Hermosa Beach, CA — A once-in-a-lifetime celebration of surf guitar’s golden past and vibrant revival is now a certified charting success. The Legends of Surf Guitar, the long-awaited live album capturing a historic 1995 performance at the iconic Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach, has officially debuted on Billboard’s Top Compilation Albums chart—a rare and remarkable feat for a surf instrumental release in 2025.“It’s great to see these historic performances make history on the Billboard chart,” says co-producer and three-time Grammy winner Mark Linett(The Beach Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers).“This is epic, and an honest (and well-deserved) achievement for a surf guitar instrumental record in 2025!” adds surf music historian and co-producer John Blair (Jon & The Nightriders).Originally recorded on April 1, 1995, the performance brought together original 1960s surf legends like The Chantays, The Surfaris, and Davie Allan & The Arrows, alongside leading lights from the genre’s ’80s revival such as The Surf Raiders, Jon & The Nightriders, and more. With support from an all-star backing band featuring Don Murray, Pete Curry, and John Blair, and special guest Elliot Easton of The Cars, the performance was preserved on an early digital 8-track recorder but remained unreleased—until now.Notably, The Legends of Surf Guitarincludes the first and only official live recording ever released by The Chantays, best known for their 1963 surf anthem “Pipeline.” Although they were an active live act in the ’60s, no concert recordings were ever released—making this performance an essential piece of surf music history.“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,” says Blair.“I’ve loved surf music ever since hearing ‘Wipeout’ and ‘Pipeline’ as a teenager in New York,” Linett adds. “Many of the players are sadly no longer with us, but this historic gathering is finally getting its day in the sun. I hope you’ll agree it was worth the wait.”For Carl Caprioglio, founder of Oglio Records, the release carries deep personal meaning:“I was born and raised in the South Bay, and during the ’90s, Oglio Records called Hermosa Beach home. This record brings me right back to those roots. I’m incredibly proud to release such an extraordinary album—it’s a full-circle moment that means the world to me.”From reverb-soaked classics like “Pipeline” and “Mr. Moto” to modern surf anthems, The Legends of Surf Guitaroffers a thunderous, heartfelt tribute to a genre that continues to inspire.The release has garnered glowing praise from the surf and rock communities:
“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.” — Al Jardine, The Beach Boys “They caught these guys on tape at the right time. The mixes are phenomenal.”— Ben Vaughn, musician/producer “This album has all the elements that make surf music a unique genre.” — Bob Spalding, The Ventures “Seeing The Chantays, The Surfaris, Davie Allan and others live was unforgettable — a memory I’ll always cherish.” — Elliot Easton, The CarsOriginally organized by surf guitar hero Paul Johnson and KMAX radio host Les Perry, the Lighthouse Surf Band Reunioncaptured more than just a concert — it documented a passing of the torch between generations of surf guitarists, just steps from the Pacific Ocean.Now available worldwide on 2xLP vinyl, CD, and all digital platforms, The Legends of Surf Guitar is more than a live album — it’s a reverb-soaked, history-making celebration of the genre’s enduring spirit. |
