Well, that didn't take long. In the middle of their UK reunion tour, Beach Boys frontman Mike Love has told Brian Wilson and his fellow founding members that they're being replaced.
The surviving members of the group had only recently reunited to tour and record their first album of original material in 20 years. But Love stunned songwriting genius Wilson and fellow originals Al Jardine and David Marks earlier this week when he released a statement announcing the Beach Boys would continue to tour without them.
They'll be replaced by session musicians (second generation member Bruce Johnston remains in the group), but Love will continue to perform under the official Beach Boys name, which he won the rights to after a series of legal battles.
Despite the rift, the original members of the group will play out the final concerts of their 50th anniversary reunion tour at London's Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Arena this week.
Wilson told CNN: "I'm disappointed and can't understand why he (Love) doesn't want to tour with Al, David and me. We are out here having so much fun. After all, we are the real Beach Boys."
Wilson's manager, Jean Sievers, put it in terms that fans of the surf pop legends will understand: "Brian is very bummed."
For his part, Love insists the decision was a financial one: "You've got to be careful not to get overexposed. There are promoters who are interested (in more shows by the reuinited line-up), but they've said, 'Give it a rest for a year.' The Eagles found out the hard way when they went out for a second year and wound up selling tickets for $5."
Bizarrely, Love said he is happy to work with Wilson and the other original members on a follow-up to this year's That's Why God Made The Radio LP, but will not tour with them again.
