The Surfaris were a surf rock band formed in California in 1962, and are best known for two songs that hit the charts in the Los Angeles area, and nationally by May, 1963 : "Surfer Joe" (the A side), and"Wipe Out" on the B side of a 45 RPM single. Ron Wilson's energenic drum solo made "Wipe Out" the best-remembered instrumental song of the period. "Wipe Out" is also remembered particularly for its introduction before the music starts, a cracking sound (imitating a breaking surf board), and a manic voice babbling "ha ha ha ha ha wipe out". A "wipe out" is a misfortune that can occur in surfing, that is, the surfer falling off the board with physical danger, and/or interrupting the ride prematurely.
They released a series of records, with one other single "Point Panic", having any impact on the charts. Point Panic is a renowned surfing venue in Hawaii.
The Surfaris disbanded in 1966 but have periodically reunited and are still active as of 2004, performing and recording, often re-recording their old songs.
Sadly, Ron Wilson the drummer died on May 7th 1989, one month short of his 45th birthday. Ron Wilson also released an album of his songs, entitled "Lost It In The Surf" on Bennet House Records of Grass Valley, California, recorded in June 1987. A very small number of cassettes of this album were produced. This album included a cover of Louie, Louie with Scottish bagpipes, one of the better versions of this song by the legendary Richard Berry.
Jim Fuller, the lead guitar of the hits Wipeout, Surfer Joe and Point Panic, is known as the "Godfather of Surfguitar."
External link
Last updated: 05-21-2005 10:01:03
