May Birthdays 
On April 28th, 1996 a historic surf show took place in SoCal. There was some discussion of it two days ago on Facebook, which reminded me that I have access to the old Cowabunga listserv comments and reviews of this show. So, here they are, starting with John Blair's announcement of the show. Enjoy!!!
Date: 24 Apr 1996 13:30:29 +0000
From: "Blair John" <Blair.John.MM5@MacMail1.nb.rockwell.com>
Subject: Southern California Heats Up
To: cowabunga@UCSD.EDU
For those of you within earshot of the Left Coast:
This coming weekend is a big one for surf music. Saturday afternoon, The Eliminators are playing in Dana Point at Hennessey's (Golden Lantern and PCH in downtown DP....real close to the Killer Dana Surf Shop!!). It's an outdoor Earth Day celebration for the Surfrider Foundation and sponsored by Hennessey's. An old friend of mine, Rod Piazza, and his great blues band, The Mighty Flyers, are also playing. I'll be sitting in with The Eliminators for a few toons. I believe they will play around 5 or 5:30, so it'll be an early evening.
Just as well since the next day is the B-I-G surfin' hootenanny up the coast a ways in Redondo Beach and those of us participating will need every bit of rest and sleep we can get beforehand. The benefit for Don Murray (one of the greatest rock drummers there was, a good human being, and a friend who will be sorely missed) starts around 2 pm, I think, and goes until midnight.
It's at The Strand on Pacific Coast Hwy in downtown Redondo. I've heard that the show is dangerously close to being sold out, so if you don't have your tix, you might not want to wait until the last minute.
There's tons-o bands playing (each one limited to about 40 minutes on stage with very quick changes between bands) including The Belairs (re-formed for this show), Eddie & The Showmen (re-formed for this show), Thom Starr & The Galaxies, The Eliminators, The Halibuts, The Insect Surfers, The Mermen, Davie Allan & The Arrows, The Surfaris, The Tornadoes, The Lively Ones, , The Chantays, special guests and surprises, and more......
It's going to be the best surf music smorgasboard any of us will likely experience this year (or ever). Don't miss this one. We who live in SoCal are blessed to have such ready access to the music and bands we love. It's gonna be an incredible day and night.
john blair
To: Cowabunga@UCSD.edu
From: intmedia@dbtech.net (Integrated Media)
Subject: Re: Southern California Heats Up
Hey West Coasters!
Speaking as someone over 1000 miles away (might as well be a million) from that Sunday hootenanny, I hope like hell someone is going to take the initiative and RECORD the show both audio and video!!!!! I'll be dying to see/hear a copy.
Green with envy,
Rip
The Penetrators
Southern Surf Syndicate HQ
reverb@dbtech.net
http://www.dbtech.net/penetrators
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
-- Hunter S. Thompson
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 1996 15:53:01 -0700 (PDT)
From: "JEFFREY R. HALL" JEFF@basis.jpl.nasa.gov
To: cowabunga@UCSD.EDU
Subject: Re: Southern California Heats Up
Is there a plan to legally record and distribute this event? Will there be a CD with, say, for example, 2 songs from each band? Given this show will go down in history not unlike the famous 1986(?) event, it seems like there will be a lot of people interested in such a CD.
Date: Fri, 26 Apr 1996 00:23:49 -0400 (EDT)
From: Mel Waldorf showman@CS.McGill.CA
To: "JEFFREY R. HALL" JEFF@basis.jpl.nasa.gov
Cc: cowabunga@UCSD.EDU
Subject: Re: Southern California Heats Up
Yes! Please record this concert! There is a market, and perhaps it could help contribute to Don's family?
Land locked on the St Lawrence
Los Mel
Montreal, Canada
From: ShoMan333@aol.com
Date: Sat, 27 Apr 1996 23:44:11 -0400
To: cowabunga@ucsd.edu
Subject: ID For Redondo
To all going tomorrow ...
So that you all can avoid me or come buy me drinks! I will be wearing a white 3/4 length white shirt with a smattering of Tikis and a large, obnoxious gold fish pendant. Looking forward to it all ... also will have board in trunk just in case its cranking nearby and anyone wants to
session away from the marathon.
Twang!!!
Bernard
Date: Mon, 29 Apr 1996 06:39:59 -0700
From: au495@lafn.org (Rick Johnson)
To: cowabunga@ucsd.edu
Subject: last night!
Man did I have a good time last night at the Don Murray benefit! What a surf party! 11-hours of surf music! Even without the music, the crowd was a blast. I hung out with Norm Knowles (the original surf sax - Chuuurch Keeey!), the Dalleys (great to see Linda again, its been a long
time), the guys from Slacktone and John Blair, Dave Arnson (Polaris - best song of the night!), other Cowabungans (cyclops, bernard, monica, they told me Moon Dawg was there - I couldn't find you), Alan (mermen), the DJ's (Les Perry, Jim Dunfrund, Phil Dirt), and all the other bands. It was a real who's who of surf music today and yesterday.
So how was the music? Pretty damn good, but I'll let the other guys do the review. For those of you that were wondering about recording and video, I know it was recorded both ways. I don't know the details of the
release.
I'm sure Don would have approved.
Rick
.............................
The Halibuts
1223 Wilshire Bl. Suite 634
Santa Monica, CA 9040
.............................
Date: Mon, 29 Apr 1996 10:53:58 -0700 (PDT)
From: "JEFFREY R. HALL" JEFF@basis.jpl.nasa.gov
To: cowabunga@ucsd.edu
Subject: wow
Cowabunga,
I am not worthy to review yesterday's Redondo show, I'm sure Mr. Dirt will cover that angle. Certainly, it was great!
