Beach Boys performer Bruce Johnston exiting band after 60 years

Bruce Johnston, who first took Beach Boys cofounder Brian Wilson's place on tour in 1965, will no longer regularly perform with the band.

Bruce Johnston is hanging up his hat after performing with the Beach Boys for six decades.

The 83-year-old, who took cofounder Brian Wilson's place in the band's live performances starting in 1965, told Rolling Stone in a March 4 statement that he's stepping away to get "serious" about songwriting, but is leaving the door open for performing with the group in the future.

"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."

Along with writing, Johnston also plans to do more speaking engagements, which would see him leaning on occasional touring member John Stamos for "help designing what I speak about."

"I might even sing 'Disney Girls' & 'I Write The Songs!!'" he wrote. Johnston added, "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!!"