The Beach Boys spent much of the year celebrating their 50th anniversary, but now they are embroiled in controversy.  After their anniversary tour ended, Mike Love planned to continue performing under The Beach Boys name, but without original members Brian Wilson and Al Jardine.

That led to various reports and rumors claiming that Wilson and Jardine had been fired from the band.  Love wrote a letter to the LA Times claiming that nobody was fired.  Love wrote:

"I did not fire Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys. I cannot fire Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys. I am not his employer. I do not have such authority. And even if I did, I would never fire Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys. I love Brian Wilson. We are partners. He’s my cousin by birth and my brother in music."

Now, Brian Wilson has responded with a letter to the LA Times.  He agreed that he wasn't fired, but admits it feels that way:

"As far as I know I can't be fired--that wouldn't be cool. The negativity surrounding all the comments bummed me out. What's confusing is that by Mike not wanting or letting Al, David and me tour with the band, it sort of feels like we're being fired."

Love claims the band with Wilson and Jardine couldn't play smaller cities, "It is not feasible, both logistically and economically, for the 50th anniversary tour to play these markets."

That is the focus of the dispute.  Mike Love, Brian Wilson, and Al Jardine are expensive.  Mike Love and unknown musicians are less expensive.