Darian Sahanaja, who played a significant role in Brian Wilson’s solo career and helped revive the iconic “Smile” album, shared heartfelt memories following the recent passing of the legendary Beach Boys co-founder at 82. Notably, Sahanaja recorded Wilson’s return to live performances from 1999 until 2022, and served as a supervising music consultant on the 2014 biopic “Love & Mercy.”
Reflecting on Wilson’s journey, Sahanaja expressed the irony that the eldest Wilson brother, often seen as the “troubled one,” outlived his siblings, thriving against the odds. Their first concert together in 1999 came with doubts about Wilson’s ability to perform, yet he consistently defied expectations, overcoming personal challenges to complete unfinished masterpieces like “SMiLE.”
Sahanaja noted that many of his fondest memories of Wilson arose from the moments of struggle, where awkwardness often turned into humor or brilliance. For instance, Wilson’s quirky, honest remarks backstage created memorable interactions, shedding light on his unique personality.
As Sahanaja and the Brian Wilson Band prepare to collaborate with Al Jardine to perform songs from Wilson’s personal 1977 album “The Beach Boys Love You,” he recalls the beauty of the music. While years had passed and Wilson’s voice had aged, the album’s heartfelt tracks, where he wrote most of the lyrics independently, remained emotionally resonant. The use of innovative synthesizers in the album’s production led some to consider it an early form of synth-pop, marking a unique chapter in Beach Boys history.
In recent months, Sahanaja visited Wilson regularly to keep his passion for music alive through shared singing sessions. The gratitude he felt toward Wilson ran deep, stemming from personal experiences where Wilson’s music provided solace during difficult times.
Despite the grief of his passing, Sahanaja found peace in knowing that Wilson was free from his lifelong struggles. He highlighted the profound impact of Wilson’s artistry, expressing gratitude for the beauty and joy that emerged from his pain. Through this lens, Sahanaja’s reflections serve as a celebration of Wilson’s enduring influence and musical legacy, reminding us of the joy and inspiration that can arise from a life dedicated to creativity and expression.