ABOUT
The Surfaris were an influential surf rock band formed in Glendora, California that became famous during the early 1960s. Formed in 1962 while the band members were still in their teens, the original members consisted of Bob Berryhill (rhythm guitar), Pat Connolly (bass), lead guitarist Jim Fuller (June 27, 1947 - March 3, 2017), and drummer/singer Ron Wilson (June 26, 1944 - May 12, 1989), with saxophonist Jim Pash (December 23, 1948 - April 29, 2005) and bassist Ken Forssi (March 30, 1943 - January 5, 1998) later coming on board.
The Surfaris debuted on the Pop/Rock charts in 1963 with the wild and frenetic instrumental, "Wipe Out," which topped out at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and brought the band international fame. Co-written by Surfaris band members Berryhill, Connolly, Fuller, and Wilson, this surf rock classic, which features a virtuosic drum solo by Wilson and blistering guitar riffs by Fuller, opens with maniacal laughter followed by the words "Wipe Out!" spoken by the band's manager, Dale Smallin. "Wipe Out" would later rechart twice, first in 1966 when it became a Top 20 hit, and again in 1970, and it has been featured in dozens of movie soundtracks. The Surfaris had several other hits that included the Wilson-penned and sung "Surfer Joe" (1963) and another Surfaris-penned instrumental, "Point Panic" (1963).
The Surfaris toured actively, made many TV appearances, and recorded six albums before disbanding in early 1966. Since then, the band has reunited a number of times over the years with various lineups. Berryhill later formed his own band known as Bob Berryhill's Surfaris.
LINKS
- For more info on the history of The Surfaris and current news, visit thesurfaris.com.
- Best Classic Bands remembers "Godfather of Surf Guitar" Jim Fuller.
MERCHANDISE
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- The Surfaris - CDs, vinyl, & more - Amazon.com
- The Surfaris - Digital music - Amazon.com
- The Surfaris - Rare vinyl, CDs, & more - MusicStack.com
- The Surfaris - Sheet Music - SheetMusicPlus.com
SONGS
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The Surfaris
- Wipe Out 1963
(This surf rock instrumental smash hit, which starts off with maniacal laughter followed by "ha ha ha ha ha - wipe out!", recharted for the Surfaris in 1966 and 1970 and also became a hit for the Fat Boys (with the Beach Boys) in 1987.)
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