1972

Friday February 25, 1972

Grand Gala Du Disques, RAI-Congres Hall, Amsterdam, Netherlands-with Brass United, Gene Pitney, Roy Black, Middle of the Road, Peret, Helen Reddy, Charles Aznavour, the New Seekers, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Rod McKuen, the Bee Gees, Johnny Cash and John Woodhouse (8:30 PM Show)

The year began with a television appearance in Amsterdam on February 24. The group had been scattered to and fro since December, with Bruce spending time in Mexico and Mike and Al flying in from Majorca, Spain where they had been studying TM with the Maharishi.  On February 25 the Beach Boys performed at the Grand Gala Du Disques, the major annual pop music event in the Netherlands. The entire concert was filmed and televised on AVRO TV as well as being broadcast on radio. The Beach Boys performed “Heroes and Villains”, “Sloop John B”, “Surf’s Up,” and “Student Demonstration Time.”

The European trip gave the band a chance to scout out locations for a possible long term stay there.  The Beach Boys were bored with their usual recording set up and hoped that a trip to an exotic location, away from the distractions and hangers on that created problems in LA, might awaken more creativity in Brian.  At a press conference a few days later, Bruce stated that the group wanted “to find somewhere in France, get the Stones’ mobile recording truck, and do an album.  That way with all of us together, we’d get more done in six weeks than we do in three weeks at home.”

The press conference took place on February 28 in London at the Royal Gardens Hotel with Bruce, Carl, Dennis and Jack Rieley present.  The main purpose of the conference was to announce the upcoming European tour.  Carl told Martin Hayman of Sounds that he didn’t “remember having so much fun on stage before,” and that their May 1972 UK tour would be far superior to their last visit in 1970.  “It used to be a variety show, with lots of other groups, and a compere.  In future it will be nothing like that.  Any resemblance will be strictly coincidental now.”  The Beach Boys also revealed that they were adding two new official members to the group: Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar from the, now defunct, Flame.  Ricky had been involved with the Beach Boys as a back-up musician since 1971, and both of them were recording with the group, so it was a smooth transition.

It was, however, a controversial move.  The addition of two racially mixed South Africans to the lineup instantly altered their all-American image, which was probably the main reason Jack Rieley suggested it.  Both Ricky and Blondie were initially baffled at the idea that they could be Beach Boys.  Ricky told the BBC that “Jack Rieley had this idea for me and Blonds to join the group and I just thought it was so ridiculous.  It just didn’t seem possible because it seemed like such a tight knit family thing.”  Daryl Dragon also felt it was an odd fit.  “I never understood why they added those guys…because they weren’t Beach Boys.  Carl had this thing where he wanted to spread out and try different types of music.  He wanted people to appreciate that the Beach Boys was no longer just Brian Wilson music.  I think it was faulty logic…they were good musicians but I didn’t hear anything that unique.”  Dennis and Carl, however, were enthusiastic about the decision.  Dennis told Richard Williams of Melody Maker, “We’ve been playing with the same people for ten years.  That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I don’t remember ever having this much fun, just listening to the band.”  Following the conference, the group headed back to the States to continue work on their next LP to be titled Carl and the Passions – So Tough.

Thursday March 16, 1972

State University of New York, Oneonta, NY

To prepare for their first tour of the year, the Beach Boys commandeered the auditorium of North High School in Binghamton, New York on March 15 to rehearse.  The rehearsal was especially necessary because of the new additions to the band.  Blondie Chaplin was now prominently featured on guitar and Ricky Fataar took over as main drummer for the group, as Dennis’s hand injury prevented him from playing. Instead, he wandered around the stage, singing harmony backgrounds and occasionally commandeering the piano.  Daryl Dragon remained with the band on keyboards, while Jeff Kaplan took over bass duties.  On this tour the group were also accompanied by five horn players, who had previously been in jazz drummer Buddy Rich’s band.

In addition to the Beach Boys and their back-up musicians, also present at the rehearsal was manager Jack Rieley, road manager Jon Parks and a young female pianist/singer from California named Toni Shearer, who was friendly with Daryl Dragon.  She recalled that her employment by the Beach Boys came about because Billy Hinsche, who had been playing acoustic piano with the group, had to return to film school and “Daryl thought that Carl Wilson, who acted as the band’s Music Director, might be open to hiring me to fill that spot while Billy was away…Daryl was able to convince Carl that I could do the job, and he agreed to bring me along on their next tour….Carl made this decision without hearing me play! I guess he trusted Daryl’s judgment, thank goodness.”

While the Beach Boys were rehearsing, they gave interviews to Jeff Celnik a reporter for SUNY Binghamton’s newspaper, Pipe Dream.  Bruce told him that he still enjoyed “doing concerts.  You perfect your songs.  I really enjoy it, especially when we play in Europe.”  When the reporter asked how their older fans reacted to their current shows, Bruce replied “They usually get disappointed because we don’t play all our oldies.  We play mostly our new stuff, and save some oldies for the end of the show…The college kids are the best audiences.  They’re very attentive and more serious than the high-schoolers.”

The opening concert of the tour took place in Oneonta.  The Beach Boys played for 2,500 fans on the campus. Many members of the band were new, but the Oneonta Star review reiterated the usual tiresome theme:  “At Thursday night’s concert the crowd was moved by the oldies…The stomping and clapping of an audience is not unusual for a concert but the lack of it during the part of the Beach Boys show covering their last few musical years is.  The truth of it is the Beach Boys are a group of the 1960’s.  Surf boards and hot rods are their medium and their concerts prove it.”

The typical set-list for this tour was: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, “Long Promised Road”, “Sloop John B”, “Take a Load Off Your Feet”, “Cool, Cool Water”, “Disney Girls”, “Do It Again”, “Heroes and Villains”, “Wild Honey” (sung by Blondie), “Surfin’ USA”, “Surf’s Up”, “Let the Wind Blow”, “Darlin”, “Wonderful/Don’t Worry Bill”, “God Only Knows”, “Help Me Rhonda”, “Student Demonstration Time”, “Good Vibrations”, “California Girls”, “Surfer Girl”, “I Get Around” and “Fun, Fun, Fun.”

Friday March 17, 1972

Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA-with It’s a Beautiful Day (8:00 PM Show)

The group drew 8,000 fans to the 10,000-seat Spectrum on a bill with the Bay area band It’s a Beautiful Day, who’d had a hit with “White Bird.”  David Marziale of the Bucks County Courier Times reported that the Beach Boys “combined some of their later hits-‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’, ‘Good Vibrations’ etc, with some of the older one like ‘I Get Around’ and the direct take from Berry ‘Surfin’ USA.’…The new songs they played ‘Surf’s Up’ and ‘Student Demonstration Time’ combine modern themes with basic Beach Boy music.  They have not resorted to copying the new groups but are blending new ideas into their music.  They are changing but in their own way.”

Saturday March 18, 1972

Montclair State College, Montclair, NJ (Two shows at 8:00 and 10:00 PM)

Jack Rieley accompanied the group on this tour and took on the responsibility of coming out at the beginning of the show to tell the audience the ground rules.  Each night he would announce that there would be two halves to the show and that the audience shouldn’t shout requests until the encores because the set list was already decided.  He also announced that voter registration booths were set up outside the hall and encouraged people to register.

Sunday March 19, 1972

Lusk Field House, Cortland College, Syracuse, NY (8:00 PM Show)

Monday March 20 to Wednesday March 22, 1972

Carnegie Hall, New York, NY (One show each night at 8:00 PM)

The group sold out three nights at Carnegie Hall, grossing $50,100.  The set list on March 22 was “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, “Long Promised Road”, “Sloop John B”, “Take a Load Off Your Feet”, “Cool, Cool Water”, “Disney Girls”, “Do It Again”, “Heroes and Villains”, “Wild Honey” (with Blondie on lead), and “Surfin’ USA.” The second set included “Surf’s Up”, “Let the Wind Blow”, “My Friend” (sung by Dennis), “Darlin’”, “Wonderful/Don’t Worry Bill”, “God Only Knows”, “Help Me Rhonda”, “Student Demonstration Time” and “Good Vibrations.”  For the encore they played “California Girls”, “Surfer Girl”, “I Get Around” and “Fun, Fun, Fun.”  Fred Kirby of Variety, who reviewed the show on March 22, wrote that the Beach Boys “who can get an audience clapping along without special urging combines newer material with oldies.  In the latter category were ‘Fun, Fun, Fun,’ their fourth encore, and ‘Surfer Girl,’ their second, which have not been heard around here in some time.  Although the Beach Boys…have instrumental virtues, it is in their vocals and tempo that they shine.  The different voice blendings of Dennis Wilson, his brother Carl Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston are good fun.” Sam Sutherland of Billboard noted that although they only played a brief selection of their recent material, “in nearly every instance, these were the finest performances, overcoming the clutter of their backup band and the hideous inadequacy of the P.A. to provide delicacy and lyricism.  Both ‘Surf’s Up’ and ‘Wonderful’ were stunning, revealing that they really could bring the shimmering clarity of tone and structure into the concert hall.”

