For more than 25 years, Darian Sahanaja stood beside Brian Wilson on stages around the world as his musical director, helping to recreate some of the most beloved music in pop history. Next month, Australian audiences will experience that legacy firsthand when Darian returns once again as part of Al Jardine and The Pet Sounds Band for a national tour celebrating the timeless catalogue of The Beach Boys and the enduring genius of Wilson. Presented by David Roy Williams
Speaking with Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips, Darian Sahanaja reflected on his lifelong connection to the music, revealing that the very first album he ever bought was the Beach Boys compilation Endless Summer after hearing “I Get Around” on AM radio as a 12-year-old. “I thought it was a brand new song,” he laughed, recalling how the music instantly captivated him. That fascination eventually evolved into an extraordinary career alongside his hero, with Sahanaja admitting there were countless moments on stage where he had to suppress the emotions of “that teenage Darian” standing beside the man who created songs like “God Only Knows.”
The upcoming Australian tour carries extra emotional weight following Wilson’s passing, with Sahanaja describing the performances as both a celebration and continuation of Brian’s spirit. “We’re hoping to honour Brian’s legacy,” he explained. “When Brian was comfortable on stage, we knew we were doing something right.” The band still continues the pre-show “circle up” ritual that Wilson loved, gathering together before each performance in gratitude for the opportunity to play the music.
A highlight of the shows will be the 60th anniversary of Pet Sounds, with the landmark album heavily represented in the setlist. Fans can also expect an affectionate spotlight on the cult 1977 album The Beach Boys Love You, which Sahanaja considers Wilson’s most personal work. During the interview, he described the synth-heavy record as radically ahead of its time, suggesting it even foreshadowed the synth-pop movement that followed. “The songs are just so beautiful and sincere,” he said. “They express exactly the man that I knew.”
Alongside deep cuts from Love You, audiences can expect classic Beach Boys favourites including “California Girls,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Surfin’ USA,” “Good Vibrations,” “Sloop John B” and “Fun, Fun, Fun.” According to Sahanaja, the setlists are shaped collaboratively with Jardine, who continues to impress the band with his enthusiasm and energy. “He says, ‘Let’s keep going. Let’s play more music.’”
The tour also reunites Australian fans with the musicians who helped Brian Wilson faithfully recreate masterpieces like Pet Sounds and Smile on stage over the past two decades. Sahanaja spoke warmly about the joy and mystery of revisiting Smile, saying Wilson ultimately found “closure” through completing the work live and in the studio.
Beyond the music, the interview also revealed some charmingly human stories about Wilson, including his famous sweet tooth and his quirky habit of taking a single bite from cookies backstage before putting them back on the plate, his own unique form of “dieting,” according to Sahanaja.
Musically, fans can expect a rich and authentic sonic recreation of the Beach Boys catalogue. Sahanaja explained that the touring band now uses a sophisticated laptop-based keyboard rig alongside Hammond organ controllers and analog synths to accurately capture the textures of albums like Love You. “That album is synthastic,” he joked. “Brian really went to town using synths.”
For Sahanaja, returning to Australia is particularly meaningful. The last visit coincided with the 50th anniversary celebrations of Pet Sounds, and he says he has long loved Australian audiences and culture. “I’m really looking forward to playing to the people down there again,” he said.
The Australian tour dates are:
Sydney Opera House – June 23
Regal Theatre Perth – June 25
Thebarton Theatre Adelaide- June 27
Hamer Hall Melbourne – June 28
Queensland Performing Arts Centre – June 30
Civic Theatre Newcastle – July 2
Tickets are available via David Roy Williams Official Website.