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Celebrate the Birthdays of
Dennis Wilson on December 4 and
Carl Wilson on December 21...
Hotline
NEW AND CURRENT ITEMS
 BEACH BOYS REUNION PLANS ANNOUNCED!
The Beach Boys will reunite for a global 50th Anniversary CELEBRATION in 2012. Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks will come together for a new studio album, commemorative catalog releases with Capitol/EMI, and a 50-date international tour to begin on April 27th with a headlining performance at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, as well as other exciting events to be announced. Recording on the new album is already under way. Read the full press release. Watch the “Do It Again” video on the official BB reunion website. (updated 12/16/11)
THE BEACH BOYS SMILE IS HERE — FINALLY! Capitol Records is releasing the Beach Boys' long-lost album Smile, on November 1, 2011 in the US, October 31 in the UK, November 2 in Japan, and has just come out in Europe. Titled The Smile Sessions, the set is available in three versions — a two-CD set; a two-disc vinyl edition, and a limited-edition boxed set. A digital release is also expected. Mark Linett and Alan Boyd co-produced the release.
The Smile Sessions box set consists of five CDs, two vinyl LPs in gatefold covers, two vinyl 45s (“Heros & Villains” and “Vege-Tables”) with pic sleeves, a reproduction of the original Smile insert booklet, a poster of Frank Holmes' cover art, and a 60-page hardbound book. (Click on the image below to see the box set package.) An “Intro to Smile” video with interviews from the individual Beach Boys, Mark Linett, and Alan Boyd is now available from the BBs' YouTube channel. Footage from one of the “Good Vibrations” recording sessions is included in the intro video.
The book has liner notes from Beach Boys Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Alan Jardine, and Bruce Johnston, as well as contributions from artist Frank Holmes, Peter Reum, Craig Slowinski, Tom Nolan, Dominic Priore, Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford, Diane Rovell, Dean Torrence, Mark Volman, Michael Vosse, David Anderle, and Danny Hutton. There are also lyrics, illustrations by Frank Holmes, previously unreleased photos, an in-depth sessionography, and more. (updated 10/28/11)
Smile Sessions links:
- The Beach Boys's official YouTube channel keeps adding new Smile goodies. See the BBs talk about Smile, watch Brian demonstrate the light-up version of the box set and explore the details of the box set in an animated unboxing video.
- Read the full track lineups at RollingStone.com.
- Explore special Smile package combinations at Capitol's official Beach Boys site.
- Get updates from the official Beach Boys Facebook page.
- Listen to interviews about The Smile Sessions with Mark Linett, Alan Boyd, and Jon Stebbins at Iconfetch.com.
- See who won the contest to create videos for “Heroes & Villains” and “Good Vibrations” at Tongal.com.
The UK magazine Mojo, in prelude to The Smile Sessions' release, has put out a Mojo '60s Special issue, with a focus on Smile. The special issue includes a remastered 7" yellow vinyl single of the Beach Boys' “Cabin Essence” and “Wonderful.”
(updated 8/26/11)
Brian Wilson has released In the Key of Disney, an album of Brian's takes on 11 Disney film music classics. Tracks include “Baby Mine,” “I Just Can't Wait to Be King,” “Stay Awake,” and “When You Wish Upon a Star” (the song that inspired “Surfer Girl”). Listen to “Heigh-Ho/Whistle While You Work,” courtesy of brianwilson.com. The album is on Disney Pearl Records. Available in stores, online, and iTunes; Amazon is offering versions with bonus tracks. (updated 8/25/11)
The Fall '11 issue of the BBFC Newsletter is out, with an interview with Matt Jardine. To order, see below. (11/30/11)
Brian also contributes a track to the new multi-artist Buddy Holly tribute album, Listen to Me. Brian does his own take on the title song, “Listen to Me,” now available as a free download from RollingStone.com. The extended EPK is also available for viewing on YouTube.
