Friday 21st - There's only ONE Brian Wilson

What better way to celebrate a milestone birthday at Christmas time than seeing Brian Wilson perform the entire Beach Boys Christmas Album in California.

Paul and Ashley popped up for the 3rd time in our holiday week and we also saw the delightful couple that is Rory and Lina Litonjua and Monkees (and other good music) officiando Andrew Sandoval.

The Beeb with Rory and Lina

Instead of seeing the support act, we stayed in the lobby and chatted with band member Probyn Gregory. This was our only chance to see him as he had been touring the whole time we had been in L.A. and immediately after the show, they were back on the tour bus to head North to the next gig.
It was lovely to have those few moments.

The Beeb spotted the legend that is Mark London, and he very kindly escorted us to the side corridor where Stevie K, Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford, her hubby Daniel and Brian Wilson's daughter Carnie were about to head into the auditorium to find their seats. Brian has always wanted to meet Carnie and she recognised him from social media. Marilyn made our evening by saying she was planning to come to our get together on Sunday. Also there was Darian's Mom and The Beeb took great pride in having the opportunity to shake her hand.

The review of the show can be found in our gig blog - click HERE for it

Minty was thrilled when, during the band introductions, Probyn said "and a Happy 50th Birthday to Jacqui". Wish we had continued the video going after "Fun, Fun, Fun" now.

Caught, just as Probyn was wishing Minty a Happy Birthday

After the gig, we hung around at the front of the stage and had the chance to speak with Probyn some more. Then he worked magic and we found ourselves in the backstage room, where some of the band were polishing off a huge tray of mac & cheese that Carnie had baked. The Beeb had some too and proudly declared that "I was hungry, and Carnie fed me!".

This gave us the chance to say hello to Gary Griffin and meet Jim Laspesa for the first time. It also gave Minty the chance to give Darian a big hug and wish him a Happy Christmas. His Mom was also backstage - she oozes elegance.

There was pressure on the remaining band members to jump on the last bus and get on their way so we said goodbye and Happy Christmas and then headed back to L.A. ourselves.