Hotline

SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME NOD FOR MIKE LOVE
Mike Love has been nominated for the Songwriters Hall of Fame once again, in the Performing Songwriters category, for team or individual songwriters. Three finalists will be selected out of the thirteen nominees at the end of December, to be inducted in a New York ceremony 2025. Good luck to Mike — we're rooting for you! (updated 11-13-24)

FUNKO POP! BEACH BOYS

The Beach Boys are being enshrined as Funko POP! collectible figures. The five-pack set contains POP! Brian Wilson, POP! Mike Love, POP! Al Jardine, POP! Carl Wilson, and POP! Dennis Wilson circa Pet Sounds. The vinyl figures range from 3.95-4.15 inches in height. The set is expected to arrive on December 23, 2024, in time for Christmas. More. (updated 11-8-24)

SCOTT TOTTEN, A WIRE CHOIR CHRISTMAS
Former BB supporting band member Scott Totten has released a new solo album, A Wire Choir Christmas, featuring guitar instrumentals of Christmas favorites. The album is available in digital download format or as a signed CD plus digital download from Scott's website. (updated 11-13-24)

NEW BOOK ABOUT BRUCE JOHNSTON
Stephen McParland's newest e-book, A Surfer Boy's Dream Come True: Bruce Johnston from Surfer Boy to Beach Boy, is now available. The book chronicles Bruce's musical career before he joined The Beach Boys. Available for $11.95 US from Payhip.com. (updated 10-25-24)

THE BEACH BOYS' CHRISTMAS ALBUM VINYL REISSUE
The Beach Boys' Christmas Album is being reissued as a limited-edition LP on custom zoetrope vinyl, to celebrate 60 years of the BBs' holiday classic. The LP comes with a bonus 7-inch single of “Little Saint Nick” b/w “Auld Lang Syne,” pressed on translucent ruby red vinyl. The single is also available for standalone purchase in ice blue vinyl. More info. (updated 9-18-24)

THE BEACH BOYS DOCUMENTARY WINS AN EMMY
The sound mixing team for The Beach Boys documentary (Disney+) has won a Creative Arts Emmy Award in the category of “Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program.” Congratulations to Gary A. Rizzo, John Rampey, Sabi Tulok, and Dennis Hamlin for their excellent efforts on behalf of our favorite band! (updated 9-10-24)

NEW AL JARDINE SINGLE, “WISH”
Al Jardine has released a new single, “Wish.” The song, a collaboration with Larry Dvoskin, is available on all streaming platforms, and a portion of the net proceeds from the song will benefit Make-a-Wish America and MusiCares. More info. Read the Rolling Stone story. (updated 9-2-24)

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 in April 2025. 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 7-19-24)

NEW CHRISTIAN LOVE SINGLE
Mike Love's son, Christian Love (Beach Boys Band), has released “Star,” a new single now available on all streaming platforms. (updated 7-30-24)

ALL SUMMER LONG 60TH ANIVERSARY COLOR VINYL RELEASE
A limited-edition reissue of the Beach Boys' 1964 classic concept album All Summer Long is now available. The LP is pressed on sunrise color vinyl and packaged in a high-quality, numbered jacket, using the original album cover art and photos. (7-12-24)

BEACH BOYS DOCUMENTARY AND BOOK UPDATE
A new documentary, The Beach Boys, is streaming 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 was released concurrently on streaming services. Hopefully both of these packages will see eventual release on physical media. Watch the trailer and view a discussion by the film's sound designers.
Six of the surviving Beach Boys (Brian, Mike, Al, Bruce, David, and Blondie) reunited for the film's premiere at the TLC Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA on May 21, 2024. Al and Mike took part in a Q&A session with the director before the film played, and many of the BBs' family members and associates were in the audience.
To complement the documentary, a mass-market edition of the BB's official autobiography, The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys, was published on April 2, 2024. (updated 6-24-24)

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)

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
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)

MIKE LOVE NOT WAR DIGITAL RELEASE
Mike Love has released a new solo 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Archived Hotline items.