TONS of booty: I cleaned up with, benefit video (one of Don's last performances), benefit t-shirt, benefit raffle tickets (no luck, good cause), and various audio and other items of immense interest such as three autographs (Eddie Bertrand, Davie Allan, Dave Arnson). And one heck of a good time.
Thanks to Dave/Monica for introducing Ben & I to Allan Whitman & co. (mermen/insects thursday@dragonfly)
Cool to meet Moon Dawg. Front row, center, dude.
Very cool to spend a few minutes talking with Davie Allan & his band. (Friday May 17 somewhere in LA, call Ruckus for details)
Very, very cool to see the Surf Kings. I dig 'em.
Rumor is, there will be a CD or two. Vote, make a noise, pester Phil.
Nice club with plenty of seating & tables for all.
Class act, all around.
-Jeff Hall
Date: Mon, 29 Apr 1996 13:21:18 -0700
From: ag999@lafn.org (Monica Rex)
To: cowabunga@ucsd.edu
Subject: PARADISE
Surfer's Paradise 4/28/96 Redondo Beach, CA:
The day started out at El Porto, a great surfing spot in Hermosa Beach, that Don Murray loved and frequented. Many friends and relatives showed up at 9 am to start off a day long celebration of Don's life and surf music. All present gathered in a circle around a surf board that held a container with Don's ashes in it and offered their thoughts. Most remembered him as an optimistic artist who's love for music was the driving force in his life and that his optimism was contageous. Many of his friends felt that Don's life had come full circle -- that the energy now abundant to surf as a genre of music -- had a lot to do with Don's love for that music. Some in the gathering, in wetsuits and surfboards, took Don's remains out past some large/rough surf and scattered his ashes back into the ocean he loved as many other surfers grabbed some very decent waves. Some dolphin were splashing around a little further
out.
I second everything Rick Halibut said about the party. Great party, in addition to the music. Great to meet and hang out with quite a few Cowabungans.
The Buzz around the room (and in the women's bathroom) was that the Insects SHREDDED totally. Lava-cious! The Halibuts (also with Jon Blair on a song) were immensely fun as many a diehard dancer crammed themselves onto the tiny dancefloor for their set. Davie Allan's band (who could have alternately been called "The Men in Black") were intense and the Mermen, for the many holdouts somewhere after midnight, were awesome. The dance floor was occupied and busy ALL DAY. Much much more to say....and somebody else will say it. Surfer's Paradise was so much fun, so happening that I know there are many others like me bleary eyed and paying heavily for the fun had yesterday. Cheers, fellow wipeouts! It was well worth the pain I'm feeling right now.
Monica
--
Monica Rex/Amnesia and David Arnson/Insect Surfers
PO Box 661441, Los Angeles CA 90066 USA
Relax, None of this is real.
Date: Mon, 29 Apr 1996 23:30:38 -0400 (EDT)
From: IVAN PONGRACIC ipongrac@osf1.gmu.edu
To: Cowabunga listserve cowabunga@UCSD.EDU
Subject: aaaaahhhrrrggggghhh!!!!!
Hello!??!
Is this a form of some kind of torture??! A punishment to all surf fans not living in Southern Cali??!!
WILL NOBODY WRITE A FULL DAMN REVIEW OF YESTERDAY'S EVENT????!!
Three little snippets is all we get... thanks a lot!! Just enough to drive us to tears from frustration!
Please, please, we're begging you...
Desperate StratoCossack
Date: Mon, 29 Apr 1996 23:44:02 EDT
From: malibooz@prodigy.com ( JOHN F ZAMBETTI)
To: ipongrac@osf1.gmu.edu
Subject: aaaaahhhrrrggggghhh!!!!!
Strato
I promise to write more. I'm still floating in some sort of netherworld trance and find it hard to do anything involving my fingers but play my strat.
Johnny Z(The Malibooz)
Date: Mon, 29 Apr 1996 23:36:31 -0500
To: Cowabunga@UCSD.EDU
From: intmedia@dbtech.net (Integrated Media)
Subject: Re: aaaaahhhrrrggggghhh!!!!!
RIGHT ON, IVAN!!
I was just about to write the same thing -- do none of you Left Coasters feel "authoritative" enough to comment on the performances? Still too blown away?? Still hung over?? I mean GOOD GOD -- just answer some questions then:
The Lively Ones -- did they do High Tide? Exodus? Do they still jump around??!! The Chantays -- how was Pipeline? The Belairs -- did they play with reverb? Eddie & the Showmen -- Squad Car??!! Davie Allan -- has he gotten a real haircut yet? Who took part in the all star jam? What songs did they play? What brand of beer does Bob Spickard drink? Who were the surprise guests? Hey Messrs. Blair and Dalley -- what songs did you do with The Eliminators? Everyone else -- how did Bob and John sound?? ;)
Don't let yourself be perceived as a bunch of stereotypically lazy Californians by the rest of us Cowabungers who were foaming with jealousy yesterday -- throw some meat, raw or cooked, into the dog pound already!!! Most of all, when will this shindig be available on disc or video?
Best reverbs,
Rip
The Penetrators
Southern Surf Syndicate HQ
reverb@dbtech.net
http://www.dbtech.net/penetrators
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
-- Hunter S. Thompson
From: Cyclops480@aol.com
Date: Tue, 30 Apr 1996 01:55:09 -0400
Message-Id: <960430015508_481208608@emout17.mail.aol.com>
To: cowabunga@ucsd.edu
Subject: Elvis, Jesus, Coca-Cola, and that Surfer's Paradise thing
In a message dated 96-04-30 00:39:09 EDT, intmedia@dbtech.net (Integrated Media) writes:
I was just about to write the same thing -- do none of you Left Coasters
feel "authoritative" enough to comment on the performances? Still too blown away?? Still hung over??
