With crushing predictability, The Beach Boys have fallen apart once again.

After numerous high-profile spats and fallouts over the years, the vintage vocal combo appeared to be in the middle of something of a late-period purple patch, touring the globe to celebrate their 50th anniversary and releasing well-received new album That’s Why God Made The Radio. All, however, has not been well.

Mike Love and Bruce Johnson announced last week that the band would continue touring without key members Brian Wilson, David Marks and Al Jardine. The statement read: “The post-50th anniversary configuration will not include Brian Wilson, Al Jardine and David Marks”, and stressed that the “50th Reunion Tour was designed to be a set tour with a beginning and an end to mark a special 50-year milestone for the band.” Although the news wasn’t especially eyebrow raising in itself – the band have toured in all sorts of iterations over the last few decades – it now appears there’s been some serious skullduggery afoot.

The Telegraph reports that Wilson, Marks and Jardine had no idea about the plans until the official announcement was made. Wilson told CNN that he was “disappointed and can’t understand why he [Love] doesn’t want to tour with Al, David and me. We are out here having so much fun. After all, we are the real Beach Boys.” Love, who holds control over the Beach Boys name, has allegedly culled the members on the grounds of not wanting the band to become overexposed.

Somewhat awkwardly, The Beach Boys still have two dates to go on their 50th anniversary tour. They play the Royal Albert Hall on September 27, and Wembley Arena the following night.