Bruce Johnston Leaves Beach Boys After Six Decades

News Bruce Johnston Leaves Beach Boys After Six Decades “It’s time for Part Three of my lengthy musical career!" the band’s longtime touring member told Rolling Stone By Kiana Mickles March 4, 2026 Save this story Save this story Longtime Beach Boys touring member Bruce Johnston is saying goodbye to the band after more than six decades, Rolling Stone reports. The vocalist, songwriter, bassist, and keyboardist has been with the California-born American rock band since April 1965, when he began filling in for founding member Brian Wilson during live performances. That same year, Johnston contributed his first vocals to one of the Beach Boys’ studio recordings on “California Girls.” Eventually, the band asked him to become a permanent member. Mike Love is now the only original Beach Boysmember left in the touring band. Johnston has writing credits on many Beach Boys songs, including 1967’s “Wild Honey,” 1971’s “Surf’s Up,” and 1966’s “Pet Sounds.” He was temporarily dismissed from the band in 1972 following an alleged dispute with their then-manager, Jack Rieley. Following the split, Johnston pursued a solo career, releasing the album Going Public , as well as dancefloor-oriented singles like his disco rendition of Beach Boys’ “Deidre” and a cover of The Chantay’s “Pipeline.” By 1978, Brian Wilson requested that he rejoin the band to work on L.A. (Light Album), which Johnston became the sole producer of. “It’s time for Part Three of my lengthy musical career!” Johnston told Rolling Stone in a statement. “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 ‘Disn...