Founding member and beating heart of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, has moved to disassociate himself with Mike Love version of the band who are set to perform at a trophy hunting convention.
Using his social media platforms to spread the word, Wilson highlighted his inability to effect any change directly on the show but pointed his fans towards a change.org petition which opposes the show. This year’s keynote speaker is Donald Trump Jr.
Led by former bandmate Mike Love, the show will take place in Reno, at the Nevada’s Safari Club International Convention. “This organisation supports trophy hunting, which both [bandmate Al Jardine] and I are emphatically opposed to,” Wilson wrote.
“There’s nothing we can do personally to stop the show, so please join us in signing the petition.” You can sign the petition here. It is a position which has seen many of Wilson’s fans split down the middle.
“We look forward to a night of great music in Reno and, as always, support freedom of thought and expression as a fundamental tenet of our rights as Americans,” Mike Love responded in a statement.
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