A Visit With Brian - A Beach Boys Stomp Story

 Hot on the heels of the Still Cruisin' album and in the midst of his new solo career, Beach Boys Stomp got yet another chance to speak to the big man himself. This interview stemmed from Brian's guest appearance at the 1988 Stomp convention. Panayiotis Bogdanos was tasked with delivering a plaque commemorating the event to Brian in Los Angeles. Accompanied by friend Tim Roehm, they arranged a meeting on November 17th 1989. The details of that meeting were recorded in two pieces published in Stomps 77 and 78 the following year. In it Brian delves into his past with the Beach Boys, the plans for his upcoming album (the ill-fated Sweet Insanity), and even the possibility of Smile seeing the light of day...

A Visit With Brian - By Panayiotis Bogdanos

Taken from Beach Boys Stomp Issues 77 and 78, published February/April 1990

Part 1 - The Meeting

It had never occurred to me that I would be so nervous about finally having the chance to meet Brian Wilson. Yet, that is exactly how I felt while tossing and turning in bed, the night before, at a scuzzy hotel, when I finally got down to Los Angeles to see him.

To tell how I ended up in this circumstance, I will explain that this trip to Los Angeles developed after I received a phone call from Roy Gudge. He had called me the Sunday morning following the 11th STOMP Convention with a question that at first stunned me, but then left me excited.

"Panayiotis, would you like to hand deliver a plaque we've made for Brian to him in L.A.?" I recall him saying. The plaque in question was made by STOMP for Brian to commemorate his appearance at the 10th STOMP convention in 1988.

"He must be kidding..." I remember first thinking. But here I was in Los Angeles full of anxiety about meeting the man whose music had probably affected me more than any by any other artist.

My friend Tim Roehm had offered to take me to L.A. when he told me had[sic] some business to take care of down there as well. He is also a hardcore Beach Boys fan like myself, so he too wanted to see Brian. He was excited and the trip was set.

We had earlier spoken to Brian's office and made tentative plans to meet Brian on Friday, November 17, 1989, at his new office building and demo studio across town, which was still under construction. Our contact there, would be Arnold.

Over the years, I have been lucky to meet all of the Beach Boys at various concerts. This was my first experience meeting Brian. Tim, on the other hand, had met Brian back in 1981 while on tour with the Beach Boys in San Mateo. (A town about 20 miles south of San Francisco). He had met Brian during his overweight period and long before Dr. Landy had come back into the picture. On the ride over to the studio, Tim kept telling me to relax, my anxiety was obvious.

When we entered the studio's front door, we were greeted by Arnold. He was overseeing the construction of the studio and had been expecting us. After being introduced, he showed us around and we sat with him and had a pleasant discussion about the new facility. He explained that this studio was a small one, but would allow Brian access at any time of the day he desired to work on demos, being able to come and go as he pleased. At this point we were interrupted by Kevin Leslie.

Kevin has been Brian's personal assistant for a few years. He greeted us and said it was great to meet new friends who were fans of Brian's. He had also been expecting us and assured us that Brian was on his way.

As we waited, we talked to many of the technicians who were putting together Brian's mixing board. I have since forgotten names, but I do remember someone saying the new studio was equipped with a 16-track mixing board. At the time, I though to myself, "Sixteen-tracks... just for demos?"

We also talked to Kevin a bit more about our trip down to L.A. and showed him the plaque. He laughed and said that they had had a great time in England and he was personally astonished by the great response that the Convention fans had given Brian. I should add that his tone of voice suggested that the performance and appearance at the Convention may have been good for Brian and his personal confidence.

As we continued talking to Kevin, I looked over my shoulder and caught Brian as he snuck in the back door. He was dressed modestly in black jeans and a polo shirt, and came quietly into the room. Before I knew it, I was shaking hands and being introduced to Brian, and not really aware of what was happening. I found Brian so down to earth and easy going that this initial introduction became a bit anti-climactic. This is not to say that I was not thrilled, but meeting Brian in this environment, proved to be different and actually more enjoyable knowing he did not have to run off to catch a plane to another tour stop.

I regained my composure (I had been nervous) and then introduced Tim who handed me the plaque to present to Brian. Tim was also overjoyed to see Brian and we both proceeded to tell Brian about how thrilled the fans in England were about his appearance at the Convention in 1988. The plaque was their way of saying thank you for being "good company".

