The Surfaris
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The Surfaris |
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The Surfaris were an American surf rock band formed in Glendora, California in 1962. They are best known for two songs that hit the charts in the Los Angeles, California area, and nationally by May 1963: "Surfer Joe" on the A-side and "Wipe Out" on the B-side of a 45 RPM single.
Career
The original band members were Ron Wilson (drums), Jim Fuller (lead guitar), Bob Berryhill (rhythm guitar) and Pat Connolly (bass). Saxophone player Jim Pash joined after their "Wipe Out" / "Surfer Joe" recording sessions at Pal Studios. Ken Forssi, later of Love, played bass with The Surfaris after Pat Connolly.
Wilson's energetic drum solo made "Wipe Out" one of the best-remembered instrumental songs of the period. "Wipe Out" is also remembered particularly for its introduction before the music starts, a cracking sound (imitating a breaking surf board), and a maniacal laugh followed by the only two words of the song, "wipe out"- which was added by their then manager Dale Smallin. "Wipe Out" was written in the studio by the four original members (Berryhill, Connolly, Fuller, Wilson), and was originally going to be titled "Switchblade". It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc.[1]
The band released a series of records, with two other singles, "Surfer Joe" and "Point Panic", having an impact on the charts. Point Panic is a renowned surfing venue in Hawaii named after the song.
The 1963 Surfaris disbanded in 1966 but have periodically reunited and are still active as of 2011[update], performing and recording, often re-recording their old and new songs. They still perform as Bob Berryhill's Surfaris (Bob is the only original member that still performs), and Jim Fuller's Surfaris (two separate groups) all over United States and Europe with a large fan base.
Following the death of television personality Morton Downey, Jr., news reports and obituaries incorrectly credited him as the composer of "Wipe Out" (as well as The Chantays' "Pipeline").[2] As of 2010[update], Downey's official website continues to make this claim.[3]
Drummer Ron Wilson died on 7 May 1989, one month short of his 44th birthday. Wilson had released an album of his songs, entitled Lost It In The Surf, on Bennet House Records of Grass Valley, California, which was recorded in June 1987. A very small number of cassettes of this album were produced. Lost It in the Surf included a cover of "Louie Louie", complete with Scottish bagpipes.
Discography
Albums
- 1963: Wipe Out (Dot 3535)
- 1963: The Surfaris Play (Decca 4470)
- 1964: Hit City '64 (Decca 4487)
- 1964: Fun City USA (Decca 4560)
- 1965: Hit City '65 (Decca 4614)
- 1965: It Ain't Me, Babe (Decca 4683)
- 1994: Surf Party - The Best of The Surfaris Live (GNP Crescendo 2239)
- 2005: Wipe Out
Singles
- 1963 "Wipe Out" / "Surfer Joe" (Dot 16479)
- 1963 "Point Panic" / "Waikiki Run"
- 1963 "Wipe Out" / "I'm a Hog for You"
- 1964 "Murphy the Surfie" / "Go Go Go for Louie's Place"
Compilations
- 1973: Yesterday's Pop Scene
- 1973: Wipe Out, Surfer Joe & Other Great Hits
- 1976: Surfers Rule
- 1977: Gone with the Wave
- 1982: The History of Surf Music
- 1989: Surfin Hits
- 1994: Wipe Out! The Best Of
- 1994: Surf Party!: The Best of the Surfaris Live!
- 1995: Pulp Rock Instros - Vol. 1
- 1995: Surfaris Stomp
- 1996: Cowabunga! Surf-Box
- 1996: Teen Beat - Vol. 3
- 1996: Let's Go Trippin'
- 1996: Surf Crazy
- 1997: Guitar Heroes
- 1997: Hot Rod - Big Boss Instrumentals
- 1997: Kahuna Classics
- 1998: Hard Rock Records - Surf
- 1998: Surf! Sand! Sun!
- 1998: Wipe Out
- 1999: Surfers Rule / Gone with the Wave
- 2000: Water Logged
- 2000: Teen Beat - Vol. 5
- 2003: Lost Legends Of Surf Guitar - Vol. 02
- 2003: Basic Tracks w/ Jim Fuller
- 2005: Wipe Out, Surfer Joe and Other Great Hits
- 2006: Street Party w/ Jim Fuller
References
- ^ Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins Ltd. p. 167. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.
- ^ "Morton Downey Jr. Dies". CBS News. 13 March 2001.
- ^ Morton Downey Jr.'s Home Page