Good News Tucson - A Family Values Publication

After 46 years, still having Fun, Fun, Fun

Pictured from left to right:
John Cowsill, Tim Bonhomme, Bruce Johnston, Chris Farmer, Mike Love, Mike Kowalski, Randell Kirsch, Scott Totten

Forty-six summers ago a group defined a sound and musical genre. The Wilson brothers, Brian, Carl, and Dennis, along with their cousin Mike Love and childhood friend, Al Jardine, formed the Beach Boys.

Beach Boys Memories
with Big Rick

Big Rick first saw the Beach Boys in the early 1960's at the Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, CA. A California native, Big Rick grew up on the music when they where making it.

GNT got Big Rick's views on the current state of the Band and why you should take the time to see the Beach Boys in 2008.

How long have you been listening to the Beach Boys?

Since back in the day when they made those big black round things, called LP's. (Laughter follows.) For as far back as I can remember, my early teens.

What's your favorite song?

They're all good. Kokomo. Surfer Girl is the first song I remember hearing. Deuce Coupe is great.

What is your favorite thing about seeing the Beach Boys Live?

Their energy is incredible. It's good times. It brings back memories.

Describe the Beach Boys for someone who has never heard their sound or seen them live?

They have Chuck Berry's Riffs. Brian, Carl and Mike worked hard together. The music itself is different than other people's. It's so involved with each song. They try so hard to tell a story. They made you feel like you were there. When you hear Little Deuce Coupe, you hear the roar of the engine. Surfin' USA you could hear the sound of the ocean and even smell the salty air.

Why should people see the Beach Boys today?

Because people will see music that is timeless.

Would you see the current line up without Brian Wilson?

Absolutely. Because I still enjoy the music. I'd see them with or without Brian.

You have taken your wife and kids to the see the Beach Boys, would you take your 7 year old granddaughter?

Yes, absolutely. Their music is for young and old.

What is your favorite Beach Boys concert memory?

When they are about to start, beach balls begin to fly around the audience. It's like a signal that they are coming on stage. It's fun. Being there is great.

If there was one thing you could tell Mike, Bruce and the current line up what would that be?

Don't ever stop!!!

The Beach Boys spawned a new sound and created a brand new genre called surf music. Many groups followed: Jan and Dean, the Ventures, Dick Dale, and The Safaris, but today the Beach Boys continue to survive. The music would eventually venture past the coastal towns and allow the youth of America to retreat to their imaginations to enjoy thoughts of surf and summer. Once you entered that imagination space, it is still a sound that will truly sweep you away.

The years have taken its toll on America's Band. The Beach Boys have endured through a constant revolving lineup, legal battles, turmoil within the group, and even the death of two original members.

January 11, 2008, the Desert Diamond will host the latest version of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, the Beach Boys. The current lineup will bring to life over 30 top 40 hits, including four number 1's.

These five young men have etched in stone their mark on American Music. In 1974 Rolling Stone Magazine voted them band of the year. In 1988 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They were recognized at the 2001 Grammy Awards with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked the top 100 greatest artists of all time in 2004 and the Beach Boys cruised in at number 12. Founding members and brothers Dennis and Carl Wilson have since passed away. Founding member and creative genius Brian Wilson is now focusing on a successful solo career. Al Jardine has also been touring on his own since leaving the group in 1998 after a fall out with Mike Love. Mike Love has survived all 46 summers as the front man and current band mate Bruce Johnston joined the group in 1965.

Brian Wilson and Mike Love together collaborated on the sound of timeless American music that brings everyone back to summer no matter what time of year. The Beach Boys created music that is fun and can be understood and sang along with over and over again. Maybe you were there in the beginning hearing the hits for the first time. The matching stripe shirts, Carl picking his guitar just like Chuck Berry, the unbelievable harmonies that today are still being imitated by other artists. It could be that somebody took the time to introduce you to the Beach Boys through their dusty old record collection. None of that matters, because they are here again, in Tucson and if you are between the ages of 5-65 there is a good chance you have grown up on their music.

As a fan, now is your chance to keep the music alive - invite someone to see his or her first show. Start playing those records or CD's now. Get pumped, turn it up and sing along!

The Beach Boys played a free concert in Washington DC for the first time in 1980 on the 4th of July in front of some 500,000 fans. The 4th of July concert became an annual event through the 80's. They performed at President Reagan's January 1985 inaugural and later appeared at the now famous Live Aid concert in July 1985. In December of 1961 they released their first single "Surfin". It reached as high as number 75 on the charts and sold some 50,000 copies.

The Boys hit number 1 on the charts for the first time in 1964 with "I Get Around." 24 years later, in 1988, they found the number 1 spot again with the hit "Kokomo." Capitol Records got the original surviving members together again in June of 2006 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the rock and roll landmark album, Pet Sounds. Pet Sounds has been hailed as quite possibly the greatest rock and roll record ever. Critics coast to coast have claimed to be a creative masterpiece. Current Beach Boys Mike Love and Bruce Johnston joined Brian Wilson and Al Jardine to commemorate the event and receive the double platinum award for the Sounds of Summer Album. It was the first time they all had been together since 1996. When asked if the original band would ever take the stage again, Brian Wilson said, "there is a chance of that."

Go see the Beach Boys Friday, January 11th at 8PM at the Desert Diamond Casino.

Tune into a part of Rock and Roll history that is still being written. Let these guys bring the warmth of the summer sun to you this winter. It has been over 15 years since I have seen them; Carl Wilson was still playing lead guitar. Join me for a great night out. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" to fire up the "Little Deuce Coupe" and "Don't Worry Baby," this show is a guarantee to have "Fun, Fun, Fun"!

Travis Kelly is a freelance writer and the Men’s Ministry Director at Pathway of Hope Foursquare Church in Oro Valley.