Are you kidding??? Do you expect me to be the first one to write about an event attended by Cowabungans such as Jon Blair, Phil Dirt, Rick Johnson, Bernard Yin, Allen Whitman, Larry White, Dave Arnson and Monica Rex? (ALL of whom were beyond accommodating in putting up with me, especially Dave and Monica who played Virgil to my Dante in this Paradise) Geez, and you care what I think???
Don't let yourself be perceived as a bunch of stereotypically lazy
Californians by the rest of us Cowabungers who were foaming with jealousy
yesterday -- throw some meat, raw or cooked, into the dog pound already!!!
Lazy? Nah! We're just recovering from our latest plastic surgeries...
Most of all, when will this shindig be available on disc or video?
Again, better authorities than I will no doubt weigh in with the specifics, but it was video and audio taped, so I hope it sees release soon.
Gee, where to start...I can't quite grasp it all yet, but among the many highlights that leap to mind are the Halibuts, Davie Allan, the Mermen, and all the incredibly friendly Cowabungans. It was a pleasure and an honor to meet all of you. Congratulations go to the Mermen for their insane 24 hour drive to be there and Larry White for his cross-country dedication. (And sporting the coolest damn Man...Or Astro-Man? shirt you ever did see!)
I didn't arrive until the Chantays played, so you'll have to refer to others for their take on the previous bands. The Chantays played, in my humble opinion, a few too many vocal songs, though the crowd was not denied their "Pipeline". The Eliminators with Jon Blair and Bob Dalley were a real treat. The Eliminators seemed to dig back into their 80's attire and sported some skinny ties. "Depth Charge" was great. The Tornadoes started very strong, but got bogged down with one vocal too many in the end. PJ & the Packards (Paul Johnson seemed to be in fully half the bands...) were good with a line up very similar to the Surfaris. (Same drummer and keyboardist, anyway. The latter looked like a Microsoft employee, of all things.) Everyone was really enjoying themselves. (I was starving and had to head over to the Fatburger for dinner, though.) After some goodies were raffled off, the Halibuts played their set, all but two originals. The dance floor was a-hippin' and a-hoppin' like no other set, even on the Strand's dance floor, which is the size of Pat Buchanan's IQ. (Dave Arnson might play great surf, but that boy's true calling is dance!) They did a super cover of "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" among many great songs. And in matching aqua bowling shirts! I'm really looking forward to the new album. Davie Allan took the stage in a flurry of fuzz which did not abate until the set was over. Instrumental rock'n'roll at its absolute finest. The Arrows also played a rip-roaring Mancini cover, "A Shot in the Dark," I believe. Really fantastic set. (Sorry for the generalities. It can't make for very interesting reading, but there's only so many dang superlatives in my dictionary.) The Surfaris really seemed to have tightened up since the House of Blues; they sounded better. Only one drum solo. Lesse, they played "Tequila," "Wipe Out," "Surfer Joe," and a vocal song in tribute to Don. (I'm curious. Is anyone actually a fan of "Surfer Joe"? Know anyone who is?) The Mermen were absolutely amazing. As I recall, a ways back, someone asked if they could play "Curve" louder than ten. If you were at this show, you'd know the answer. Incredible. It was the first time I've seen the Mermen live, though not for lack of effort, and it was worth it. It the perfect end to a great day of surf music. (Allen: Great to finally meet you!)
I can't say I cared much for the Strand. Everyone was sitting down, which tends to put a damper on the atmosphere. I dunno, maybe it's because I'm used to going to shows where there are more skinheads than bald people, but it seemed very sedate. Perhaps a product of its Sunday date? By the time the Mermen were on, a good portion of the crowd was gone, and by the time the Mermen finished (with a one song encore, though the crowd certainly wanted more), the employees were practically throwing people out. In other words, no All-Star Jam. Which is a shame, because an assemblage of talent such as Sunday's does not occur often. Anyway, this is hardly complete, hell, barely threadbare, but it was a great show. Hopefully this will hold you over until someone who knows better than I writes up a decent review.
-Ben
From: ShoMan333@aol.com
Date: Tue, 30 Apr 1996 11:33:22 -0400
To: cowabunga@ucsd.edu
Subject: my turn
I was just starting to type away and realized I could write PAGES on Surfer's Paradise SO I WONT!
I was in the studio most of the day hence my/our inability to be there at the top of the event.
I travelled there as taxi dog for Cyclops/Ben who is THE gremmie of this newsgroup. At least I had the brains to ask him ahead of time to get some snacks. He had the brains to cooperate. We also were graced by the legendary Geza X [Germs, Dead Kennedys, Maganapop, 1000 Mona Lisas and mucho mas - Producer] and his and my mutual pal and surf bud' Robbie Quine whose project: Medusa Head Trip does a T-Rex/Beach Boys style song called Surfing in India which Jim Dunfrund is excited about debuting on KXLU. After mucho coffee at Geza's where I marveled over his very large tikis at his front door [next door to Pauly Shore - eeek!], we travelled south.
Between arrival and departure, I/we had so many different encounters and heard so much music that I don't know where to bloody start!
