How the Beach Boys Found Their Newest Member Chris Cron on Instagram
How the Beach Boys Found Their Newest Member Chris Cron on Instagram
Ilana KaplanThu, March 26, 2026 at 7:50 PM UTC
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Chris Cron and John Stamos performing with the Beach BoysCredit: chriscronmusic/Instagram -
Chris Cron opened up to Rolling Stone about how the Beach Boys recruited him from Instagram to replace Bruce Johnston
"This was never on my bingo card," Cron, who shared a “Wouldn't It Be Nice” cover online in 2023, told the publication
Johnston announced his departure from the Beach Boys on March 4
The latest member of the Beach Boys was discovered in a surprising way.
After Bruce Johnston announced he was leaving in a statement to Rolling Stone on March 4, it was revealed by the outlet that Chris Cron, a singer from the Pet Sounds Live tribute band they found on social media, would be replacing him.
In a new interview with Rolling Stone published on Wednesday, March 25, Cron — a member of the Pet Sounds Live tribute band who gained traction after sharing a “Wouldn't It Be Nice” cover online in 2023 — reflected on being recruited by the iconic pop group.
Chris CronCredit: chriscronmusic/Instagram
Cron recalled receiving a call from the Beach Boys musical director Brian Eichenberger earlier this year that was life-changing.
"He said, ‘Bruce is retiring,'” recalled Cron, referring to the legendary musician who had been a member since 1965. "'And we need someone to fill his spot. Are you interested?’ The offer didn’t even make sense to me."
According to Cron, he never expected to replace Johnston full-time, let alone temporarily.
“People say, ‘You’re in the Beach Boys!’ he told the outlet. "And I’m like, ‘Well, I’m a touring member of the current thing right now, so I guess so.’"
Cron continued: "But it’s just weird to be like … I don’t know what to think. It’s just fun. This was never on my bingo card."
Back in 2000, Cron founded the indie-rock project Mêlée, which signed to Warner Bros. Records and later on ended up landing an opening slot for Paramore on tour.
After growing his family with his wife, Cron focused on "earning a steady income for his family," per Rolling Stone.
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However, he offered piano lessons and had a side-gig with the software company Simply, which helps educate young artists with AI feedback.
In 2023, with no followers and no goal to be an influencer, Cron decided to post a video about how to sound like the Beach Boys.
“Instead of getting the licenses for all these classic songs, which would cost a fortune, they just opted to rerecord everything,” he told the publication. “So they hired me to sing a bunch of classic-rock tunes."
Chris Cron, Mike Love and John Stamos performing with the Beach Boys in May 2024 in New York CityCredit: Debra L Rothenberg/WireImage
One of them ended up being "Wouldn't It Be Nice," which garnered attention.
“I checked a couple hours later and it was like 10,000 views, which was the most I’d ever had,’ he recalled, per the outlet. Soon, it went viral, earning 2 million views.
Amid its success, he earned a follow from John Stamos, who then introduced him to Eichenberger, as well as Jeff Celentano, who occasionally plays with Al Jardine's backing group. Soon, Cron was asked to join his project with Jason Brewer, Pet Sounds Live.
On March 4, Johnston announced his departure from the Beach Boys after 61 years.
"It’s time for Part Three of my lengthy musical career!” the 83-year-old vocalist, songwriter, bassist, and keyboardist told Rolling Stone 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 also noted that he was "currently working on developing a speaking-engagement chapter of my career," but said he would "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!!"
"This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon," he concluded. "I am forever grateful to be a part of the Beach Boys musical legacy."
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
