"This is sort of an experiment tonight; what we're doing here is an accommodation to [the ACA]. Of course, [the attendees] don't know we're here. ... We brought a piano player, and my guitar player brought his acoustic guitar. ... This will be similar to a 'singalong,' in that not only will we be singing to them, but with them - I hope. The Beach Boys have never done this before."
Before taking the stage for his acoustic set, the former dentistry student (he left the group briefly in 1962) sat down with Dynamic Chiropractic to talk about another health care profession close to his heart: chiropractic.
"Chiropractic has just been incredible," said Al, recalling some of his "heroes" in the profession: "Birmingham Chiropractic, in Birmingham, Michigan, has one of the finest practitioners of the art. His name is David Kirsch. He used to travel with us on the road, all over the world. He would basically keep our bodies in shape; he would apply kinesiology and sound health practices. He is a wonderful guy!
"Dr. Mario Spoto [Pennsylvania ACA delegate] just gave me a treatment last night before going down here and looking at the hall - I feel 100 percent better! My foot was in just terrible shape. I've had orthotics made, and they appear to be [fine]. It's just part of the problem - getting the mechanical part done. But it's the follow-up - it's just a common-sense practice that chiropractic uses - treating the patient, instead of just treating the condition. That's exactly [the way] it should be. Mario reminded me of all those things that I've learned. I appreciate his and David's help.
"Also, Mary Rice, who was the president of the CCA [California Chiropractic Association] when I was down there last time, was extraordinarily beneficial to me as a performer. And I think the general public should know more about [chiropractic] and take advantage of it, because our medical profession is just treating these problems - and some of them need to be treated; I don't mean to say they don't - but by and large, most of these elements are treatable without invasive surgery, medicine or drugs.
"You need drugs for some things; for instance, my antibiotics I've taken for infections. But the whole AMA 'thing,' is such overkill - it's such a powerful establishment. But [chiropractic] is a great alternative for me. It's a practical application - a lifesaver."
"We used to have someone come to us at every show as part of our rider. We found the right person for us, and he ended up becoming our 'team doctor.'"
Just seconds before being called to the stage, Al offered a few final comments: "I hope you guys [the ACA and chiropractic] win the lawsuit [ACA vs. Trigon], and that the federal judge has the common sense to realize how important this profession is and that they [will] get compensated the same as medical doctors from the insurance companies. I can't believe that that kind of discrimination still exists; I support this [litigation].
"I also want to mention Tikey Chiropractic [He asks a crew member to tune his guitar quickly.], run by Richard Tikey - a wonderful guy and clinic, and a great practitioner in Scottsdale, Arizona He was our family doctor, with a great staff!"
As the familiar first strains of "Wouldn't It Be Nice?" resonated through the loudspeakers, Al looked back and nodded. "Gotta' go!"
Dynamic Chiropractic editorial staff members research, investigate and write articles for the publication on an ongoing basis. To contact the Editorial Department or submit an article of your own for consideration, email
.