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1977
| |
| spring | Marilyn & Rocky allegedly begin a relationship. |
| March |
the band sign with CBS. Mike departs to Leysin, Switzerland to further his study of TM. Steve Love's contract to manage the band isn't renewed when it expires on the 31st. Carl brings in a friend of his, Henry Lazarus, as manager. |
| April |
The Beach Boys Love You, the fruits of Brian's renewed post-15 Big Ones interest in recording, is released. In essence a solo album (originally the title was Brian Loves You), its chart potential is diluted by the news that the band have signed to Jim Guercio's CBS-affiliated label Caribou for a potential $8 million, although still owing Warners one final album, and it stalls at #53. |
| May | Extracted 45 "Honkin' Down The Highway/Solar System" fails to chart. |
| summer | Mike and his third wife, Tamara, divorce. |
| June |
a proposed European tour collapses when Lazarus fails to complete the paperwork, and he resigns on the 21st (the only show salvaged is the annual CBS Convention - a closed industry event - in London on the 30th). The cost to the band is close to $1 million in unrealised revenues and a big setback in terms of lost momentum. |
| August |
Mike & Alan ask Steve Love to return as manager. Carl & Billy Hinsche co-produce Ricci Martin's Epic album Beached. |
| September |
following a Central Park NYC show on the 1st in front of 150,000 fans, the band effectively break up for a short time after a monumental falling out between Dennis & Carl and the so-called 'TM Axis' of Mike & Alan (Brian remains aloof). The situation is uneasily resolved at a meeting at Brian's house on the 17th by not only family ties but also the thought of losing the Caribou contract; in the process, Mike gains control of Brian's corporate vote, ensuring the TM bloc can vote down Carl & Dennis on any matter. Steve Love agrees to manage the band again. Against this background, Dennis releases the first true solo Beach Boy album, Pacific Ocean Blue (on Caribou). It's a huge critical success, and charts respectably at #96. Dennis & Karen are divorced on the 19th. |
| fall | a Dennis Wilson solo tour is announced, but swiftly cancelled. |
| October | Dennis solo 45 "You And I/Friday Night" fails to chart. |
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November/ December |
Mike & Alan with Brian decamp to Maharishi International University, Fairfield IA to attempt a contract-fulfilling album for Warners. Carl and Dennis make fleeting visits. In a curious move, they record both Christmas and non-seasonal tracks in tandem. |