He was a member of one of America’s most influential bands, helping provide the soundtrack to the 1960s with iconic harmonies that inspired what became known musically as ‘California sound.’
The veteran musician joined the legendary group at the height of its fame and went on to spend more than six decades performing alongside his famous bandmates.
As a singer, songwriter and keyboardist, he became part of a pop phenomenon whose hits helped define an era.
He later enjoyed success as a songwriter in his own right, even winning a Grammy for a 1975 hit song written for another superstar singer.
Now 84, the music legend, who earlier this year announced he was stepping away from touring with the band after 60 years, was spotted during a rare outing in Montecito, California.
Can you guess who it is?
This legendary musician from an iconic 60s band was spotted grabbing breakfast during a rare outing in Montecito, California
The 84-year-old looked sprightly and upbeat as he stepped out for a relaxing morning in the coastal enclave
It’s Beach Boys legend Bruce Johnston.
Johnston can be seen in exclusive Daily Mail photos enjoying a leisurely breakfast in the upscale Santa Barbara coastal town earlier this month.
He looked sprightly and cheerful as he stopped by the Montecito Coffee Shop on September 8, dressed casually in a T-shirt, black pants, sneakers and a black cap.
He opted for a healthy start to his day, ordering oats, fresh berries, along with an orange juice and a coffee.
Johnston appeared to be in an outgoing mood, happily chatting with fellow customers inside the restaurant as well as staff outside, according to an onlooker.
He reportedly even shared stories from his extraordinary past and showed off old photographs of himself alongside various celebrities.
Bruce Johnston had spent about six decades touring and performing with the Beach Boys. They are pictured performing at Dodgers stadium in 2012
Beach Boys icon Bruce Johnston was snapped stopping by the Montecito Coffee Shop on September 8, exclusive Daily Mail photos show
Johnston was dressed casually and comfortably in a graphic T-shirt, pants, and a cap
Onlookers described Johnston as outgoing and chatty, happily engaging with fans and staff at the restaurant
However, one aspect of the morning apparently left Johnston less impressed.
The singer was overheard complaining that the cost of the food had become way too high after he hadn’t visited the coffee shop in more than a year.
The rare outing comes after Johnston announced he was stepping away from touring with the Beach Boys after nearly six decades.
He shared the news in a statement to Rolling Stone magazine in March, revealing he will continue working as a songwriter.
‘It’s time for part three of my lengthy musical career!’ he told the magazine at the time.
‘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.’
Johnston joined the Beach Boys in 1965 and made significant contributions as a songwriter, singer, and keyboardist; pictured in 1987
The Beach Boys, made up of Mike Love, Carl Wilson, Brian Wilson, Bruce Johnston, and Al Jardine, are credited with helping define the sound of the 60s
Co-founder Brian Wilson, pictured with the band at the launch of the Disney+ documentary film about the Beach Boys, died in June 2025
Johnston added that he is also working on ‘developing a speaking-engagement chapter’ of his career that will involve appearances and events.
‘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,’ he added.
‘This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon. I am forever grateful to be a part of the Beach Boys musical legacy.’
Johnston joined the band in 1965, replacing co-founder Brian Wilson on tour. Wilson died in June 2025 at the age of 82.
Johnston made significant contributions to the band as a vocalist and a songwriter – writing hits ‘Disney Girls,’ Deirdre,’ and ‘Tears in the Morning’, before his temporary departure in 1972.
He rejoined the band in 1978 and remained a member until quitting in 2026.
The move leaves co-founder Mike Love as the last original member still in the Beach Boys.
Johnston also saw success as a solo artist, most notably writing Billboard number one hit ‘I Write the Songs’, for Barry Manilow, in 1975, which went on to win a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1977.
The Beach Boys were featured in 2024 Disney+ documentary film, which traced the band from humble family beginnings and featured never-before-seen footage as well as exclusive interviews with Brian Wilson, Mike, Al Jardine, David Marks, and Johnston, among others.


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