With Mike Love seemingly unable to perform due to age (age 85) and health issues, it’s time to say goodnight. Retire the Beach Boys band. It’s been a great run. Seeing you sitting in a chair on stage in a weakened and frail condition is not necessary. It’s beyond time to call it a career. On stage with you are fine musicians, but it’s no longer the Beach Boys, it’s a tribute band at this point.
Fifty years ago, I had the good fortune to see The Beach Boys in concert a couple of times, and thankfully, Brian Wilson was on those tours. A couple of years ago, I saw Brian on his last tour and it was heartbreaking. He was barely there. It was sad. Al Jardine, Blondie Chaplin and the rest of Brian’s band provided a great-sounding show, but Brian didn’t seem a part of it.
The drama surrounding The Beach Boys following their 50th anniversary, when Brian and Al were no longer a part of the band should have been the end.
Bruce Johnston (age 84) retired this year from the band, and that should have been the signal to pull the band off the road for good. The recent cancellation of shows was yet another sign that it was time.
Al Jardine (age 84) performed with Brian Wilson until Wilson’s passing in 2025. The backing band, known as the Pet Sounds Band, still performs with Jardine, and occasionally some guests like David Marks, Bruce Johnston, Carnie Wilson (Brian Wilson’s daughter) and Dean Torrence (of Jan & Dean).
The end is rarely easy. The Beach Boys will live on through albums, videos and the music played during film, TV and other placements. The legacy is secure. If the band wants to continue as a tribute band, they can continue bringing the music to old and new fans – but NOT as The Beach Boys.
Mike Love, retire and enjoy the fruits and accolades of your career.
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