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My first surf band came together in 1963, while I was stationed in
Peshawar, Pakistan. The base was small, and it was pretty easy to weed
out the musicians. I was "recruited" by the lead guitar player (who
played the "G" word guitar) to play rhythm (I could barely play at that
time, so that was fine with me!). We didn't have a bass, so another
guitar player was added to beef up the lower end. It was a mix of surf
instrumentals and rockabilly vocals, with a little Chet Atkins and
Freddie King thrown in for good measure! When the two other guitar
players went back to the States, I found another player to continue the
band. At that point we were playing mostly Ventures, Shadows, and
Surfaris covers. After leaving Pakistan, it was mostly two or three
member "band" incarnations for me, ranging from instrumental surf to
hard rock, with occasional one-man folk rock performances at parties.
Along about 1980 or so, I stopped playing out, and only occasionally
played at all..
In early 1993, I placed an advertisement in a newsletter from a local
San Jose music store, Guitar Showcase. The ad read:
"Do you get excited whenever you hear a tune by the Ventures, Surfaris,
Shadows, Chantays...? If you do, let's talk! I play lead/rhythm
guitar, and am looking for another lead/rhythm guitarist, bass player,
and drummer to play 60's/70's instrumentals and light vocals - just for
fun! Must have own equipment, and be serious about getting together
regularly. Eventually could play at a fair, art and wine festival, or
city park(?). If I've sparked your interest, call Dana at
(408)492-6149!"
I received sixteen calls ffrom interested guitar players, two from
drummers, and only one from a bass player! I interviewed all of the
respondents, and with the exception of the first drummer, the selection
has remained the same. Although our song selection, style, and venues
have expanded well beyond the original concept, all of the Splashback
members still retain the "fun" part!
Best regards, Dana Vincent
Brian Neal wrote:
> How did you start/join your surf band?
>
> Did you have a group of friends who liked surf?
>
> Did you contact strangers through ads who liked surf?
>
> Did you contact non-surf musicians and "convert" them to the cause?
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