(updated 8/20/11)
The Beach Boys will be inducted into the California Hall of Fame, along with Buzz Aldrin, Magic Johnson, Carlos Santana, Amy Tan, and others. The governer and first lady of California made the selection for the sixth annual induction, honoring “legendary people who embody California's innovative spirit” (press release). The ceremony will take place on Dec. 8, 2011 at the Memorial Auditorium, 1515 J Street in Sacramento, CA. (updated 9/9/11)
Al Jardine's A Postcard from California (previously available only as a digital/burn on demand release) will finally be released in physical CD format, January 24, 2012, on Waterfront Records. The CD will have three bonus tracks, including one with Carl Wilson vocals. (updated 10/20/11)
Billy Hinsche brings us a second BB-themed documentary this year! 24 Hours is a fun look at the BB's 1991 tour (as they travel to 5 cities in one 24-hour period). The single-disc DVD is now available at www.billyhinsche.com. See the trailer here on YouTube. (updated 8/9/11)
The Beach Boys have released a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl single of “Don't Fight the Sea” (the group track from Al Jardine's A Postcard from California, listed under their individual names) backed with “Friends (a capella),” a previously unreleased version from 1968. Proceeds from this single will benefit Japanese Red Cross relief efforts. “Don't Fight the Sea” is available in record stores and also available via Al Jardine's website and Sound Stage Direct. Read the full story here, as reported by David Beard on the Examiner website: Part 1 and Part 2. (updated 4/22/11)
Congratulations go to Bruce Johnston, on the birth of his second grandchild, Eddie Johnston! (8/16/11)
The Beach Boys reunited in the studio this summer to test the recording waters once again. They worked on a new version of “Do It Again” (which may have been a warmup). (7/9/11)
In celebration of Record Store Day, Capitol/EMI has released a limited edition vinyl pressing of The Beach Boys' “Good Vibrations,” backed with “Heroes and Villains.” This release consists of a limited edition double 78 RPM (yes, really!) set with the original single release mixes on one disc and alternate versions of both songs on the other disc. (updated 4/7/11)
Billy Hinsche's documentary on Carl Wilson is now available. Carl Wilson — Here and Now is a 2-disc DVD package and is now available for pre-ordering at www.billyhinsche.com. See the trailers here and here on YouTube.
Billy is also teaching guitar classes online via SKYPE. For more details, go to his website.
(updated 6/5/11)
Brian Wilson received the Chairman's Award for Sustained Creative Achievement at the 2011 NARM Music Business Convention in Los Angeles on May 12, 2011.
(3/28/11)
REUNION APPEARANCE: Al Jardine joined fellow Beach Boys Mike Love and Bruce Johnston on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, for a 20-minute set at the Ronald Reagan Presidental Library & Museum, as part of the late former President's centennial birthday celebration. The Beach Boys were part of “A Concert for America: A Tribute to Ronald Reagan” video link here. The next day, the BBs joined Nancy Reagan onstage to sing "Happy Birthday" to former President Reagan. Photos of the event may be found on Al Jardine's website. (updated 2/14/11)
David Marks plays guitar on a new Francine Reed track, “Surrender,” which was written by BB collaborator Stephen J. Kalinich and Jez Graham (of the Summertime Blues Band). Now available as a download single from iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. (3/6/11)
Al Jardine has a whale-watching video available for viewing here. (2/8/11)
A 2-disc expanded version of Billy Hinsche's DVD, 1974 — On the Road with The Beach Boys (Director's Cut), with additional archival video, vintage film, personal photos, and special guest appearances, is now available from his website. Filmed during April and May, 1974, this DVD offers an unique, first-hand look at the BB's life on the road. 1974 is $35, plus shipping. (updated 12/18/10)
Brian Wilson: Songwriter 1962-1969 is a new documentary film investigating Brian's work as a composer, primarily with The Beach Boys. Bruce Johnston, David Marks, Billy Hinsche, Danny Hutton, Carol Kaye, and Hal Blaine appear, along with others. The documentary is currently set for release on DVD on November 23, 2010. (10/5/10)
A new film project, based on The Beach Boys' music, is in the works. John Stamos (Glee) is co-producer. (10/5/10)
Brian Wilson's newest album project, Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin, has been completed and is currently scheduled for an August 17th release. A streaming audio preview of the entire BWRG album and special pricing packages are now available via Brian's website. See the promo video here and on YouTube.
