airplanetag
Dude/Dudette
Posts: 60
Likes: 96
Favorite Album: The Beach Boys Love You
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Post by airplanetag on Jun 13, 2021 16:47:18 GMT -5
Anyone else love this clip as much as I do? Saw it again last night and honestly I think it's peak Brian. It's from the late Landy period but Brian seems really engaged and is having fun with the audience and it all feels impromptu.
He does God Only Knows, California Girls, Spirit of Rock & Roll, and Good Vibrations solo on piano. Unfortunately somebody (one of Landy's people? I dunno) stops Brian during Spirit to tell him "hey Brian we don't need you to play piano. We have a tape you can sing along to!" Even that's not so bad because you get to see Brian singing with just a microphone and doing some Mike Love-worthy stage moves.
Other fun moments: - Brian singing the backing parts of Spirit
- Hal Blaine says hi and Brian is very happy to see him. He calls him "THE drum place of all time."
- Brian has the audience fade out the clapping during the slow part of GV. What a boss.
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Post by Mikie on Jun 13, 2021 17:08:35 GMT -5
Anyone else love this clip as much as I do? Yep! But I loved watching his performance in person even more, then having my picture taken with him outside next to the limo.
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Post by lonesurf on Jun 13, 2021 17:15:57 GMT -5
Thanks for the video.
Mikey, can you post the photo!?! (I have my photos from that day in a box somewhere… great weekend!)
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Post by Mikie on Jun 13, 2021 17:28:55 GMT -5
Thanks for the video. Mikey, can you post the photo!?! (I have my photos from that day in a box somewhere… great weekend!) I'll look for it - it's in a box somewhere like yours is. Les Chan had the picture enlarged to an 8x10 for me, then I had Brian sign it later and framed it behind glass. Good memories. Landy was standing off to the side by himself and I approached him and thanked him for what he did for Brian and told him how much I liked Brian's '88 album. He said, "Wait until you hear the next album. It's going to blow the first one away!"
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Post by Sam_BFC on Jun 13, 2021 22:28:27 GMT -5
Were you aware of anything untoward about Landy at that time? ps great stories
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barnsy
Kahuna
Posts: 199
Likes: 305
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Post by barnsy on Jun 14, 2021 11:48:02 GMT -5
Were you aware of anything untoward about Landy at that time? ps great stories That would be interesting to know. When Brian was at the UK Stomp Convention in 1988 I saw Landy at one point sat by himself but didn't want to go up to him as I was already aware of some disquiet about his 'treatment' of Brian. I can't remember exactly what I was aware of at that time but I'm sure we were already referring to the person accompanying Brian as a 'Surf Nazi'.
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Post by Mikie on Jun 14, 2021 13:12:44 GMT -5
Were you aware of anything untoward about Landy at that time? ps great stories Hang on, I had to look up "untoward" as the word isn't in my vocabulary. "Untoward. Unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient". That's why Google is my best friend! I remember rumors were going around at the time that Landy was overly assertive and unorthodox in his ways and I just attributed that to the fact that his program had to be very aggressive in order to successfully turn Brian's physical and mental condition around. Brian's bullshit book came out the following year, then the truth started trickling out, and it was confirmed after picking up McParland's book(s) at the second convention in 1992 and after talking to Steve and other fans about what had actually been transpiring for many years. Landy had obviously gone out of bounds (to say the least). All of us there (especially organizers Edgil/Mast/Chan) were just happy that Brian made it. I think they pretty much kept it a surprise. Before making a grand entrance in the late afternoon at the convention in San Diego, Brian and Landy were at the Hard Rock Cafe about 10 miles away because Brian received a star on their "Walk of Fame". Brian looked good, seemed real happy, and was back in business with his music. Indirectly, Landy made sure that everyone knew he was responsible for Brian being there. Hal Blaine also showed up and talked for awhile and signed his book. Brian called him "Phil Spector's main guy". Alan Boyd contributed the theme song, "Down South To San Diego" which was really good!
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Post by Autotune on Jun 14, 2021 14:20:28 GMT -5
The memory must be endearing for the people that attended. I’d just become a fan and was ecstatic to read the reports… I didn’t know just how rare that event was.
In recent years, I’ve finally watched the video and I don’t know. Brian’s human and musical qualities are there, to be sure. But the performance is all over the place (this musical genius’ lack of ability to play a song throughout wasn’t concerning?) and he seems to be on uppers. IIRC, it was after this appearance that Peter Reum raised his serious concern about Brian’s health.
