FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hermosa Beach, CA — On April 1, 1995, an unforgettable celebration of surf music history took place at the iconic Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach. Now, for the first time, this remarkable event will be available on vinyl, CD and digital, for fans around the world to experience. Legends of Surf Guitarcaptures a pivotal moment when original surf pioneers and revivalists joined forces to celebrate the music that defined a generation.In the late 1970s and early ’80s, a new wave of surf instrumental revival bands — including Jon & The Nightriders, The Surf Raiders, The Malibooz, and others — reignited interest in the genre, setting the stage for events like this. Building on the momentum from films like Pulp Fiction and a surge of surf-centric radio shows, producer/radio host Les Perryand surf legend Paul Johnson organized the Lighthouse Surf Band Reunion, creating a once-in-a-lifetime musical homecoming.The event brought together original players from the 1960s and the 1980s revival scene, including legendary names such as The Chantays, The Surfaris, Davie Allan & The Arrows, and special guests like Bob Dalley of The Surf Raiders and Bob Demmon of The Astronauts. Supporting the performers was a stellar backline featuring Don Murray (The Crossfires, The Turtles), Pete Curry (The Halibuts, Los Straitjackets), and John Blair (Jon & The Nightriders), who also co-produced the release alongside renowned engineer Mark Linett (The Beach Boys, Los Lobos, Red Hot Chili Peppers).Captured live,Legends of Surf Guitaroffers a vibrant, reverb-soaked journey through surf classics like “Mr. Moto,” “Wipe Out,” and “Pipeline,” as well as newer favorites from the genre’s revival era. The energy in the packed Lighthouse Café was electric, with dancers filling every inch of the floor and smiles all around — a scene lovingly recalled by special guest Elliot Easton of The Cars, who attended and contributed to the day’s recordings.John Blair (Legends of Surf Guitar co-producer, surf music historian, and author of The Illustrated Discography of Surf Music, 1961–1965) — says, “This recording captures a rare moment when the pioneers and the new generation of surf musicians came together under one roof — a celebration of the music’s past, present, and future, all at a legendary venue just steps from the ocean.”
Co-producerand three time Grammy winner Mark Linett, recalls, “I’ve loved surf music ever since hearing ‘Wipeout’ and ‘Pipeline’ as a teenager in New York. When I heard about the 1995 Lighthouse show, I knew I had to capture it. Using one of the first digital 8-track recorders — with help from my friend Elliott Easton of The Cars — we recorded a great day of reverb-soaked music in Hermosa Beach. Many of the players are sadly no longer with us, but thanks to surf historian and co-producer John Blair, this historic gathering is finally getting its day in the sun. I hope you’ll agree it was worth the wait.”The importance of this event is underscored by heartfelt testimonials from music legends:“What a great live collection of surf classics — takes me back to the time when The Beach Boys played with Dick Dale at the Rendezvous Ballroom,” says Al Jardine of The Beach Boys.“They caught these guys on tape at the right time. The mixes are phenomenal,” adds producer and musician Ben Vaughn.“This album has all the elements that make surf music a unique genre,” says Bob Spalding of The Ventures.“On April 1, 1995, I attended the Lighthouse Surf Band Reunion in Hermosa Beach. Having just moved to L.A. from the East Coast, I was still fascinated by Southern California’s ‘Kustom Kulture’ — Rat Fink, George Barris, Fender guitars, and surf music. Surf tunes like ‘Wipeout’ and ‘Pipeline’ were the first songs I really learned to play, so this music has always been close to my heart. Seeing The Chantays, The Surfaris, Davie Allan and others live was unforgettable — a memory I’ll always cherish. These sounds take us back to a simpler, more carefree time of cars, girls, beaches, and of course, SURF MUSIC!”, says Elliott Easton of The Cars |