"This is from the guys in England?" was the first thing I remember Brian saying. He was quite moved and astonished by STOMP's wonderful gesture, and I assured him that I would speak to both Roy and Mike and express a personal thanks from Brian.

"Are you gonna take it home?" said Arnold, who was admiring it as well...

"Nah... I want to hang it up right here in the studio." replied Brian. He told us he would hang it above his piano in the other smaller studio.

Brian was more than happy to pose with us and the plaque for a photo. At some time in the past I remembered hearing stories about Brian being camera shy but on this day Brian took liberties to make sure we got the shots we wanted. He was hilarious telling us to take another and another and another photo so we could make sure we got a good one.

Thinking back to when Brian first came in, I had noticed how nervous he had been toward Tim and I. Perhaps the suit I was wearing intimidated him a bit, but after we gave him the plaque, and spoke to him pleasantly, Brian relaxed and asked us to stay and "hang-out" with him for a while. He was obviously beginning to enjoy our company.

Tim started talking to him and we both expressed how much we enjoyed the BRIAN WILSON album. We told him of our disappointment though about "Meet Me In My Dream Tonight" not being chosen as a single. Brian was a bit caught by our suggestion and agreed with us that it might have been been the hit he wanted. We continued by telling him that we thought "Melt Away" was probably the best track he'd done in a while, but it had little hit potential when released as a late single from the album. Brian agreed with us and told us it had been the record company's decision to release it so late.

We then asked him how he was getting along with the other Beach Boys. Brian laughed and said that things were pretty good, but that he didn't see them much, and avoided spending too much time with them. It appeared to me that their relationships have continued to be strained because of his first solo album, and "Kokomo" reaching number one.

Regardless, he talked highly of the Beach Boys and praised Carl Wilson calling him "A great singer whose voice gets better and better". He said he was happy that Carl had sung on Brian's new song "In My Car" and commented that he liked his vocal on "Make It Big". He then sang the part he was referring to "Bight Lights" and we joined him for the echoed backing vocal "Bright Lights". We all had a good laugh about the three of us singing together.

He continued on about the Beach Boys switching to talk about Al Jardine, and said that the session for "Island Girl" from the new album worked quite well adding that, in his opinion, Al was a genius in his own right, and was really happy about the tag of that song.

"I sang the tag on the end of that one," Brian stated. "Al and I worked on it together trying to give it a smooth feel."

During our conversation, Brian had been signing some of the things we had brought with us for autographs. He was talking about various things, but was distracted when I asked him to sign an old concert program that Dennis had signed for me back in August 1983. He was amazed and pleased to know that I had a chance to meet Dennis. When Tim mentioned that he had met him also, it became obvious to us that Brian still missed him quite a bit. I remember Brian telling us that "he and Denny had been good buddies."

Brian continually added to the conversation by bringing up various albums and songs that he wanted to talk about, and seemed to have much to say to us.

"Have you guys heard KEEPIN' THE SUMMER ALIVE?" Brian asked. We told him that we were familiar with the album and Tim told him he liked "Oh Darlin." This gave Brian a kick and he in turn told him he liked the "Darlin'" on WILD HONEY as well. 

We sang part of "Oh Darlin'" with him then he asked us about "Sunshine", which he said he expecially liked. I began singing "Dum Dum, dum de dooby do, dum dum..." and Tim along with Brian started singing along with me. Sitting around singing songs with one of your idols is greater than one could ever imagine!!!

Talking further about KTSA, Brian told about the pressure Bruce Johnston had been under as he was getting worn out from the production responsibilities of the album. He told us about he and Bruce had come up with ideas for "Goin' On" although they had not really written much together through the 1970s. (Note: The only songs Bruce and Brian wrote together appear on SUNFLOWER). Brian said Bruce had worked on the intro for "Goin On" for weeks trying to get the correct sound and feel for the vocals. I mentioned to Brian that I was friends with Scott Mathews, the drummer who played on the sessions. He seemed impressed, but could not remember Scott.

We then began asking Brian various questions about the past, such as what song Dennis was suppose to sing when he fell asleep as mentioned in Brian's comments on the back of SUMMER DAYS ( AND SUMMER NIGHTS!!!). "Well if you didn't know," Brian told us, "it was "You're So Good To Me"." The mention of this album sparked Brian who remembered how ticked off his father was when "I'm Bugged At My Old Man" had been included on the album's release. Brian still has an incredible memory of details from the early days.

