I have been to plenty of concerts. But my favorite Beach Boys memory happened at
the Pacific Amphitheater in Irvine, California about 1986. I had good seats that night
(about four rows back in the left section). I was really enjoying the show when it
happened.
As the band began Sloop John B, the overhead stage lights naturally focused on
Alan Jardine. But when he began to sing two pretty young ladies from the first row
bolted out of their seats, climbed up on stage and headed right for him. One of the
ladies hugged Al and kissed him on the cheek. He didn't seem to mind; he just smiled
and kept right on singing. But the second young lady snatched the cap from his head
and held it up like a trophy for the audience to see. Even this didn't faze Al. Since I
was sitting so close, I could hear Al quietly say to the girl, "You can have it."
But for the concert security guards, this was too much. Two beefy men in black
t-shirts and black pants charged out of the wings. One yanked the cap out of the girl's
hand and the other hooked both of them under their arms and was clearly planning to
physically escort them out.
Al spoke into his microphone, "Hey man, I said she could have that."
But this had no effect on them. I know security has a job to do but it did seem a little
over the top to me. It must have seemed that way to Al too. He literally stopped the
song and spoke loudly into his mike: "HEY MAN, I'M NOT KIDDING,, GIVE HER THE
HAT AND LEAVE THEM ALONE!"
Somewhat chagrined, the security guards handed the young lady Al's hat and just
watched as the girls peacefully returned to their seats.
I don't know any of The Beach Boys personally. But in my opinion, Alan Jardine is a
class act. - - Timothy Lefler
