (in my mind): "All I Wanna Do" on Sunflower. He's constantly revising BB "history" as well. It's a little like building a house on quicksand, listening to Mike...
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Good point about Carl holding the band together! No doubt about it! Mike's rant at the HOF in '88 remains one of the weirdest things I've ever heard. I STILL haven't figured out what he was going for there...but I'd say he missed it! Thanks for the comments, bill!
@edwardmeradith2419
3 жыл бұрын
I still dislike Mike - I guess I feel they should’ve broken up and/or retired gracefully years ago. The music would have lived. I met Bruce when I was playing piano at the Ritz in Boston - wonderful experience. I always thought he did a beautiful job of being supportive of both Mike and Brian. I’d recently seen Brian & his band in Boston and Bruce asked “how was it?” I said “it was very good, I’m still a big Brian fan,” and Bruce said “You should be” and we moved on. They had recently lost Carl, who also seemed to be a peacemaker. And probably took a lot out of him. Anyway - thanks for a nice take on the positive side of ‘Love’ As a career musician I know you either take care of business or it takes care of you.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for those memories and for the insight and comments. I have a similar impression of Bruce. I get the impression he has a balanced view of things and can also be surprisingly candid. (I'm still hoping he'll reconsider his decision to not write a memoir!) I agree that they should have made a graceful exit years ago, (though, I suspect, financial considerations would have lead them to "reform" almost immediately and we'd probably, actually, have ended up pretty much where we are today anyway.) I really appreciate your insights, Edward! Thanks!
@ronsaunders7294
Жыл бұрын
Here's Mike talking about Kokomo, he says "I wrote that song with Terry Melcher and John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas. But John had already cut a version of the song years earlier, check it out, first the interview then the song before Mike "wrote" it kzitem.info/news/bejne/pW9-r4CFbKeVfG0 kzitem.info/news/bejne/u26A1658oGOAeqg
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for those links, Ron! Really interesting stuff and really amazing to hear John Phillips original version! I'm guessing MIke's contribution must have been "Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama."? (Sounds like a "Mike" contribution!) Really fascinating and, actually, I really like that John Phillips original version. Thanks for passing this along, Ron!
@josephharnett5075
3 жыл бұрын
Well without a doubt Mike's contribution greatly keep the beach boys going for that we appreciate but Mike's Mike😉
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
I know what you mean! Thanks for the comments, Joseph!
@AndrewCapobianco2014
4 жыл бұрын
I saw Brian & Al in Lynn MA Jan 2020 - Mike Love BBs were sched for April @ the same place, this was killed by Covid. Although I am on the eBW - AJ side of the battle, I was disappointed I did not get to see it
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
4 жыл бұрын
I definitely more on the BW-AJ side of things and was surprised how much I enjoyed the Mike BBs. The songs are so great, I can't help enjoying them and, really, it's great that Mike (or any of them, really) are still out there doing it after all these years. I really loved hearing Bruce's vocals again too. Thanks for the comments, Andrew!
@AndrewCapobianco2014
4 жыл бұрын
Was Bruce Johnson there?
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
4 жыл бұрын
@@AndrewCapobianco2014 Yes. In those days, Bruce always had a solo performance mid-way through the show, where he would alternate between playing "I Write The Songs" and "Disney Girls" each year. Always enjoyed Bruce! One of the highlights of seeing the "Mike Love Beach Boys" a couple of years ago was hearing Bruce sing again. His voice is almost as unchanged after all these years as Alan's is.
@chrisrainbow2393
3 жыл бұрын
Mike is the ideal front man and often would come over to UK to " sell " the band, particularly on Capital Radio , which had a huge audience and Roger Scott would always have Beach Boys Specials when a new album was released and very often Mike would pop up as his guest I found him very informative and entertaining.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Very interesting to know! I'd love to be able to do a study of how the band was promoted in the UK versus the US. I'm getting the idea that their support in the UK was very motivated and clever (getting them spots on the shows that could actually do them some good, for example.) Mike is definitely a "promoter" and he mostly seems genuine in his enthusiasm. Definitely the natural "spokesman" of the group! Thanks for the comments, chris!