At this point of our meeting, Tim and I really didn't know if we would have the chance to sit down and do a formal interview with Brian. Brian on the other hand, was waiting to hear from Kevin to see if he had to go to one of his many appointments that day. This all changed. During our meeting, someone had called to reschedule one of the appointments pending that afternoon.

Hearing of this change, we made the suggestion that we would like to sit down and do a real interview with Brian. Brian was happy to oblige.

Now, before getting into the interview, I must mention what happened at this point. Brian was thirsty. "He, you guys want to get a drink?" he offered.

We did agree that the studio was hot and that getting a drink would be beneficial to all of us before we got down to business.

"Let me get my wallet and treat you guys." said Brian as he ran out to the back parking lot to get some money.

Brian drives a Yellow Corvette with a black top, which was parked where Brian had left it earlier. I had followed him to his car telling him that Tim and I would be honored if we could treat him. Brian then insisted that he would like to pay, but after not being able to find his wallet in the car ("I forgot the damn thing!"), Brian agreed to let us treat him. We then told Kevin we were going out to get something to drink.

This is where Brian really surprised us. As we crossed the street, I told Brian how I had been a Beach Boys fan for almost 16 years and I was only 27 (more than half my life). Brian responded by saying, "Well, I guess that makes you somewhat of a music authority," as he playfully elbowed me in the ribs. Brian then added, "With all those pictures you've taken of me, you could sell'em all for a dime a piece and make a fortune." I assured Brian that I could probably get more than a dime a piece for them, but would do no such thing. Brian surprised me by even mentioning these things. He is aware of his surroundings and still had the charm which, unfortunately, many people over the years had taken advantage of.

Arriving at the liquor store a few blocks from the studio, Brian told us how much he enjoyed seltzer water, (he is a health nut). The three of us agreed to share a large bottle, but each ended up grabbing a small bottle as Brian said, "I could drink a gallon myself." Brian posed for more photos inside the store with Tim and really began having fun with us. Brian wanted to climb into the refrigerator and have us close the door and take a picture of him with his nose pressed up against the glass. We discouraged him from getting in, telling him that the owner of the store might not like it. Brian agreed and we paid for the seltzer as he began guzzling the bottle even before we left the store. We stopped outside to take a few more photos, and then headed back to the studio.

After this experience with Brian, I think back and laugh about the whole thing - he still has a great sense of humour.

Back at the studio, we proceeded to the smaller separate studio to listen to Brian play a couple of new tunes (we told him we would not share titles) on his piano and to get the recorder rolling for some of the questions we had prepared.

END OF PART ONE

                                -o0o-

Part 2 - The Interview

BW : Brian Wilson

TR : Tim Roehm

PB : Panayiotis

BW: You work out? (To Panayiotis)

PB: I used to bench press 350 pounds...

BW: I exercise everyday. I run five miles, swim for an hour and go to Nautilus. I tone myself up

PB: Do you use free weights or do you prefer working on machines?

BW: Machines. Free weights are too risky.

PB: Let's get on to some other stuff... What's the latest news about Brian Wilson - do you have a title for the new album?

BW: I've got a hundred titles!!!

PB: For the album?

BW: Oh that! (laughs at his error). It's gonna be called "Solo Two"... and I figured that would be good instead of calling it "Get On Your Shades" or just some weird or scary title - I decided I should do a more direct thing

PB: Direct?

BW: Yeah... people will respond to it. I don't know if it will sell very much though... because my music is old fashioned...

TR: (Surprised) No... Not at all. Sure in some cases there has to be an acquired taste for it, but sooner or later you're hooked. just look at us!!!

PB: Even SMILEY SMILE is a cult favourite. It didn't sell too well when it was first released, but today it's respected as the vocally and technically brilliant album that it is.

BW: We did some interesting things on that album. Lots of interesting concepts that we did on that album.

PB: Are you talking about the way you pieced the tracks together?

BW: Yes, I learned that from my engineer.

TR: Chuck Britz?

BW: No, Steve Desper did SMILEY SMILE.

PB: What? Are you sure?

BW: Nah... I'm not sure. Steve was the best engineer we ever worked with.

TR: Wouldn't you say that Chuck Britz was really the sixth Beach Boy during the earlier days?

BW: Chuck used to get mad at us. Mike (Love) would mess around you know, trying to make us laugh. Chuck says, "Look I gotta go bowling in an hour..." ...Chuck would deliberately make up instant lies like that so we'd get going...

PB: Get serious in the studio?