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barnsy
Kahuna
Posts: 199
Likes: 305
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Post by barnsy on Jun 14, 2021 16:02:57 GMT -5
I remember rumors were going around at the time that Landy was overly assertive and unorthodox in his ways and I just attributed that to the fact that his program had to be very aggressive in order to successfully turn Brian's physical and mental condition around. Brian's bullshit book came out the following year, then the truth started trickling out, and it was confirmed after picking up McParland's book(s) at the second convention in 1992 and after talking to Steve and other fans about what had actually been transpiring for many years. Landy had obviously gone out of bounds (to say the least). All of us there (especially organizers Edgil/Mast/Chan) were just happy that Brian made it. I think they pretty much kept it a surprise. Before making a grand entrance in the late afternoon at the convention in San Diego, Brian and Landy were at the Hard Rock Cafe about 10 miles away because Brian received a star on their "Walk of Fame". Brian looked good, seemed real happy, and was back in business with his music. Indirectly, Landy made sure that everyone knew he was responsible for Brian being there. Hal Blaine also showed up and talked for awhile and signed his book. Brian called him "Phil Spector's main guy". Alan Boyd contributed the theme song, "Down South To San Diego" which was really good! Yeah, as fans we didn't know what was actually going on until later. Thanks for sharing Mikie.
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Post by Mikie on Jun 14, 2021 16:31:07 GMT -5
Barnsy, what are your recollections of the '88 Stomp convention in the UK with Brian?
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barnsy
Kahuna
Posts: 199
Likes: 305
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Post by barnsy on Jun 14, 2021 18:25:56 GMT -5
Barnsy, what are your recollections of the '88 Stomp convention in the UK with Brian? I really ought to review the old VHS tape I have of the event but as I’m not going to then these truly are recollections (and may thus be misremembered in places). When I went into the venue I met Sean Macreavy, who told me that he’d been asked to bring his DX7 with him, which was Brian’s choice of instrument at that time so the intrigue had begun. Nobody was saying anything officially though. I bought a T-shirt from John Porteous which had a picture of Brian from the ’88 album publicity on it (presumably using a photo Brian had signed for John as it had ‘To John. Brian Wilson’ written on it! That one didn’t fare as badly as Darian’s tie-dyed Smile T-shirt and I still have it) and on a trip to the Gents I was stood in front of the mirror seeing what it would look like to wear when in walked sneakypete77 of this parish. He said that if I was a big fan of Brian’s then I’d better get back out to the auditorium. I said to him that I’d heard a rumour Brian was going to be here but his lips were sealed. Back in my seat we were then treated to a performance by Tony Rivers. Part-way through I spotted Landy entering the building via the fire escape at the side of the stage, to my right. The intrigue went up a notch. Tony Rivers then announced there was a technical hitch and they had to stop, whereby the curtains were drawn across the stage. After a short period we could hear some synth plinks from the stage, then a song started to be played on it, the curtain was drawn back and there was Brian right in front of us! The place of course erupted, we were on our feet applauding. It’s difficult to imagine now, after we’ve seen Brian so many times, the impact this had at the time but it really was mind-blowing (thank you Roy and Mike and whoever else made it happen). The commotion was such that Brian had to stop playing and he stood up to take the appreciation but eventually had to motion us to sit down so that he could carry on. Brian played 3 songs but was obviously really nervous as his leg was jiggling up and down and I’m sure I noticed some seemingly involuntary facial spasms. But we wanted Brian to know our love and appreciation for him and cheered and clapped. After the performance, whilst an autograph table was being set up on stage, I remember talking with someone and we remarked on the ‘Surf Nazi’ in attendance. But apart from a little disquiet at what we’d heard about Landy and his treatment we didn’t really know much, though enough for me to not want to converse with Landy when I had the opportunity. We lined up to meet Brian and it can hardly be said how much it meant to be in the presence of one’s musical hero. I wasn’t able to think straight for sure as I positioned myself to Brian’s hearing-impaired side and thus caused him to have to turn round to face me and ask me to repeat what I’d said. But faux pas aside BB fandom has never been bettered than at that particular time and place.
