The Legends of Surf Guitar: a Historic Celebration of a Timeless Sound - Out July 4th

​On April 1, 1995, the iconic Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach hosted a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of surf music’s past, present, and future. Now, for the first time ever, fans around the globe can experience the magic with the release of Legends of Surf Guitar — available July 4, 2025, on vinyl, CD, and digital platforms.

This electrifying live recording captures a pivotal moment when original '60s surf pioneers and '80s revivalists came together to honor the genre that shaped a generation. Powered by a reverb-soaked sound and unshakable spirit, Legends of Surf Guitar is a vibrant testament to the enduring power of surf music.

Throughout the late ’70s and early ’80s, a new wave of surf instrumental bands — including Jon & The Nightriders, The Surf Raiders, and The Malibooz — reignited passion for the genre. Riding the momentum of surf-centric films like Pulp Fiction and a booming underground scene, producer and radio host Les Perry and surf music legend Paul Johnson curated the Lighthouse Surf Band Reunion: a thrilling homecoming that united trailblazers and torchbearers alike.

The star-studded lineup included legends like The Chantays, The Surfaris, Davie Allan & The Arrows, along with special appearances from Bob Dalley (The Surf Raiders) and Bob Demmon (The Astronauts). Backing them was a powerhouse ensemble featuring Don Murray (The Crossfires, The Turtles), Pete Curry (The Halibuts, Los Straitjackets), and surf historian John Blair (Jon & The Nightriders), who co-produced the album alongside three-time Grammy-winner Mark Linett (The Beach Boys, Los Lobos, Red Hot Chili Peppers).

Captured live using one of the earliest digital 8-track recorders, Legends of Surf Guitar delivers high-energy performances of timeless surf anthems like “Mr. Moto,” “Wipe Out,” and “Pipeline,” alongside modern classics from the genre’s resurgence. The Lighthouse was electric, packed wall-to-wall with dancers and surf fans, an atmosphere fondly remembered by Elliot Easton of The Cars, who both attended and contributed to the day’s recordings.

"This album captures a rare and magical moment," says co-producer John Blair, "when the pioneers and the new generation of surf musicians came together under one roof to celebrate the past, present, and future of surf music."

Mark Linett reflects, "Surf music hooked me the first time I heard 'Wipeout' and 'Pipeline' as a teenager. When I heard about the 1995 reunion, I knew it had to be preserved. Thanks to the vision of John Blair, this historic day is finally ready to be shared with the world. I think you'll agree — it was worth the wait."
The importance of this release is underscored by tributes from music legends:

• Al Jardine (The Beach Boys): "A great live collection of surf classics — takes me back to the days when The Beach Boys played with Dick Dale at the Rendezvous Ballroom."
• Ben Vaughn (Producer and musician): "They captured these guys at the right moment. The mixes are phenomenal."
• Bob Spalding (The Ventures): "This album contains all the elements that make surf music such a unique and timeless genre."
• Elliot Easton (The Cars): "Seeing The Chantays, The Surfaris, Davie Allan, and others live was unforgettable — a memory I’ll always treasure. These sounds transport you back to a simpler, sun-soaked time of cars, girls, beaches, and, of course, surf music."​

​Legends of Surf Guitar is more than just a concert album — it’s a living tribute to the sounds that continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. Featuring rare, powerhouse performances by some of surf music’s most iconic figures, this historic release is a must-have for anyone who loves the spirit, style, and pure fun of classic surf guitar.

Produced by: Mark Linett and John Blair
Recorded by: Mark Linett and Elliot Easton at the Lighthouse Café, Hermosa Beach, CA
Mixed by: Mark Linett at Your Place Or Mine Recording, Glendale, CA
Release Date: July 4, 2025

A portion of the original event’s proceeds benefited KMAX Radio and the Surfrider Foundation.