Bruce Johnston Leaves Beach Boys Touring Band After Six Decades

Bruce Johnston, a longtime touring member of The Beach Boys, announced that he is stepping away from the band’s touring unit after more than six decades.

The singer-songwriter, bassist and keyboardist told Rolling Stone that he is leaving the touring unit after thousands of concerts and is ready for the next chapter of his career. Johnston has performed with the band since 1965, writing Beach Boys classics like “Disney Girls,” “Diedre” and “Tears in the Morning.” His departure leaves Mike Love as the lone member of the classic-era Beach Boys in the touring unit. Al Jardine, also a classic-era Beach Boys member, tours with The Pet Sounds Band.

“It’s time for part three of my lengthy music career!” Johnston told Rolling Stone. “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. 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.”

Johnston goes on to say, “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’ and ‘I Write the Songs!’”

There will still be opportunities to see Johnston onstage. The musician said he will join The Beach Boys on special occasions, including a concert at the Hollywood Bowl celebrating the country’s 250^th anniversary.

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

Love also submitted a statement to Rolling Stone about Johnston leaving the Beach Boys touring unit: “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. Bruce shifts his focus on what he does so well, which is songwriting and recording. 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 250^th birthday of our great nation. I love and respect Bruce Johnston.”

The Beach Boys are consistently on the road, and the band had a special showing with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra last summer at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The show grossed $646,655 off 8,483 tickets, according to Pollstar Boxoffice.