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Post by Mikie on Jun 14, 2021 19:46:30 GMT -5
Great story, Mr. Barnsy! You mentioned that you met Sean Macreavy. I met him at the 1992 BB convention in San Diego. What a great guy - he treated me and my daughter very well that night at dinner, and I bought his "In My Room" CD to benefit the homeless in Santa Monica. And one bloke you didn't mention and another nice guy I exchanged pleasantries with via e-mails way back when was Francis Greene. I'm sure you know him - another great piano/keyboard player who has 'dog ears'. Knows the chords to every Beach Boys song, even unreleased ones! Francis just joined this board last week and I asked him to explain himself, but I guess he's too shy to say something.
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Post by leedempsey on Jun 14, 2021 20:51:06 GMT -5
A friend of mine from L.A. had heard stories about Landy. At the Convention he walked up to Landy and said “I don’t like your methods, but I have to thank you for saving Brian’s life.” He said Landy didn’t know how to take the back-handed compliment.
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Post by Mikie on Jun 14, 2021 21:30:22 GMT -5
Barnsy alluded to the "Surf Nazi" in a couple of his posts above. I believe the expression "Surf Nazi" was attributed to Landy's henchman, Brian's helper/handler around that time, Kevin Leslie. Sometimes Landy's son Evan would tag along. Leslie seemed to be at every recording session, book/record signing, interview, and other public appearances with Brian and would take phone orders from Landy at his every whim.
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Post by E on Jun 15, 2021 1:04:36 GMT -5
Barnsy, what are your recollections of the '88 Stomp convention in the UK with Brian? I bought a T-shirt from John Porteous which had a picture of Brian from the ’88 album publicity on it (presumably using a photo Brian had signed for John as it had ‘To John. Brian Wilson’ written on it! Had the same t-shirt (same source too). A girl I knew asked me if it was Mickey Rourke. It didn't work out.
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Post by AGD on Jun 15, 2021 1:31:18 GMT -5
Barnsy, what are your recollections of the '88 Stomp convention in the UK with Brian? I really ought to review the old VHS tape I have of the event but as I’m not going to then these truly are recollections (and may thus be misremembered in places). When I went into the venue I met Sean Macreavy, who told me that he’d been asked to bring his DX7 with him, which was Brian’s choice of instrument at that time so the intrigue had begun. Nobody was saying anything officially though. I bought a T-shirt from John Porteous which had a picture of Brian from the ’88 album publicity on it (presumably using a photo Brian had signed for John as it had ‘To John. Brian Wilson’ written on it! That one didn’t fare as badly as Darian’s tie-dyed Smile T-shirt and I still have it) and on a trip to the Gents I was stood in front of the mirror seeing what it would look like to wear when in walked sneakypete77 of this parish. He said that if I was a big fan of Brian’s then I’d better get back out to the auditorium. I said to him that I’d heard a rumour Brian was going to be here but his lips were sealed. Back in my seat we were then treated to a performance by Tony Rivers. Part-way through I spotted Landy entering the building via the fire escape at the side of the stage, to my right. The intrigue went up a notch. Tony Rivers then announced there was a technical hitch and they had to stop, whereby the curtains were drawn across the stage. After a short period we could hear some synth plinks from the stage, then a song started to be played on it, the curtain was drawn back and there was Brian right in front of us! The place of course erupted, we were on our feet applauding. It’s difficult to imagine now, after we’ve seen Brian so many times, the impact this had at the time but it really was mind-blowing (thank you Roy and Mike and whoever else made it happen). The commotion was such that Brian had to stop playing and he stood up to take the appreciation but eventually had to motion us to sit down so that he could carry on. Brian played 3 songs but was obviously really nervous as his leg was jiggling up and down and I’m sure I noticed some seemingly involuntary facial spasms. But we wanted Brian to know our love and appreciation for him and cheered and clapped. After the performance, whilst an autograph table was being set up on stage, I remember talking with someone and we remarked on the ‘Surf Nazi’ in attendance. But apart from a little disquiet at what we’d heard about Landy and his treatment we didn’t really know much, though enough for me to not want to converse with Landy when I had the opportunity. We lined up to meet Brian and it can hardly be said how much it meant to be in the presence of one’s musical hero. I wasn’t able to think straight for sure as I positioned myself to Brian’s hearing-impaired side and thus caused him to have to turn round to face me and ask me to repeat what I’d said. But faux pas aside BB fandom has never been bettered than at that particular time and place. The previous day, Mike & Roy had interviewed Brian, mentioned the Convention and of course asked if he'd like to show up. Landy jumped straight in explaining they'd love to but it was a busy time, blah blah blah and anyway it was up to Brian. Brian promptly said "Sure, I'll come". Landy pretty much fell off his chair, tried hard to dissuade him, to no avail. True story.
