The Newest Member of the Beach Boys Was Discovered on Instagram
Rolling Stone • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Chris Cron, a Nashville-based vocalist from the Beach Boys tribute band Pet Sounds Live, has been invited to join the current Beach Boys touring lineup as the full-time replacement for retiring member Bruce Johnston, who played with the group for 61 years.
- Cron gained attention through viral Instagram videos where he masterfully recreated classic Beach Boys harmonies, leading to connections with the band’s musical director Brian Eichenberger and actor/musician John Stamos.
- Before this opportunity, Cron had a varied music career including fronting the indie-rock band Mêlée and working odd jobs in Nashville while supporting his family, with his Beach Boys involvement initially limited to tribute performances and occasional fill-in gigs.
- After Johnston’s retirement, Cron prepared intensively to learn and perform Bruce’s parts, balancing his new role with ongoing commitments to Pet Sounds Live, and is now set to tour extensively with the Beach Boys.
- Cron credits social media, particularly Instagram, for the unexpected breakthrough in his career, describing it as a "happy accident" that led to his current position with the legendary band.
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