Hotline

BEACH BOYS DOCUMENTARY AND BOOK UPDATE
A new documentary, The Beach Boys, will stream on Disney+ starting May 24, 2024. Directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny, the documentary chronicles the first decades of the group's career, using previously unreleased footage and interviews from all nine principal members. Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, Bruce Johnston, and Blondie Chaplin all contributed new interviews, with archival audio from Carl and Dennis Wilson, and new audio from Ricky Fataar. A soundtrack for the documentary will be released concurrently on streaming services. Hopefully both of these packages will see eventual release on physical media. Watch the trailer.
To complement the documentary, a mass-market edition of the BB's official autobiography, The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys, is being published on April 2, 2024. (updated 4-9-24)

BRIAN WILSON ON NEW GLEN CAMPBELL DUETS ALBUM
Brian Wilson, along with Carole King, Dolly Parton, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and other artists, has contributed a track on the upcoming release, Glen Campbell Duets — 'Ghost on the Canvas' Sessions. The new album, a tribute to the late Glen Campbell's earlier Ghost on the Canvas album, pairs new recordings from the guest artists in duets with Glen's original vocals from the 2011 sessions. Brian appears on “Strong,” providing his own new track to accompany Glen's original vocals. Listen to “Strong.” The album will be released on April 19, 2024 by Big Machine Records and Surfdog Records. (updated 4-12-24)

SHUT DOWN, VOL. 2 60TH ANIVERSARY COLOR VINYL RELEASE
A limited-edition reissue of the Beach Boys' 1964 classic album Shut Down Vol. 2 is available March 29, 2024 on blue and white marbled vinyl, in a high-quality, numbered jacket. (3-29-24)

BWPS TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY BOOK
Author David Leaf is currently preparing a new book, SMILE: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Brian Wilson, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Brian Wilson Presents SMILE (BWPS). This history, appreciation, and celebration will be published by Omnibus Books on October 22, 2024. The book presents an oral history of the original Smile project, and BWPS' London premiere and subsequent world tour. The hardbound book will be published by Omnibus Press and is now available for preorders. (updated 3-24-24)

BBFC FACEBOOK RESTORED
Notice: BBFC's Facebook page is back up again, thanks to our social media team's restoration efforts. (updated 3-5-24)

NATIVE TONGUE: NEW ALBUM FEATURING BLONDIE CHAPLIN
Blondie Chaplin is part of a new music project by songwriter Andrew Morse. Recorded in Austin, TX in mid-2020, the album Native Tongue by The Tasty Kings with Blondie Chaplin is now available in digital format. It features vocals by Blondie, as well as musical contributions from Darryl Jones (Rolling Stones bassist), Charlie Sexton, Stephen Barber, Charley Drayton, and the late Ian McLagan. (3-4-24)

FRED VAIL'S COWS IN THE PASTURE ALBUM TO BE RELEASED
Fred Vail and Brian Wilson's long-abandoned country music project, Cows in the Pasture, is being completed for a 2025 release. The album was started in 1970, with Brian as producer and Fred as vocalist. Instrumental tracks were recorded at the time, but the project folded before vocals could be added. Nashville's Sam Parker has resurrected Cows with Fred, and Brian Wilson has signed on as executive producer. Brian will also be a guest singer on one track, with more all-star vocalists appearing on the other tracks. T Bone Burnett, James Burton, and Red Rhodes also appear on the album. A documentary on Fred Vail's career is also in the works, for a release next year. More details. (updated 2-13-24)

MORE SAD NEWS: MELINDA LEDBETTER WILSON
Brian Wilson's wife of 28 years, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson, passed away on January 30, 2024, at the age of 77. Melinda served as Brian's manager for his solo career. Their early relationship was the subject of the feature film Love & Mercy. Our condolences go out to Brian Wilson, their children, Melinda's family and friends, the Brian Wilson band, and the extended Beach Boys' family. Tributes.
Personal condolence cards and notes may be sent to Brian and his family at: The Wilson Family, c/o Beachwood Entertainment, 2271 Cheremoya Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068. (updated 2-2-24)