Thursday March 23, 1972

Kleinhan’s Music Hall, Buffalo, NY (8:00 PM Show)

While audiences often sat on their hands until the oldies were performed, there was evidence that the Beach Boys’ new music was slowly being embraced.  Jack Rieley told the BBC in 1974 that he took great personal satisfaction at concerts when “Long Promised Road” got the biggest ovation of the show and that’s from Surfs Up.  So I think it was accepted by people.  We didn’t want to have people turn off to what the Beach Boys were but only to be aware that there was still stuff going on and it was also very exciting music and still is.”  Rieley may have been referring to this concert.  Reviewer Dale Anderson reported that “Long Promised Road” received great applause and dubbed it “the anthem of the latter-day Beach Boys fan.”  He also noted that the group “didn’t dip back to their surfer days too early or too often.  Mike Love stroked something akin to a theremin to produce sirens for ‘College Demonstration Time’ and Bruce Johnston soloed on his ‘Disney Girls (1957)’ with nostalgia piano, a little harmony, and such charm that the half verses he forgot seemed to fit anyway…Once they got the puny PA system turned up, it was just right for ‘Heroes and Villains,’ with Al Jardine leading the voices through a conclusion of awesome beauty and complexity.”  The photo is from February 25 in Amsterdam

Friday March 24, 1972

Roberts Center, Boston College, Boston, MA (8:00 PM Show)

Six years after that last appearance on campus, the Beach Boys returned to Boston College for a concert.  Steve Foley of the St. Norbert Times noted, “In spite of the bevy of idiots yelling ‘Little Honda’ at the top of their voices, the band opened with ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice,’ demonstrating the scope of their large, wide open sound. ‘Cool Cool Water’ opened with a gorgeous six-part mantra like chant that set the tone for the contemplative pace of the tune, with synthesized droplet effects.  The Tight carefully staged show proceeded with Sloop John B and Disney Girls before the band settled down to their favorite trick, which is to play a heavy rhythm introduction for a few moments, raising the tension of the audience to higher and higher levels before exploding into one of their hits. They did this on numbers as diverse as Heroes and Villains, Surfin’ USA, Do It Again, Rhonda (which Carl said later, they hardly ever perform anymore, although audiences go crazy for it), Darlin and Good Vibrations.  The changes that have taken place in the Beach Boys organization were partially evident in long alto saxophone breaks in several numbers by the leader of the horn section and in Blondie Chaplin’s howling and screaming lead guitar and vocal on ‘Wild Honey.'”

Saturday March 25, 1972

Alumni Hall, St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY (8:00 PM Show)

The Beach Boys played before a sold-out crowd at St. John’s. The set-list included “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, “Long Promised Road”, “Sloop John B”, “Take a Load Off Your Feet”, “Cool, Cool Water”, “Disney Girls”, “Do It Again”, “Heroes and Villains”, “Wild Honey” (sung by Blondie), “Surfin USA”, “Surf’s Up”, “Let the Wind Blow”, “Darlin”, “Wonderful/Don’t Worry Bill”, “God Only Knows”, “Help Me Rhonda”, “Student Demonstration Time”, “Good Vibrations”, “California Girls”, “Surfer Girl”, “I Get Around” and “Fun, Fun, Fun.”  Mary Caslin of The Torch reported, “‘Darlin’ definitely brought screams and ‘Good Vibrations’ created an uproar…And they really deserved it, for they truly made an effort of performing one of their best concerts…They played together excellently and the backup group with piano, sax, trumpets and guitarists added even more to the vibrating sounds of their concert.”  The photo was taken in Boston the night before.

A good quality tape of this show exists.  The highlight of the show was probably a truly rocking five-minute plus version of “Wild Honey” with a great vocal by Blondie. During the medley of “Wonderful/Don’t Worry Bill” the group stopped playing because a fight broke out in the audience.  Carl threatened to walk off stage if the people involved didn’t cool it.  He yelled, “You want to get it straightened out!  People are fighting and it’s fucking stupid!”  Mike chimed in, “If anyone wants to fight, they can go to Madison Square Garden and get paid for it.”

Sunday March 26, 1972

Central Theater, Passaic, NJ (3 PM Show)

When I wrote my book, I was under the mistaken impression that the Beach Boys were in Pennsylvania on this day. In fact, they returned to Passaic, where they’d played the previous November, for a Sunday afternoon matinee appearance.  The photo was taken at a TV taping in Amsterdam on February 24.

Monday March 27, 1972

Mayser Center, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA (8:00 PM Show)

This show was marred by a bomb threat after the opening number, which caused a long delay before it resumed.  As a result, the group played a truncated, ninety- minute show without an intermission.  Nevertheless, Dave Fenster of the College Reporter declared the concert “a triumphant return, evidenced by the tumultuous vibrations of Mayser Gym’s bleachers and floors…the voices blended relatively well, and after some early mixing problems, truly complimented the accompanying instrumentalists.”  The photo was taken on March 19 in Cortlandt.

Tuesday March 28, 1972

Maryland House of Corrections, Baltimore, MD (two shows at 145 and 245 PM) and Cole Fieldhouse, University of Maryland, College Park, MD (8:00 PM Show)

The Beach Boys played two free afternoon shows for inmates in the gymnasium at the Maryland House of Corrections prior to their evening concert at the University.  Anne Groer of the Washington Daily News commented, “Yesterday’s first show, attended by about 500 inmates, got a mild reception. The second attended by another 500 was wildly received. ‘I think it was too abrupt for us to adjust to.  It took us a while, until the second show, to find out what they wanted-more rhythm and body stuff, more sensual stuff,’ Carl said later….During the second show, guitarist singer Blondie Chaplin, a South African who joined the group two weeks ago, brought down the house with Wild Honey. Three songs later at the end of the show, the inmates shouted for an encore-Wild Honey and got it. They rushed the stage for autographs at the end.  Another crowd pleaser was Don’t Worry Bill-an ear-splitting cacophony of guitars, horns, piano, tambourines, electric siren, vibraphones, drums, various other noisemakers and voices.”

The contracts for the evening engagement reveal that the University signed an agreement with the Millard Agency to obtain the group’s services on January 11.  The University agreed that the group would be sole headliners, that there would be a short intermission during the show, that they would not sell any merchandise without permission and that it had a responsibility to advertise the show starting no later than three weeks prior to the concert.  The group requested two dressing rooms with a security officer to watch them, a drum riser, two sound technicians, two roadies, 25 amps of power, a standby sound system with four microphones in case their system had a problem, a dolly to move equipment, a grand piano 440 pitch, a Hammond B-3 organ with one Leslie speaker, two spotlights with different colored gels and at least two police officers to protect the group.  The University agreed to pay the Beach Boys $8,500 before the show and to promise them 60% of any profits at the gate over $17,000.  Fan George Heon recalled that although it was not a sell out there was “almost a full arena.  It was a good crowd.  It was one of the last shows with Bruce.  He sang ‘Disney Girls’ and his voice broke during the line “all my life, I’ve spent the night with dreams of you.”  It was very emotional.  The encore was one of the most rocking ever.  I never dance at shows and I was dancing.  Bruce was on bass.  Dennis announced the motel they were staying at (Carl was not happy about that) and we went over after the show and Al and Bruce were in the bar.  My sister (15 at the time) and her friends all got into Dennis’ room and he was charming, nothing happened though, at least while she was there.”

Thursday March 30, 1972

Alexander Memorial Coliseum, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA (8:00 PM Show)

Dennis was absent from this show and the remaining dates on this tour. The official reason given was that his child was ill. However, fan Ray Taylor notes that on a cassette of the show that he taped, Bruce says ” Dennis is doing work on “Two Lane Black Top” that is why he is not here, in fact that is Dennis’ microphone” pointing to an empty mike!Robb Holmes of the Red and Black noted, “Although the group performed a few of its oldies, most of the songs were relatively recent…the mix of the material might serve as an excellent lesson for all of us. Here is the group that recorded Surfin USA, I Get Around, Fun Fun Fun and all of those other beautiful and pointless celebrations of youth and the ultimate wave.  It is nothing less than inspiring to realize that they are still together and now making what must be considered serious music and, most important, it’s still good fun to listen to.”

Friday March 31, 1972

Memorial Coliseum, Auburn University, Auburn, AL (7:30 PM Show)

Saturday April 1, 1972

Convention Hall, Miami, FL-with Billy Joel (8:00 PM Show)

This was the second show the group played for promoter Jim Koplik’s Peace Island East.  Koplik had booked their February 1971 Columbus appearance and the group was so impressed by the attendance at that show that they offered him “a present.” He recalled, “They said I could book the Beach Boys anywhere I want.  And being a kid from the northeast, I always went to Miami Beach.  So I booked them at the Convention Center over Easter weekend, which is when all the northeast kids go down to Florida.  We sold 7,000 tickets.  It was just great.  But I always made money with them.  They were amazing.”

According to Fran Peterman of the Miami Hurricane, the crowd at this show was so enthusiastic that they sang along with every song, all but drowning out the band. “With each new selection, the crowd grew more excited and people stood atop their chairs to boogie along with the group.  The tremendous applause almost brought the Convention Hall’s ceilings down upon the crowd, and the Beach Boys returned for a brief encore.”  The photo was taken the previous week at Carnegie Hall.  This was Billy Joel’s first time opening for the band. The then unknown singer-songwriter had released only one album, Cold Spring Harbor, at the time. He got the gig because the Beach Boys agent Chip Rachlin took an interest in him.