@magictransistorradio4933
3 жыл бұрын
The solo albums of Carl Wilson were also bad. Brian has had the best solo career. No surprise there. Dennis had the best solo album. David Marks was in a couple of really good bands outside the Beach Boys. Al Jardine has a pretty good solo album. Bruce's was terrible.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Seems like a pretty sound over-view! It's too bad about Bruce's solo album. I'd have thought he could do better...maybe if he hadn't done it at the dawn of the disco craze. Carl's albums were a disappointment too. I really hoped for better. Thanks for the comments!
@magictransistorradio4933
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 I agree! Bruce was one of the biggest underachievers for the amount of talent he had.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@magictransistorradio4933 I've never understood his songwriting. Bruce is capable of writing great songs but only seems to turn out about three songs per decade. I've always wondered about that.
@magictransistorradio4933
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Yeah. Could be someone that plays instruments well but not a creative person.
@burlingtonbill1
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I never have been able to explain how a guy like Carl, who sings so well, and writes/produces things like "Feel Flows" could release such a sub-par solo LP.
@TheIgnatzz
3 жыл бұрын
Carl was the best singer in the band. I always thought that the only reason Mike took most of the leads was because he was the only one who never learned to play an instrument.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Funny too that the one instrument he tried, sax, would have kept him from singing! Thanks for the comments, Ignatz!
@PeteUSA44
3 жыл бұрын
You might that that saxaphone that Mike has near at hand in the earlier BB concerts is just a prop?
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@PeteUSA44 I always thought Mike got lucky that saxophone lost its popularity in rock bands shortly after The Beach Boys started, so, unlike the rest of them, he could dispense with really learning and playing an instrument. I know he still does the two note sax break in "Shut Down" on stage but I think that's about it. (One of many ways Mike got lucky, come to think of it!) Thanks for the comment, PJ!
@TheIgnatzz
3 жыл бұрын
@@PeteUSA44 It's not a prop, but he plays exactly two notes on it, and that seems to be as far as he got with it.
@steveskouson9620
2 жыл бұрын
Steve, I have a few words in defense of Mikey. "Mike Love is a perfect ASSHOLE!" No one is perfect. Sorry, but Mikey isn't worthy to carry ANY of the Wilson boys' jockstrap. Alan is included in that group. steve
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comments, Steve! Mike certainly gets strong reactions and, weirdly, after all these years, he seems to have never worked out a way to present himself that doesn't just make matters worse. Hard to think of any Mike Love interview I've ever seen that doesn't have me shaking my head or rolling my eyes...or just flat out, jaw-droppingly mystified, as was the case with his infamous Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame speech. Thanks again for the comments, Steve!
@wcassady
3 жыл бұрын
I have said a lot of these exact things myself. Mike made the most of his opportunity. Other band members who knew a money maker when they see it are Jon Bon Jovi and Gene Simmons...almost every successful long-running band has one. They know a 'Corporation' when they see it and are not about to let it waste. And yes, having to deal with Brian, Dennis, and Carl in their darkest times...would be no picnic. Although Dennis, Carl, and Brian are my favorite members...I would not have wanted to deal with them on a professional level during the bad times.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
I totally agree on all counts and I think Jon Bon Jovi and Gene Simmons are great examples. (I wouldn't want to hang out with Gene Simmons but I have to admit the way he and Paul Stanley turned Kiss into a long-lasting "brand" was brilliant.) Thanks for the comments and input, wcassady! Great stuff!