BW: Yes. Sometimes there'd be half an hour between takes. Take One... twenty minutes of Mike Love's humour... right... Take Two... a half hour of Mike and Dennis fighting.

PB: Did Mike and Dennis fight a lot?

BW: Yeh... but the whole thing, the overall feeling of the session was that... it just had a feeling... you know?

PB: You've written a lot of new songs for the album including the two or three you played for us... Can you give us some titles?

BW: Yeh... there's about fifteen new tracks. There's ----- and ----, but don't print those cause that's not cool. There's so many different things and title changes. I'll play you some more in a few minutes.

(In the studio where we're talking is a set of chimes. As we continue, Brian leans over and starts hitting them.)

PB: I know you're into Frank Sinatra and crooner music. Ever though about doing something like... say... "Lady Is A Tramp"? It would be great and just for fun and could make a nice bonus track on CD or B-side...

BW: Hmmm... (expressing interest in the suggestion). We could do that. As a matter of fact, we just might do "Lady Is A Tramp." I don't know. There's a million songs to do and it's a hard choice. As soon as you think of one there's another.

PB: Where does it stop?

BW: Exactly. I had an idea. I want to do "Come Go With Me" by the Dell-Vikings. I'd like to do that one. Another one I thought about doing is "Over The Mountain" by...

TR: Johnny and Joe?

BW: Right! (Brian leans over to the piano and begins singing): "Over the mountain, across the sea..." (We do not mention to him that the Beach Boys had a hit with Al Jardine's production of "Come Go With Me". Perhaps he doesn't know and perhaps he doesn't care.)

PB/TR: Great song Brian. Can we ask you about "I'm So Young"? What gave you the urge to cover that song? Was it from hearing the Ronettes/Spector version, or the original Doo-wop version by the Students?

BW: Once again... what was it called?

PB: "I'm So Young"

BW: Could you sing it?

PB/TR: Sure Brian (Tim and I proceed to sing it to him).

BW: Oh yeah!!! I know that song!! It's on the Beach Boys TODAY. The Ronettes encouraged me to do it. I though (his voice dropping in volume) when I heard Ronnie sing it, I said (screams) Oh God! I'd love to cut that song!!! I don't remember hearing the original too much.

TR: The arrangement is really much different from the Ronettes version.

BW: The Ronettes were more lush... more stuff in the background...

PB: Yeh we... (Brian cuts in)

BW: (Singing like Ronnie Spector) "We want-a get mare-reed"... Like that right!?!?

PB: (laughter) More melodramatic!!!

BW: Well... Thanks.

TR: Do you really like that old Doo-Wop stuff?

BW: I do. I like the "Duke Of Earl".

PB: Gene Chandler.

BW: (Singing) "Duke, Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl..."

We all proceed to sing a few lines together and Brian seems to appreciate that we like the old songs as well.

PB: Back to the album... All of the tracks will be original, hand picked from the fifteen or so new ones you've written?

BW: Yes. I will also pick some from the hundred or so left over from the first album. You know we picked from about 120 songs to come up with the selection the BRIAN WILSON album.

PB: In terms of the Beach Boys, is "In My Car" going to be released as a single from STILL CRUISIN'?

BW: I don't know.

PB: Do you have any say in that decision?

BW: We're plugging for it. Gene and I want it to be a single. But it looks like Capitol has the final say. We're having other hassles with them right now. (Brian is referring to the current lawsuits which are still pending.)

PB: The lawsuits?

BW: Yes, byt they're saying to me that they want something better. I don't like the song - I like it. But I mean... it's not as good as we can do.

PB: We have to admit that there are many other songs, we prefer also. But we're not saying "In My Car" is substandard. We just prefer listening to others.

BW: (Laughs, moved by the honesty.)

TR: There's other things that we like better... Like "Too Much Sugar".

PB: We like the line about Jane Fonda. Any comments about that?

BW: The Jane Fonda line... It's Dr. Landy's line... You like that one huh?

TR: Great melody and backing track.

BW: Well... Thank you.

PB: I know you just did a song with Linda Ronstadt. She came into the radio station I work at in San Francisco and I asked her about the track. She said working with you was a fabulous experience. How did you come to be involved with the track "Adios"

BW: Jimmy Webb wrote the song. Then Peter Asher and Linda heard it and flipped out. Then they said, "Let's get Brian Wilson, to do some Beach Boy harmonies and then we'll have a smah!! It was a concept they had. You know, like the Beach Boys and Linda Ronstadt... and Peter Asher!!! The whole bit. But I don't think it's that good.

