Book Tour

[M|X|Y]

I went to the Brooklyn show last night and it was an incredible experience. But through all the laughter, and there was a LOT of that, I had a lump in my throat the entire night.

As I walked up Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn, I realized this was THE best place to see them, as the I passed "Bimbo Nails" and a few hole in the wall chicken joints and a couple of storefront churches, the neighborhood reminded me of what so much of New York used to be like. To me it not have been a more fitting place for this. And like a beacon and portal into another world, I could see the grand marquis from a distance as I approached:

KINGS
BEASTIE BOYS
TONIGHT

...indeed.

Right then it I realized I didn't think I'd ever see such a sight again. It made me giddy to relive the experience of walking into a BBoys show once again, a feeling I put away since I guess the day Yauch died. And as I approached it hit me that when I was a kid I never in my wildest dreams thought they'd become the institution they became, that we'd be looking at their lives in this museum-like way. The glass cases containing these incredible pieces of history and all the stoners, NY hip hop kids, school cafeteria punk table gangs now all grown, looking with reverence upon these relics of our past - did any of us imagine this day would come?

And as I waited for my guest to get inside, I just stood there taking it all in. Not the memorabilia displays, or the looooong awaited book that had just been handed to me, not even the beautifully ornate venue - it's gorgeous on the inside - but the PEOPLE rolling in.. all with smiles and joyful looks on their faces. So many familiar faces, I even met a few people I've known over the years, but just generally I recognized SO many people from the countless Beastie Boys shows and events through the years. These were the now grown up kids we were around all those times. I occurred to me that this might be he last time I ever see these people who all share the love for all that is Beastie Boys all in one place. I have never before wanted to just walk up to random 'stranger' and hug them like I did last night. We all grew up. We all made it through. It was bittersweet.

Of course, there was the occasional whaft of pot here and there and most everyone was dressed like they probably did back in the day but I overheard so many bits and pieces of stereotypically adult conversations like, "gotta get home to the babysitter" or "not tonight, I gotta get into the office early".. that it made both sad and happy. Sad because this is what I never wanted to become but happy that through life and the Beastie Boys I learned to embrace growth. Thank you, guys for leading the way. Thank you.

A little FUCK YOU to the chick who yelled out "CREEP!" (more than once!) as Adam told the story and sincerely apologized for the way they let go of Kate. That was so cowardly, childish and unnecessary. He smoothed right past it just fine but I really wish she hadn't done that.

The show was in-fucking-credible, filled to the brim with stories, jokes and anecdotes in a way that felt like that dream we all have of hanging out with them in what felt like a very casual way. I hope that it's being filmed for those who don't get a chance to see it like because it's a really special, one of a kind experience. I'm so glad I went and so grateful for the opportunity to see it in the company of this group of fellow bboys and bgirls

Beastie Boys Forever.

[vanillgorilla]

MXY - incredibly well written. Couldn't have summed up my thoughts any better.

[sharonm]

MXY

Well said, my sentiments exactly.

I loved every single minute of it.

I could have sat there for hours more listening to them gabber on about anything.

It was bitter sweet though, as you said, as I knew that this was it. Perhaps I'll still hold out hope for an album of lost archives.

And of course, missing Yauch was hard, really had to hold back the tears at times.

(and Mike D slapped my hand as he walked down the aisle---nice!!

[dave790]

Great write up MXY

[facedownfall]

Originally Posted by dave790

Great write up MXY

Loved it! I thought I heard someone say something but it wasn't sure during the moment, "creep" it is. I was sitting next to an annoying dude in a skeleton t-shirt that kept yelling out "Donny Osmond" while they were talking about Paul's Boutique. He had an obnoxious lap. I almost cried when Adam read about the last show.

[MIKEtotheD]

Could not have written it better myself, MXY.

It was not I who yelled "creep", but I did yell "Clarence" at the beginning.

Overall, it was a great experience and was made better by sharing it with so many other people whose lives have been greatly impacted by the Beasties.

I did shed some tears, but I laughed a hell of a lot more.

Thankful to have been there, and even more so for Adam, Mike and Adam.

[M|X|Y]

Thanks guys

Sharon.. were you at Brooklyn Bowl for that MCA night right after he died, where Questlove DJed? Either way I think I got a quick video of Mike running down the aisle hi-5i'ing everyone. I was right on that side but a little too far in to reach out.. you got one - yeeeeah!

I heard the Donny Osmond guy... and I heard "Clarence!!" too hahah.

One of the funniest moments for me was when Mike referenced Danceteria and a lot of people cheered.. And Mike said something to the effect of "maaan shut the fuck up, you know nothing about Danceteria". Keeping it real!

[WesleyOHSnaps!]

How long have the shows been?