@ronniebrucehalford8396
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 KISS did what they did because they didn't have the talent to be the best band in the world, much less the U.S. And I say this as a die-hard KISS fan. Love them. Now think of the Beatles. They started out like KISS, finding big success with pop rock. Instead of milking it, they took the chance to grow and create musical masterpieces. The Beach Boys were in a similar place with the Beatles, but instead of surpassing the Beatles as the best rock band in the world, they had to settle for being America's best rock band. And to your point in the video, Mike Love is not the #1 reason why. 1. Imagine if Brian Wilson didn't have a father who was so cruel and destroyed Brian emotionally, from what I understand. Brian even lost part of his hearing due to his father's physical abuse. Brian might have been emotionally stronger to stand up for his art, not fall to pieces when critiqued, and able to win Mike Love's full support for Pet Sounds and Smile. 2. Imagine Brian and his brothers didn't have the cozy life living at home. The Beatles left everyone and everything behind and went to Germany to work on their music and improve their playing. That made them hungrier to grow as artists. Like you pointed out in the video, Mike Love didn't want to go back to metal sheets; the Wilson brothers were quite happy with their bed sheets at home, so there was nothing really to motivate them. (Although you would think Brian would want to be far away from his dad.) 3. I'm taking drug use out of the equation. Everyone did drugs. The Beatles. The Who. The Stones. I don't know enough about Brian's mental health to know that if his father didn't abuse him, would he still have had panic attacks about touring. Would he still be so damn demanding of the musicians while recording Pet Sounds? Imagine Brian stayed touring with the band, and was able to have the other Beach Boys more involved with Pet Sounds and Smile. Sure, Dennis is no Hal Blaine; Brian is no Carol Kay. The results wouldn't be the masterpiece that Pet Sounds is today. But we would still have a damn good Pet Sounds, a Smile released on time, and probably other albums nearly as transformative. Brian, as a damn good producer, would've been able to get a lot more out of The Beach Boys musically, with some help from other musicians Mike Love is a villain. But he only deserves part of the blame. Really, Carl and Dennis should've been fighting Brian for the crown of musical visionary. We know they're talented. But maybe they liked that California life to much to push themselves and support Brian more. Sorry this is a bit of a ramble, and I'm probably off in a few places. I just feel sad about how we have been deprived of a Beach Boys that should still be neck to neck with the Beatles today.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@ronniebrucehalford8396 Interesting perspective and good points! I've always thought one of the big differences between The Beach Boys and The Beatles (or between The Beach Boys and practically ANY other rock band) is that The Beach Boys never had that period of "paying dues" before becoming successful. (Consider all the years The Beatles spent playing away in Hamburg, Liverpool and doing crummy little tours in places like Scotland compared to The Beach Boys spending "the food money" one weekend to rent instruments and come up with "Surfin'") The reason, I suppose, is largely geographic; The Beach Boys were near a major hub of the entertainment industry where Murry had some connections. The Beatles were in Liverpool. I'm not sure of all the implications of that but it's interesting to consider. Life with Murry sounds rough to say the least! (I suspect, having grown up knowing nothing else, Brian, Dennis and Carl could be surprisingly comfortable with "the bed sheets at home" as you say.) I've got to believe there's no question that all of them were damaged by that upbringing. There's no doubt that The Beach Boys could have done even bigger things and have an even more legendary status if there had been better support for Brian and a broader vision from some of the band (looking at Mike here.) It is, indeed, as you say, sad. Thanks for the comments, Ronnie! Very insightful and interesting stuff! Much appreciated!
@burlingtonbill1
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 One HUGE difference that always seems to be overlooked or glossed over when comparing the 2 groups is GEORGE MARTIN. Brian did all the work Martin did for the Beatles. Brian was obsessive, perfectionistic, and demanding as well. So he burned himself out, way earlier than if he'd have had a "Martin" around to do all the producing. (We've finally seen with the creation of the "God Made the Radio album where Joe Thomas actually is doing that, letting Brian be more creative elsewhere, albeit being a lot older.) But the Beach Boys kept on going even without a lot of help from Brian (later on). I'm thinking especially of the 2 superb albums we are celebrating in the new "Feel Flows" package just released -- Sunflower and Surf's Up. How long could the Beatles have lasted if Paul had basically quit?
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@burlingtonbill1 Excellent points, bill! Thanks! Certainly amazing that Brian was able to keep up the pace he did for as long as he did (producer, arranger, writer, singer, performer, etc) while still advancing the frontiers of popular music! Certainly also amazing how ALL the guys were able to "rise to the occasion" and create some great stuff later on. (That second point, especially, I think is often overlooked!) Thanks for the insight, bill!
@johnsavala8202
4 жыл бұрын
In all fairness, If not for Mike touring as the “ Beach Boys “, I believe the band would have broken up after Carl’s death. We all know that Mikes band is not the BB but, it’s great that he is still performing the music for the next generation to enjoy.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
I agree, John! I was highly skeptical of Mike's "Beach Boys," but, when I finally saw them, I enjoyed the show and was happy that those songs are still being performed live. I'd sure rather see Mike doing those songs than a Beach Boys "tribute" band. If the "real" Beach Boys as a group are defunct, I'm happy to see Mike carry on! BTW, sorry it too so long for me to respond to your comment! I missed it "in the shuffle" somehow! Always great to hear from you, John!
