The Beach Boys’ Bruce Johnston has stepped away from the group’s touring lineup after more than 60 years, though he has confirmed he will continue focusing on writing music.
The vocalist became part of the band in 1965 when frontman Brian Wilson stopped performing live with the group. Over the years Johnston remained a key member of the lineup and is believed to have taken part in roughly 6,000 concerts.
He announced the news of leaving the touring band in a recent statement to Rolling Stone, explaining that there are no issues between him and the other members. Instead, he said he feels ready to begin what he called “Part Three of my lengthy musical career”.
“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,” he said, also revealing that he hopes to continue “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 also reassured fans that they will still see him at various events and appearances, and that he remains eager to reunite with The Beach Boys for certain special performances. One event he specifically mentioned is the upcoming concert at The Hollywood Bowl, which will mark the celebration of the Nation’s 250th Birthday.
Wrapping up his message, he wrote: “This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon. I am forever grateful to be a part of the Beach Boys musical legacy.”
His decision to step back from touring means Mike Love is now the only member from the band’s classic era who continues to perform regularly on the road. Love also shared his thoughts with Rolling Stone regarding Johnston’s departure from touring.
“Bruce Johnston is one of the greatest songwriters, vocalists, and keyboardists of our time. We’ve had the honour of his performance and participation for many many years with the Beach Boys,” he said.
“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,” he added.
“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 and respect Bruce Johnston.”
Alongside decades of touring with the band, Johnston also penned several Beach Boys songs including ‘Tears In The Morning’, ‘Dierdre’, and ‘Disney Girls’. He briefly stepped away from the group in the early 1970s to pursue other work before returning to the lineup in 1978.
His most recent performance with the band took place during their shows in January. Taking over his position in the touring lineup will be Chris Cron, the vocalist from tribute group Pet Sounds Live.
The band’s next concert is scheduled for March 22 in Florida. Additional dates include the previously mentioned Hollywood Bowl appearance during the July 4 weekend as well as several performances planned for August. Visit here for tickets and more information.
In other Beach Boys news, the group announced in January that they will finally release their long shelved experimental album ‘Adult/Child’, nearly five decades after it was originally recorded.
Later this summer the band will also headline a major outdoor concert in London to mark the 60th anniversary of ‘Pet Sounds’.
Iconic frontman Brian Wilson passed away last June at the age of 82. In an obituary, NME described the musician as a “culture-defining innovator who represented pop music’s awakening”, noting that he leaves behind an enduring legacy of “pop symphonies”.
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