The Beach Boys fans are in for a treat as the iconic band welcomes a new addition following the shocking exit of Bruce Johnston.
On March 6, musician Chris Cron announced that he has officially joined the legendary band’s touring lineup.
“I’m Chris Cron, and I am the newest touring member of the Beach Boys,” Cron shared on Instagram. “Yeah, I don’t even believe it, saying it right now.”
Chris Cron Calls Joining The Beach Boys ‘Surreal’
Cron has been a huge fan of the band, often sharing Beach Boys-related content on social media. So when he got the offer to join as a touring member for the band, he was “dumbfounded and amazed.”
“I didn’t know this was going to happen. I had no idea,” Cron continued. “When I started posting Beach Boys kind of centered content a few years ago, it was just for fun. It was just because I liked it, and you seemed to like it, and so I just kept doing it. And it has led to this.”
Cron was first invited to fill in for the band for a few days, initially performing in four shows. And now, he’s officially joining the band for its tour.
Cron expressed his gratitude to Johnston, who recently exited the band after six decades.
“I want to say a really, really big thank you to Bruce Johnston, who has been so kind and so nice to me and encouraging to me, and not just to me, but to my family as well,” Cron added. “My kids got to meet him. My wife got to meet him, and he was beyond gracious and amazing to us.”
The Beach Boys’ Bruce Johnston Exits After 61 Years
Previously, Johnston confirmed that he’s stepping away from The Beach Boys to focus on studio work.
Johnston, who joined the band in 1965, told Rolling Stone that this is just the beginning of a new chapter in his music career.
“It’s time for part three of my lengthy musical career!” Johnston told the outlet. “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.”
Aside from music, Johnston is also “working on developing a speaking-engagement chapter of my career.”
Despite leaving the band, Johnston reassured fans that he will still perform with them in the future.
“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!” Johnston added. “This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon. I am forever grateful to be a part of the Beach Boys musical legacy.”