@mikeglossip7598
3 жыл бұрын
Paul McCartney does not have to use his old bands name to draw a crowd to his shows. Loves knows he couldn't draw attendence with out BB connection....."Bruce & Mikes BB cover band"
@joewagner4452
3 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed the honest straightforwardness clear and honest assessment
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Joe! Much appreciated!
@michaellazzeri2069
Жыл бұрын
Sir---------respectfully--------in '81 Carl was not onstage with The Boys. i too saw them at that shameful Queen Mary concert. Adrian Baker was there ; Another member who's name I cannot bring up now ------I'll remember at 2 AM --------Jeff Foskett was NOT there, nor was Carl. In '81 Carl was full ahead on his 1st album, & a 10 city tour which sadly, I missed. ----------The guy I'm thinking of was also at the November of '97 concert in Thousand Oaks Ca. with Dave Marks. So, if you saw them in '81 , I cannot imagine Carl was there. --------The Knebworth Concert DVD shows us all just how wary Mike was of DW. All through " Surfer Girl", Mike's eyes slide to DW., afraid of just what he might do. -----------I can see this guy : shortish, dark hair & eyes, on guitar. Oh, it will come to me, but Carl would not have been there, in '81.-------Disgusted with the group, & tired of always being in the middle, Carl left, went to Caribou Ranch with Myrna Smith Schilling , & went to work on his 1st album, produced by JWG. By the way sir, it's pronounced " Gurrrcio " . ---------MJL, 77 y/o
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
I believe you're right that Carl would not have been there in '81. My mistake. Thanks, Michael!
@pauldrew3696
Жыл бұрын
Love was called lead singer because he sang the parts Brian gave him. Ironically he was also the worst singer. Dennis should have been the front man for the group.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
Good points and thanks for the feedback, Paul! Much appreciated!
@chuckurso921
3 жыл бұрын
I agree with you. I’ve followed The Beach Boys since 1962. The Wilson boys had a ton of issues. Carl was the only one who was grounded and dedicated. Dennis was seriously messed up and Brian was and probably still is a head case. Mike, the least musically talented kept it all together for the group and has kept the Beach Boy saga still alive with his session musicians. Nevertheless, I will always be a serious fan of The Beach Boys music especially the surfin and hot rod era. The music brings back tons of great memories of my teenage years
@greatdaneacdc
3 жыл бұрын
Well done ! Just subscribe! There’s been a lot of Mike Love lately and thank you for clearing up with a good reason why he is the way he is !
@steveclapham5587
4 жыл бұрын
I agree with you 100% love the video keep it up. Thankyou
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comments and the encouraging words, Steve!
@jhutch888
2 жыл бұрын
Great video but did Mike ever really try and get them to go back to writing about surfing and cars? I ask this because the band, including MIke's lyrics, had moved well beyond surfing and cars by All Summer Long (Don't Back Down being their last surf song until Do it Again) .... Wanting more "relatable" boy/girl songs, maybe, but I don't think there any documented accounts of him asking the band to go back to surf/cars. The "Don't fuck with the formula" quote has been pretty thoroughly debunked.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Good point and I think you're absolutely right. There may have been some "going back" with "Do It Again" and much more "retro" stuff much later on, but I don't think in 66-67 Mike was probably really expecting surfing' and drag songs again. He may have been uncomfortable with the direction the material was going but, as he's said himself, it was a feeling that the material was becoming "unrelatable." (Much as I love the more "out there" material, it's not an unfair consideration, either!) Thanks for the excellent comments and perspective, Hutch!
@waynedurham1997
2 жыл бұрын
Sadly I won’t go to any more Mike Love Beach Boys concerts. Those octogenarians aren’t that good and the kids behind them are just propping them up. Time to pull the plug. At least Brian snd Al are still creating good stuff!
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
I can understand that. It seems like the concerts are slowly morphing into Beach Boys "tribute" shows some members present and the backing bands pretty much carrying the shows. Thanks for the thoughts and feedback, Wayne!
