Bruce Johnston has left the Beach Boys after 60 years, leaving Mike Love as the only touring members left from the band’s 1960s heyday.
“It’s time for Part Three of my lengthy musical career!” the 83-year-old singer and instrumentalist told Rolling Stone.
Johnston joined the California band in 1965, filling in for Beach Boys cofounder Brian Wilson during live shows. He first recorded with the group on the hit song “California Girls,” according to Pitchfork.
Wilson, who died in June of last year, started the band in 1961 with his two brothers, Carl and Dennis, cousin Love and childhood friend Al Jardine, who remains a member of the band but does not tour.
Johnston’s writing credits with the Beach Boys include “Tears in the Morning,” “Disney Girls” and “Surf’s Up.” He also penned 1974’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” for Elton John and “I Write the Songs” for Barry Manilow in 1975.
He assured that music fans will hear from him again and said he’s “forever grateful to be a part of the Beach Boys musical legacy.”
Johnston said his future plans include speaking engagements, solo appearances and more.
“I can write songs forever and wait until you hear what’s coming!” he teased.
Johnston is said to have played around 6,000 shows with the Beach Boys.
The remaining members have six concerts booked in Florida at the end of March. They’ll be in New Jersey for a May 29 performance in Atlantic City followed by a May 30 show in New Brunswick.
Johnston said he still plans to join his old bandmates on special occasions including a Hollywood Bowl gig celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday over the Fourth of July weekend.
“Change is always promised in life, today we find ourselves in a chapter of change, but not an end,” Love told Rolling Stone.
