Brian Wilson
The Brian Wilson Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary Tour, which ran from 2016 to 2017, celebrated one of the most influential albums in pop music history, Pet Sounds. This ambitious tour brought the Beach Boys' mastermind and his music to audiences worldwide, marking the 50th anniversary of the 1966 classic. Initially billed as a farewell to Pet Sounds, it became an extended love letter to fans, spanning over 180 performances in multiple countries.
Wilson was supported by an exceptional band featuring longtime collaborators and virtuoso musicians. The lineup included:
Al Jardine: A founding member of the Beach Boys, Jardine provided his signature harmonies and lead vocals on classics like "Help Me, Rhonda."
Blondie Chaplin: A Beach Boys member in the early 1970s, Chaplin added energy to the performances with songs like "Sail On, Sailor."
Paul Von Mertens: A multi-instrumentalist and musical director for Wilson, Von Mertens led the band with arrangements that brought Pet Sounds to life.
Matt Jardine: Al Jardine's son, Matt handled many of the high-register vocals, including the iconic falsettos of "Wouldn't It Be Nice."
Darian Sahanaja: A member of the Wondermints and a key player in Wilson's live shows, Sahanaja contributed keyboards and harmony vocals.
Probyn Gregory: A multi-instrumentalist adept at guitar, brass, and more, Gregory added depth to the arrangements.
Nick Walusko (aka Nicky Wonder): The late guitarist from the Wondermints brought authenticity and precision to Wilson's music.
The tour's centerpiece was a full performance of Pet Sounds, played in its original sequence. This included timeless tracks like:
"Wouldn't It Be Nice"
"God Only Knows"
"Sloop John B"
"Caroline, No"
The show also featured a first set filled with Beach Boys hits and deep cuts, as well as some of Wilson's solo material. Highlights included:
"California Girls"
"Good Vibrations"
"Heroes and Villains"
"Love and Mercy"
The tour visited iconic venues across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Notable stops included:
The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA
Royal Albert Hall in London, UK
The Sydney Opera House in Australia
Massey Hall in Toronto, Canada
The Beacon Theatre in New York City, NY
And Kitchener’s Centre In The Square
The Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary Tour was a poignant celebration of Brian Wilson's genius. It offered fans a chance to hear one of music's most revered albums performed live, often in venues where the intimate arrangements could truly shine. The tour was more than a concert—it was a celebration of the enduring beauty and emotional resonance of Pet Sounds, solidifying its place in the pantheon of great music.