PB: I hear that they are not planning to release it as a single.

BW: I don't like it. (Sarcastically) A smash record!!

PB: You don't like it? Watch it become a big hit!! (Jokingly)

BW: Another smash record!! (Jokingly)

PB: Going back, about a year, how did you handle the press that was saying, "Beach Boys Snub Brian Wilson", as "Kokomo" was climbing the charts, and "Love and Mercy" was not?

BWl I was quite exasperated... so exasperated. It was quite frustrating... I was not happy about not being on the record. But I was happier about doing my own stuff and it helped me deal with. It's my attitude.

PB: We know you got to run. Can we talk about SMILE for a moment or two?

BW: (Hearty laugh and smile)

PB: Last year while remastering PET SOUNDS for CD release...

BW: I got a copy...

PB: ...You went through the SMILE tapes. A few years back, a friend of mine suggested that you should put together a 3 or 4 record or compact disc set of various outtakes, on a high quality label like "Mobility Fidelity" and release it as a limited edition of say... five thousand. It would sell out probably immediately, and the people that would really be interested in it could finally hear what your ideas were. What are your thoughts on this suggestion, or simply releasing any part of the unreleased SMILE sessions.

BW: Nah.. Nah.. I don't think it would be to our advantage.

PB: Not even as an artistic album or statement?

BW: Well, I don't think... Well, if the other guys wanna do something, fine. I'm not gonna do it. I will not do that.

PB: You have the final say on SMILE then. Right.

BW: Yes we do. Gene and I and the Beach Boys have the final say on it. I'm certainly not gonna get... I don't think it's a good move.

PB: In what way?

BW: You know what I mean. It exposes us too much?

TR: Too much behind the scenes stuff?

PB: Or is it band politics?

BW: Nah. It just exposes us... I don't know if it's too many politics. I don't know.

PB: Are the recordings too rough?

BW: It really doesn't matter. (Apparently tired of the subject.) Look at this studio!!!! I've got so much to do. I'll play you something then I gotta go.

The interview came to a close with Brian playing us two more new songs from the album. One is a ballad and the other is a bit upbeat sounding similar to "Night Time" from the first album. He then asked if we would be in Los Angeles until Monday. He wanted our phone number where we were staying so he could call us and invite us to a session sometime during the weekend. Sadly we had to get back to San Francisco and declined Brian's offer. We did promise him that should we ever be back in the area, we'd contact his office hopefully to attend a session on a future date. Brian then shook our hands and thanked us for hanging out with him.

I took Brian aside just before he left for his appointment and expressed to him that if he was content with his life, and had peace of mind, that it wouldn't matter to me if he never wrote another song. Brian seemed so moved by my comment that he blurted out, "What the hell would I do?" We both laughed and smiled at each other.

It was a hot afternoon when we walked Brian out to his car and said our last goodbyes. Tim and I hung around the studio and talked with some of the other employees and even looked around the room where the master tapes from his first album were stored. We were both happy about the was the day had turned out and felt as if we had spent a day with someone who we had known all our lives.

Brian Wilson has come a long way in the last decade. It is incredible to note that this meeting with Tim and I would not have been able to take place 7 or 8 years back hadn't Dr. Landy or someone stepped in and helped Brian deal with his problems. Sure, Brian does have problems remembering certain times of his life, certain songs or certain details, but it is clear that Brian has come a long way from the scared, shy man who nearly destroyed himself with his abuses.

During our meeting, Brian Wilson appeared to be a happy man with not a care in the world. He also appeared to be comfortable with our confession of being "Brian Fanatics", something that probably scared him years ago. Brian appeared to be content with his life and his new career.

Brian Wilson is a modest man. A man who has touched so many, but who only few have ever touched him back. We are extremely pleased to have been able to express to Brian personally that we love him.

-o0o-

Tim and I would like to thank Roy and Mike for giving us this opportunity; the whole crew at Brian's office for working so hard to get the day set us; Dr. Gene Landy, who allowed us the easy access to Brian but who we unfortunately did not get a chance to meet to Les Chan, for helping us piece together our thoughts as we told him about the trip David Leaf who really opened our eyes as to what Brian is really all about, and last but not least to Brian (of course) for being so real, so spontaneous, so down to earth and for putting up with our questions regarding the same old stuff. We look forward to talking to you again over a seltzer!!!