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Posted on 03/05/2026 4:41:05 PM PST by nickcarraway
Bruce Johnston, longtime member of the Beach Boys, has announced his departure from the group after more than 60 years.
“It’s time for Part Three of my lengthy musical career!” Johnston explained 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!!’”
While Johnston is clearly eyeing a new chapter of his career, he’s not totally closing the door on his Beach Boys life.
“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!!” he noted. “This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon. I am forever grateful to be a part of the Beach Boys musical legacy.”
When Did Bruce Johnston Join the Beach Boys?
Johnston originally began with the Beach Boys in April 1965, when he filled in for Brian Wilson during live performances. He was eventually invited to become a permanent member, contributing vocals and songwriting to some of their biggest hits. Across his six decades with the band, Johnston sang on such classic tunes as “California Girls,” “God Only Knows,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “Kokomo.” Meanwhile, his songwriting credits included “Wild Honey,” “Surf’s Up,” “Disney Girls” and “Pet Sounds.”
With Johnston’s departure, Mike Love is now the only classic-era Beach Boys member still touring with the band, though former Beach Boy Al Jardine continues to perform separately with his own group, the Pet Sounds Band.
“Bruce Johnston is one of the greatest songwriters, vocalists, and keyboardists of our time,” Love declared in a statement acknowledging Johnston’s departure. “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.”
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Jeez, too many people just don’t want to stick around a job anymore. Quitter! .sarc
This has been building up inside of me for oh, I don’t know how long.
Well what’s left after
Bomb bomb bomb bomb bomb Iran? ♫ ♪ ♫ ♫
My favorite music is from the 1920s and 1930s, and all of those musicians are gone. I was lucky enough to hear Nick Lucas do a live performance of his 1929 hit Tiptoe Through the Tulips.
Wrote "I Write the Songs" that was recorded by over two hundred people besides Barry Manilow. Only band member to win a 'Song of the Year' Grammy. Had worked with others including Elton John and Pink Floyd.
From his Wikipedia Bio Page (which is a great read):
- He described himself as "a real conservative guy" and stated that he had never taken drugs other than alcohol in his life. Politically, he identified as a Republican as of 2012. He was subjected to criticism during the band's 50th anniversary tour, when a fan video during a meet and greet caught him being critical of then-US President Barack Obama, as well as 2012 Republican presidential nominee, Mitt Romney.-
I wouldn't be so sure. Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) noted that, despite the music industry foresaking everyone but hippity hop rappers, concert venues are still full for rock acts while the favored often get sparse attendance.
So despite the money grab and attempt at audience manipulation discerning fans have been staying loyal to what and who they like - not who they're TOLD to like.
I thought this was Babylon Bee when he mentioned Cary Grant.
Unfortunately, these fans are very frequently ripped-off by their aging heroes charging exorbitant ticket prices for miming to recorded vocal - and some instrumental - tracks at 'live' shows.
Who does this? The list is long and filled with the most popular and famous bands imaginable. Interested parties should check out Wings of Pegasus on YouTube. The young guitarist who created this channel has devoted much of his effort for the past couple of years to showing how it's done and his conclusions are both objective and irrefutable.
Kokomo was written by John Phillips of the mamas and papas fame with collaboration of others but not Bruce Johnson.
Embarrassingly, I’d not been aware the tune was not Tiny Tim’s!
That’s Archie Leach to you.
The article makes it clear he sang on, but did not write the song. But Mike Love was the only Beach Boy who co-wrote it. Besides Phillips, his best friend Scott McKenzie, and Doris Day’s son Terry Melcher are credited. Of Course, songwriting credits are often not completely accurate, so, who knows, Johnston could have contributed.
Is he going to go sing solo now?
Maybe he can train for a new career,
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