Beach Boys Britain: Big Event * BIg Interview with Val Johnson-Howe

Beach Boys Britain's

Val Johnson-Howe

Talks with Pray For Surf

"What a GREAT Interview you and Mark had with Alan!

I loved every part of that."

PHIL >>> First off, "thank you!" ... but I noticed you used "Alan" for Beach Boy Al Jardine (as he is currently known). I remember a time (ancient history, I think) when Al went by Alan. Is this a British/American thing?

VAL>>> No particular reason. I suppose I was just being polite!

PHIL >>> I've always been impressed—and grateful—that British fans recognized The Beach Boys as a very special band, creating music to be cherished. What did British fans hear and appreciate that many American fans seemed slower to recognize?

VAL>>> It seems to me that British Fans very much appreciated the harmonies, which, of course, The Beach Boys were so famous. The more complex writings of Brian Wilson was – and is – something to be admired. We all love the “deep cuts” of course! For me, I first learned about The Beach Boys in Music Class. My then tutor was a huge fan and he would play Beach Boys records (singles and LPs – that is how old I am!) for us. A favourite memory is walking to the Music Room during a lunch hour and hearing the strains of “Heroes & Villains” coming from the speakers in there. I had to stop, go in and listen…and then the rest, as they say, is history!

>>>Read the complete interview. Here. Today.

—FOR THE LOVE OF BRIAN—

Saturday 14 November 2026 **

A Celebration of

Brian Wilson’s Music & Legacy

If Brian Wilson’s music has ever lifted your heart or shaped a moment in your life, this is the day you won’t want to miss.

FOR THE LOVE OF BRIAN is a full‑day celebration filled with music, memories, stories, laughter and a few surprises.

Join members of the Brian Wilson Band — Probyn Gregory, Paul Von Mertens, Bob Lizik, Nelson Bragg, Rob Bonfiglio — plus Alan Boyd, David Leaf, Stephen Kalinich, and more guests still to be confirmed (subject to availability). Hear first‑hand stories of life on the road with Brian from the people who were actually there.

We’ll have live music, special talks, quizzes with unique prizes, appearances from The Beached Boys, a performance from Cantorum Choir, and a very special closing song shared by everyone.

There’s more planned — but you’ll have to be there to experience it.

***JUST ADDED TO THE GUEST LIST: MATT JARDINE***

Tickets>>>

Places to Stay:

https://www.booking.com/city/gb/lutterworth.en-gb.html

https://uk.hotels.com/.../hotels-lutterworth-united-kingdom/

Photos from just a few of the podcasts and posts by Mark Dillion ("Fifty SIdes of The Beach Boys") and Phil Miglioratti ===>>>

Beach Boys’ related interviews & articles Jeffrey Foskett, Dean Torrence, Fred Vail, Chuck Girard (Hondells lead), Philip Bardowell, Dan Addington (Dennis historian), David Beard, Beach Boys' authors Mark Dillon, David Leaf, Jon Stebbins, Philip Lambert, Tom Smucker, Howie Edelson

• As a Jesus-follower, Phil Miglioratti collects stories/news regarding the faith journey of rock musicians (Dylan, Ringo, Bono, Alice Cooper, others) ...

Add some music to your day and enjoy some love and mercy ...

√Pray For Surf ~ Where Surf Meets Spirit * Where Harmony Meets Hope