Interview: Benjamin Coe
Renowned for their genre-defying sound and explosive live performances, letlive. are making their long-awaited return for one final chapter—the Sincerely Yours farewell tour. Known as one of the most influential and fearless bands of their era, the Los Angeles progressive soul punk trailblazers will bring their cathartic chaos to Europe, Australia, and the United States in 2025, with headlining shows and festival appearances including When We Were Young, Vans Warped Tour, Louder Than Life, Jera Open Air, and 2000 Trees.
The 2025 lineup unites founding members Jason Aalon Butler (vocals), Jeff Sahyoun (guitar), and Jean Nascimento (guitar), alongside Sage Webber (Point North) on drums and Skyler Acord (Issues) on bass. Fans can expect a setlist spanning the band’s celebrated discography, from Fake History through If I’m the Devil….
We spoke to guitarist Jeff Sahyoun about the emotions behind the Sincerely Yours farewell tour, reconnecting with letlive.’s music after years away, and what it means to share this final chapter with fans across the world.
The “Sincerely Yours” farewell tour seems to have kicked off in a massive way from what I have seen online, how has the response to the shows been so far?
It’s been humbling. The shows have been loud, cathartic, and emotional in the best way. People are showing up with this mix of celebration and closure, and we feel that every night. The support has been overwhelming—it’s a reminder of the bond we’ve shared with our community all these years.
How did it feel to reconnect with these songs after being away from them for so long?
It felt like coming back to old friends. At first, there was a little nervousness—wondering if we could tap back into that space—but once we started playing, the songs carried us. They reminded us why we made them in the first place, and being able to live in them again has been powerful.
What’s been your favourite track to revisit live?
Every song matters to me, and it’s hard to ever pick a single favorite. Each one has its own weight and meaning, which is why the setlist changes from night to night. That said, there are moments—like playing “Banshee” or “Renegade ’86”—that really ignite the room. But honestly, it’s less about a specific song and more about the way the crowd connects to whatever we’re playing in that moment.
Have there been any moments on this tour that have surprised you emotionally, in ways you didn’t anticipate?
Absolutely. There have been times where the crowd sang louder than us, or moments when I caught someone in tears while singing along, and it hit me harder than expected. It’s emotional closure, but it’s also a celebration, and sometimes that balance sneaks up on you in the middle of a set.
When you step back into the mindset of the person who originally wrote these songs, what’s the biggest contrast between who you were then and who you are now?
Back then, I was driven by urgency and a need to be heard. There was a lot of anger, confusion, and a search for identity. Now, I’m more grounded—I can look at those same songs and see the growth that’s happened since. The contrast is clarity: the younger me was fighting through the storm, and the current me can look back with perspective.
When you announced the farewell tour, you posted, “To our friends that we never got to say goodbye to.” That feels like such a deeply meaningful way to close the chapter on the band, and it’s something many artists never get the chance to do. What made you want to give fans—and yourself—that proper farewell?
Because it never sat right that we left without a goodbye. The people who gave us their time, their voices, and their energy over the years deserved more than silence. This tour is our way of saying thank you, of honoring the bond we’ve had with our fans, and of giving closure to both sides. It’s about leaving this chapter the right way, face to face.
How has the chemistry on stage changed this time around, if at all?
It feels more intentional. Before, it was fueled by raw instinct and chaos—beautiful chaos, but chaos. Now, there’s that same energy, but it’s mixed with a deep appreciation. We’re savoring the moments rather than rushing through them. The chemistry is still there, but it carries more weight because we know this is goodbye.
Letlive only played in Australia a handful of times before disbanding in 2017. What was it about Australia that made it essential to include on this farewell tour?
Australia has always welcomed us with an intensity that feels like home away from home. Even with the distance, fans here have been unbelievably loyal and vocal. It was important to us to come back one last time and share this farewell with them. It wouldn’t have felt complete without Australia on the itinerary.
Do you have any downtime while you’re here? If so, what are you most looking forward to doing?
We don’t get a ton of downtime, but when we do, just soaking in the culture, food, and coastline is always a highlight. Honestly, just walking around, meeting people, and being part of the atmosphere here is something I always look forward to.
Earlier this year you released a remixed and remastered version of The Blackest Beautiful. How was it revisiting that record, and did you uncover anything about the songs that you’d forgotten in the process?
Revisiting The Blackest Beautiful felt like opening a time capsule. We wanted to give it the sonic treatment it always deserved with today’s tools, and in the process we uncovered little details we’d forgotten—small nuances in performances, hidden textures, even lyrical delivery choices. It reminded us of how ambitious that record was and why it connected the way it did. It was like rediscovering a piece of ourselves.
letlive. September 2025 Australian Tour Dates
Friday 5th September – BRISBANE, The Triffid
Saturday 6th September – SYDNEY, Manning Bar
Sunday 7th September – MELBOURNE, Max Watts
Tuesday 9th September – ADELAIDE, Lion Arts Factory
Wednesday 10th September – PERTH, Magnet House
Tickets from: https://thephoenix.au/