Hmmm...let's start by saying that there was, for me, a refreshing slap in the face of the subtle and not-so-subtle varieties of surf guitar playing. I might better say, "surf influenced". I personally enjoyed Davey Allen whose RAT distortion was rarely turned off. I also, however, was REALLY pleased by John Blair's playing. It's sincere as hell and true to tradition but fresh. He was not happy about the tuning situation between the instruments on his Eliminators sit-in but it wasn't that bad John! I was aggravated by a very poor mix on The Halibuts. I really like them but the mix really hurt them - this is, of course, my opinion and I don't want to be some technocrat but it was a factor. The drummer for the Surfaris, whose name I do not know, was very cool to watch and was one of my heroes of the evening. Hard hitting and clever but not excessive. Some of Slacktone [formerly Slackjaw] were in attendance but Dusty was/is off on tour with Agent Orange - HE is a drummer to fear! The Mermen were great and despite their road weariness, seemed to pull out the reserve energy and deliver with beauty. Just when I was afraid I had overdosed on them, I was pleasantly slapped. Geza, who had yet to hear The Mermen and who has a history of sonic exploration was most pleased and for most in attendance, it really looked like late night on a Sunday was as good a time as any to hear some super-sonic sand blasting. Are they playing soon at The Dragonfly - AGAIN? I think the event could have used the Trashwomen ... what's up...Elka, are you listening? Anyhooo, enough playing favorites. Amongst many others, I was once again reminded of the quality sarcasm which founds my relationship with Phil Dirt who for now on I am tempted to taunt with: "Phillip". Some interesting folk such as Senior Amor from KXLU's Molotov Cocktail show [Lounge music] were there. I also want to simply acknowledge that there were many people who were part of the event who were not the luminaries but the support folk such as the stage, info. table, organizers and such who did contribute a long day. Cowabungans? Many.
Now, this was a tribute. Don Murray clearly had some friends and I was proud to have been in attendance and to have had a chance to briefly hang out with him in the recent past though I regret that I can't claim to have fought over a wave with him.
"Finally" - I was actually secretly pleased that this was NOT s.r.o. I had this delusion that all of Southern California who ever said "Dude" would want to go but it really seems as though the evolution of surf is not a runaway train. THAT is reassuring. The Strand should be slapped for discouraging i.e. REMOVING a very ambitious dancer who despite her exhibition was simply having a good time. The dancers were part of the gestalt.
I wanted to forewarn all of a few things ... Pollo Del Mar will be doing a handful of SO. Cal. dates in early June. This will be a conspiracy with other bands and should be cool. Also, you heard it FIRST here but Dick Dale will again be part of the Twilight Dance Series here in Santa Monica. The date is July 18th and Katherine King [booker] asked me today if I thought The Mermen would be a good idea as support. Allen?
p.s. Johnny Z. - NEXT time!
Regrets to The Insect Surfers whom I missed along with a few other bands.
=B=
Date: Tue, 30 Apr 96 12:21:26 CST
From: (Larry White) lwhite@RIGEL.ECON.UGA.EDU
To: cowabunga@UCSD.EDU
Subject: Surfer's Paradise: more details than you want
Okay, Rip and Ivan, settle down. I actually took notes during the show, so here's your detailed review. Warning to others: excessive length.
Thom Starr & the Galaxies, with a six-piece lineup, started things off before chairs were even set out for us hoi polloi. (The VIPs had their own roped-off section to stage right.) The band's sound was consistent with their Longboards Rule CD, which means that Thom's surfy guitar licks occasionally broke through what was mostly a fusion/blues sound. In addition to new tunes, they covered Apache and Mr. Moto, but unfortunately not Chiflado.
The Surf Kings, a new four-piece band (from Hermosa Beach I was told), were an unexpected pleasure. (Have they put out any recordings yet?) They played what you might call post-Mermen surf, a set of hypnotic and trancey but still rocking and hook-laden tunes, all originals, without extended jamming (most tunes 3-4 minutes).
The Lively Ones -- did they do High Tide? Exodus? Do they still jump around??!!
Jim Masoner didn't really jump, but he did strut around, and stared at the audience while striking amusing glam-rock poses. More importantly he played a fine, crisp lead guitar. Dick Dodd sat in on drums. Don't know who the rest of the band was. They played a tight set of: Surf Rider, Happy Gremmie, Goofy Foot (with psychedelic inserts), Telstar, Ricochet, a new Mexican number not named, Raw-hide, and yes, an excellent High Tide (by request).
The Belairs -- did they play with reverb? Eddie & the Showmen -- Squad Car??!!
The Belairs/Eddie and the Showmen consisted of Paul Johnson, Eddie Bertrand, Dick Dodd, and Pete Curry (lead guitarist of the Halibuts) on bass. They opened of course with Mr. Moto, then dug into their teenage repertoire to come up with It was I, Moon Dawg (aw right!), Teen Angel (huh?), Mr. Rebel, and right into (without siren, though I know Pete Curry had a siren unit on hand) Squad Car. Not the killer set I'd hoped for. While Paul played it straight, Eddie kind of "metalled out" -- an odd mix of styles. And neither with much reverb.
The Insect Surfers played a tasty set of their best tunes. To be honest, on a few tunes their trademark twin-lead guitar interplay wasn't as tight as the other time I'd seen them play, at Summer Surf I. Confidential to Dave: it wasn't you; it was the other guy.) Possibly that was due to their having fill-in bass player for the day. But he and Dave Arnson did jump around impressively, and when all cylinders were firing it was very cool.
The Chantays -- how was Pipeline?
Another revelation. The Chantays have reinvented themselves for the '90s as the Astronauts -- or Satan's Pilgrims. Three blazing guitars, no keyboards, high energy, and very, very tight. While one guitar played a heavily reverbed rhythm pattern, a second strummed chords, and the third played an aggressive lead. All new material, with a tune called Killer Dana the closest to the Pipeline School of Atmospheric Classics. They closed with an amazingly authentic Pipeline, given that the electric piano part was played on guitar.
What brand of beer does Bob Spickard drink?
I don't know that Bob Spickard is still in the band. (I do know that beers were $4.75; soft drinks a bargain at only $3.75. Cheeseburger and fries, $8. It's no wonder the Fatburger across the street was jammed right after the show.) Brian Carmen and Bob Welch were the two original members' names I heard mentioned. (Memo to organizers: next time have each vintage band introduce its original members for those of us who don't know who's who. Or have the program list them.)
