Beach Boys’ Bruce Johnston Announces Exit from Touring Band After 61 Years

Bruce Johnston is stepping away from touring with The Beach Boys after more than six decades.

Johnston, 83, confirmed in a statement to Rolling Stone on Wednesday, March 4, that he is officially departing the band’s touring lineup after joining in April 1965.

“It’s time for Part Three of my lengthy musical career!” Johnston, who is a vocalist, songwriter and keyboardist, 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 is also working on a “speaking-engagement chapter” of his career, “inspired in part by Cary Grant, who long ago made a similar move after his movie career.”

“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!!’” he said.

Johnston said he still plans to reunite with the Beach Boys “for performances on special occasions,” including a show at The Hollywood Bowl over Fourth of July weekend to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.

“This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon. I am forever grateful to be a part of the Beach Boys musical legacy,” he concluded.

Bandmate Mike Love also shared a statement with Rolling Stone, calling Johnston “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,” Love continued. “Change is always promised in life, today we find ourselves in a chapter of change, but not an end.”

During his time with the band, Johnston helped write several fan favorites, including “Disney Girls,” “Tears in the Morning,” and “Deirdre.”

He briefly left the band in 1972 before returning six years later. Chris Cron is set to replace Johnston. Cron is known as the lead of Pet Sounds Live, a Beach Boys tribute act,  per Rolling Stone.