Beach Boys star Bruce Johnston is leaving the touring band after over six decades.
The 83-year-old musician joined the iconic group in 1965 after Brian Wilson stepped away to focus on his studio work, and he performed around 6,000 gigs over the next 61 years.
Now, he has told Rolling Stone magazine in a statement: “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!!
“This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon. I am forever grateful to be a part of the Beach Boys musical legacy.”
He insisted it’s now time for “Part Three of my lengthy musical career” as he looks to focus on songwriting and other projects.
He said: “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 and I Write The Songs!!”
His departure from the touring lineup means Mike Love is the only classic era member of the group still performing in the live band.
He added in his own statement: “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.
“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.”
Mike is exciting to “collaborating in the studio with Bruce in the very near future”, and he’s “very supportive” of his decision.
He continued: “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.”
Bruce will be replaced by Chris Cron from Beach Boys tribute act Pet Sounds Live, who has been sitting in with the band since late February.