VERY SAD NEWS: JEFFREY FOSKETT
Our friend Jeffrey Foskett passed away on December 11, 2023, at the age of 67. Jeff was a long-serving member of both The Beach Boys' band and the Brian Wilson band, regarded as a “vice principal” by the BBs themselves. He released numerous solo albums and has a line of signature guitars with luthier Italia. Jeff was an amazing musician and a generous soul, ever gracious to his fans. Our condolences go out to his family and friends and to the extended Beach Boys' family. Tributes. (updated 12-11-23)

BEACH BOYS AT PARADISE COVE
The Beach Boys — Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks — recently reunited to film for their upcoming group documentary. The BBs gathered at Paradise Cove in Malibu, CA, where their 1962 Surfin' Safari album cover was shot. According to an AL.com interview with Mike Love, they “even did a little bit of acapella singing together on the beach.” (updated 10-4-23)

BEACH BOYS RECORD STORE DAY RELEASE
The Beach Boys' Christmas Album will be reissued on green vinyl for the Black Friday edition of Record Store Day, November 24, 2023. The edition will be limited to 7000 copies, on the Island label. (updated 10-2-23)

AL JARDINE, “Waves of Love 3.0 (Ocean Mix)”
Al Jardine has released “Waves of Love 3.0 (Ocean Mix),” a surround stereo radio version, based on Larry Dvoskin's recent Immersive 360 Reality Audio mix of the song. This new version is co-produced and remixed by Eddie Corral and Larry Dvoskin. Available for streaming from all major digital services. More information. (updated 10-12-23)

CHRISTIAN LOVE'S ONLY ALIBIS
Christian Love, son of The Beach Boys' Mike Love, has just released his first full-length album, Only Alibis. The album is available in CD and digital formats and via streaming services. Matt Jardine makes a guest appearance on the track “Sum Sum Summer.” Fellow BB Band members Tim Bonhomme, Keith Hubacher, and Randell Kirsch help provide instrumentation. More info. (9-11-23)

NEW BEACH BOYS BOOKS ON THE WAY
A new book compilation, The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys, will be published December 2023 in a deluxe, book-collectors' limited edition from Genesis Publications, consisting of 500 signed copies worldwide. The band's story is told through through the BBs' own words — from Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, and Bruce Johnston — with 400 pages lavishly illustrated with rare and iconic photographs from the Capitol Records' and the band's own personal archives, along with historical ephemera from the band. The Deluxe edition has high-end binding and slipcover and is signed by 4 of the surviving BBs. An unsigned, bookstore market hardcover edition of the book will be published in April 2024.
The Beach Boys Official Coloring Book, by David Calcano and Giggens, with intro by Howie Edelson and illustrations of the band by Lindsay Lee and Juan Riera, was published in late summer 2023. Calcano and Lee also have another BBs book coming out next year, The Beach Boys Present: The ABC's of California. This hardcover children's book will be out in March 2024.
Former '70s BB sideman Carli Muñoz has written an autobiography, A Fool's Journey: To the Beach Boys and Beyond, set for publication in October 2023. (updated 9-16-23)

AL JARDINE'S BIRTHDAY MAUI HUMANE SOCIETY FUNDRAISER
Al Jardine is hosting a fundraiser for the Maui Humane Society. He says: “For my birthday this year, I'm raising money for Maui Humane Society to help with their rescue efforts of animals affected by the horrific fires in Lahaina. Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $409 and every little bit helps.” If you'd like to make a donation, go to Al's Facebook fundraiser page or the Maui Humane Society's homepage. (9-2-23)

MIKE LOVE FIRST PITCH
Mike Love threw out the first pitch for the Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays' baseball game at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH, on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. Videos here and here. (updated 8-9-23)

