In a Podcast recorded April 26, 2023 John said: "A guy, Scott Totten - who is the musical director of The Beach Boys, and I got let go four days ago. We didn't know why, but I think they .... they are definately going in a different direction. I spoke to Mike and there is no ill will. I know that's hard to believe, but there is just none. It's just .... we're fine. Everybody's fine. It was just a little shock. It's a change. It was going to come anyway and that's just part of life. So, I'm available if anybody needs a really, really good singer and a drummer who may not be the best, but has the best time being one. So, I play really well."
I, for one, am grateful for the years John had with the Beach Boys. It was good to be able to see him do something he loved and coming close to most of us at some point. Yes, I traveled to see them, but I also drove to at least four shows close by.
The announcement of his leaving first came from Scott Totten on Facebook on April 23, 2023. It read:
A NEW CHAPTER
Well friends after nearly 23 years I have performed my last shows with The Beach Boys. It has been a dream come true for me to play those amazing songs night after night, year after year for all the great fans out there. I'm very proud of the work I did to honor the musical legacy of The Beach Boys - with the help of my bandmates Brian Eichenberger, Tim Bonhomme, Keith Hubacher, Randy Leago, Christian Love and especially John Cowsill. Also the great BB crew - Swifty, Tara Ricart, Mike Czaszwicz, John Bracken and Adam Richter. I want to thank Mike Love and Jacquelyne Love for the many opportunities and experiences my family and I have had during my tenure. Many of you don't know that I actually started touring in 1993 with the show TOMMY, so after 30 years I'm looking forward to being a bigger part of my family's lives, and for my next adventure, big or small. I hope we cross paths again.
That was followed by a Facebook post by Mike Love:
Our live show and band family was blessed by both Scott & John's contributions for 23 years. Change is a part of life despite being difficult to accept. Although Scott and John may not tour regularly with us, they will always be my family, my brothers in music and great friends in life. This is not goodbye, just see you soon
My Love & gratitude to Scott & John and best wishes for a fantastic next chapter.
Peace & Love,
Mike & Jacquelyne
Obviously there were many shocked fans. Here are just a couple comments on John's departure as to represent the fans thoughts.
Scott and John were indeed blessings to The Beach Boys! Glad to know you all remain close. Really look forward to seeing the BBs this summer. - Nate R.
Wow!!! Sorry to see john cowsill leave. Such a dynamic drummer who has added SO MUCH to the beachboys. We will miss you john cowsill and you too scott. - Micky J.
That is one HUGE loss for the band. He was one of the most talented members of the current band. - Perry C.
No one could ever measure up! - Lisa C.
The Mike Love Beach Boy band really messed up lossing a talent like John Cowsill. - Mike H.
Scott and John have been the show stealers for me. And especially John. I think he has been probably the best drummer in the Beach Boys since Dennis. He really gets the groove. He really has that energy to pull it off and I like his style. And he seems such an easy going guy. - Sound of Free (youtube blogger)
John is being replaced by Jon Bolton and Brian Eichenberger will move up to musical director for Scott.
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