Music
The Beach Boys Performed for First Time Ever Without Any Original Members at Epcot Center
Despite Beach Boys cofounder Mike Love‘s continuing health struggles that have led to multiple cancellations over the past several months, his band kept one booking, performing without him for the first time at Disney World’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series at EPCOT on Wednesday and Thursday, November 11 and 12.
The group took the stage three times on Wednesday under a different name, John Stamos and the California Sound, but Rolling Stone noted they are essentially the Beach Boys touring band, just without any actual members of the Beach Boys now that Love, 85, is temporarily out of the lineup.
John Stamos, who has been performing off and on with the Beach Boys for more than 40 years, told the crowds at EPCOT, per the magazine, “I am so filled with so much gratitude. Thank you so much for showing up tonight. God bless you all.”
The actor, 63, went on to reminisce about filming the “Kokomo” music video at the nearby Grand Floridian Resort, per Rolling Stone, and even a few Full House episodes at the Magic Kingdom before he paused to take note of Love’s absence.
“Before we go any further, we want to send some love to our dear friend Mike Love,” Stamos said, per the outlet. “He can’t be with us tonight, but we’re sending him lots of love and good vibes from Florida tonight. He’d be so proud. I can’t think of a better way to send him love than with a little California Sound.”
The band had originally planned an extensive tour this summer, according to Guitar Player, but has had to cancel shows due to Love’s unspecified health issues. The only show they have on the books is a makeup date at the River Cree Resort and Casino in Alberta, Canada, on May 8, 2027.
At an October 11 performance, Guitar Player described Love as “frail” and performing primarily as a backup for Stamos while seated in Nashville. He received a standing ovation at the end, the magazine noted, as he was helped off the stage. Ahead of that show, Stamos wrote on Facebook that Love was “facing serious health challenges.”
