Bruce Johnston Exits The Beach Boys' Touring Band After 61 Years

The Beach Boys

After 61 years of performing with The Beach Boys, Bruce Johnston will quit the touring band.

He confirmed the news to Rolling Stone, citing a desire to work on other projects as the reason for his departure. “It’s time for Part Three of my lengthy musical career!” Johnston told the publication. “I can write songs forever and wait until you hear what’s coming!!! As my major talent beyond singing is songwriting, now is the time to get serious again.”

Johnston added that he’s developing the “speaking-engagement” phase of his career, inspired by actors Cary Grant and honorary Beach Boy, John Stamos.

“In addition, I’m currently working on developing a speaking-engagement chapter of my career — inspired in part by Cary Grant, who long ago made a similar move after his movie career,” he explained. “With a ton of help designing what I speak about from John Stamos, I’ll be doing appearances and events of my own. I might even sing ‘Disney Girls’ & ‘I Write The Songs!!’”

Assuring fans that his departure is “not goodbye, it’s see you soon,” Johnston confirmed that he will still join the band on stage for special occasions. “I am forever grateful to be a part of the Beach Boys’ musical legacy,” he said.

Chris Cron, frontman of the Beach Boys tribute band Pet Sounds Live, will replace Johnston in the band.

Bruce Johnston joined The Beach Boys in 1965, having recorded the vocals on the track California Girls and appearing on all of the Beach Boys’ albums until 1972.

He left the band in the ‘70s, before rejoining in 1978 and contributing to the records L.A. (Light Album) and Keepin’ The Summer Alive, released in 1979 and 1980, respectively.

He remained in The Beach Boys ever since, aside from the band’s 2012 reunion tour. Johnston has been the sole original member to tour with bandmate Mike Love over the last 28 years.

Mike Love also issued a statement about Johnston’s impending departure. “Bruce Johnston is one of the greatest songwriters, vocalists, and keyboardists of our time,” Love said, per Consequence of Sound. “We’ve had the honour 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.”

Love added that Johnston is shifting focus to what he does best: songwriting and recording, and he looks forward to collaborating in “the very near future.”

“Bruce shifts his focus on what he does so well, which is songwriting and recording,” Love explained. “I personally look forward to collaborating in the studio with Bruce in the very near future. I am very supportive of Bruce, and I have every confidence that he will produce great music.

“I am delighted that Bruce will join the band on special occasions and when his schedule permits, including The Hollywood Bowl performances celebrating the 250th Birthday of our great nation. I love & respect Bruce Johnston.”