Entertainment

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Three of the Beach Boys have been sacked.

The group's frontman, Mike Love - who owns the rights to the band's name - issued a public statement dismissing Brian Wilson, Al Jardine and David Marks after the remaining two shows of their current tour in London this week.

Brian and Al were founding members of the group alongside Mike, while David joined in 1962.

The statement said: "The post-50th anniversary configuration will not include Brian Wilson, Al Jardine and David Marks.

"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."

Mike is planning for the band to continue touring with session musicians and second generation band member Bruce Johnston.

Brian - who was the band's chief songwriter in their heyday and responsible for most of their hits - spoke of his confusion at Mike's decision.

He told CNN: "I'm disappointed and can't understand why he 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."

Mike said his reasons for not continuing to tour with his original bandmates was financial.

He said: "You've got to be careful not to get overexposed. There are promoters who are interested (in more shows by the reunited line-up), but they've said, 'Give it a rest for a year.' The Eagles found out the hard way when they went out for a second year and wound up selling tickets for $5."