Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 39 minutes ago
In this interview with Australian Musician, Al Jardine reflects on his long association with Brian Wilson and previews his upcoming Australian tour, which celebrates the enduring legacy of The Beach Boys.
Jardine recalls fond memories of his last visit to Australia, particularly the vibrant atmosphere of the Byron Bay Bluesfest, and shares insights into the spontaneity and intensity of the original Pet Sounds sessions, describing how the band was thrust straight into learning Wilson's new material despite jet lag. Looking ahead to the Australian tour in June, he explains the decision to include material from the once-polarising ‘Love You’ album, noting that diehard fans have since embraced its experimental, synth-driven sound. Positioning his current group as an “alternative Beach Boys,” Jardine aims to offer something distinct from more traditional hits-focused shows.
He also revisits his involvement with the M.I.U. Album, highlighting the personal significance of performing “She's Got Rhythm,” now sung by his son Matthew. Throughout the conversation, Jardine emphasises that his primary goal on stage is to create a sense of joy and connection, likening the concerts to a “family reunion” built around music that continues to resonate across generations.
Discussing Wilson's innovative production style, Jardine notes that his former bandmate was always driven by sound, eagerly embracing emerging technologies like early synthesizers. He also touches on the dual paths the Beach Boys took during the late '60s and '70s, balancing Wilson's studio experimentation with the touring band's need for accessible, road-ready material.
Elsewhere, Jardine shares anecdotes ranging from his preference for Fender Stratocasters to the loss of a guitar allegedly stolen by Charles Manson, and reflects on the collaborative brilliance of the The Wrecking Crew during the band's classic recordings. He describes the challenge of assembling setlists from such a vast catalogue, though insists the strength of the material makes it hard to go wrong.
Ultimately, Jardine says the aim of the upcoming shows is simple: to give audiences a couple of hours of happiness, blending Pet Sounds, Love You, and classic hits into a celebratory live experience that honours Brian Wilson's musical vision.
Australian tour tickets on sale davidroywilliams.com
#australianmusician #aljardine #thebeachboys
In this interview with Australian Musician, Al Jardine reflects on his long association with Brian Wilson and previews his upcoming Australian tour, which celebrates the enduring legacy of The Beach Boys.
Jardine recalls fond memories of his last visit to Australia, particularly the vibrant atmosphere of the Byron Bay Bluesfest, and shares insights into the spontaneity and intensity of the original Pet Sounds sessions, describing how the band was thrust straight into learning Wilson's new material despite jet lag. Looking ahead to the Australian tour in June, he explains the decision to include material from the once-polarising ‘Love You’ album, noting that diehard fans have since embraced its experimental, synth-driven sound. Positioning his current group as an “alternative Beach Boys,” Jardine aims to offer something distinct from more traditional hits-focused shows.
He also revisits his involvement with the M.I.U. Album, highlighting the personal significance of performing “She's Got Rhythm,” now sung by his son Matthew. Throughout the conversation, Jardine emphasises that his primary goal on stage is to create a sense of joy and connection, likening the concerts to a “family reunion” built around music that continues to resonate across generations.
Discussing Wilson's innovative production style, Jardine notes that his former bandmate was always driven by sound, eagerly embracing emerging technologies like early synthesizers. He also touches on the dual paths the Beach Boys took during the late '60s and '70s, balancing Wilson's studio experimentation with the touring band's need for accessible, road-ready material.
Elsewhere, Jardine shares anecdotes ranging from his preference for Fender Stratocasters to the loss of a guitar allegedly stolen by Charles Manson, and reflects on the collaborative brilliance of the The Wrecking Crew during the band's classic recordings. He describes the challenge of assembling setlists from such a vast catalogue, though insists the strength of the material makes it hard to go wrong.
Ultimately, Jardine says the aim of the upcoming shows is simple: to give audiences a couple of hours of happiness, blending Pet Sounds, Love You, and classic hits into a celebratory live experience that honours Brian Wilson's musical vision.
Australian tour tickets on sale davidroywilliams.com
#australianmusician #aljardine #thebeachboys
