Donald Trump’s inauguration could have a retro soundtrack courtesy of The Beach Boys. The band has been approached about taking on the gig, and has not yet said no, though that option is still on the table. In a statement provided to The A.V. Club, a spokesperson said: “The Beach Boys have been asked to perform as part of the inauguration festivities. But no decision has been made at this point as to how or whether they will participate. We will let you know as soon as a decision is final.” Well, that’s not a flat out no, making the group an outlier among some other big name acts.
It’s worth noting that the current Beach Boys touring lineup is headed up by Mike Love and does not include Brian Wilson. (You’ll remember, back in 2012 Love denied that he kicked Wilson out of the group after it definitely seemed like he did.) Love also hinted he’d be up for the Trump inauguration earlier this year. As Spin notes, he told The New York Post in September that Trump has “been a friend for a long time.” He added: “Does that mean I agree with everything he says? No. But . . . if we were asked [to play his inauguration], I’m sure that we would.”
Meanwhile, in other inauguration-related news, KISS won’t be playing. Gene Simmons’ wife told TMZ that the opportunity was “politely declined.” Simmons, for his part, said that a European tour conflicted.