The Beach Boys’ Bruce Johnston Looks Unrecognizable While Keeping It Casual During Rare Public Outing

Bruce Johnston proved he’s enjoying his downtime six months after stepping back from touring with The Beach Boys.

In photos exclusively obtained by Closer, the 84-year-old musician was spotted out in Montecito on September 8, dressed casually in a light tee, black pants, sneakers, and a black baseball cap.

Johnston made a rare public appearance at The Montecito Coffee Shop, where he settled in for breakfast: oats topped with fresh berries, plus orange juice and coffee. According to a fellow diner, Johnston mentioned it had been about a year since he’d last visited a coffee shop, and he wasn’t shy about voicing his displeasure over how expensive dining out has become these days.

Even with that gripe, Johnston came across as warm and chatty, striking up conversations with employees and other patrons. He reportedly swapped stories from his decades in music and pulled up photos of himself alongside various celebrities.

As Closer previously reported, Johnston announced his semi-retirement on March 4.

“It’s time for part three of my lengthy musical career!” Johnston said in a statement to Rolling Stone.

“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 continued. “This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon. I am forever grateful to be a part of the Beach Boys musical legacy.”

True to his word, Johnston joined them for the three-day July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular from July 2-4 at the Hollywood Bowl.

Johnston has been part of the Beach Boys’ story since 1965, when he came aboard as a keyboardist, vocalist and songwriter. Over the decades that followed, including stretches when he pursued outside projects, he racked up more than 6,000 live performances with the group.