Post by bbfinfl on Aug 5, 2020 13:26:53 GMT -5
I first discovered the band when in high school. First BBs concert included Jan and Dean, Brian in a blue bathrobe and a very drunk and disheveled Dennis Sept. 3, 1978, Lakeland, Florida. I was long time member of the old BBFUN fan club and eagerly awaited the monthly newsletter. I saw the “classic” line up many times, with another highlight being Six Flags over Georgia around 1984. Security made everyone sit down, and Al overrode them and immediately everyone was up dancing on the chairs! Another great show was in Lakeland around Christmas ’96 or ’97. Seats near the front, and all members looked great and fit, except Carl who did not look well. This was just weeks before his illness was announced. I also saw Mike’s Endless Summer Band play at Lake Lanier Islands (early 80s?) with Foskett. All rockin’ surf and car songs, we went in a boat and yes there were girls and beer involved! Great show. Brian’s shows ranged from very stiff (first Pet Sounds tour), amazing (Smile in Tampa and a greatest hit show in Clearwater) to-uh- no comment- at the Mahaffey in St. Pete most recently. Of course, the C50 show in Tampa was awesome, even thought the meet and greet was a flop (only one quick picture with the major people). Lastly, I was the BBs band concert at Ruth Eckerd just before the COVID shutdown. The guys just rocked! Yes I like both camps, almost hard to compare. I hope they get it together and get the box set out soon. One last comment: there is such a treasure trove of stuff possibly online that if finished would have been brilliant and raised the band's stature even higher. I think still the various BBs itinerations and music are the best in the world!
