Brian Wilson has come out publicly against the Mike Love-led touring version of The Beach Boys‘ decision to play at a trophy hunting convention.
A couple of days ago, a petition was launched on Change.org urging Love’s Beach Boys to drop out of playing the Safari Club International Convention in Reno, NV later this week. Then on Tuesday, Wilson took to social media to air his disapproval of the concert and support the petition.
“It has been brought to my attention that on Wednesday, February 5, The Beach Boys touring group licensed by Mike Love are headlining at the Safari Club International Convention in Reno, Nevada,” Wilson said in a post. “This organization supports trophy hunting, which Both Al [Jardine] and I are emphatically opposed to. There’s nothing we can do personally to stop the show, so please join us in signing the petition…”
The event will feature keynote speaker Donald Trump Jr. and will host trophy hunters from all over the world in a setting where they can book future hunts and purchase guns and other hunting equipment.
It has been brought to my attention that on Wednesday February 5, The Beach Boys touring group licensed by Mike Love are headlining at the Safari Club International Convention in Reno, Nevada…
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) February 3, 2020
This organization supports trophy hunting, which Both Al and I are emphatically opposed to. There’s nothing we can do personally to stop the show, so please join us in signing the petition at https://t.co/vOUtJDq6t2
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) February 3, 2020
Wilson and Love have been at odds, publicly, dating back to the late 1990s when Love won the naming rights to The Beach Boys in a court battle and began touring under the moniker. Since then, the two have hosted dueling touring bands that play Beach Boys music in a custody battle of former band members. The two did perform together, however, in 2012 for a 50th-anniversary concert celebrating the group that brought them together. The last time the pair were seen together was in 2018 for a SiriusXM Beach Boys radio event.
Brian Wilson is currently out to sea on the Cayamo musical cruise where he will be playing Greatest Hits Live! through to next week. Following the Safari Club gig, Love is back out on the road through March. For tickets and a list of tour dates, head to his website.