Sunday April 2, 1972

Fort Homer Hesterly Armory, Tampa, FL (8:00 PM Show)

The Beach Boys played to a less than capacity crowd at the Armory.  Perry Fulkerson of the Evening Independent was disappointed by changes that had taken place in the group since he last saw them in 1966.  He felt that in the process, they had lost what made them unique.  “Now they are like all of the other rock groups, not only in appearance but in sound.  They’ve added a few new members to their group, none of which I felt really fits in.  Their new lead guitarist (Blondie Chaplin) was very loud and hard rockish.  Their bass player (Jeff Kaplan) was freaky and their drummer (Ricky Fataar) was too basic.  The total volume was extremely loud, out of character, distorting, and nearly covering the rumble of the surf.”

This marked the last full concert Bruce played with them until 1978.  He had become disenchanted with Jack Rieley and the artistic direction the group was moving towards.  Exactly what caused Bruce to leave, and whether he resigned or was fired, remains a murky subject.  It is interesting to note that as early as 1969 Carl and Dennis offered Bruce’s position in the band to Billy Hinsche, an offer that he declined.  Bruce told the BBC in early 1974 that on “the last tour I was on, I kind of felt strange because the group had gotten kind of clubby again.  You had two guys, Mike and Al, who were deeply involved in meditation, you had Carl and Ricky that were kind of tight, you had Blondie who was kind of alone and Dennis (who) wasn’t quite sure of his role because he had an accident with his hand and he couldn’t play drums for a long time and he was trying to get used to the role of finally singing.  And so the group kind of felt a little uncomfortable with each other and we just kind of decided that it would be better to not play together and feel comfortable.”

The Beach Boys had their own take on Bruce’s departure.  Brian told Record World in June 1973 that Bruce “got into a horrible fight with Jack Rieley.  Some dispute and they got into a horrible fight and the next day he was gone.”  Mike opined to Val Mabbs of Record Mirror that Bruce “left because he wasn’t too happy about things.  It was decided that because of a couple of feelings harbored by different members of the group and the way things went with Bruce developing a solo career it made it more or less an uncompromising situation.”  Dennis told Martin Lewis of New Musical Express, “musically we didn’t click…appreciate each other, so one day we both said OK, that’s it.  He’s a good guy but he was writing stuff for a solo artist…we’re a band.”  Chip Rachlin noted, “Bruce didn’t really have a buddy in the group and he was sort of the odd man out.  He didn’t get along with Jack Rieley and he could be a little meddlesome.”  Bruce did not go on the road with the Beach Boys again for six years but, while no longer an official member, he was still always a phone call away and occasionally recorded with them.  It is known that he was in the studio with Brian two weeks later for the recording of “Rooftop Harry”, which was released on a recent boxset after languishing in the vaults.

Friday April 14, 1972

Hilton Coliseum, Iowa State University, Ames, IA-with It’s a Beautiful Day and the Ides of March (7:30 PM Show)

In the midst of trying to complete the Carl and the Passions – So Tough LP, the group headed to the Midwest for two concerts.  They arrived in Des Moines on Friday afternoon, bleary eyed from a long recording session the night before, and then piled into rental cars for the trip to Ames.  Their first show after Bruce’s departure was a volatile affair.  An audience of 12,000 waited restlessly through two opening acts and numerous delays because of a faulty sound system.  By the time the group emerged, the audience was in a hostile mood.  Despite requests for oldies, the Beach Boys stuck to their usual set and trouble erupted.

According to Gordon Meyer of the Ames Daily Tribune over 5,000 people walked out during the performance.  Meyer placed the blame on the group.  He contended that they tried to play beyond their “capabilities” and that their new music “came off distorted, jumbled, and in many cases, they were just noise.”  He dubbed their performance “disappointing” and blasted them as prima donnas who “seemed more concerned about what they were doing than with what the audiences wanted them to do.  They acted as if they had made it and didn’t have to worry about playing for other people anymore.  Even if they didn’t feel that way, they certainly played that way.”

James Healey of the Des Moines Register also believed that the Beach Boys “weren’t quite together and the electronic problems magnified their imprecision.”  However, he placed some of the blame on the audience.  Even if the group had been perfect, “nostalgia was rampant and the folks wanted to hear old Beach Boys music, period.”  According to Healey, things got so heated that “a verbal skirmish erupted between bandsmen and fans over just who was going to dictate the program.  Band member Dennis Wilson at one point denounced the audience for its impatience and for shouting during songs.  Some in the audience later hurled ugly names at the group.”  Dennis later apologized for his remarks and dedicated a song to them.  Some audience members also recognized that they had gone overboard and approached the Beach Boys at the end of the show to apologize.  Despite the problems, Healey noted in a separate review for the Iowa State Daily that “the group jelled for the proverbial rousing finale.  ‘Good Vibrations’, errors and all, sent a shiver through the crowd, which by then had diminished by a few thousand.  Those that remained just had to be hardcore fans, so the final trio of tunes-‘Little Deuce Coupe’, ‘I Get Around’ and ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’-summoned from the rockers something approaching delight.  Too bad the night couldn’t have started there and worked up.”

Saturday April 15, 1972

Brewer Fieldhouse, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO (8:00 PM Show)

Unlike the problematic concert the previous night, this show before a small but appreciative audience of 3,800 was stress free.  Barbara Schuetz of the Columbia Missourian applauded their performance: “The Boys were together musically; instruments never drowning out the vocals and the mix was balanced and harmonically well done.  From ‘Good Vibrations’ on everyone was standing, rocking with the music, packed solid to the stage…The group could not get away without an encore, ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ which appropriately summed up the evening.”

Following this concert, the group returned to L.A. for last minute work on their new album.  With a week of shows scheduled in the Midwest and then a trip to Europe, the album had to be completed and hastily mixed before they again left for the road.  The photo was taken in May in the Netherlands

Friday April 21, 1972

Memorial Coliseum, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (8:00 PM Show)

Prior to this show, the group gave an interview for the Kentucky Kernel newspaper.  Discussing their newer material, Carl commented, “Our songs don’t pretend to be other than what they say.”  Dennis added, “When I was 16, I was thinking about driving a fast car and going surfing.  Now we sing about other things.  We sing about what we’re into.”  Ricky, who was sitting nearby, chimed in cryptically, “Being a Beach Boy is nice except for Dennis Wilson.”

Saturday April 22, 1972

Rec Hall, Penn State University, University Park, PA (8:00 PM Show)

The group’s appearance at Penn State marked yet another clash with their audience over what songs should be played.  Things got so heated that a pointed exchange took place between members of the audience and the band.  An unnamed Beach Boy asked whether many groups came to Penn State to play and when the audience said yes, the group member asked whether they ever came back a second time.  An audience member replied, “Not unless we ask them to!”  A Beach Boy retorted, “You know we occasionally give refunds.”  The audience member shouted back, “Good, please tell us where the lines are forming!”

Two students who attended weighed in with their view of who was to blame.  John Mort took the Beach Boys side.  In a letter to The Daily Collegian, he denounced the audience as “one of the worst and tasteless and least sophisticated I have ever witnessed at a concert anywhere.”  He accused them of wanting only “to hear nothing but a juvenile exhibition of surfing songs and a revival of hot-rod mania” John Vitkow, however, blamed the group for the bad feeling in the Hall.  He attacked their “endless pauses between songs, the mumbled tones of the groups’ spokesman, as well as the lack of any definitive sign of professionalism as reflected by the performers.” He also criticized the decision to stick with new music rather than playing hits, a decision, which he believed showed the “indifference of the group to the needs of an entertainment starved audience.”

Sunday April 23, 1972

Ferris State College, Big Rapids, MI (8:00 PM Show)

This was a nostalgic show for Al, who briefly attended school here in 1961.

Monday April 24, 1972

Finch Fieldhouse, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI (9:00 PM Show)

Rick Fitzgerald of Central Michigan Life reported, “An enthusiastic crowd jammed Finch Fieldhouse Monday night to greet the Beach Boys…In the first set they sang old songs such as ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice,’ ‘Sloop John B’ and ‘Surfin’ USA.’  After a short intermission the Beach Boys played selections from their latest and soon to be released album... In the second half they sent out some ‘Good Vibrations’ as the crowd stood to ‘Student Demonstration Time.’  The crowd clamored for oldies and the group obliged with ‘Help Me Rhonda,’ ‘I Get Around’ and ‘Fun, Fun, Fun.’”

Tuesday April 25, 1972

Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena, Greenbay, WI (8:00 PM Show)

This concert, sponsored by St. Norbert College, was again considered a disappointment because of the band’s unwillingness to cater to nostalgia.  Mike Bielmeier of the St. Norbert Times commented, “I’m not saying that the Beach Boys didn’t perform well, for they did.  What I am saying, quite simply, is that they didn’t play what the audience wanted them to play.  The night started off well with the band resurrecting ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice.’  The crowd seemed quite pleased with this.  But from then on throughout the first set it was all down hill with the exceptions of ‘Sloop John B’ and ‘Surfin’ USA.’  The second set was much of the same frustration with only sporadic bursts of nostalgia coming from the mammoth speaker system.”  Bielmeier noted that when the group finally let loose with oldies during the encore, a large part of the audience had left the arena.

