The Surfaris: Biography

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• The Pyramids
• The Trashmen
• Jerry Cole
• Jan & Dean
• The Lively Ones
• The Challengers
• The Chantays

• Pavlov's Woody
• Krontjong Devils
• Civil Tones
• The Dirtys
• The Mel-Tones

• Berryhill
• Jim Fuller
• Pat Connolly
• Brian Wilson
• Jim Pash
• Roger Christian
• Ralph Geddes

Formed:

Jan 1, 1962 in Glendora, CA

Genres:

60s Music, Rock 'N' Roll Oldies Music, Rock Music

Decades Active:

1960's|1970's

Artistic Quality

Medium

Cultural Impact

High

Popularity

Medium

Ratings Guide

A Glendora, CA, surf group remembered for "Wipe Out," the number two 1963 hit that ranks as one of the great rock instrumentals, featuring a classic up-and-down guitar riff and a classic solo drum roll break, both of which were emulated by millions (the number is no exaggeration) of beginning rock rollers. They recorded an astonishing number of albums (about half a dozen) and singles in the mid-'60s; the "Wipe Out" follow-up, "Point Panic," was the only one to struggle up to the middle of the charts. The Surfaris were not extraordinary, but they were more talented than the typical one-shot surf group; drummer Ron Wilson was praised by session stickman extraordinaire Hal Blaine, and his uninhibited splashing style sounds like a direct ancestor to Keith Moon. He also took the lead vocals on the group's occasional Beach Boys imitations.

- Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide