Brian Wilson
The Brian Wilson Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary Tour (2016–2017) celebrated the enduring legacy of one of the most influential albums in pop music history, Pet Sounds. This remarkable tour, initially billed as a farewell to the 1966 masterpiece, transformed into an extended love letter to fans. Over the course of more than 180 performances across multiple countries, Brian Wilson brought his genius to audiences worldwide, marking a historic milestone for the album.
Wilson was accompanied by an extraordinary band of longtime collaborators and virtuoso musicians, including:
Al Jardine: A founding member of the Beach Boys, Jardine delivered his signature harmonies and lead vocals on classics like "Help Me, Rhonda."
Blondie Chaplin: A member of the Beach Boys in the 1970s, Chaplin brought energy to the stage with songs like "Sail On, Sailor."
Paul Von Mertens: A multi-instrumentalist and the tour's musical director, Von Mertens crafted arrangements that brought Pet Sounds to life.
Matt Jardine: Al Jardine's son, Matt handled the high-register vocals, including the iconic falsettos of "Wouldn't It Be Nice."
Darian Sahanaja: A member of the Wondermints and a key figure in Wilson's live shows, Sahanaja contributed keyboards and harmonies.
Probyn Gregory: A multi-instrumentalist proficient in guitar, brass, and more, Gregory added richness to the arrangements.
Nick Walusko (aka Nicky Wonder): The late Wondermints guitarist brought authenticity and precision to Wilson's music.
At the heart of the tour was a complete performance of Pet Sounds in its original sequence, including timeless tracks such as:
"Wouldn't It Be Nice"
"God Only Knows"
"Sloop John B"
"Caroline, No"
The concerts also featured a first set packed with Beach Boys hits, deep cuts, and selections from Wilson's solo career, with highlights like:
"California Girls"
"Good Vibrations"
"Heroes and Villains"
"Love and Mercy"
The tour visited iconic venues around the globe, including:
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
Kitchener’s Centre In The Square
The Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary Tour was a heartfelt celebration of Brian Wilson's genius, offering fans an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of music's most revered albums performed live. The tour transcended the typical concert experience, becoming a tribute to the emotional depth and timeless beauty of Pet Sounds and cementing its place in the pantheon of great music.