Wednesday April 26, 1972

Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL

This concert was not known to me when I wrote my book.   Once again, the group was confronted by a crowd that was eager for oldies and somewhat resistant to hearing new and unfamiliar music.  William Lodin of the Northern Star notes, "It was obvious Wednesday night that they were trying to make the crowd at the Fieldhouse aware of their recent recordings, despite outcries, even before they had begun to play, for oldies.  They succeeded in part and were able to play several of their recordings off their new album Surf's Up.  These songs especially demonstrated the talent of the new additions, Chaplin and Fataar. Chaplin, besides having a tremendous voice, played some pretty good lead guitar. Ricky Fataar was dynamic on drums.  The Beach Boys were excellent. The fact I noticed most was the precision of their vocals.  They still have a true sound and their togetherness was readily apparent in their harmonies."

Thursday April 27, 1972

Agora, Columbus, OH (Two shows at 7:00 and 10:00 PM)

The Beach Boys played two shows at the Agora.  Each show was ninety minutes with one intermission.  Cynthia Robins of the Columbus Dispatch noted, “They started off their set with Sloop John B and Long Promised Road-both basic Beach Boys but one old and one new.  After a few more variations on the versatility theme, the group unveiled some of the new things written by Fataar and Chaplin.  Here She Comes, written, sung and played by Blondie, and a medley of two tunes, one by the Wilsons and one by the new members, ‘Hold On’ really rocked the house. Chaplin’s is the perfect rock and roll voice-high, flexible and dynamic.  His reworking of Wild Honey was one of the peaks in an evening of good vibes and happy rocking.”

Friday April 28, 1972

John Carroll University, University Heights, OH (8:30 PM Show)

The group performed at the kick-off of Spring Weekend.  The late Tim Russert, future anchor of NBC TV’s Meet the Press, was Student Union President at the time and was instrumental in arranging this appearance.

Saturday April 29, 1972

Elliot Hall of Music, Purdue University, Lafayette, IN (Two shows at 7:00 and 9:30 PM)

The Beach Boys again faced a crowd hungry for oldies and indifferent to their newer sounds. R. P. McMurphy of the Purdue Exponent noted, “People wanted to hear the oldies…(but) the Beach Boys are beyond that, which on the face of it shouldn’t be hard to recognize. After all they were playing those when we were in junior high and, well, I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t play the same games now that I did then…What are we all nostalgia freaks? Love Story addicts?  The Beach Boys start roaring with their new stuff, picking clean, playing with the sheer volume and quantity of the sound itself, rocking into a great finish and the crowd hollers for 409! It boggles the mind! But they were great. They are tremendous musicians individually and the collective sound of the group is beautiful whether playing rock n’ roll or ballads.”

Sunday April 30, 1972

Cloves Hall, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN (Two shows)

The Beach Boys returned to Butler University for two concerts.  Zach Dunkin of The Indianapolis News noted, “Some new material and some of the old familiar hits were offered to the Clowes crowd.  It was the ‘oldies but goodies’ getting the loudest applause. And it is questionable whether some of the old songs really deserved the plaudit. It is also questionable why the newer, less familiar tunes didn’t receive more. Like most established rock groups, the Beach Boys performed their old hits in a relaxed and careless fashion. At one time, Carl even forgot the words to Good Vibrations, the single that sold more than any other Beach Boys number. But the young audience of die-hard Beach Boys’ lovers didn’t seem to mind.”  Dunkin singled out Carl’s performances of ‘Caroline No,’ ‘Let the Wind Blow’ and ‘Surf’s Up’ as ‘the best sung numbers of the night.’

Sunday May 7, 1972

Saarlandhalle, Saarbrücken, Germany

The Beach Boys headed back to Europe for the second time in 1972. Musicians that accompanied them included Daryl Dragon (keyboards), Dennis Dragon (percussion), Billy Hinsche (guitar/piano) and Ed Carter (bass).  This European tour was different from previous ones because the group did not intend to return home when it was over.  At Jack Rieley’s suggestion, it was decided the group would record their next album in Holland.  The controversial move resulted in the departure of longtime engineer Stephen Desper who was replaced by Steve Moffitt.  While the band was playing gigs in May, Moffitt completed a makeshift studio in Holland.  Houses were rented for Mike and Al in Haarlem, while Carl rented one in Hilversum.  Dennis did not like the climate in Holland and had management look for a place for him on Tenerife in the Canary Islands.  Brian eventually made the trip as well, renting a house in Laren.

Monday May 8, 1972

Jahrhunderthalle, Frankfurt, Germany (8:00 PM Show)

Tuesday May 9, 1972

Deutsches Museum, Munich, Germany

The set list for this show consisted of “Sloop John B”, “Long Promised Road”, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, “God Only Knows”, “Here She Comes”, “Wonderful/Don’t Worry Bill”, “Do It Again”, “Heroes and Villains”, “Wild Honey”, “Surfin’ USA”, “Cool, Cool Water”, “Let the Wind Blow”, “I’ve Got a Friend”, “Surf’s Up”, “Darlin”, “You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone”, “Student Demonstration Time,” “Good Vibrations.” “Help Me Rhonda,” “I Get Around,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “Johnny B. Goode” and “Fun, Fun, Fun.”  While not played at this concert, “Caroline, No” and “Cotton Fields” were also performed on the tour.  The photo was taken on June 7 at a TV taping in Amsterdam.

Wednesday May 10, 1972

Villa Louvigny, Luxembourg (10:00 PM Show)

The group performed a live concert for Radio Luxembourg. Tony Tyler of New Musical Express reported “There have been some heavy changes in the Beach Boys since their last visit to Europe…Dennis Wilson’s move from drums to front-line vocals has strengthened the Beach Boys’ already tight vocal textures.  Dennis also played a solo piano-accompanied piece of his own composition-unrecorded as yet-called ‘A Friend of Mine’ which was really moving and received some of the warmest applause of the night.”  Tyler also noted that Carl had “developed in confidence enormously and now resembles brother Brian in more ways than one, being totally responsible for the cueing and (I suspect) most of the arrangements…There’s no doubt who’s the kingpin, musically speaking.”

Thursday May 11, 1972

Martinihal, Groningen, Netherlands (8:15 PM Show)

About 2,000 fans attended this concert.  The Nieuwsblad van het Noorden reported “What’s remarkable about the Beach Boys is that their already years old songs still appeal to audiences.  With regard to their musical approach and lyrics…there’s no progression to be found.  We could hear that yesterday evening (in their performance of) their new single, ‘You Need a Mess of Help,’ and in one song from the yet to be released album called ‘Here She Comes’ (written and sung by drummer Ricky Fataar).  Nothing new under the sun and fortunately for the Beach Boys that’s not so bad.  What these Boys do is perfect and one can be satisfied with that.”

Saturday May 13, 1972

Sportspaleis Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands (8:15 PM Show)

On May 12 the BBs were supposed to play at the Forest-National in Brussels, Belgium but the show was canceled and they instead remained in the Netherlands for the next night’s gig in Rotterdam. Thom Olink of the Leidsche Dagblad reported, “The Beach Boys, with drummer Ricky Fataar and singer-guitarist Blondie Chaplin sing old and new [songs], a bit of everything.  Dennis, the oldest, and most unsettled Wilson…therefore has nothing to do.  During the concert in the Ahoy-hal in Rotterdam he was woefully intoxicated searching for his spot on the stage.  He played one solo (on the piano) ‘My Friend’…Blondie clearly is an inspiration, an advocate of the harder line in the music...A sublime bass and solo guitarist, hard and to the point voice-wise.  The fusion ‘Wonderbill’– Wonderful (from Smiley Smile) and a Fataar-Chaplin composition – worked on all fronts.  Carl sang beautifully, all evening by the way.  Wilson-cousin Mike Love is stable and in good voice…For the Ahoy-happening…there were more people on stage than showed up.  A horn section was announced.  They couldn’t be heard, but they could very well have been there, because the stage was filled with ‘Flame’-leftovers, and piano, drums, congas, and timpani-playing roadies and publicity people.  It seems they want to go in all kinds of directions… What will this lead to?” The photo is owned by Gabriël Witteveen.

Tuesday May 16, 1972

City Hall, Newcastle, UK (Two shows at 6:30 and 9:30 PM)

The group flew to London on Monday and headed to the BBC TV studios to tape an appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test.  They sang new vocals over a backing track for “You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone.”  They also held a press conference for U.K. music publications.  The U.K. concerts began the next day in Newcastle.  Billy Hinsche recalled that like most of their recent tours of the States, it was a no frills affair.  “It was a bus tour.  The halls were sometimes small, almost like community centers.  One had a huge pipe organ behind the stage and Daryl played it on ‘Good Vibrations.’  It was an awesome sound.”

