Meaning: The quote "Of course The Beach Boys will be camp" was made by Bruce Johnston, a musician known for being a member of The Beach Boys. This quote refers to the idea that The Beach Boys' music and image can be perceived as camp. To understand this quote, it's important to explore the concept of "camp" as well as the musical style and cultural impact of The Beach Boys.

The term "camp" has been widely discussed and popularized since it was introduced by Susan Sontag in her 1964 essay "Notes on 'Camp'." In this essay, Sontag defines camp as an aesthetic sensibility characterized by a love for the unnatural, artifice, exaggeration, and style over content. Camp often involves an appreciation for the so-bad-it's-good, the extravagant, and the exaggerated. It can be seen in various forms of popular culture, from fashion and film to music and literature.

The Beach Boys, an American rock band formed in 1961, are known for their distinctive harmonies, catchy melodies, and songs that often celebrate the California lifestyle, surfing, and romance. Their music is often associated with the "surf rock" genre, which emerged in the early 1960s and became synonymous with the carefree, sun-soaked image of Southern California. The band's sound and image have become iconic, influencing countless musicians and leaving a lasting impact on popular music.

When Bruce Johnston made the statement "Of course The Beach Boys will be camp," he may have been acknowledging the playful and exaggerated nature of the band's music and image. The Beach Boys' songs often evoke a sense of nostalgia and romanticism for a bygone era, and their harmonies and arrangements can be seen as somewhat exaggerated and stylized. Additionally, their lyrics often celebrate youthful experiences, love, and the pursuit of happiness, embracing a sense of innocence and escapism.

Furthermore, The Beach Boys' image, particularly during their early years, featured a distinct aesthetic that could be considered camp. From their matching striped shirts and clean-cut appearance to their association with surfing and beach culture, the band cultivated a stylized, almost theatrical persona that aligned with the camp sensibility of embracing artifice and exaggeration.

The band's music and image have been celebrated for their ability to transport listeners to a world of sun, surf, and romance, offering an idealized and somewhat exaggerated portrayal of a carefree lifestyle. This idealization and stylized presentation align with the concept of camp, as it embraces a heightened, theatrical approach to cultural expression.

In conclusion, Bruce Johnston's statement "Of course The Beach Boys will be camp" offers a thought-provoking perspective on the band's music and image. By considering the concept of camp and examining The Beach Boys' influential role in popular music and culture, we can appreciate the playful, stylized, and somewhat exaggerated nature of their work. Whether intentional or not, the band's embrace of a carefree, sun-drenched aesthetic and their celebration of youthful experiences align with the camp sensibility as defined by Susan Sontag. The Beach Boys' enduring legacy continues to captivate audiences with their distinct brand of nostalgia, romance, and musical craftsmanship, embodying a spirit that can indeed be perceived as camp.