Al Jardine Concerned for Mike Love After Seated Performances
Al Jardine said he was shocked and depressed after watching footage of Beach Boys bandmate Mike Love performing while seated amid ongoing health issues. Love, 85, returned to the stage in Cincinnati and Nashville after several canceled and postponed dates, and Jardine said he hopes Love stops performing in his current condition. Jardine performed separately in Cerritos, California, with former Beach Boys Bruce Johnston and David Marks, marking his first appearance with Johnston in over a decade.
Jardine’s comments came after he watched clips of Love’s recent shows. Love, 85, had missed or postponed multiple dates before appearing seated in Cincinnati on Oct. 10 and at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium the next day. During the Cincinnati set, he was assisted onto the stage, stayed seated, and other band members sang most of his customary lead parts.
On Oct. 11, Jardine was about 2,000 miles away in Cerritos, California, performing with ex-Beach Boys Bruce Johnston and David Marks. Guests included Marilyn Wilson and Dean Torrence. It was Jardine’s first time sharing a stage with Johnston in more than ten years. Love has not revealed a diagnosis; John Stamos has described serious health challenges.
This story could heighten fan concern about aging musicians and the difficult question of when to stop touring. Beach Boys audiences, peers, and loved ones may feel torn between respect for Love’s dedication and worry about his health. Jardine’s comments might also prompt wider discussion about legacy, wellbeing, and pressure on performers to continue. At the same time, attention on Jardine’s Cerritos appearance with Johnston and Marks could renew interest in their separate collaborations.