Thursday May 18, 1972

Kinetic Circus, Birmingham, UK (8:00 PM)

New Musical Express reporter Martin Lewis, who’d been skeptical of the group’s ability to deliver live, reported that in Birmingham the group “proved their strength beyond a doubt.  With steaming zest they zipped through such goodies as ‘Heroes and Villains’, ‘God Only Knows’, and ‘Do It Again.’  The sound was rich, fat and satisfying, with Carl, Al and Blondie laying down thick, gutty guitar sounds over back up musicians, Dragon Brothers.  Their vocal blends were delivered in all their fullness, falsettos, et al.”  The Record Mirror was less impressed than Lewis.  It declared that the group was flat in the first half of the show.  However, it admitted that the Beach Boys turned up the temperature in the second set. “It came through strong every time the BB went into one of their own familiar standards the crowd were ahead of them and loving it. ‘Do You Wanna Dance’, ‘Sloop John B’ and ‘Do It Again’ were familiar as nursery rhymes to a young audience with a noticeable sprinkling of ex teenagers…The last three numbers ‘I Get Around’, ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’, and ‘Good Vibrations’ once again made the point that these BB standards are second only to the Beatles songs in their universal appeal and left the audience hot and happy.”Mark Plummer of Melody Maker declared the concert “one of the best gigs I have been along to see for a long time…You forget how many great songs they have written.  ‘Help Me Rhonda’ did they write that, as well?  It’s hard to remember all those beautiful old songs, but that’s just the point.  The Beach Boys don’t sound old, with four added sidemen playing guitars, keyboards, and percussion, plus Captain Keyboards, Daryl Dragon…They have to be one of the most exciting live bands seen in a long time, and the audience was right there behind them.”

During a ten minute intermission, Dennis Wilson gave a brief interview to Martin Lewis backstage.  Asked about the vibe within the group, Dennis said “I don’t know about how it looks outside, but it’s more fun inside.  There’s less tension since Bruce left.” Lewis also asked Dennis how touring in 1972 compared to the early days.  Dennis replied “Well in the beginning it was getting away from my mom and dad-picking up chicks, drinking, smoking a little dope-you know, FREEDOM! But now we just get into it more and more.  It’s great traveling…meeting people, absorbing the feel of a country.  We learn a lot musically that way.” The photo was taken when the BBs taped their appearance on the Old Grey Whistle Test TV show.

Friday May 19, 1972

Belle Vue, Manchester, UK (8:00 PM)

Melody Maker reported that “numbers old and new were played, the new single, ‘You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone’ coming over far stronger and much more exciting live... ‘Surf’s Up,’ showed the ends they have gone to get the best sounds possible on stage…The vocal parts on ‘Surf’s Up’ are quite amazing.  The harmonies are note-perfect, and only once did Carl slip as he sang that strange little hymn part ending with ‘Domini.’” After the show, Mike told a reporter that he enjoyed “doing the old songs plenty, but I also like doing the new ones.  I don’t think there are enough new songs in the show.  We’re recording a double album in Holland this summer, so I think then we’ll get a lot of new material rehearsed and ready for the stage.”  The picture was taken on May 28 at another gig.

Saturday May 20, 1972

Liverpool Empire, Liverpool, UK (Two shows at 6:15 and 8:35 PM)

In an interview with Record Mirror, Mike Love noted that Dennis was frequently bored on this tour because of his limited role on stage.  Apparently, the tour was plagued by technical glitches and the frequently out of tune keyboards so annoyed Dennis that he avoided the piano for the tour, giving him even less to do during the concerts

Sunday May 21, 1972

Leicester DeMontfort Hall, Leicester, UK (8:00 PM Show)

The Beach Boys returned to the De Montfort Hall in Leicester, where they'd last played in 1966.   The Leicester Mercury commented, "Appearing before a packed second house audience at Leicester's De Montfort Hall last night, the Beach Boys were as professional as ever, skipping through their repertoire of past hits with a polished execution that comes only with a decade of experience.  Their intricate close harmony, with the familiar falsetto thread running through most of the songs, seemed as fresh as ever without at any time sounding slick or mechanical."

Monday May 22, 1972

Top Rank Suite, Reading, UK (Two shows at 7:30 and 10:00 PM)

According to Record Mirror, the group put on a flat show and “appeared to be indifferent to the somewhat strangely assorted Top Rank audience.”  Mike later admitted that he wasn’t enjoying the U.K. tour that much “basically because we’re playing awful bars here, like that Top Rank Reading with people talking and drinking.”

Tuesday May 23, 1972

Top Rank Suite, Bristol, UK

The Beach Boys made their second appearance in Bristol, where they'd played last in December 1968.  Liz Richards of the Evening Post noted, "The Beach Boys have dispelled any reputation they gained in the past for not being as good on stage as they are on records.  Their 90-minute act proved that they have solved the problems of reproducing live the complicated tracking on some of their big hits...With favorites like God Only Knows, Barbara Ann and Sloop John B they delighted fans. And in addition there were uptempo numbers and the slower ballads.  The result, I would think will undoubtedly be a welcome return to Bristol for the Beach Boys any time!"

Wednesday May 24, 1972

Dome, Brighton, UK (Two shows at 6:30 and 9:00 PM)

Daryl Dragon recalled that on this tour, “they kept having me pose with them for pictures and they literally asked me to be a Beach Boy.  But I told them I would rather not because I don’t sing and I don’t think I have enough of the Beach Boys harmony thing in my gut to pull it off…But they liked the way I was capturing a lot of their album cuts instrumentally so they could reproduce them on stage.  So they actually took a lot of promotional pictures of me in the band in Holland.  I told them please put me in the back so you can edit me out when I decide not to become a Beach Boy”

Saturday May 27, 1972

Royal Festival Hall, London, UK (Two shows at 6:15 and 9:00 PM)

Micheal Oldfield of Melody Maker knew it was going to be a great show when the band walked on stage and launched into “Heroes and Villains,” playing every note perfectly.  He gushed, “Those records that sound so complicated they can only be repeated in a recording studio can be and are done live…there’s no West Coast surfer tininess about them now: they’re a ten-piece band that can call on three keyboards, three percussion and four guitarists when they want to rock.”  Phonograph Magazine was also impressed by the changes to the band, noting that Blondie and Ricky, “don’t make radical changes in the sound but their presence is felt.  When Blondie Chaplin switches over from bass to lead you’ll notice a few licks that didn’t used to be there before, but would have been fine if they were…for me the highlight of the show was the much-deserved encore.  I’d been waiting all night to hear ‘I Get Around’ and ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ and the Boys wisely saved them for the end.  It was one of those great encores with everyone leaping around joie de vivre style.”

Sunday May 28, 1972

Great Western Express Spring Bank Holiday Festival, Bardney, UK-with Sly and the Family Stone, Lindisfarne, Slade, Spencer Davis, Monty Python, the Average White Band, Brewers Droop, Focus and the Natural Acoustic Band

The Beach Boys closed day three of this four-day festival.  Artists that played on the other three days included Rory Gallagher, Joe Cocker, Don McLean, Humble Pie, the Faces, Ry Cooder, Genesis, Billy Joel and Sha-Na- Na.  Despite the impressive talent arrayed, many in the press declared the Beach Boys the best of the lot.  Melody Maker gushed that they “were so good that at least one of your correspondents lost his voice from singing along and shouting requests…The vocals and turbulent guitar of Blondie Chaplin were a revelation, and the vocal harmonies were so pure and faultless that they made the field feel like some acoustically perfect concert hall.”  Ray Telford of Sounds commented, “The most obvious change in the Beach Boys of late has been in their building up of an incredibly powerful rhythm section.  Certainly in the past, one of the Beach Boys’ biggest hang-ups in performing live has been in achieving a faithful reproduction of their recorded sound but now that the band has a more solid foundation this no longer seems to be an obstacle.”

Saturday June 3, 1972

Crystal Palace Concert Bowl Third Garden Party, Crystal Palace Bowl, London, UK-with David Blue, Joe Cocker, Melanie, Richie Havens and Sha Na Na, hosted by Keith Moon (12:00 to 9:00 PM)

This was a special “happening” hosted by Keith Moon, with each act playing for an hour.  NBC TV filmed the concert and a one-hour special aired in the U.S. on June 28 as Good Vibrations from London.  In featured the group performing “Do It Again,” a fantastic “Wild Honey” sung by Blondie and “Help Me Rhonda,” with Elton John on piano.

For the benefit of the TV crews, all the acts performed a full rehearsal on June 2, a beautiful sunny day.  However, on the 3rd it rained almost the entire day, making the taping difficult and diluting the sound.  The group was not happy and announced that they considered it “the worst set of conditions for playing in ten years of live appearances.”  Tony Stewart of New Musical Express argued that the Beach Boys still put on a great show.  He noted that although they played mostly oldies “with the new rhythm section, the tunes were put over with more funk and good old unsophisticated balls.”

Although New Musical Express announced that the group had plans to play additional U.K. shows in July and film a special for BBC TV’s In Concert series, in the end none of this took place.  The Crystal Palace Bowl concert was their last European appearance until 1975.  The Beach Boys may not have been pleased with the show, but Dennis Dragon recalled it fondly.  “I think the greatest experience I had with those dudes was playing the concert outside of London in the rain.  Keith Moon showed up in a small boat (totally drunk) and he proceeded to jam with me on a couple of tunes.  We broke a bunch of percussion instruments, and it was worth it!”