@surfingthechaos
3 жыл бұрын
I have a question. Has Mike Love ever even talked about the Smile stuff anytime relatively recently? Is it possible that his feelings have changed on the subject? If he was willing to admit that he could have gone about things differently in hindsight, that might go along way towards repairing his image with fans.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Excellent question and I'm not entirely sure on the answer! From the most recent stuff I've seen and read, his attitude seems to boil down to: 1) I never was against SMiLE. 2) It's not my kind of thing but I know a lot of people like it. 3) It was drugs that sabotaged SMiLE, not me. I could definitely be wrong but I've had the feeling that Mike has settled in to blaming drug use by other band members for everything that ever went wrong with The Beach Boys. He undoubtedly has a point there, but I also feel like he now uses his "anti-drug" stance as a defense against any possible criticism that might be directed at him. Thanks for the question, MyQuill! What are your thoughts? Anyone else have thoughts or info on this?
@surfingthechaos
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 If that's the case, is it possible that fans have overstated his opposition to Smile? Personally, I never understood why Mike Love would have hated Smile in the first place. Wasn't it Mike Love's idea to have the Maharishi tour with them to try and teach transcendental meditation to the audience? To me that seems even more unconventional and "off brand" than any of the Smile stuff. Plus, the Beach Boys did that concert with The Grateful Dead while Mike Love was in charge. He couldn't have been that much against psychedelic hippie drug culture, or else The Grateful Dead would have been the last band on Earth that he would have wanted to be seen with.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@surfingthechaos I'm sure the answer is complicated and nuanced and I doubt even the people who were there are 100% sure exactly who objected to what and the effect it had. My impression from the reading I've done is that Mike didn't like Van Dyke Parks' lyrics, thinking them weird and unrelatable. Everybody agrees that he "questioned" the meaning of "Over and over the crow cries uncover the cornfield" with Van Dyke. Sometimes this has been characterized as a "discussion;" other times as a huge, heated argument. I've got the feeling that time and place had a lot to do with it. Culture was changing fast. In '66, when the SMiLE project getting was underway, Brian was at the cutting edge of "hip" culture in L.A., while Mike and the band were spending most of their time on the road in places across the midwest and south. I can understand Mike going on stage in smaller towns and everybody was still reacting enthusiastically to the car and surf songs. Meanwhile, Brian's friends back in L.A. are telling him to expand his vision. I could easily see Mike coming back and thinking it was crazy to fool around with an act that seemed to be going down great on the road. By '68, when they toured with the Maharishi and certainly by the early 70s when they were jamming with The Grateful Dead, I think the cultural changes had caught up with a lot more people, including Mike. That said, I think people like to blame too much of the demise of SMiLE on Mike. There's no indication that he refused to participate or tried to sabotage the project. He may have shown a lack of enthusiasm which may have played some part in Brian abandoning it but I think Brian walked away for a lot of other reasons. Mike certainly wasn't in a position to "make" Brian give it up, even if he wanted to. Just my suspicion, but I think people like to pile on Mike and blame him for the failure of the SMiLE project because it's an easy explanation to have one "villain," rather than a complicated series of events (and Mike, admittedly, often comes off as a "guy you love to hate" in interviews, so "piling on" him is sometimes tempting!) Very interesting question, MyQuill! Sorry for the long response! Does that sound reasonable? What are your thoughts?
@surfingthechaos
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 Yeah, that definitely sounds reasonable to me, probably the most reasonable take on the Mike Love situation that I have heard. I appreciate that you are taking a nuanced approach and not just looking for the worst in people. We need more of that in these times. I would definitely be interested in hearing what Mike's thoughts are about some of these things in hindsight. I feel like a good interview that touches on these points could help clear the air.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@surfingthechaos Mike certainly touches on these things in his autobiography, which is an interesting read. I'll let you know if I run across any good interviews. Thanks for your thoughtful comments and kind words, MyQuill! It's much appreciated!
@SoundlabStudios63
3 жыл бұрын
I think all the hate on Mike is too much. I don’t like what he said at the RAR hall of fame, and I don’t like he told Brian not to screw with the formula, but he is still an important part of the band. Brian’s still my favorite though.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
I agree. It's easy to "pile on" with Mike (and sometimes he comes off as a guy you'd LIKE to pile on!) All the same, he's definitely an important part of what made The Beach Boys "The Beach Boys." Brian's my favorite too. (I wonder if Mike is actually anybody's favorite...apart from maybe his wife and kids?) Thanks for the comments, Soundlab!
