Beach Boys cancel concerts as Mike Love takes time to recharge
The Beach Boys have dropped nearly 30 summer dates after health concerns around 85-year-old frontman Mike Love.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
The Beach Boys cancel concerts on the rest of their summer schedule, with nearly 30 dates pulled while 85-year-old frontman Mike Love takes what the band described as time to recharge, Rolling Stone reported.
The move follows a busy year of shows tied to the 60th anniversary of Pet Sounds, including performances across North America and Europe. Rolling Stone reported that Love has dealt with health issues this year, with some recent dates already called off and some observers raising concern about his condition onstage.
Why did the Beach Boys cancel concerts?
A statement posted on Love’s official Instagram said the band would take a short break before returning to touring in September. The statement said performing for fans remained a summer highlight and framed the pause as a way to keep the shows strong.
The statement also referred to the band’s 2026 shows as part of celebrations around the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 60th anniversary of Pet Sounds. It told fans the group expected to be back on the road for what it called a “September to Remember.”
Love is the last member from the Beach Boys’ classic era still in the touring lineup, Rolling Stone reported. Bruce Johnston retired from the road earlier this year, leaving Love as the main historic link in the current touring version of the group.
During this anniversary run, the band played Pet Sounds material that Rolling Stone said has rarely appeared in recent setlists, including “Caroline, No” and “I’m Waiting for the Day.” The tour continued after earlier cancellations tied to Love’s unspecified illness, with shows resuming June 14 in Chelsea, England.
Rolling Stone said the run continued through July 18 in Valdosta, Georgia. The schedule also included three Hollywood Bowl performances during the July 4 weekend, where longtime guest John Stamos joined the band.
What has been said about Mike Love’s health?
Rolling Stone cited concern from critics and others who had seen Love perform in recent months. In a Slate review of a May 30 concert in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Luke Winkie wrote that Love appeared weakened and that his voice had become faint.
Dean Torrence of Jan and Dean also discussed Love’s condition with Rolling Stone earlier this month. Torrence said Love was struggling and unwell, while describing him as someone determined to keep touring.
Rolling Stone reported that the Beach Boys are currently scheduled to return Sept. 24 at the Big E Arena in Springfield, Massachusetts. The band is trying to reschedule as many of the affected summer dates as possible, though several have been canceled.
One replacement has already been announced. The Oregon State Fair said Al Jardine and the Pet Sounds Band will take the Beach Boys’ Aug. 29 slot.
Jardine is the only other living original Beach Boys member, Rolling Stone reported. He has been touring this year with veteran players from Brian Wilson’s backing band under the Pet Sounds Band name, with shows featuring much of the 1977 album The Beach Boys Love You alongside Pet Sounds selections.
Rolling Stone said it remains unclear whether Jardine’s group will replace the Beach Boys on any other dates. The outlet also reported that the future of the Beach Boys touring license after Love eventually leaves the road is unresolved.
This story draws on original reporting from Rolling Stone.