Tracks on BWRG include “Rhapsody in Blue,” "The Like in I Love You,” “Summertime,” “I Loves You Porgy,” “I Got Plenty of Nothin,” “It Ain't Necessarily So,” “'S Wonderful,” “They Can't Take That Away from Me,” “Our Love Is Here to Stay,” “I've Got a Crush on You,” “I've Got Rhythm,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and “Nothing But Love.” A bonus track will be available for those who purchase the album from iTunes. (updated 8/11/10)
Al Jardine's new album A Postcard from California will be released digitally on iTunes and Amazon (including a CDR version), Tuesday, June 29, 2010. (No information is available at this time on other possible formats.) Alan is joined by some very special guests, including Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Mike Love, David Marks, Bruce Johnston, Matt and Adam Jardine, as well as Steve Miller, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Glen Campbell, Flea, Scott Mathews, Norton Buffalo, Alec Baldwin, and others. Read more.
The track listing and audio samples are available at Alan's website at www.aljardine.com. BBFC's October 2007 interview with Al also appears on his site, in the “Articles” section. (updated 6/25/10)
Carl Wilson's second solo album, Youngblood, has been reissued on CD by Iconoclassic Records. Youngblood was originally released in 1983 and as a Japanese import CD in the early '90s. This will be the album's first release on CD in the U.S. (updated 9/26/10)
A biopic of Dennis Wilson's later years, tentatively titled The Drummer is planned for 2011. Dennis' son Carl B. Wilson and daughter Jennifer Wilson will serve as co-producers on the film. Music from Dennis' Pacific Ocean Blue, as well as previously unreleased Dennis Wilson and Beach Boys music will be featured in the soundtrack. (6/1/10)
The T.A.M.I. Show, a 1964 concert film featuring The Beach Boys, James Brown, the Rolling Stones, and more, and hosted by Jan & Dean was unavailable in its entirety for decades. Shot live in L.A. before an ecstatic audience, the T.A.M.I. Show: Collector's Edition has been fully restored and released on DVD by Shout! Factory. On sale now at brick-and-mortar and online retailers. (updated 3/21/10)
Brian Wilson and Alan Jardine are part of the all-star supergroup singing on the new version of “We Are the World,” recorded on February 1, 2010. The song and video debuted during the Winter Olympics telecast and are now available via iTunes and other online music services. Proceeds from the remake will go to benefit Haitian earthquake relief efforts. (updated 3/9/10)
A new 60-minute documentary film on the life of Dennis Wilson has been created for the BBC4 Legends series and will premiere in the UK on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 9 p.m. The documentary features previously unseen footage and rare archival materials. New interview segments with David Marks, Al Jardine, Blondie Chaplin, Michael Wilson, Carl B. Wilson, Gregg Jakobson, Ed Roach, John Hanlon, Jeffrey Foskett, Tom Murphy, Ron Swallow, Jo Ann Marks, Taylor Hawkins, Mike Kowalski, Jon Stebbins (also a co-producer), and others give the film a fresh perspective on Dennis' life and legacy. (updated 1/13/10)
At least four new Beach Boys books in print and in progress. More. (12/21/09)
ENDLESS SUMMER QUARTERLY
The Fall 2011 edition of Endless Summer Quarterly (ESQ) is now available. features an interview with Brian Wilson on In the Key of Disney<; Matt Jardine discusses life in music; John Cowsill shares his experiences of life on the road with the touring Beach Boys Band; news and reviews; and more.
