Beach Boys’ Bruce Johnston Announces Departure from Touring Band After 61 Years: ‘This Isn’t Goodbye, It’s See You Soon’

“I am forever grateful to be a part of the Beach Boys musical legacy,” Johnston told ‘Rolling Stone’ in a statement on Wednesday, March 4

After more than six decades on the road, Bruce Johnston is stepping away from touring with the Beach Boys. The legendary musician shared the news with fans in a heartfelt message, marking the end of an incredible chapter in live performances.

On Wednesday, March 4, Bruce Johnston — who has been with the rock group since April 1965 — revealed in a statement to Rolling Stone that he was leaving the band.

“It’s time for Part Three of my lengthy musical career!” the 83-year-old vocalist, songwriter, bassist, 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 noted that he was also “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.”

“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 noted that he would still “join the Beach Boys for performances on special occasions and will see everyone at The Hollywood Bowl as we celebrate our 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.

Alongside the announcement of Johnston’s departure, Mike Love shared a statement with Rolling Stone, praising Johnston as “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,” he told the outlet. “Change is always promised in life, today we find ourselves in a chapter of change, but not an end.”

Love, 84, continued, “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.”

The Beach Boys co-founding member, lead vocalist and songwriter noted that he is “delighted” that Johnston will still join the band “on special occasions and when his schedule permits including The Hollywood Bowl performances celebrating the 250th Birthday of our great nation.”

Johnston has been the only original member of the band to tour with Love for the last 28 years, aside from the 2012 reunion tour.

Throughout his career, he penned many Beach Boys songs, including “Disney Girls,” “Deirdre,” and “Tears in the Morning.”

In 1972, Johnston briefly departed the band to work on other projects. He notably penned Barry Manilow’s hit “I Write The Songs.”

However, he returned to the Beach Boys in 1978, and remained with them until playing his final show in January 2025.

Chris Cron, who leads the Beach Boys tribute act Pet Sounds Live, is set to take Johnston’s place, per Rolling Stone.

Since late February, he’s been shadowing the band. When the Beach Boys aren’t on the road, Cron will continue to play with his cover band.