New album resurrects 1995 surf rock legends’ show in Hermosa Beach
Surf music enthusiasts now have the opportunity to transport themselves back in time to a nostalgic live concert that took place three decades ago at the renowned Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. The captivating event has been immortalized in a new live album entitled “Legends of Surf Guitar.” This album’s release provides fans with a chance to relive the show that was recorded in 1995 at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.
The unforgettable day of music on April 1, 1995, was a momentous occasion for musician John Blair and Grammy-winning producer Mark Linett. The event unfolded at the packed Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach, a venue typically known for hosting jazz performances. However, on this extraordinary day, music aficionados gathered to witness some of surf rock’s trailblazing bands, including The Chantays, members of The Surfaris behind the iconic “Wipe Out” tune, and Davie Allan & The Arrows. Additionally, 1990s revival groups like Blair’s band Jon & The Nightriders contributed to the vibrant atmosphere.
The lively concert lasted for four hours, during which the audience of surf rock enthusiasts reveled in their beloved music. Unbeknownst to many, Linett, a prolific producer for the Beach Boys and three-time Grammy recipient, had brought his new digital 8-track recorder to the event and spontaneously decided to capture the entire show. Rediscovering these recordings a couple of years back prompted Linett and Blair to transport listeners back to that spirited night at the Lighthouse through the release of “Legends of Surf Guitar.”
Reflecting on the unforgettable night, Blair expressed, “It was a very special night. The crowd was so enthusiastic, people wanted to dance, and everyone performed exceptionally well.” The album comprises 25 tracks from seminal 1960s bands like The Chantays, who performed hits like “Pipeline,” The Surfaris featuring “Wipe Out,” and Paul Johnson & The Packards, delivering classics like “Mr. Moto.”
The concert was orchestrated by producer and radio host Les Perry and surf guitar icon Paul Johnson. Linett learned about the show through Perry and brought his friend Elliot Easton from The Cars, who contributed to the recordings during the event. Linett initially recorded the show for enjoyment with no intention of producing an album. However, after rediscovering the tapes a couple of years ago, he contacted Blair who was unaware of the recordings’ existence.
Executive decisions were made to release these recordings to the public as a document of a significant genre that continues to captivate musicians and fans, serving as a vibrant testament to the power and essence of surf guitar music. “We just wanted to put this out there and have it be a historical record of a historical concert that happened in ’95. Not many people were aware that this concert happened,” remarked Blair.