New album captures legendary 1995 surf rock show in Hermosa Beach
In 1995, music enthusiasts witnessed an exhilarating live concert at the renowned Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, where the captivating sounds of surf rock filled the air. This memorable event was recently brought back to life through a new live album titled “Legends of Surf Guitar,” capturing the essence of that remarkable day thirty years ago.
The Lighthouse Cafe, primarily known for hosting jazz performances, featured legendary surf rock bands like The Chantays, The Surfaris, Davie Allan & The Arrows, and Jon & The Nightriders on that fateful day. Among them, The Surfaris, creators of the iconic surf tune “Wipe Out,” and The Chantays, known for hits like “Pipeline,” graced the stage, electrifying the crowd with their music. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as fans reveled in the sounds of their favorite genre, creating an unforgettable experience by the ocean at 30 Pier Ave.
Little did the audience and performers know that Grammy-winning producer Mark Linett had a digital 8-track recording device, secretly capturing the entire show. Rediscovering these recordings years later, Linett and musician John Blair co-produced the live album, offering a nostalgic journey back to that historic night at the Lighthouse. The album, consisting of 25 tracks, showcased the talent of pioneering bands from the 1960s and 1990s revival era, including Jim Pash of The Surfaris and Paul Johnson & The Packards, delivering classics like “Mr. Moto.”
Reflecting on the event, Blair expressed, “This is a live recording of a historical event 30 years ago and it makes it very special for me. You had a very crowded Lighthouse club that day, and all these players came up and did tunes that the crowd loved.” The show, organized as a reunion by producer Les Perry and surf guitar legend Paul Johnson, brought together original players from different eras, making it a significant moment in surf rock history.
Linett, known for his work with the Beach Boys, mentioned, “I used to like to go out and record live shows basically for fun, and this certainly was along those lines. I had no intention to make a record out of it.” However, fate had other plans as the recordings sat forgotten for years until Linett stumbled upon them in his archives. Together with Blair, they decided to share this treasure with the public, preserving a piece of music history for generations to come.
The release of “Legends of Surf Guitar” serves as a testament to the enduring influence of surf guitar music, igniting the passion of musicians and fans alike. Blair emphasized, “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.” This album not only immortalizes a significant moment in music but also celebrates the vibrant spirit and power of surf rock, continuing to inspire and captivate audiences through the ages.