Founding member Bill Medley takes The Righteous Brothers on one final tour.

It’s a long farewell, but that’s just fine for Bill Medley.

“Retirement is going to be hard,” says the founding member of The Righteous Brothers. “This is all I’ve done. I love to be on stage.”

Medley launched the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo’s final tour a year ago. It will extend into 2026, including a residency in Las Vegas. Bucky Heard joined Medley on tour when he brought The Righteous Brothers back in 2016. According to Medley, Heard is the only vocalist who could fill the role of the late Bobby Hatfield. 

The original duo’s place in the rock pantheon was secured by astronomic hits such as “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”—ranked by BMI as the most-played song of the 20th century—“Unchained Melody,” “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” and the ’70s tribute to the genre’s pioneers, “Rock and Roll Heaven.” 

Medley’s 1988 sensation “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” recorded with Jennifer Warner for the film Dirty Dancing, earned both a Grammy and an Oscar. But he is equally attached to other songs.

“I was the first to record ‘I Don’t Know Much,’” Medley says. “I love that song. I don’t know why it wasn’t a hit.”

Medley remembers a time when, after completing an album, he and Hatfield would joke that their personal favorites would fall by the wayside while other songs jumped to the top of the chart. He admits that—away from stage and studio—he might prefer to range beyond the familiar hits. Earlier this year, he even released an album of country covers, Straight from the Heart.

“But when you go on stage, they feel new,” he says of the iconic singles. “I love all of them.”

Medley and Hatfield formed The Righteous Brothers in 1963, ushering in an era known for “blue-eyed soul.” The pair split in 1968, but would occasionally tour and record together until Hatfield’s death in 2003. The current tour features Medley and Heard performing favorites from The Righteous Brothers, as well as Medley’s solo career. “We’ve been pushing hard this year,” he says of the tour schedule. “I’m on my way to the airport right now.”

Medley both dreads and welcomes his looming retirement from the road.

“It doesn’t feel right,” he observes. “I’m going to miss all of it—except the traveling.” 

The Righteous Brothers perform 8pm Thursday, Nov. 6. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $81-$237. (831) 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com.