Hey Messrs. Blair and Dalley -- what songs did you do with The
Eliminators? Everyone else -- how did Bob and John sound?? ;)
The Eliminators came out in sharp new-wave outfits, but their twin-Jaguar sound was actually more traditional than that of the Chantays. Their spokesman said something like "We set out to combine the Challengers, Jon and the Nightriders, and the Lively Ones," and they pretty much did. After five of their own tunes, including the fine Punta Baja, the guests came on. Bob Dalley sounded only a little bit rusty on Point Conception '63/Pearl Rider. John Blair (who had the advantage of having done a show with the band the day before) played a strong lead on four well-executed tunes, including Depth Charge, Latin'ia, and Hawaii 5-0.
The Tornados began with a close-but-not-quite version of Dick Dale's Nitro, and followed with (to be honest) bar-band versions of Out of Limits, Vacquero, and Bustin' Surfboards. Choice stage-banter quotes: "We're called 'classic surf'. Translated, that means 'old'." "We're having more fun than anyone; that's why we're doing it." Then Pier Pleasure (a new tune), Phantom of the Opera (from the Broadway show!), and an astoundingly schmaltzball closer, Dixie/Battle Hymn of the Republic.
PJ and the Packards followed with a polished set of tunes in the clean style of Paul Johnson's '80s gospel output. Paul's backup players were all very proficient rock musicians, but without any apparent surf schooling. This time I know all the titles because I snatched the set list Paul left on the stage floor: Beach City Bop, California Dreaming, Apache, Andele, Sleepwalk, Green Room, Scratchy, Albion Blues, Mr. Moto.
The Halibuts' infectious ska-beat surf began to get things hopping again, though due to keyboard and sax miking problems they sounded like a four-piece rather than a six-piece for the first half of the set. I recognized The Natives are Restless, It's a Wonderful Halibut (maybe the catchiest damn tune of the '90s), Impact Zone, Istanbul, Mr. Mysterioso. John Blair joined them to play his own modern classic Geronimo.
Davie Allan -- has he gotten a real haircut yet?
On Davie, sporting the slimmest profile of any of the veterans, hey, the permed shag doesn't look so bad. Anyway, it was a truly awesome fuzz-bomb attack by the trio in black. For me, the highlight of the day. Like Dick Dale, the man plays stronger and louder than ever, and he commanded the stage like Guitar Wolf, Sr. The much-too-brief set: Rock and Roll Pt. 2, Peter Gunn/Baby Elephant Walk, Chopper, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Shapes of Things to Come, Experiment in Terror, Missing Link (with insert of These Boots are Made for Walking), Blues' Theme (as an audience-demanded encore).
The Surfaris had a tough act to follow. They began with Bob Berryhill, sitting cross-legged behind a candle, playing an acoustic raga-like piece in memory of Don Murray, who had most recently been the Surfaris' drummer. Thereafter Berryhill doubled (!) on guitar and his traditional sax, through a set containing Surfer Joe, Similau, Peter Gunn, Walk Don't Run, Hawaii 5-0, Tequila, and of course Wipe Out (with Paul Johnson's skillful drummer sitting in for the set).
The Mermen had to endure many minutes of announcer praise while they set up. Apparently they had become Don Murray's favorite band in his last months, and his fiancee had specially requested them to play. Martyn thankfully deflated it all: "After all this hype, we're going to suck!" Oh, but they didn't. It was the most powerful set I've heard them play (and let's see, I've heard them five times now). They appropriately included their "classic surf covers", Quiet Surf and Casbah, along with Ocean Drive, Soul Surfin', a couple of others, and Raglan as a special-request encore. They were loud, melodic, intensely focused, and in the zone. And they kept nearly every song within my four-minute attention span.
Who took part in the all
star jam? What songs did they play? Who were the surprise guests?
The Mermen finished around midnight. As has been reported, there was no jam. The club workers began rudely stacking up the chairs (in my area, front and center, plastic lawn chairs that had stopped being comfortable around 5pm) shortly after the Mermen finished.
Most of all, when will this shindig be available on disc or video?
Bob Dalley had a video camera going -- maybe he knows.
All in all, more than worth the trip! It was a blast meeting all the Cowabungans I hadn't met before: Gregg Sutter, Monica Rex (thanks again for posting the show announcement), Jeff Hall, Ben "Cyclops", -- by the way, none of you looked at all the way I'd pictured you -- as well as John Blair and Bob Dalley. (Sorry I missed Rick Johnson and Bernard Yin.) Great to once again see Phil Dirt, Dave Arnson (thanks for the embarassing recognition from stage, Dave, but Gregg traveled farther than I did), and Allen Whitman. I'm jealous of Jeff for getting Eddie Bertrand's autograph; I couldn't find the guy after his set. But playing the Sharpie-weilding autograph whore-hound I did find Paul Johnson, Dick Dodd, Davie Allan, Pete Curry, and John Blair.
--Moon Dawg
Date: 30 Apr 1996 11:38:38 +0000
From: "Blair John" <Blair.John.MM5@MacMail1.nb.rockwell.com>
To: cowabunga@UCSD.EDU
Fellow Cowabungians:
Just a couple of minor corrections to Moon Dawg's otherwise observant review of Sunday's major league Redondo Beach surf party:
I don't know that Bob Spickard is still in the band.
Bob is, indeed, in the band. He was playing rhythm guitar over on stage right (left side of the stage from the audience perspective). The Chantays, who IMO do indeed have one of the best and tightest sounds of any surf band (new or not so new) currently performing. They have three original members: Bob, Brian Carman, and Bob Welch on drums.
