Legends of Surf Guitar Live Album Captures Historic 1995 Hermosa Beach Concert, Set for July 4, 2025 Release

HERMOSA BEACH, CA – More than two decades after a landmark gathering of surf music pioneers, a live recording capturing the magic of a 1995 concert at the iconic Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach is set for release. Titled “The Legends Of Surf Guitar,” the album is scheduled to debut on July 4, 2025, offering fans a sonic snapshot of a pivotal moment in the genre’s history.

The concert, held within the storied walls of the Lighthouse Café – a venue with a deep legacy in jazz and rock history, but equally significant for hosting key figures in the surf rock explosion – brought together an extraordinary lineup of artists whose instrumentals defined a generation. The forthcoming album promises to transport listeners back to that evening, showcasing the raw energy and technical prowess that characterized the genre’s best.

A Lineup of Surf Rock Royalty

The 1995 event featured performances by several bands and artists widely regarded as architects of the classic surf sound. Among those captured on the recording are The Chantays, known for their enduring hit “Pipeline”; The Surfaris, creators of the ubiquitous “Wipeout”; guitar distortion pioneer Davie Allan; the influential revivalists Jon & The Nightriders; and the powerful instrumentalists The Surf Raiders. Each act contributed significantly to shaping the sonic landscape of early 1960s California and beyond, and this live recording provides a rare opportunity to hear them perform together in a collaborative setting.

The All-Star Ensemble

Beyond the featured headliners, the concert benefited from an exceptional backing band, comprised of seasoned musicians with diverse pedigrees. This all-star ensemble included the esteemed surf guitarist Paul Johnson, a member of the influential band The Packards and a key figure in the genre’s evolution. The lineup also featured members drawn from influential groups such as The Turtles and Los Straitjackets, with the original summary specifically listing Nick Lowe in this context. Adding another layer of rock royalty, Elliot Easton of the legendary band The Cars also made an appearance, underscoring the respect and admiration these surf legends commanded across different musical spheres. This combination of original architects and accomplished sidemen created a unique chemistry on stage, promising performances filled with both historical reverence and musical vitality.

Capturing the Sound: Production Details

The task of preserving this significant performance for posterity fell to producers John Blair and Mark Linett. Blair, a respected surf music historian and musician himself (appearing on the album performing “Rumble At Waikiki”), brought deep knowledge of the genre, while Linett, a Grammy-winning engineer known for his work with artists like The Beach Boys and Randy Newman, ensured the audio quality captured the live environment with clarity and fidelity. Their combined expertise was crucial in translating the energy of the Lighthouse Café stage to a recorded format, ensuring the nuances of the intricate guitar work and driving rhythms were faithfully preserved.

Iconic Tracks Revisited

The tracklist for “The Legends Of Surf Guitar” features live renditions of several quintessential surf and instrumental classics. The album includes “Mr. Moto” performed by Paul Johnson & The Packards, a definitive version from one of its originators. Bob Demmon of The Astronauts delivers the atmospheric “Baja.” Distortion king Davie Allan presents a dynamic medley combining the classic television theme “Peter Gunn” with “Elephant Walk.” Producer John Blair steps into the spotlight with his own composition, “Rumble At Waikiki.” The iconic “Surf Rider,” famously featured in the film Pulp Fiction, is performed by Jim Masoner of The Lively Ones. And no surf guitar compilation would be complete without “Wipeout,” featured here in a performance by Jim Pash of The Surfaris, a founding member of the band responsible for the drum-driven instrumental phenomenon.

Significance of the Release

The release of “The Legends Of Surf Guitar” on July 4, 2025, is more than just an album debut; it is the public unveiling of a historical document. It captures a moment in 1995 when many pioneers of surf music were still actively performing, offering a tangible link to the genre’s golden age through live performance. For fans of instrumental rock, guitar aficionados, and music historians, this recording from the Lighthouse Café provides invaluable insight into the continued vibrancy and enduring appeal of surf guitar, showcasing the skill and passion of the artists who created and carried its legacy forward.