IN MEMORIAM: STERLING SMITH
Sterling Smith, keyboardist in the BB's supporting band during the '70s, passed away on July 27, 2023. Bobby Figueroa (Beach Boys Band, Endless Summer Band, and California Surf Incoporated) said: “Dennis Wilson brought Sterling Smith into The Beach Boys touring band during the stadium tours in the '70s. He was fantastic and we all loved him. California Surf Incorporated has lost one of our finest musicians.” (updated 7-27-23)

NEW MIKE LOVE RELEASE
Mike Love has released a new album, Mike Love Not War, currently available as a digital download for select concert venue ticketholders, as well as streaming. You can listen to the whole album on YouTube. (updated 7-9-23)

BEACH BOYS ALBUMS STREAMING IN DOLBY ATMOS
Six of The Beach Boys' classic albums — All Summer Long, Surfin' USA, Surfer Girl, Little Deuce Coupe, Shut Down, Vol. 2 and Pet Sounds — are now available in a Dolby Atmos mix, for those who have a compatible audio setup for the surround sound format. Available for streaming on Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, and Tidal.
Giles Martin prepared the Pet Sounds mix at Abbey Road Studios. Watch him talk about the project. More PS info. (updated 7-21-23)

BEACH BOYS FEATURED ON NIGHT OF SHOW EPISODE, MAY 8th
A new podcast, Night of Show, focuses on behind-the-scenes stories about the pressures prominent pop and rock artists faced for some of their biggest performances. Concert promoter Adam Wilkes and author Tom Wright are hosts. Episode 3, “The Beach Boys, Nancy Reagan, and a Ban on the 4th of July,” drops on Monday, May 8, 2023. This episode relates the events of 1983, when Interior Secretary James Watt banned rock concerts on the National Mall for the annual July 4th celebration, resulting in heavy pushback from BB fans, including the First Lady of the U.S., and a resurgence of popularity for The Beach Boys. Night of Show is available wherever you get podcasts; a list of providers is available on their website. (updated 5-5-23)

MIKE AND JACQUELYNE LOVE TO RECEIVE POINTS OF LIFE AWARD
Mike and Jacquelyne Love will be among the honorees at the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration on October 26, 2023. Mike and Jacquelyne are being recognized for their long history of philanthropy, including their support for youth empowerment, health education, and environmental causes. (updated 5-4-23)

GRAMMY SALUTE TO THE BEACH BOYS
A Grammy Salute to The Beach Boys tribute concert was held Feb. 8, 2023 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Beach Boys Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, and Bruce Johnston were feted with performances of their songs by fellow artists, including John Legend, Brandi Carlile, St. Vincent, Beck, Fall Out Boy, Mumford & Sons, Weezer, Charlie Puth, LeAnn Rimes, My Morning Jacket, Norah Jones, Pentatonix, Lady A, Michael McDonald, Take 6, and more. John Stamos was one of the show's hosts. The concert will air Sunday, April 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS Television and will also run on its streaming service, Paramount+. Watch the show preview, an interview with Al Jardine, and an interview with Bruce Johnston. There are also some fan-posted videos from the show on YouTube. (updated 4-6-23)

ESQ UPDATE
Endless Summer Quarterly, which has to be about the best Beach Boys periodical there is, is preparing its Summer edition about The Beach Boys 1985 album, as well as an upcoming edition focusing on the MIU period with new interviews with Al Jardine, Ron Altbach, and more. The current edition, Issue 141, features “Brian Wilson’s Relationship Music.” More information. (updated 3-11-23)

IN MEMORIAM: RON ALTBACH
Ron Altbach, keyboardist and co-founder of King Harvest and Celebration, as well as a member of the BB's supporting band in the '70s, passed away on Feb. 21, 2023. Mike Love said: “So many of us who had the good fortune to know him are saddened by the loss of a treasured friend ... we all feel a huge loss with his passing.” Al Jardine said: “Rest in peace my good friend Ron Altbach, one of my favorite songwriting partners who I wrote 'Lady Lynda' with. He was the best of all of us and will be sorely missed.” (updated 2-26-23)