ESQ's all-Smile edition features new Smile Q&A's with Brian Wilson and Mike Love; artist Frank Holmes takes us on a tour of the different meanings behind his three illustrations for the song "Cabin Essence"; Peter Reum offers an examination of Brian's exploration in life during the Smile era; Andrew G. Doe writes about the humor of Smile; Bill Tobelman studies the potential meanings behind the Smile music; and more. Individual issue: $10
Individual issues are $10. Subscription rates are US $30 for 4 issues ($34 for Canada and Mexico; $38 throughout the rest of the world). U.S. funds only. Make checks payable to: Endless Summer Quarterly. Send to ESQ at P.O. Box 470315, Charlotte, NC 28247. ESQ accepts Paypal payments, pay to esqeditor@aol.com. For more information, visit the ESQ website. (updated 11/30/11)
ENDLESS SKY, VOLUME FIVE: BILLY HINSCHE AND BOBBY FIGUEROA
 Endless Sky continues its series of interviews with musicians with their newest installment, interviewing BBBand stalwarts Billy Hinsche and Bobby Figueroa. Be sure to check out the first two volumes of the Endless Sky series: Volume I: Wondermints, Volume II: Dean Torrence, Volume 3: Van Dyke Parks and Volume 4: Tony Asher and Alan Boyd. Each volume costs $14.99. Buy any two for $25 or all three for $30. Visit endlessskyvideo.blogspot.com to view promotional trailers. Add $3 shipping and handling — $4 if ordering two, $5 if ordering three. Overseas shipping rates are: $5 for one, $6 for two, $7 for three. Send checks or money orders to Endless Sky, 28 Wilson Road, Lambertville, NJ 08530 or send money via PayPal to esvideo@yahoo.com. For further information, contact Endless-sky@esquarterly.com.
(updated 3/28/09)
SOUTH DOWNS WAY and BEHIND THE SCENES
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BB collaborator Stephen J. Kalinich and BBFC member Peter Lacey have joined forces on a new album, South Downs Way. The album is available in CD from Pink Hedgehog Records and downloadable from iTunes. Peter's latest solo album, Behind the Scenes, is also available. For more info, contact the good folks at Pink Hedgehog. (updated 1/14/10) |
Jon Stebbins is working on an update of his Dennis Wilson: The Real Beach Boy. (6/9/08)
Coming soon, a new book, Beach Boys' Drive — Guide to the Beach Boys' California. Billed as the definitive Beach Boys guidebook, the tome follows a patchwork quilt across time, chronicling a career spanning over four decades and over 150 locations. For more info, go to www.myspace.com/beachboydrive. (12/14/08)
Andrew Doe, author of several BB books and liner notes, has created a comprehensive online Beach Boys discography and a historical timeline for the Beach Boys, including an extensive examination of the band's beginning and year by year shows and sessions listings. (updated 4/6/09)
Archived Hotline items.
(This section updated 3/1/11)
All This Is That
BB CONTACT INFORMATION
Mail may be sent to members of the Beach Boys through BBFC:
Beach Boys Fan Club, 631 N. Stephanie St. #546, Henderson, NV 89014.
or via BB management at:
c/o Brother Records Inc., P.O. Box 910002, San Diego, CA 92191-0002.
Brian Wilson may also be contacted via his message board at brianwilson.com.
About BBFC
The club was started by Alice, the president, in 1973, when she wrote to rock magazines expressing an interest in seeing more articles about the Beach Boys. After one of her letters was printed, several people contacted her about forming a club. Ads in Rolling Stone generated more membership; the first newsletter was published in 1976. The Beach Boys' promotional people took an interest, resulting in BBFC's becoming the official Beach Boys fan organization.
You can receive our latest newsletter by joining the club. Basic membership is $5.00 ($8.00 in U.S. funds for overseas members). This includes five issues of our newsletter (published irregularly), with news and other information, tour dates, editorials, and a classified section, as well as email bulletins for between-newsletter news.
HOW TO JOIN BBFC
Send your contact information and $5 ($8 overseas) in check or money order to the Beach Boys Fan Club, 50 S. Emery St. #4E, Pahrump, NV 89048. We have provided an application form for your convenience. (You do not need to include an SASE when sending payment.)
Links to other Beach Boys/Brian Wilson sites on the Web!
Updated on December 16, 2011
This page is maintained by the webteam.
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