@burlingtonbill1
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 You must mean his CURRENT wife.... is she #4 or #5?
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@burlingtonbill1 That's right! I know I've never been able to keep track. (I'll bet they've installed a revolving door in the house!)
@BrianKruger
4 жыл бұрын
Informative stuff!! Love this.
@tralala1958
2 жыл бұрын
It's fine to treat the band you're in like a profession, that's what it is it it's your livelihood. But he's just obnoxious about it. I did not appreciate comparing him to Roger Daltrey, either-- Daltrey is actually talented, people actually want to see him and hear him. It's like saying James Buchanan or Andrew Johnson and FDR are comparable because they were both POTUSes; technically correct, but no real comparison. Mike Love might like to say he was the lead singer and/or frontman, but in the early days, he was certainly not THE lead, he was one of several leads. Ok... maybe he is owed a debt of gratitude for pulling everyone together when Brian was not up to that role, but maybe Carl or Al could have done that if given the chance. We'll never know. As for the later years, when both Brian and Dennis clearly did not want to be there-- maybe they could have just stopped touring for a few years, instead of continuing to force them into something they didn't want and COULD NOT do at that time. Who knows what a well-deserved break could have meant for both of them? Imo, ML is not so much a leader as an egomaniacal slave-driver determined to take credit and glory for things he is not entitled to. He didn't get the band to continue because he loves the music and the fans. He forced them into whatever incarnation he could mash together in order to feed the bottomless pit of his need for attention and admiration.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Good points and I largely agree...particularly about Mike "holding the band together" during the period when both Brian and Dennis were so clearly unhappy and in need of help. Though I admired Mike and the rest of the band, in the moment, holding the show together, I agree, in the bigger picture, they clearly should have taken a break...or even "called it a day." I agree there's a lot of ego there...and, I suppose, a need to keep money coming in for Mike, and probably others, that have resulted in some tours (and albums, too, maybe) that never should have been. Thanks for the comments, tralala! Much appreciated!
@michaelclark4043
Жыл бұрын
Baldness must run in Mike's family( most likely his dad's side) He was the only bald one in the bunch. But hair has nothing to do with talent. Sometimes looks aren't everything
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
Жыл бұрын
As you might have guessed, baldness is a subject close to my heart (and head.) From my experience, that old adage about it "skipping a generation" is true. My dad still has a full, lustrous (and only partially grey) head of hair at 85. I definitely was not as fortunate. I'm sure my son, who is 19, is hoping it "skips a generation" too! As for Mike, I certainly sympathize with him in that department...and I appreciate the fact he put on a hat rather than a "showbizzy" toupee. Thanks for the comments, Michael!
@martinbosch4288
2 жыл бұрын
Well said.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Martin!
@SolosoundsNetwork
3 жыл бұрын
Ok but... (and how about this for a show?)- What if Brian had fired Mike instead of his dad, and earlier? Pet Sounds would still be what it was and is today...however, Smile would have been released on time and in full as a double album and would outshine Sgt. Pepper. The band would have probably taken a similar path as the Beatles and did the next three or four albums at the same time, and all released to critical and popular fame. The band would have fizzled in 1970 (thankfully). Dennis' solo album would have appeared in 1974 and he would have a trail of big albums that followed. Brian would have continued much like McCartney and have a slew of solo albums that weren't rehashes from the past. Carl's career would probably mimic Ringo's. Mike Love would have, at best, a Pete Best career. But I dunno...just playin.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
That's a really interesting perspective and seems possible. On the other hand, I'm not sure that Murry would have been any more open to "Smile" than Mike was or whether they would have faded from view in the mid-60s without Mike as the strong front man on stage. Of course, it's all just speculation, but the speculation is a lot of fun. Without The Beach Boys, at least after the early 70s, I always pictured Carl having Michael McDonald's career: a voice you'd recognize guesting on a lot of other people's albums, with the occasional album of his own. On his own, I think Mike would have been lucky to have Pete Best's career! If Mike had left the band at any time from '65 onward, I'll bet he'd still be doing pretty much what he does now; performing Beach Boys oldies wherever he can get paid. (I suppose he wouldn't be able to call it "The Beach Boys" though.) You've got me started on speculation and I could go on and on! Thanks for the suggestion for doing something like this as an episode! It sounds like a great idea! Thanks, Jon!