[Laver1969]

Shows have been a little over two hours.

[YoungRemy]

If you want a high five from Mike, sit at the end of the rows near the aisle/walkway in the right side of the audience. If you’re in the middle section, Mike will come down the row to your right, those seated on the right will see him come down to your left during the “talk show” segment.

What I’m saying is that Stage Right and Stage Left are complicated theater terms, and this feels kind of like a play, so be prepared for costume and set changes as well as ambience/mood/lighting.

I don’t want to spoil, but the three ending segments were deeply emotional so I hope to come back to discuss with those who are lucky enough to catch this.

It needs to be seen more than five times in the world. It’s so cathartic and healing.

[Sir SkratchaLot]

Originally Posted by M|X|Y

A little FUCK YOU to the chick who yelled out "CREEP!" (more than once!) as Adam told the story and sincerely apologized for the way they let go of Kate. That was so cowardly, childish and unnecessary. He smoothed right past it just fine but I really wish she hadn't done that.

I haven't gotten this far in the book yet but this might be the part of the book I'd like to check out the most. I didn't even learn about the early days of the band until 1992 or so, but for the last 25 years I've read/heard many interviews and I've never seen a real thorough explanation of what went down there. Certainly never an apology, that always seems like it was well needed. I'm pretty happy to see them going there and can't wait to read this part.

[Kid Presentable]

Audiobook is great.

[adrock1988]

Originally Posted by M|X|Y

BEASTIE BOYS
TONIGHT

...indeed.

Right then it I realized I didn't think I'd ever see such a sight again. It made me giddy to relive the experience of walking into a BBoys show once again, a feeling I put away since I guess the day Yauch died. And as I approached it hit me that when I was a kid I never in my wildest dreams thought they'd become the institution they became, that we'd be looking at their lives in this museum-like way. The glass cases containing these incredible pieces of history and all the stoners, NY hip hop kids, school cafeteria punk table gangs now all grown, looking with reverence upon these relics of our past - did any of us imagine this day would come?


Beastie Boys Forever.

Thank You

[DandyFop]

I was insanely lucky enough to go to both LA shows (shout out to YoungRemy on this board for letting me know 3MTA was selling his tickets here).

What an amazing show.

It was truly a tribute to New York and how they grew up. How they were just young kids obsessed with music, going out every night to shows and playing music all the time. They made sure to give owe to their biggest influences. There was this amazing video I'd never seen before, of Adrock sneaking onto a TV show that Afrika Bambaatta was on and asking him if he'd heard of a song called Cookie Puss. Hahaha.

The guys were super goofy the whole time. There was some "skits" and costumes. At the very beginning Mike just straight up leaves the stage and says he has something else to do haha. They would make fun of each other and go on tangents. They also have some inside joke whenever things would falter. One would look at the other and say "You know, you should get a dog." Obviously some kinda joke they've had for a long time.

They spent a lot of time on the early years .They acknowledged that when they became the beer-spewing, moshing, nasty Beasties that they kinda pushed Kate out of the group, and eventually realized they'd become toxic assholes.

They talked about the move to Los Angeles and made fun of AdRock's acting career by showing a clip from Lost Angels. Where the car goes into the pool and Adam makes a sexual kind of noise. They replayed this noise over and over haha. They talked about the crazy 70s house they rented and the clothing they found inside. The amazing Bob Dylan story as voiced by Tim Meadows.


It was all wrapped up with some beautiful tributes to Yauch. I'm sure this is all stuff covered in the book but man. It was pretty cool to see it in person.

People spotted: Mario C, Monkey Mark, Beck, Kathleen Hanna, John C. Reilly, Cut Chemist

If you wanna see some pics / videos you can see them on my instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/babs_gray/

[adrock1988]

i still need a ticket for tonight, anyone with an extra text me five10-378-5835

[laura]

Thank you everybody for the reviews, full of true emotions.
I really cant wait to see the show in London

[WesleyOHSnaps!]

Man what an amazingly funny, sweet, honest, and touching tribute to Yauch. Last nights show was so great. I’m really glad I was able to go. Thank you Mike & Adam.

[dust monkey]

great show. line to see the exhibit was a snail, and moving like a snail but it was awesome to see. merch is nice, show was nice, went by much too quick and it was over 2 hrs. i started taking pics but was so enamored I realized after that my phone was pretty much in my lap the whole time. I don't think I was alone either. so much love in the room. it was us....all still dressed the same, all smiling, all telling stories and sharing nods and complimenting each other's fandom, and all just a little bit older but I could pick out each and all Beastie fans as we were enjoying a few spots around the venue before it began. i miss that part so much...

thank you everyone and God damn thank you to the band. pretty sure they needed this for at least some closure, I know I did.