Bruce Johnston has announced that he will stop touring with the live version of The Beach Boys. The 83-year-old singer, songwriter and keyboardist originally joined The Beach Boys in 1965, replacing touring member Glen Campbell, who was brought in to sub for Brian Wilson on the road when he decided to devote his time to the studio.

Johnston sang on the studio version of “California Girls,” and he remained with the group, contributing to their studio albums as a vocalist, instrumentalist and songwriter, until 1972, when he was dismissed from the famed band–allegedly after getting into an argument with their management. While working on a solo career, Johnston continued to work on The Beach Boys’ studio efforts and he rejoined the ensemble in 1978. He has remained a member of the group ever since.

In a statement to Rolling Stone published earlier this week, Johnston explained his decision and noted that he still plans to make special live appearances with The Beach Boys.

“It’s time for Part Three of my lengthy musical career!” Johnston 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’ & ‘I Write the Songs!!’” 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.”

The Rolling Stone article also include a statement from Beach Boys co-founder Mike Love, which said: “Bruce Johnston is one of the greatest songwriters, vocalists, and keyboardists 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,” he said. “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.”

Chris Cron, who is best known as the frontman of the Beach Boys tribute act Pet Sounds Live, will replace Johnston on the road. He has already started to “shadow” the longtime Beach Boys member on the road. Cron will continue to play with Pet Sounds Live as well.

Johnston’s departure leaves Love as the only member of the classic-era Beach Boys lineup still touring under the band’s name. Following Carol Wilson’s death in 1998, the surviving band members splintered with Love quickly securing the license to tour under the Beach Boys’ moniker. Johnston and fellow early member David Marks were also part of that combo, which has toured steadily each year since Carl’s death, though Marks dropped out in 1999 leaving Love and Johnston as the band’s only ties to its original incarnation. Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine continues to perform and Brian was active until shortly before his 2025, but their only major regrouping with The Beach Boys was a brief 2012 tour and album campaign.

During his break from The Beach Boys in the ’70s, Johnston wrote “I Write The Songs,” which Barry Manilow recorded and turned into a hit. His studio output with The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys will return to the road for a March 22 stop at Orlando, FL’s Bayside Stadium at SeaWorld.