Bruce Johnston Leaves The Beach Boys After +60-Year Tenure

Bruce Johnston is finally hanging up his surfboard, or at least stepping off the tour bus. After joining The Beach Boys in 1965 to fill in for a studio-bound Brian Wilson, the singer, keyboardist and songwriter has exited the group’s touring lineup following a six-decade run, leaving Mike Love as the lone remaining link onstage to the band’s classic era.

“It’s time for Part Three of my lengthy musical career!” Johnston revealed in a statement shared with 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. 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!!’”

Bruce Johnston was quick to note that his departure from the road doesn’t mean a clean break from the band entirely.

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

Mike Love also shared a statement with Rolling Stone:

“Bruce Johnston is one of the greatest songwriters, vocalist, and keyboardist of our time. 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 250th Birthday of our great nation. I love & respect Bruce Johnston.”

The Beach Boys have tapped Chris Cron to replace Johnston. Cron fronts the Beach Boys tribute band Pet Sounds Live. According to Rolling Stone, Chris Cron started sitting in with the Beach Boys late last month in preparation for his new role.

Bruce Johnston penned a number of Beach Boys songs, with “Disney Girls,” “Deirdre” and “Tears In The Morning” among his key contributions. Johnston also wrote “I Write The Songs,” which Barry Manilow took to the top of the charts in 1976. The 83-year-old played his last show as a member of the Beach Boys’ touring band on January 29, 2026 in Key West.