While any discussion of an official Beach Boys reunion is premature and unconfirmed, the first release of 2011 using the phrase “50th Anniversary 2 DISC Collector’s Edition” comes from a familiar place: one time band member Billy Hinsche of Dino, Desi & Billy fame. Today Hinsche maintains familial and professional ties with the group. He is uncle to the late Carl Wilson’s sons Jonah and Justyn and the music director for Beach Boy Al Jardine’s band. The two-disc “Director’s Cut” set is titled 1974 — On The Road With The Beach Boys.
Initially releasing the film in early 2010 as a single disc, Hinsche went back to his well of goods to expand on the release. He explains, “I had a few more Portapak video reels that I hadn't looked at yet because the video boxes had minimal, vague original notes written on them like ‘Kiki Dee – June’ and ‘Billy's Birthday.’ I thought I had seen all the relevant (to the April and May '74 tours) footage and was satisfied with the film. It already had a beginning, middle and end that made sense. So when the additional video reels were recently viewed, I was blown away to see backstage footage of Elton John and Paul Simon in our dressing room at the Nassau Coliseum in NY along with the onstage footage of Kiki Dee; and I had forgotten that I had set up the camera in my parent's home and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Pop conducting his own interviews for my 23rd birthday that included his good buddy, Dennis Wilson. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I saw him and Dennis back together again, talking and joking around like they always did. I believe this is the only footage that exists of the two of them together. It is very special to me and I wanted to share it with everyone.”
With over two and a half hours of rare footage and exclusive interviews, 1974 — On The Road With The Beach Boys [Director’s Cut], starts 2011 off right with a one-of-a-kind look at America’s band. Regarding the Beach Boys' great legacy Hinsche said, “I wanted to offer something special for the 50th Anniversary celebration and this was it.”
© David M. Beard/All Rights Reserved
Comments