The Surfaris had a tough act to follow. They began with Bob Berryhill,
sitting cross-legged behind a candle, playing an acoustic raga-like piece
in memory of Don Murray, who had most recently been the Surfaris' drummer.
That wasn't Berryhill. That was Jim Pash, an original member. The only other original member of the group who was on stage was Jim Fuller on bass. Berryhill still plays out once in awhile with his own version (and only original member) of The Surfaris. It's too bad he couldn't have joined the others Sunday night.
Pash was, in fact, the one who sort of "officiated" the Don Murray memorial gathering at Manhattan Beach Sunday morning. Refer to Monica Rex's nice reflection on that experience (which she posted yesterday) for details. Pash did a fine job of reminding all who were there of our mortality in general and of Don's uniqueness and monster talent specifically. I thank Jim for giving the memorial dignity and for not allowing it to slip into a maudlin remembrance. I was touched.
A piece of backstage info regarding the intended all-star jam that didn't take place. Apparently, Al Nichol and Dale Walton (two original members of The Crossfires, Don Murray's first surf band) -- or maybe it was Nichol and Tom Stanton, a later member of The Crossfires -- were plugged into a small practice amp backstage trying to work up the arrangements to "Silver Bullet," "Fiberglass Jungle," or some other Crossfires' tune. They were going to play these during the all-star jam. Too bad. I would've really liked to hear that.
With all the nice "reviews" that have been posted so far, and others forthcoming I'm sure, let's not forget to keep in mind that Paul Johnson especially) and Tom Stanton need to be recognized for pulling this thing off. A lot of people deserve credit for this, but Paul and Tom started the ball rolling and pretty much kept it organized right up until The Mermen's last note at midnight.
A special handshake and acknowledgement also should go to each band who maintained the cooperative spirit that Paul had encouraged at the start of the event. Each band had only 40 minutes to walk on stage, plug in, perform, and exit. For nearly all of the event's marathon 10 hours, the schedule never got more than five or ten minutes behind. That's pretty incredible considering that you're dealing with MUSICIANS here and not a Boy Scout Jamboree!!!
Paul is a tremendously great supporter of the music and the entire "scene." My hat's off to him along with my respect and gratitude for giving me the strongest high I've had since the chemically-induced ones of the 60s.
John "y los paseros de la noche" blair
Date: Tue, 30 Apr 96 14:31:29 CST
From: (Larry White) lwhite@RIGEL.ECON.UGA.EDU
To: cowabunga@ucsd.edu
Subject: RE: Surfer's Paradise: more details than you want
Thanks for the correcting my confused, scorecard-less guesses at who was who. (Now you know why I was reluctant to ask any Chantays or Surfaris for autographs.) I should have done like one other guy in the audience, and brought a copy of Bob Dalley's book along for reference -- though thirty-plus years has changed the look of a few faces.
Pash was originally the Surfaris' sax player (and not a guitarist), right? And Fuller was originally the lead guitarist (not a bass player), correct? Any idea why he's switched? Fuller played the lead only on "Wipe Out" Sunday night.
--Moon Dawg
Date: Tue, 30 Apr 1996 18:59:02 -0400
To: cowabunga@UCSD.EDU
From: dbrochu@odyssee.net (Denis Brochu)
Subject: Ignorance...
This is probably a sacrilegious question, but it would more sacrilegious to remain ignorant. Who was Don Murray?
Denis
Date: 30 Apr 1996 16:34:37 +0000
From: "Blair John" <Blair.John.MM5@MacMail1.nb.rockwell.com>
Subject: Don Murray (was RE: Ignorance)
To: cowabunga@UCSD.EDU
Not sacrilegious at all Denis. In fact, those of us old (young) enough to have lived the first wave of surf music may sometimes forget that there are a tremendous number of younger (but not by much!!! 
) folks out there today who are involved in this scene. Many of you may not have the same sense of history that others of us have. So, no question is too weird and certainly not sacrilegious.
Who was Don Murray?
Don was one of the best rock drummers (surf or otherwise) to have ever graced a stage.
Don was one of the nicest people (drummers or otherwise) I've ever had the pleasure to know.
Don was the country's biggest fan of MST3K when it was on TV (OK, for those who are popular culture challenged, MST3K is "Mystery Science Theater 3000"). He absolutely loved that show and had every one of 'em on videotape.
Don played drums for the Crossfires and The Turtles, his two most famous bands.
He also played on numerous sessions for others. Although it doesn't do him justice, only two come readily to mind: "The Lonely Surfer" by Dave Del Conte & The Castaways (the Castaways was actually The Crossfires) and the early 70's album by The Holy Mackeral (this was Paul Williams' first recording group), far removed from surf music but indicative of the breadth of, and demand for, Don's talent.
In recent months, Don played for the re-grouped Surfaris. The last time I saw him was last fall at the Alligator Lounge in Santa Monica. He (and I) had come to hear The Mermen. As Don told me that night, The Mermen had become his favorite modern band (this was why they closed the Redondo Beach show on Sunday night). He also told me that he had gotten together with Tom Stanton in an attempt to re-form The Crossfires.
This is how I'm going to remember him. Standing on the sidewalk in front of the Alligator Lounge at 2 in the morning, schmoozing with Jim, Martyn, and Allen of The Mermen (and Dave Arnson from The Insect Surfers as well) while they loaded their gear into their equipment trailer, trading surfing stories with Jim Thomas as Thomas dragged his longboard from out of the trailer and sat it down on the sidewalk. Don was excited. Don was happy.
I had the chance to perform on stage with him only once I believe. It was at an earlier surf band "reunion" show at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach last year. Don had the ability to play tight, complex, secure drum patterns -- 16th notes and rapid-fire rolls -- without breaking a sweat and making it all seem so simple....always smiling/grinning from atop his throne as if he knew something that you didn't.