Wednesday August 16, 1972

Mississippi River Festival, Edwardsville, IL (8:30 PM Show)

After completing an all-night recording session for Holland, the Beach Boys flew to the States on Tuesday.  There were changes to the backing band.  The horn section was now gone and instead musician Charles Lloyd filled in on saxophone and flute.  Ed Carter sat out this tour and Billy Hinsche subbed for him on bass.  Toni Shearer rejoined on piano, while Daryl Dragon remained on keyboards and synthesizers.  Mike Kowalski played extra percussion.  The set list included many cuts from recent albums, including two rarely performed ballads by Dennis, “Only With You” and “Cuddle Up.”  One new addition to the show was a cover of the Rolling Stones standard “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” which became the closing number for the next several years.  Mike explained to a reporter in November that the song was added, “just for shock value…people don’t leave saying, ‘Wow, the Beach Boys,’ they leave thinking it was a great concert.  I’ve wanted to put it in the show for a long time, because it’s a good show piece.”

Over 22, 500 people saw the Beach Boys tour opening show at the Mississippi River Festival.  According to Doug Thompson of the Alton Evening Telegraph, “the crowd applauded politely to the new songs, tossed a Frisbee or two and drank more beer.  The old songs, however, brought cheers, whistles, screams, firecrackers and all the adulation that seemed to have little effect on the Beach Boys.  On stage they seemed totally relaxed...’Good Vibrations’ their last really big hit, brought the regular set to a close, but a screaming crowd brought them back for an encore that included ‘I Get Around’ and ‘Fun, Fun, Fun.’”

Thursday August 17, 1972

Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, IL (8:00 PM Show)

David Witz of the Chicago Daily News reported, “In the first half, the Boys ran through new things (‘Only With You,’ a lovely Dennis ballad), a Flame song, ‘Mama, Won’t You Hold On?’ and favorites such as ‘Wild Honey,’ ‘Sloop John B’ and ‘Do It Again,’ closing with a high spirited ‘Surfin’ USA.’  After intermission and a voter registration bid, the second half started with a spacey intro to ‘Cool Water,’ washed into ‘Surf’s Up’ and ‘Cotton Fields’ and ended with a smashing ‘Good Vibrations.’ …Coming back for the first of two encores, Dennis yelled out, ‘Whaddya wanna hear?’  Roar.  Everyone in the hall screamed out titles of Beach Boys songs …‘Help Me Rhonda’ had a wild solo from Captain Keyboard who, with deadpan face, jumped all over the piano like a rocking Jerry Lee Lewis.  Segue right into ‘I Get Around’ and off to screams.  Back on stage, all the lights on, and closing with a dynamite ‘Fun, Fun, Fun.”

Friday August 18, 1972

Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT-with the Kinks, the Phlorescent Leech and Eddie and the Doors (7:00 PM Show)

The Beach Boys and the Kinks were both represented by the Millard Agency and were booked for a few joint concerts.   This show featured a particularly “nostalgic” lineup with the Doors (who had chosen to carry on without Jim Morrison) and Flo and Eddie of the Turtles rounding out the bill.  The concert was marred by heavy rain, which led to a long delay before the Beach Boys came on stage.  Nevertheless, Ron Georgeff of the Hartford Times declared the concert a success and singled out “Blondie Chaplin for his lead guitar and Daryl Dragon for his keyboard playing, especially his handling of the moog synthesizer which added many happy moments.”

Saturday August 19, 1972

New Jersey State Fairgrounds, Hamilton Township, NJ-with the Kinks and Looking Glass (7:30 PM)

The show was supposed to take place at Roosevelt Stadium but the venue was changed.  The opening band, Looking Glass, had a big hit with 'Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)'.  Carl Pisano of the Central New Jersey Home News noted, “When you consider that the Beach Boys are the masters of overdubs and that they have used upwards of 40-tracks on a cut, you expect a letdown in a personal appearance: there is none.  The voices of Carl and Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar complement one other as well as the ‘old’ Beach Boys did-Before Brian quit making the tours and Chaplin and Fataar joined…The magic was still there for Good Vibrations, Wouldn’t It Be Nice and other classics.  But when Chaplin sang lead on Wild Honey the differences between the old and the new sounds were evident and even the ‘old’ voices couldn’t save ‘There’s a Riot Going On’, a schlock rewrite of an old song, ‘Riot in Cellblock no. 9’ , but the crowd loved it all the same.” The group spent the night in Allentown, where they played the next day.

Sunday August 20, 1972

Allentown Fairgrounds, Allentown, PA-with the Kinks and Orleans (7:00 PM Show)

Although the show was not reviewed, fans wrote letters to the Allentown Morning Call with their thoughts.  One commented, “As for the Beach Boys, who had to come out after the Kinks had fired up the crowd, they kept things going with many of their popular songs: Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Sloop John B, Surfin’ USA and Good Vibrations kept the crowd in a ‘psycho-high’ mood.  The Beach Boys, noted for their harmonies, displayed their talent well. They tried to throw in some of their newer numbers but the crowd didn’t seem to accept them. These compositions were well done, however.”

According to Ed Roach, Dennis had a “knockdown drag-out fight” with Ray Davies of the Kinks after this show.  “They fought over this groupie and (the road crew) took Dennis away all bloody.  They really fought it out and I didn’t see Dennis again till we got to New York… and I knocked on his door and the woman, that he had the fight with Ray Davies over, answered the door of his hotel room!”

Monday August 21, 1972

Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY-with the Kinks and Casey Kelly (8:00 PM)

Cashbox reported that, “The Beach Boys put on one of their better concerts, though not long as usual…They did not appear with their horn section, which is now customary and which often drowns out the vocals…Oldies included ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice,’ ‘Surfin USA,’ ‘Heroes and Villains,’ and Blondie Chaplin singing lead on ‘Wild Honey’.  Ricky Fataar handled the vocals on ‘Here She Comes and the only non-Beach Boys song ‘Jumping Jack Flash’ closed the evening’s entertainment.  The roar of approval of the crowd was deafening but the wrecked Dennis Wilson was painful and at times very annoying.”

Wednesday August 23 and Thursday August 24, 1972

Boston Common, Boston, MA-with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra (One 6:00 PM show each night)

Large crowds turned out for these outdoor shows (there were over 14,000 on the first night).  The presence of 38 musicians from the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra there to accompany the group made these shows especially memorable.  Daryl Dragon wrote out arrangements for the orchestra.  The Wednesday set consisted of “Marcella,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Long Promised Road,” “Here She Comes,” “Heroes and Villains,” “Only With You,” “Wild Honey,” “Surfin’ USA,” “Student Demonstration Time,” “God Only Knows,” “Let the Wind Blow,” “Cuddle Up,” “Wonderful/Don’t Worry Bill,” “Surf’s Up,” “Do It Again,” “Sloop John B,” “Good Vibrations,” “I Get Around,” “Fun, Fun, Fun” and “Jumping Jack Flash.” Unfortunately a faulty sound system made it difficult to appreciate the arrangements as much as the group had hoped, but nevertheless the Boston Globe reported that “by the time the Boys swung into ‘Fun, Fun, Fun,’ the place was rocking and jumping, the audience on its feet boogying in place or else finding room at the very edge of the mob to form circles of dancers…Even with the lousy sound the audience remained serene.”

While in Boston for these shows, Mike, Carl, Al and Billy Hinsche also found time to help friend Charles Lloyd record “TM Song” at Boston Inter Media Sound Studio.  Mike became especially good friends with Lloyd, who later traveled with the Beach Boys on tour.

Friday August 25, 1972

Hampton Roads Coliseum, Hampton, VA-with Brownsville Station (8:00 PM Show)

Reviewer Steve Abramson of the William and Mary Flat Hat was impressed by the group’s “vocal pyrotechnics” and bemoaned the fact that there seemed to be very few new fans at the show.  He was pleasantly surprised that the group played “’Wonderful’ because it represents an experimental period in their career that was unpopular five years ago.  But the complex vocal workouts in this, ‘Heroes and Villains’ and ‘Surf’s Up’…and ‘Good Vibrations’ proved to me that the Beach Boys are the masters of vocal arrangements.” Abramson noted that now that Dennis did not drum, he “doesn’t do much of anything on stage except an occasional background vocal with a hand cupped over one ear.” The reviewer was not alone in bemoaning the fact that the Beach Boys’ shows at this time did not feature a single one of Dennis’ songs, even though he was writing classics like ‘Cuddle Up’ and seemed to be at the peak of his songwriting powers.  The photo was taken in London in May 1972.

Sunday August 27, 1972

Eastside Speedway, Waynesboro, VA

After a rare day off, the group played in Waynesboro, where they spent the night.  The next day the five Beach Boys and Jack Rieley headed to Wilmington, Delaware for business meetings while the rest of the musicians headed to Baltimore.

Wednesday August 30, 1972

Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD (7:30 PM Show)

A restless audience turned up at this show.  There was constant talking while the Beach Boys played their recent music and the crowd only settled down when they turned to oldies.  Richard Harrington of the Evening Star noted that the show “started with their latest single ‘Marcella’ and ended with a foot stomping dancing in the aisles rendition of the Rolling Stones’ song ‘Jumping Jack Flash.’…Changing with the times, as always, the Beach Boys let their band take the spotlight occasionally and it becomes very obvious that by doing so, they avoid tiring of doing the same songs.  Instrumentally the band is as hard as any, occasionally using four guitars at once.”

