'60s Rock Legend Announces Departure From Tour After 61 Years

Bruce Johnston, the celebrated 60s rock musician and longtime member of the Beach Boys, has officially announced he is leaving the band’s touring lineup after more than six decades of performing. 

Johnston, who joined the iconic group in 1965 when Brian Wilson stepped away from touring, has played approximately 6,000 concerts and contributed timeless songs like “Disney Girls” and “Tears in the Morning.”

“It’s time for Part Three of my lengthy musical 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.”

Johnston, 81, shared that his next focus will be on songwriting and public appearances. Inspired by classic Hollywood stars like Cary Grant, he is developing a series of speaking engagements with guidance from actor John Stamos. 

“I’ll be doing appearances and events of my own. I might even sing Disney Girls and I Write the Songs,” Johnston added.

Despite leaving the touring band, Johnston assured fans this is “not goodbye, it’s see you soon.” He plans to join the Beach Boys for special performances, including a July 4th show at the Hollywood Bowl celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday.

To fill Johnston’s spot on the road, the Beach Boys are bringing in Chris Cron, the lead singer of the tribute band Pet Sounds Live. Cron has already begun performing with the group in select shows and is known for faithfully recreating the vintage Beach Boys harmonies that fans love.

Johnston’s departure marks the end of an era: for the past 28 years, except the 2012 reunion tour, he has been the only original member touring alongside Mike Love. His influence on the band extends beyond performance; during a brief hiatus in the 1970s, Johnston wrote the hit song I Write the Songs for Barry Manilow” and released a solo album titled Going Public.

The Beach Boys, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California, are legendary for pioneering the “California sound” with lush vocal harmonies and surf-inspired pop music. Johnston joined the band as Brian Wilson shifted his focus to studio work, contributing his voice and songwriting to some of the group’s most memorable tracks.

While Johnston exits touring, the band continues under Mike Love’s leadership with dates scheduled across the United States, including major shows in Orlando and at the Hollywood Bowl. 

Meanwhile, founding member Al Jardine tours separately with the Pet Sounds Band, celebrating the 1977 album The Beach Boys Love You and reviving rare tracks like Let’s Put Our Hearts Together with Brian Wilson’s former backing musicians.

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