@damnitboy9635
3 жыл бұрын
It's unfair to pin it all on Mike. Regardless if he was family, if he really was that much of problem, Brian could have fired him as he did Murry. Despite whatever he said about Pet Sounds and Smile, he still played ball and gave a good effort with his vocals to help complete the album with the rest of the band. Everyone gives Brian a free pass because he was the creative force, but let's talk about a bigger force than Mike. Think of the context of the era. Capitol was in the business of selling hits, not art, so when Pet Sounds was presented to them, they weren't fond of it and questioned how they're going to sell it. They went ahead and released it with little to no promotion, then released Best of the Beach Boys Vol 1 just two months later as to wash their hands of Pet Sounds. They weren't as supportive of Smile either. Brian wanted maybe another year to work on it, but there was no way Capitol was going to do that. Unfortunately they saw the Beach Boys as just a surf/summer band, and were marketed as such. The name The Beach Boys was a gift and a curse for the band.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@damnitboy9635 EXCELLENT points, all-round! I agree, especially, about Capitol. "Prestige" rock 'n' roll records weren't really "a thing" in 1966 and no record company was thinking in those terms. If there was any entity that didn't want the formula messed with, and had the clout to do something about it, it was the record company. (Of course, I know they also had to keep Brian happy so there was some compromise to indulge his artistic, but potentially less lucrative, endeavors.) I agree too, about The Beach Boys name. It was a little goofy in '62 (a period of a lot of goofy names) and a liability later. (Of course, a lot of bands overcome poor names..."The Beatles" is actually a pretty lousy double-meaning name though, since they weren't singing about bugs, it pretty quickly became a name ONLY associated with the band.) Not sure if "The Pendletons" would have been better! Thanks so much for the comments and insight! Great stuff, DamnitBoy!
@burlingtonbill1
3 жыл бұрын
@@damnitboy9635 Great points! But in pointing the finger at Crapitol, you didn't mention that they seemed to prefer promoting Beatles records. Some of that may have been pushback at Murry Wilson, and some of it might have been pushback at Brian for wanting to record in other studios, not the Tower, and without the normal Crapitol "supervisors" milling around. And for several contract disputes.
@MIKELIN8
3 жыл бұрын
Mike stifled Brian when he was trying to change the band's vision, and...dare I say...pop music as a whole. Most of Mike's credit has come from the courts. He's very good at picking lawyers to go against Brian, who seems to have no stomach for fighting his family. But go on and tell me what a great contributor he was.
@WelshKnight1066
3 жыл бұрын
The video mentioned both of your points but then brought up Mike's good qualities, which are tough to deny, so I don't quite understand your complaint.
@mtp4430
3 жыл бұрын
Mike Love should have been credited for his lyrics from the very beginning. Brian wasn't a lyricist, so there's no disputing they're Mike Love lyrics. Murray Wilson was a cutthroat SOB who sold his son's catalog right out from under him. So it's no surprise that Love wasn't credited on the songs giving Murray's business practices. However, I never liked Mike Love's nasal vocal delivery. Carl Wilson had a much better voice but wasn't frontman material, and Love fit the bill, so it fell to him. He made an ass out of himself at the HOF induction ceremony. Instead of concentrating on the Beach Boys, he called out Springsteen, McCartney, Jagger, etc. What was that about? And The Fabs couldn't keep up with the Beach Boys pace regarding live appearances? LOL Somebody needs to tell this idiot that the Beatles didn't need to tour to pay the bills like the Beach Boys did. Mike Love has made a career off of touring, whereas The Beatles didn't need touring to be financially solvent. So do I like the guy? No. Was he an integral part of the Beach Boys success? Yes he was. Great job on this video, presenting both sides of the coin. However, without Brian's amazing melodies, Mike Love's lyrics would never have even seen the light of day.
@burlingtonbill1
3 жыл бұрын
EXCELLENT SUMMARY !! I agree 1000% !
@qg3726
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah Brian was a MESS after awhile but you wanna SEE a class act? Check out tirade during Rock Hall Of Fame tirade..
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Oh man! You're not kidding! I STILL have no idea what that was all about! Thanks for the comments, Qtipz!