Fan George Heon recalled, “Dennis was strange during this show. The Captain and Tenille were playing with them and Dennis kept trying to push Daryl Dragon out of his seat.  He pulled the seat out from under him and then pushed the electric piano over, laughing the whole time, but the Captain was a good sport.  Mike got mad at the bouncers at one point for stopping people from dancing … and the crowd roared its approval.”

Friday September 1, 1972

Wildwood Convention Hall, Wildwood, NJ (8:00 PM Show)-Canceled

The group were supposed to fly to Philadelphia on August 31 and then drive to Wildwood where they'd  spend the next two nights.  However, the concert was canceled due to a problem with the promoter.  I do not know what the BBs did instead.

Sunday, September 3, 1972

Convention Hall, Ocean City, MD (Two shows at 7:00 and 10:00 PM)

George Heon, who attended one of the two concerts, recalled, “It was a good show- I remember Carl singing "Surf's Up"...  There was a parking garage overlooking the water below the venue.  After the show we met Mike, Al, and Dennis sitting around the garage, just talking to anyone-…very friendly.  Al answered my questions about the Smile album, saying it was coming out soon.  Dennis talked to my sister but left after a few minutes.  Mike was friendly and answered all my teenage fan-boy questions and gave me his attention.”

Monday September 4, 1972

Pine Knob Music Theater, Clarkston, MI (7:30 PM Show)

This was the first of many appearances at this venue outside Detroit.

Wednesday November 1, 1972

Carolina Coliseum, Columbia, SC (8:00 PM Show)

The group began a three-week east coast tour with managers Jack Rieley and Steve Love.  Dennis’ wife Barbara accompanied him for part of it.  Also present were Ed Carter on bass, guitar and congas, Daryl Dragon on organ, vibes and synthesizer, Toni Shearer on piano and vocals, and Mike Kowalski on extra percussion.

Thursday November 2, 1972

Varsity Gym, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC (8:00 PM Show)

The Beach Boys were extremely well received by the Appalachian student body. According to Dave Wright of The Appalachian, “Mixing old standards with exciting new material, they held the crowd for the entire two hours…a time that seemed all too brief…The addition of several stage musicians gave the group an added depth and versatility, especially in the areas of vocal harmony and guitar work…But for the most part, the evening belonged to two brothers, their cousin and a good friend from Hawthorne, California who gave those of us in the audience a concert that stirred the memory and touched the soul.”

Friday November 3, 1972

Diddle Arena, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY (8:30 PM Show)

Over 7,000 fans attended this show and were on their feet for the opening number “Sloop John B.”  The band followed with a series of recent numbers and lost the crowd.  According to Scott Johnston of the College Heights Herald, “throughout the first set…many people were chattering away, throwing Frisbees, and otherwise entertaining themselves…Those in the audience who wanted to hear and enjoy this new dimension of the group really could not; there was simply too much noise coming from the inconsiderate crowd.”   The second set was more politely received, but Dennis still had to lecture the audience that “the concert experience would be heightened for both the group and the crowd if the non-essential communication was curtailed.  In other words…shut up!” The divide between the audience and the band lasted the entire show and Johnston noted that the Beach Boys had to literally beg the crowd to sing along on ‘Good Vibrations’ at the end.

Saturday November 4, 1972

Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson University, Clemson, SC (8:00 PM Show)

The group played to a sizable crowd, but failed to sell out the Coliseum.  Their newer material received a tepid crowd reaction, prompting Mike to lecture the audience that the band was not willing to only perform oldies, “because we’re great today.  And I’m saying this with all the humility I can muster.  Plus we would be bored.  We’d rather set up some films and a juke box and just sit there and watch ourselves.”

Sunday November 5, 1972

East Carolina College, Greenville, NC (Afternoon show)

Peter Greenspan of The Fountainhead noted that the “performance featured many recent songs such as ‘Long Promised Road’ and ‘Marcella’ plus several unreleased cuts from their next album, like ‘Leaving This Town’ and ‘Only With You.’  The encore consisted of two oldies from their successful past and then a brilliant take off on Mick Jagger’s Rolling Stones hit ‘Jumping Jack Flash.’”

Monday November 6, 1972

Coliseum, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (8:00 PM Show)

This show attracted a near capacity audience.  However, the majority came to hear oldies and sat on their hands until the band played them.  Charles Orck of the Red and Black expressed the majority view when he noted, “with every new song they played, I as well hundreds around me groaned in disappointment.”  However, student Steven Ernst declared that “the audience ripped off the Beach Boys…The audience was just disgustingly like outdated parents who refuse to acknowledge that people change, that kids don’t stay the same, that people outgrow certain things and move into new ones, who refuse to listen even when their attention is specially requested and who insist that everyone should grow up in their image.”

Wednesday November 8, 1972

Minneapolis Armory, Minneapolis, MN (8:00 PM Show)

Rich DeYoung of the Carleton College Carletonian argued that a lukewarm audience response took the fire out of the band and led them to deliver a “flat” show. “‘Heroes and Villains’ came across like barbershop duet.  Al Jardine couldn’t hold his falsetto for ‘Don’t Worry Baby’ (heart-breaker!) … I did like ‘Long Promised Road’ and ‘Student Demonstration Time’ but the set as a whole was disappointing…Fortunately the second set was much better...With the encore of ‘Surfin' USA’, ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ and (no this is not a misprint) ‘Jumping Jack Flash’ they clobbered the house for the first time all night.  But just as the traveling Beach Boys’ Dream Machine was beginning to work its magic, the show was over…I suppose I got my money’s worth and then some.  But from the Beach Boys, I must say I expected more.”

Thursday November 9, 1972

Dane County Memorial Coliseum, Madison, WI-with Poco (8:00 PM Show)

Over 5,000 fans turned out for this concert.  Michael Bauman of The Wisconsin State Journal criticized the Beach Boys for being out of tune for half the show and frequently “going through the motions” and argued opener Poco put on a better show.  However, he admitted that the crowd did not agree with him and gave the Beach Boys a standing ovation.  Robert LaBrasca of the Capital Times noted that “musically, a blues piano solo on ‘Help Me Rhonda’ by one of the non-Beach Boy members of the band was nicely put together with a Jerry Lee Lewis ring on it.  ‘Student Demonstration Time,’ the most hard-rock of their numbers, was also the most developed tune instrumentally, built very well, and was probably the best received of the non-nostalgic songs.”  The photo of Ricky was taken on November 4 at Clemson.

Friday November 10, 1972

Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH (8:30 PM Show)

A rowdy crowd of over 5000 attended this show and the Beach Boys once again had to shut down a persistent demand for oldies.  The group opened with Sloop John B. but then moved to more contemporary songs such as Long Promised Road.  Reviewer Polk Laffoon of the Cincinnati Post noted, “Some paid no attention to the new sounds at all and began yelling from the rear of the auditorium, filled to near capacity.  A plaintive cry from Dennis Wilson quelled their rudeness: ‘Look when we’re putting everything we got into our music and when some people don’t listen, well, it doesn’t feel good.’ With that, the Beach Boys began to take hold and, alternating between old and new music, gradually worked their volatile audience into frenzied, grateful putty…So electric and rare was the excitement when the Beach Boys played their old hits that one wonders why they bother with anything else.  Probably because they are artists not archives and must keep growing or die.”

Saturday November 11, 1972

Ford Auditorium, Detroit, MI (7:30 PM Show)

The photo was taken on Nov 6 in Georgia.

Monday November 13, 1972

Niagara University, Lewiston, NY

I was not aware of this concert when I wrote my book. The University reporter Jay Albanese noted, “The show the Beach Boys put on here Monday night was of the highest caliber NU has yet to witness. It was obvious to the Beach Boys as well as the audience that everyone was there to hear the oldies.  Carl Wilson is still obviously the leader of the group and they generally performed well. I couldn’t see the purpose, however, to all the different people scattered around the stage, playing instruments of questionable value to the band, but I suppose that’s their prerogative. Dennis Wilson (hands in pocket) added nothing to their performance and hasn’t since permanently damaging his hand.  He should learn a new instrument before he gets his finger stuck in his ear. For a band that’s been around for ten years, I would expect a tighter performance. But being a group with such extensive personal problems it’s almost amazing that 4 of the 5 original Beach Boys are still remaining.”

Tuesday November 14, 1972

Palace Theater, Albany, NY (9:00 PM Show)

This concert was sponsored by the State University of New York at Albany and a large number of students turned up for the show despite an early blizzard.  Bob Altman of the Albany Student Press wrote that “The audience was on their feet for most of the second set as the Beach Boys and band ran through mind blowing renditions of ‘Surfin USA’, ‘Daddy Took Her T-Bird Away’ and ‘Help Me Rhonda.’  This all turned out to be mere foreplay as the Palace reached a climax with Mike Love doing ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash.’ It takes quite a band to pull off that song and the Beach Boys did it right.  ‘California Girls’ and ‘Barbara Ann’ were saved for a rousing encore.  The song ‘Good Vibrations’ characterizes the feeling transmitted to the audience throughout the show.”