I'll miss him.
Thanks for the opportunity to let me expound. Wherever he is, he must be having one hell of an incredible jam session with Ron Wilson and Dennis Wilson.
John Blair
Date: Wed, 1 May 1996 00:51:22 -0400 (EDT)
From: Mel Waldorf showman@CS.McGill.CA
To: cowabunga@ucsd.edu
Subject: random: Sandals question
Hi all. Sounds like it was a great time at Redondo. I've always felt the best way to remember someone is with a celebration of their life rather than to mourn their passing. And this sounds like it was quite a celebration.
Los Mel
P.S. To Phil Dirt and Bob Dalley or anyone else who recorded the Don Murray show: Release the tapes! Those of us who couldn't make the show would definely dig it, and maybe the sales could help out Don's family or something.
Date: Wed, 30 Nov 1994 08:42:25 -0800
To: cowabunga@UCSD.EDU
From: gpsutter@gate.net (Gregg Sutter)
Subject: Surfers Paradise
Let me chime in to add a stray fact here and there to Larry White's detailed account.
I decided at the very last minute that I could not miss Surfer's Paradise, the benefit for Don Murrary, Luckily, I found a cheap ticket at just the right departure time. I arrived at LAX from Miami at 10AM and did the only sensible thing: after checking out The Strand, I headed for Surf City (Huntington Beach.) I did it partly for the sake of Category 5 drummer, Kevin Baetz, who is a true surfer trapped in Florida. I told him the average wave down that stretch of Pacific highway was like those in gale force winds in Fla.
I got back to The Strand just as people were lining up for tickets. The first person I recognized was Matt Kora, truly surf cat, level 1. Matt is so everywhere that he even turned up in Miami where he taped Category 5. He had driven "the long way" down from the Bay Area. Then I picked out Moon Dawg, owning to a context clue: a Moon Dawg pin. I was glad to have a nice chat with he and Matt as we waited in line. It's a good thing too because as soon as the concert started, I would be glued to my chair for ten hours.
Then I spied Phil Dirt with, I believe Uncle Al, and had a happy little chat with the Surfmeister about Category 5 and his upcoming Summer Surf which he said could be a two day event. (Save your Frequent Flyer miles, kiddies.)
Inside the door, I was immediately tempted by the best surf merchandise table, I ever saw. Since I'd rather talk about the show, I'll just say, every band had something: photos, T-shirts, CD's tapes, videos, lots-o-goodies. I picked up Rare Surf 3 and Pulp Rock.
I hurried in because the show was starting. It was 2:20. The opening act was Thom Starr and The Galaxies. I thought they were OK. They did "Journey to the Stars" which was good. Apache was OK but tame. Thom Starr seemed cool and very aware of the purpose of this event.
The Surf Kings are definitely Mermen inspired. I talked to two guys in the band after their set. I asked them if they were from Laguna Beach, Fla, the home of The Surf Kings on Eddie Angel's "Rock Don't Run" comp. They said no, they were from the South Bay area. I said that there were two Surf King bands, and I guess there are. Anyway, they were good and progressive and even did a highly credible cover of "Fiberglass Jungle."
They are trying to put together a CD.
The Lively One's were up next and it was evident half way through Surf Rider that Jim Masoner played a commanding lead and still had "it.". I have no idea who the rest of the band members were. Somebody will know. Masoner asked for requests. I screamed out "High Tide" because I really wanted to hear that perfectly metered opening glissando. Well, it wasn't so perfect, but it was starting to sink in how great this guy was and the depth of this show that was unfolding. Around this time I started to notice the place really filling up.
The Belairs and Eddie and the Showman were up next. What a rare opportunity to see, 33 years later, the contradictions that splintered The Belairs first band. Paul Johnson, the co-organizer of the event and absolute surf legend, played stoically and cooperatively while Eddie Bertrand wielded his guitar with seeming obliviousness to the others. It was clear to me that there was no way to put Eddie back into a Belairs mode. Of course, these are incidental points when weighed against the historical significance of this reunion and the chance to here Mr. Moto, Mr. Rebel and Squad Car by these guys.
This is the third performance I've seen by The Insect Surfers and despite the fill-in bass player, they did not fail to serve up their usual infectious music and energetic stage performance. And yes, they brought their lava lamps. They did Mojave, Polaris, Gary Busey (A persistent request from "Lucious Lisa" a surf dancer of great charm and endurance. She could shake it, alright. Dave Arnson was not far behind Lisa in the dance department and the fan department. He was unstoppable.
Moon Dawg nailed The Chantays performance in his review. They were mighty. I had no idea they would play so strong. Some people think three guitars is overkill, but it looks great and it sounds great. Pipeline was almost anti-climactic, the other stuff was so good. They say a new CD is in the works but were pretty vague about it. Look out Satan's Pilgrims!
The Eliminators were as good as I had imagined and better. As their slicked back throwback guitar handler cum MC said, "They are the past, presence (sic) and future of surf music." They did Johnny's Noseride and others off the album. It was good seeing Bob Dalley in person and clearly an honor for The Eliminators to have him up there. I met Bob's son who was taking subscriptions for The Salt Lake City Surf Musc Appreciation Society and the quarterly newsletter. It's hard to imagine everybody knowing so much about the trad bands without Bob's book. I bet he'll have all the details about the show in his newsletter. John Blair was wicked and absolutely smoked with The Eliminators. I believe he also did Moment of Truth in addition to Depth Charge 95, Latin'ia and Hawaii 5-0. Can't wait for the new album. The Eliminators spoke of a Bud Light tour. Hope it finally comes off.