@Tommy-TwigFan
3 жыл бұрын
They didn't need him at the start lol have you seen the live videos of the early concerts? everyone ignored him, he made silly dances, he looked old, everyone was there either for Dennis or Brian. His lyrics were usually really bad and cringe except some songs. He was only there because the Wilson dad saw him as someone to control easily since he was part of the family, why do you think he wanted to dump him when Brian said that it was done with his dad? His karaoke singing style, his almost 0 contributions to the band bringing songs, and lets just ignore his personal life and what happened to his daughter...
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Interesting perspective and comments, Tommy! Your input is appreciated! Thanks!
@michaellazzeri9439
3 жыл бұрын
MIKE LOVE & JOE ELLIOTT ARE VERY MUCH ALIKE.-----------------------MJL, 74 Y/O
@MikeysTuneRoom
3 жыл бұрын
Great video! I agree and dare I say it, no Mike Love no Beach Boys. And for me it boils down to, if Mike Love is a complete jerk, so what...
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
I agree. Mike Love is a such a key piece of the group, without him, it would have been something completely different. Also, as another viewer commented here, (I'm paraphrasing) Mike gets a bad rap by comparison maybe, but, if he was in The Rolling Stones, he'd be the nicest guy in the band! (I thought that was a great comment!) Thanks for commenting, Mikey, and keep up the great work on your channel!
@chrishills2427
2 жыл бұрын
Agreed
@mrg7407
3 жыл бұрын
I think The Beach Boys Needed Clint Eastwood to set them straight. Every Man needs to know his Limitations. If we as Men embrace that we would be happier in life IMO
@jmua8450
3 жыл бұрын
I do not like anything about Mikey Love.
@rickcurtis2983
2 жыл бұрын
Agree with you all the way!!
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Rick!
@niceguytraining
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this. I disliked Mike Love until I read his book. It was interesting to hear his perspective. I'd always assumed that he was a republican, which he addresses without confirming or denying. He is upfront about his values though, which tend toward progressive.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
4 жыл бұрын
I agree. Like most people in The Beach Boys' story (and in real life, actually), the more you study them, the harder they are to classify as a "hero" or a "villain." Mike can come off as condescending, egotistical and short-sighted. He's also an central member of a band I love, solidly reliable over nearly 60 years in the business, and deserving of some respect for his contribution to The Beach Boys and rock music in general. Thanks for the comments! Hope to hear more from you!
@etanwishmedia6121
3 жыл бұрын
heres my controversy.. he cant sing. i dont know why youd have him sing leads with his very limited nasal tone when youve got an al jardine that could do the counter with Carl... i think hes a great lyricist and its prolly because he was an alpha male that he dominated passive types like Al, etc
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
I think you're right. For all the negatives that come with the "alpha male" thing, I think it made him a good "front man" for the band. I think that was certainly a more important contribution to the band than his vocals, which, as you point out are limited and nasal (and certainly got worse as time went by!) Thanks for the comments, Etan! Good points and much appreciated!
@DummyYEEEAAHHHHH
3 жыл бұрын
That album is a horrible piece of 💩 🗑️
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
A concise review that I really can't argue with! (I'm planning to talk about it in an episode some time...once I can figure out something interesting to say about it! I certainly didn't have high hopes for the album at the time it was released...and it still disappointed me!) Thanks for the comment, Brian!
@mikebrison1838
3 жыл бұрын
He’s a tool
@bendover3838
3 жыл бұрын
I was at that concert at Pine Knob in '81, also saw them there twice in the '90's. Always great music and a great time. Have been a fan since the beginning. I disagree about Mike Love. The fact that Glenn Campbell, Bruce Johnston and even John Stamos could fill in for Brian Wilson with no noticeable disruption to the music should be sufficient proof that others could have taken Love's spot effectively.
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
Cool that you were at that concert! I'd love to hear if you have any specific recollections of the show. (For me, the drama that was going on between band members on stage made it one of the most memorable shows I've seen. I'm not sure if others shared by impression.) Thanks for the comments and perspectives, Ben!
@bendover3838
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444 I was on the hill (lawn tickets). Beach balls, beer and bud! lol!
@thebeachboysbasementwithst6444
3 жыл бұрын
@@bendover3838 Sounds like a good time! (Still does, actually!)
@shawnyoung1668
Жыл бұрын
You have no idea what you're talking about, brougham
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