After more than 60 years as a core member of The Beach Boys, Bruce Johnston has announced he is stepping away from touring with the iconic group. The 82-year-old musician, known for his songwriting and vocal contributions, shared the news with Rolling Stone, signaling a new chapter in his lengthy musical career.
Johnston’s departure marks the end of an era for fans of the band, as he was the last remaining member alongside Mike Love from The Beach Boys’ original era. He initially joined the group in 1965, filling in for Brian Wilson as a live vocalist and contributing to the hit song “California Girls.” His decision comes following the passing of Brian Wilson in January 2024, a loss that deeply impacted the music world. Johnston intends to focus on songwriting, stating, “It’s time for part three of my lengthy musical career! I can write songs forever and wait until you hear what’s coming!”
A Multi-faceted Career
While widely recognized for his work with The Beach Boys, Johnston’s musical journey extends beyond the surf rock sound the band is famous for. He briefly left the group in 1972 to pursue a solo career, during which he penned the hit song “I Write The Songs,” famously recorded by Barry Manilow. He returned to The Beach Boys in 1978 and continued to tour and contribute to the band’s music, writing songs like “Disney Girls (1957),” “Deirdre,” and “Tears in the Morning.”
Mike Love acknowledged Johnston’s significant contributions to the band, stating, “Bruce Johnston is one of the greatest songwriters, vocalists, and keyboardists of our time. We’ve had the honor of his performance and participation for many many years with the Beach Boys. Change is always promised in life; today we find ourselves in a chapter of change, but not an end.”
Transition and Future Performances
The Beach Boys will continue to tour, with Chris Cron, vocalist for the Beach Boys tribute band Pet Sounds Live, taking Johnston’s place. This ensures the band’s extensive catalog will remain accessible to fans. Love’s iteration of The Beach Boys is scheduled to perform three nights at the Hollywood Bowl over the July 4th weekend, with Johnston planning to make a guest appearance.
Beyond Love’s performances, founding member Al Jardine is also keeping the music alive. Jardine is touring with Brian Wilson’s former backing ensemble, now known as the Pet Sounds Band, focusing on performing the 1977 album, The Beach Boys Love You. This provides fans with multiple opportunities to experience the band’s music in a live setting.
The departure of Bruce Johnston represents a significant shift for The Beach Boys, but the enduring popularity of their music ensures their legacy will continue. Fans can look forward to continued performances from both Mike Love’s group and Al Jardine’s ensemble, keeping the spirit of The Beach Boys alive for generations to arrive.
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