“GOOD VIBRATIONS” NAMED HAPPIEST SONG
The Beach Boys' “Good Vibrations” has been declared the the song that makes people happiest, according to a formula created a University of Sheffield professor. According to Study Finds, musicologist Dr. Michael Bonshor's formula postulates that “the combination of a major key, 7th chords, 137 BPM, strong beat, four beats in every bar, and a verse-chorus-verse-chorus structure is a sure-fire way to produce a happy beat. It should also have a short intro, repeated riffs, high volume, bright tone, and a mix of predictability and surprise.” “Good Vibrations” meets all of his criteria and tops his list of happiest songs. (2-16-23)

THE BEACH BOYS' SAIL ON SAILOR BOX SET
The Beach Boys' Sail On Sailor – 1972, their new box set, will be released on Dec. 2, 2022 via Capitol Records/UMe. This set puts the spotlight on the BBs' Carl and the Passions – “So Tough” and Holland albums. SOS '72 also includes a full concert recorded at NYC's legendary Carnegie Hall on Thanksgiving, 1972, the first-ever release of a complete BB concert from this era with the original setlist. The 105-track collection also includes a bounty of unreleased outtakes, live recordings, radio promos, alternate versions, alternate mixes, isolated backing tracks and a cappella versions, culled from the historic album sessions. The package includes a 48-page book, with notes by Howie Edelson, new and archival interviews with The Beach Boys, rare photos of the band, images of tape boxes and reels and other recording artifacts, producers' notes, and promotional memorabilia from the day, providing an in-depth look at the recording of these albums. Formats include 6 CDs, 2 CDs, 5 LPs + 7" EP, 2 LPs + 7" EP, and digital. Singles released for streaming on YouTube include: “You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone” (live from Carnegie Hall, 1972), “Carry Me Home,” and “All This Is That (A Capella).” More information. (updated 11-10-22)

DAVID MARKS ALBUMS ON BANDCAMP
David Marks has re-released his Back in the Garage album, recorded with Spanish surf band The A-Phonics, and Live at Eddie's Attic, with The Summertime Blues Band. Both albums are available for streaming and download on David's Bandcamp site. (updated 11-22-22)

60TH ANNIVERSARY PLANS ANNOUNCED
In addition to the upcoming release of the special edition Sounds of Summer sets (see item above), some other plans have been announced in celebration of The Beach Boys' 60th anniversary. New music videos for vintage songs are in the works. The next archival release will focus on the Carl and the Passions and Holland albums, to be released in the fall. The BBs will be taking part in a new feature-length documentary and a tribute special. More to be announced later. (updated 4-28-22)

BILLY HINSCHE'S WEBSITE HAS MOVED
Billy Hinsche's website, formerly at billyhinsche.com, has gone down. However, the content from Billy's site will still be available. BBFC hosted his website originally, and is now hosting a legacy site for him here. There are no sales of his videos or CDs from these pages. (updated 5-31-22)

DAVID LEAF'S BW/BB BOOK, NEW EDITION
David Leaf's 1978 book, The Beach Boys and the California Myth, will be released in a new edition. The third expanded edition, now titled God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys and the California Myth, will be available in the U.K. on June 23, 2022 and in the fall for the U.S. Alice recommends this review of Leaf's book. (updated 4-26-22)

LIVE FROM BILLY'S PLACE
Billy Hinsche performed a series of shows called Live from Billy's Place, that ran on Facebook Live, 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Saturdays. You can find the archived shows on Billy's FB page or see a list of them on his website. Billy also uploaded his shows to his official YouTube channel (BillyHinscheOfficial). (updated 11-22-21)

ED CARTER OFFERING MUSIC LESSONS
Would you like to learn to play guitar solos in the style of Carl Wilson, play authentic bass lines while listening to your favorite Beach Boys songs, or strum along on a ukulele? Ed Carter (longtime BB's / Al Jardine's bassist and guitarist) is offering guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele lessons via Skype and Zoom, at very reasonable rates. If interested, please contact Ed on Facebook via PM or email him for more information. (updated 11-29-20)

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