On April 1st, 1995, an unforgettable celebration of surf music history took place at the iconic Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach. Now, for the first time, this remarkable event will be available on vinyl, CD and digital, for fans around the world to experience. ‘Legends of Surf Guitar’ captures a pivotal moment when original surf pioneers and revivalists joined forces to celebrate the music that defined a generation.
In the late 1970s and early ’80s, a new wave of surf instrumental revival bands — including Jon & The Nightriders, The Surf Raiders, The Malibooz, and others — reignited interest in the genre, setting the stage for events like this. Building on the momentum from films like Pulp Fiction and a surge of surf-centric radio shows, producer/radio host Les Perry and surf legend Paul Johnson organized the Lighthouse Surf Band Reunion, creating a once-in-a-lifetime musical homecoming.
The event brought together original players from the 1960s and the 1980s revival scene, including legendary names such as The Chantays, The Surfaris, Davie Allan & The Arrows, and special guests like Bob Dalley of The Surf Raiders and Bob Demmon of The Astronauts. Supporting the performers was a stellar backline featuring Don Murray (The Crossfires, The Turtles), Pete Curry (The Halibuts, Los Straitjackets), and John Blair (Jon & The Nightriders), who also co-produced the release alongside renowned engineer Mark Linett (The Beach Boys, Los Lobos, Red Hot Chili Peppers).
Captured live, ‘Legends of Surf Guitar’ offers a vibrant, reverb-soaked journey through surf classics like ‘Mr. Moto’, ‘Wipe Out’, and ‘Pipeline’, as well as newer favorites from the genre’s revival era. The energy in the packed Lighthouse Café was electric, with dancers filling every inch of the floor and smiles all around — a scene lovingly recalled by special guest Elliot Easton of The Cars, who attended and contributed to the day’s recordings.
John Blair (‘Legends of Surf Guitar’ co-producer, surf music historian, and author of The Illustrated Discography of Surf Music, 1961–1965) says: “This recording captures a rare moment when the pioneers and the new generation of surf musicians came together under one roof — a celebration of the music’s past, present, and future, all at a legendary venue just steps from the ocean.”
Co-producer and three time Grammy winner Mark Linett, recalls, “I’ve loved surf music ever since hearing ‘Wipeout’ and ‘Pipeline’ as a teenager in New York. When I heard about the 1995 Lighthouse show, I knew I had to capture it. Using one of the first digital 8-track recorders — with help from my friend Elliott Easton of The Cars — we recorded a great day of reverb-soaked music in Hermosa Beach. Many of the players are sadly no longer with us, but thanks to surf historian and co-producer John Blair, this historic gathering is finally getting its day in the sun. I hope you’ll agree it was worth the wait.”
‘Legends of Surf Guitar’ is more than a concert recording — it’s a living document of a genre that continues to inspire musicians and fans alike. Featuring rare performances by some of surf music’s original and most revered figures, this release stands as a vibrant reminder of the enduring power and joyful spirit of surf guitar.
‘Legends of Surf Guitar’ tracklist:
01. Paul Johnson & The Packards – Lanky Bones
02. Paul Johnson & The Packards – Andele
03. Paul Johnson & The Packards – Windshield Wiper
04. Paul Johnson & The Packards – Joyful Blues
05. Paul Johnson & The Packards – Apache
06. Paul Johnson & The Packards – Tally Ho
07. Paul Johnson & The Packards – Armor of Light
08. Paul Johnson & The Packards – Kami Kaze
09. Paul Johnson & The Packards – Squad Car
10. Paul Johnson & The Packards – Mr. Moto
11. Davie Allan – Peter Gunn/Baby Elephant Walk
12. Davie Allan – Blues Theme
13. The Chantays – Killer Dana
14. The Chantays – Crystal-T
15. The Chantays – Pipeline
16. The Chantays – Green Room
17. Jim Masoner – Surf Rider
18. Jim Masoner – Happy Gremmie
19. Bob Dalley – Curl Rider
20. John Blair – Rumble at Waikiki
21. John Blair – Geronimo
22. Bob Demmon – Baja
23. Bob Demmon – Movin’
24. Bob Demmon – Hot Doggin’
25. Jim Pash – Wipe Out