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Post by John Manning on Jun 15, 2021 2:13:27 GMT -5
Such memories are gold dust, many thanks for sharing, all.
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Post by sneakypete77 on Jun 15, 2021 4:45:43 GMT -5
Just got enough time to post this before I have to hit the road. Two lucky dudes welcoming Brian to the UK Stomp Convention ’88. Not sure who was crapping themselves more – us two or Brian. That handshake of his was clammy as hell and he was shaking like a leaf. And loitering in the wings with Tony Rivers and his band is the enigmatic Kevin Leslie, long blond hair and shades. He seems to be operating one of the many recording devices that were secreted about his person that day, although why he shoved it down there is anybody’s guess. Either that or he’s doing something equally shifty with that left hand. There’s a bit more fun to be had with Kev and Eugene that day in a post from a couple of years ago:
And barnsy, you weren't the only one I had to turf out of the bogs that day - sheesh, the number of blokes preening themselves with their newly bought T-shirts when the place is about to go mental
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Post by AGD on Jun 15, 2021 4:59:19 GMT -5
Mark Service had done his usual superb job of flogging raffle tickets, and was standing next to me when Tony Rivers "glitch" occurred. This conversation ensued (I'd been clued in the previous night):
Mark: ah, I'll go downsairs and count the money.
AGD: no, not yet.
Mark: nothings happening here...
AGD: Mark, don't go downstairs.
Mark: why not ?
AGD: because you will regret it for the rest of your life.
At which point the curtains opened to reveal Brian.
Mark: no... no... no... sh*t...f*uck...
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Post by bittersweetsanity on Jun 15, 2021 6:13:53 GMT -5
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barnsy
Kahuna
Posts: 199
Likes: 305
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Post by barnsy on Jun 15, 2021 13:04:16 GMT -5
Great story, Mr. Barnsy! You mentioned that you met Sean Macreavy. I met him at the 1992 BB convention in San Diego. What a great guy - he treated me and my daughter very well that night at dinner, and I bought his "In My Room" CD to benefit the homeless in Santa Monica. And one bloke you didn't mention and another nice guy I exchanged pleasantries with via e-mails way back when was Francis Greene. I'm sure you know him - another great piano/keyboard player who has 'dog ears'. Knows the chords to every Beach Boys song, even unreleased ones! Francis just joined this board last week and I asked him to explain himself, but I guess he's too shy to say something. Sean really is a great guy. He does a podcast with another great guy and fellow BB fan Paul McNulty - starting off with Godley & Creme's Consequences and expanding into the wider 10cc-related universe: it's a great listen for anyone interested in music and is available at consequences.podbean.com/. At the very least treat yourself to this video Francis is a lovely guy, we used to converse at events. To demonstrate his knowledge of BB chords check out www.surfermoon.com/tabs.shtml. That's from some years ago and Francis may have revised his opinion since: if so now's the time to speak up Francis
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barnsy
Kahuna
Posts: 199
Likes: 305
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Post by barnsy on Jun 15, 2021 13:12:03 GMT -5
AGD quote: The previous day, Mike & Roy had interviewed Brian, mentioned the Convention and of course asked if he'd like to show up. Landy jumped straight in explaining they'd love to but it was a busy time, blah blah blah and anyway it was up to Brian. Brian promptly said "Sure, I'll come". Landy pretty much fell off his chair, tried hard to dissuade him, to no avail. True story. Me: So we have Brian himself to thank really! That's just fantastic.
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Post by lonesurf on Jun 15, 2021 13:45:54 GMT -5
These were great times! So exciting to see Brian.
To second Barney: Sean & Paul’s Consequences Podcast is phenomenal. A real labor of love & well worth the time of any music fan.
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Post by Mikie on Jun 15, 2021 13:49:25 GMT -5
Lonesurf, you were at the ESQ convention in 1990 too, right? What do you remember? Were you also at the 1992 BB Convention?
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Post by Chuck's rewind on Jun 15, 2021 15:04:33 GMT -5
I bought a T-shirt from John Porteous which had a picture of Brian from the ’88 album publicity on it (presumably using a photo Brian had signed for John as it had ‘To John. Brian Wilson’ written on it! Had the same t-shirt (same source too). A girl I knew asked me if it was Mickey Rourke. It didn't work out. Would you believe me that I still have that black and white Brian T shirt from J.P..... and a pets sounds one... fully intact AND wearable!
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