Wednesday November 15, 1972

Fordham University, Bronx, NY (8:30 PM Show)

This show attracted about 5,000 fans.  Carl was not happy with the venue, criticizing the stage as ‘restrictive and stocky.’  The poor acoustics may have affected their performance.  Gerry Meagher of the Fordham Ram noted, “It was just as well that everybody was singing along for the Beach Boys have performed much better.  I doubt if they’ve been worse.”  Meagher declared the highlight of the show to be the moment when Mike Love, “in the midst of a superb version of Jagger’s Jack Flash ripped off his work shirt to reveal a tank top with a frappe (the country version of a malted) embossed on it.  One girl appeared on the verge of orgasm as he flipped a red rose to her.”

Thursday November 16, 1972

War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, NY-with Lindisfarne (8:00 PM Show)

Drummer Mike Kowalski complained to a reporter that the Beach Boys harmony was off-key throughout this show and that the band was having an off night.  However, Bob Nusbaum and Sue Simon of TNT reviewed the show extremely positively. They noted, “The Beach Boys captured the crowd quickly with Sloop John B and followed with a newer number You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone.’ Syracuse was introduced to a new song and a new Beach Boy when Blondie Chaplin sang ‘Leaving This Town.’ The crowd was receptive but they clearly preferred nostalgia. No one had yelled for Surfer Girl yet.  Not wanting to test the audience any longer, the Beach Boys followed with Darlin.  They next previewed a song ‘Only with You’ from their unreleased album recorded in Holland. The group offered Marcella from Carl and the Passions and Long Promised Road and There’s a Riot Going on from Surf’s Up.  The Beach Boys played the oldies with a new fervor.  Dennis became the fourth Beach Boy to sing lead on Help Me Rhonda. Chaplin took over the lead on Wild Honey.  A Beach Boys concert invariably turns into a mammoth sing-along. The crowd joined in for ‘Heroes and Villains,’ ‘I Get Around,’ ‘Do It Again,’ ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice,’ ‘Surfin USA,’ ‘Don’t Worry Baby,’ and of course ‘Good Vibrations.’  Perhaps the highlight of the concert occurred during the encore when the Beach Boys surprised the crowd by following their own Fun, Fun, Fun with ‘Jumping Jack Flash.’  Love did a fantastic Mick Jagger impression.”

Interviewed backstage, Al commented excitedly that an ‘entire new generation of teenagers’ were now attending Beach Boys shows, after a difficult period of transition. Carl stated that, ‘It was probably the group’s inactivity that caused us to fall out of favor.  Maybe they just didn’t like the Smiley Smile album (Carl’s favorite).’ Asked about Brian, Mike noted that ‘Sometimes Brian will do nothing for months and suddenly he’ll jump up and write 10 songs.’ Asked about Bruce, the group seemed resentful.  Al noted that there were ‘differences’ between Johnston and the group but would not go into details, while Mike expressed annoyance that Bruce ‘was spreading rumors’ about the group.  He also noted that ‘The band is currently working on two new albums.  One was recorded during our recent stay in Holland and the other is a live album that is scheduled to be recorded during our concerts in Passaic, NJ and Carnegie Hall.’

Friday November 17, 1972

Barton Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (8:30 PM Show)

Many students had already returned home for Thanksgiving vacation, so a somewhat disappointing crowd of 8,000 people turned up for the Beach Boys’ second concert at Cornell University.  Lawrence Bassoff, of the Cornell Daily Sun, gushed that the group “performed at their tightest, nee most casual, peak, mixing older, newer, and yet to be released material deftly.  The trademark rock choir harmony; credible stomping-rock instrumentation, notably on ‘Student Demonstration Time;’ their standard ‘surprise’ showstopper-closer ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ and Mike Love’s golly-gee commentary (right down to his white socks) made for a near flawless two hours of real American rock and roll music. Most outstanding of the huge musical bill of fare were the clockwork vocals on ‘Wild Honey;’ the zooming, rocking ‘You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone,’ (both featuring superb lead vocals by Blondie Chaplin) and ‘Wonderful.’”

Saturday November 18, 1972

Music Hall, Boston, MA (Two shows at 7:30 and 10:30 PM)

The photo was taken in Minnesota on November 8, 1972

Sunday November 19, 1972

Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ (Two shows at 7:30 and 11:00 PM)

The band set out to compile a single disc live album using recordings from their November 1972 concerts at Carnegie Hall and this show in Passaic, New Jersey for possible release in January.  When Warner Brothers were presented with the tapes, however, they were less than thrilled, probably because Carl compiled a very progressive record with few oldies.  Brian agreed with the label.  In June 1973 he told Robert Nash and Mike Sigman of Record World that when the band played him the live tapes from the November ‘72 shows he told them not to release it because “I just didn’t think it was that good.” The record was not released and instead the BBs began taping more shows in the summer of 1973 that eventually became a double album titled The Beach Boys In Concert. In any event, both performances on this night were taped and some tracks appeared on the 1973 Beach Boys In Concert album.  The songs used were “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, “Let the Wind Blow”, “Marcella”, “Don’t Worry Baby” and “Good Vibrations.”  The photo is by Ed Roach.

Monday November 20, 1972

The Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

I was not aware of this show when I wrote my book. Bill Mann of the Montreal Gazette was not impressed by all the changes in the band. He commented, “The band just keeps getting diluted every time they hit town. This year there’s two new South African members, a chick who does nothing, a new lead guitarist and an aloof Dennis Wilson, who threatens to quit the band seemingly every month.  Of course, you have no right to expect the band to play nothing but their hits (although there were a ton of them) but the group kept playing tunes off of Pet Sounds and Smile that were downright boring in comparison to the tighter, more harmonic singles.  The easily recognizable tunes like Help Me Rhonda and I Get Around were few and far between.  Half the time the audience was really getting off to the sounds, the next instance everyone was yawning as someone did a long solo and Dennis strolled off stage or the band tuned up. The distinctive vocal harmonies are still partially there, although they are lazier now…but no one seems to be all that interested.  Even the adenoidal Mike Love, who’s all over the stage, seems to be trying too hard to prove he’s not going through the motions…The flaws are painful to someone who remembers the consummate perfection of Brian Wilson’s arrangements, the once-spotless performances.  Al Jardine can no longer sing lead on Heroes and Villains-he’s lost the upper range of his voice.  Brian’s high falsetto is acutely missed on such harmonic songs as I Get Around…Help Me Rhonda sounded remarkably bottom heavy without Brian’s falsetto. Bruce Johnston sang that part here last year in a fine show at PdA, but Johnston is no longer with the group.”

Tuesday November 21, 1972

New Haven Coliseum, New Haven, CT-with Lindisfarne (8:00 PM Show)

The Beach Boys were the first rock act to play at the newly built Coliseum, which replaced the New Haven Arena.  7,000 people turned out.  The group was delayed in arriving and did not take the stage till 10 PM.  The reviewer for the Meriden Morning Record noted that the audience sat on their hands for much of the first part of the show, obviously impatient for the oldies.  Finally, when the Beach Boys launched into There’s a Riot’s Going on, the crowd got to its feet and stormed to the front.  This caused the police to turn on the house lights and halt the show till order was restored.  Eventually the crowd returned to their seats but the police remained uneasy and informed the band that they needed to depart the venue by 11:40, so much to the crowd’s disappointment they departed after only an hour and a half without their usual encore.

Wednesday November 22, 1972

DAR Constitution Hall, Washington DC (Two shows at 8:30 and 11:30 PM)

Paul J. Dallman of The Evening Star attended the first of two concerts at Constitution Hall and was impressed by the group’s effective mix of old and new music.  He dubbed the show “a 10-year retrospective rock concert.  It’s done well, with good sound mixing, decent lighting and talent and taste.  They are able to approximate their studio sound on stage, quite an accomplishment in itself… They’ll probably be filling halls 10 years from now.  See you there.”

While the band did fill the hall for the first show, the second concert was a big disappointment, only attracting 400 people.  George Heon, who attended both shows, declared it a better performance and recalled, “They played a set just as long as the first show and really put a lot into it.  I remember "We Got Love" and Dennis' "The River Song" got played.  Mike talked about the new Holland album.”

Thursday November 23, 1972

Carnegie Hall, New York, NY (Two shows at 8:00 and 11:30 PM)

The Beach Boys grossed $34,000 for these two tour-ending Thanksgiving shows at Carnegie Hall, their last appearances to date at the venue.  Both concerts were recorded for possible inclusion on the single album version of the Beach Boys in Concert.  Most of the performances from these shows were passed over and not ultimately used on the double album In Concert record, but both concerts were finally released in 2022. Fred Kirby of Variety, who attended the early show, noted that “there was plenty of fun during the evening, including the comments of Love, clad in an orange and gold mandarin outfit, and such oldies as ‘Sloop John B’, ‘Darlin’, ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’, ‘I Get Around’ and ‘Help Me Rhonda.’ ‘Student Demonstration Time’, with Love on synthesizer, continued powerful in the first show with the heavy sound aiding.  The combination of old and new is keeping the Beach Boys on top.  The clogged aisles and standing response of the young audience bear this out.” The 11:30 show was attended by a particularly rowdy bunch of fans, fresh from their Turkey dinners and eager for oldies.  According to Henry Edwards of the New York Times, a number of these fans charged the stage, demanding that the band stop playing their new music and switch to the old numbers. Mike Love, who was dressed in a “salmon colored meditation outfit and a crocheted beanie”, immediately stopped the show and “gave the crowd a firm talking to.  Using some choice language along the way, he finally remarked ‘Don’t be a bunch of punks!’”