The Tornados were the big disappointment of the night, I think. They had too much Vegas lounge show banter in their act. "Busting Surfboards" was tepid and Phantom of the Opera was a borderline embarrassment. The reverby "Dixie" Elvis-vocal closer was also undesirable but at least they didn't do "Old Shep."
What can you say about Paul Johnson and his band The Packards? World Class Surf. The only disappointment was that of omission: no Lanky Bones. It least there was Andele. Paul should take his band on the road. People in four corners need to see this guy and his band who did triple duty that night.
The Halibuts were plagued by sound problems in the saxophone area but that scarcely detracted from their brilliance. Happily, I saw a really great Halibut show and it was serious surfing clockwork. The sax player announced the new album title "Life at the Bottom." scheduled for the summer. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to say hi to Rick (Hi Rick!) and ask him what he was thinking when the Big Blonde Stagediver passed him by at close range.
Just when you thought it could get no better, or as good, Davie Allan comes out, laser beam thin cutting butter with his Black Jazzmaster (correct me if I'm wrong) heavy foot on his Pedal-O-Fuzz. What an ear-bleeding blast! He thought he was going to get out of there without "Blue's Theme"? No way. He played it, I swear, in about 90 seconds. If The Looney Tunes or The Apemen heard Davie they would probably head for the shed.
The Surfaris were The Surfari Packards since Paul Johnson and his drummer also played. Pash's tribute to Don Murray was pretty strange for surf but not for The Sixties. Notwithstanding the awe I feel seeing Pash and Fuller, The Surfaris at this show did not have a great impact on me in spite of their able backup from PJ and his drummer and piano player. Hawaii Five-O was fun as was "Surfer Joe" with all five verses. Everybody said they were better at The House of Blues show.
The show was down to the headliners, The Mermen. Don Murray's favorite band as has been reported. All the other bands seemed to be using some vintage amps, it would be interesting to know what exactly. The Mermen, of course, had special needs and set their own tour tested gear up as fast as they could. The only song that Moon Dawg didn't mention was "The Curve", one of their true classics off the "Song of the Cows." Mighty mighty guys! As usual. I had a little bit of comedy before the Mermen started during the Don Murray Tribute Surf Board auction. I thought Allan saw me and went to wave when I realize I just bid on the surfboard. I explained myself but was chastized a little by Les Perry who was conducting the bidding. They raffled off a lot of great stuff that night and gave away many hockey pucked sized cakes of surfboard wax, called sex wax.
The show was over and no All Star Jam. It ended up being a bombora bum rush out of there by the no longer surf conscious or tolerant Strand staff. I said hello to Allan and Jim from The Mermen and shook hands with Paul Johnson and John Blair. Having had a lifetime of surf rushes in one night, I split. I wish I had met other Cowabungans there but I was determined not to miss a note and I didn't. I'd be curious to know how many Cowabungans were there.
Well that's my report.
Good Night,
Gregg
From: frank=20luft%bldg151%ctcbeta#%dial%forwarder@ge.geis.com
Date: Wed, 1 May 96 12:53:00 UTC 0000
To: cowabunga@ucsd.edu
Subject: Surfers Paradise Review
My goodness...I get back to read my email finally Wednesday morning, and discover that I went to a different show...several shows actually.
I'm writing a comprehensive review for an upcoming issue of Cosmik Debris, but here's a few thoughts:
Main Guys:
Paul Johnson - denmother. Paul, you did great. You can relax now.
Tom Stanton - leader of the pack. Tom was dignified and cordial and genuine.
Jim Dunfrund - scoutmaster. Organized stage activities perfectly.
Les Perry - Pro jock. Great delivery & persona, and flexible too!
The Bands:
Thom Starr & the Galaxies - NEXT
The Surf Kings - WOW!
The Lively Ones - Too much country, not enough surf
The Belairs / Eddie & the Showmen - Paul was great, Eddie sucked
The Insect Surfers - Very cool always, a bit sloppy (stand in bassist)
- Dave, stand still! Didn't think you could.
The Chantays - WOW! Very Powerful...huge even!
The Eliminators - Great as always, cool duds, vintage sounds
- Bob Dalley was fun
- John Blair was killer
The Tornadoes - jeez louise, schmaltz & lounge act...dreadful
- they meant well, and it was a tribute after all
Paul Johnson and the Packards - Paul always plays top notch
- new songs not interesting
The Halibuts - only together 16 years and already their GREAT!
Davie Allan & the Arrows - 1 of the 2 bands that got encores, I Loved it!
The Surfaris - mostly uninteresting oldies show
The Mermen - the other encore
- the future of surf music (with the Surf Kings)
House Sound - they need a new sound engineer...the guy was lame & knew it all
- screwed up the digital 16 track for most of the Surf Kings...
Food & Drink - Absurdly priced
- out of half the beer brands 2 hours into the gig
Atmosphere - Loving, caring, friendly
- 3 purses stolen by some @&*%$#
I had a great time and it was very cool meeting some of the virtual people in the flesh. A bunch of folks came from the Bay Area, and then there was the East Coast contingent...phew! Now, I just need to dig these earplugs out of my ears...a mere 10 hours of sponge in the ear canals leaves them ingrown and a tad moist...
Phil Dirt
From: "Robbie Dalley" RLD1999@ute.cc.utah.edu
Organization: University of Utah Computer Center
To: cowabunga@ucsd.edu
Date: Thu, 2 May 1996 09:54:30 MST
Subject: Surfers Paradise
A cd is in the works for Surfers Paradise. If you are interested, please e-mail me and I can pass your name along to those that are creating it. Also a video is to be forth coming of the event!
Robbie
- Robbie Dalley | "To Compute Or Not To Compute?" *
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