The Surfaris

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

The Surfaris are an American surf band from Glendora, California, formed in 1962. The original line-up consisted of Ron Wilson on drums and vocals, Jim Fuller on lead guitar, Bob Berryhill on rhythm guitar and Pat Connolly on bass. In the autumn of 1962 the schoolboys Fuller and Connolly rehearsed with Berryhill, and they met Wilson the same evening at a school party. That was how the band was born. The saxophonist Jim Pash joined later.

Music and breakthrough

In the winter the four wrote and recorded Wipe Out, an instrumental. It came out in January 1963 on a small label, was picked up by Dot in April 1963 and reached the Hot 100 in June. On the B-side was Surfer Joe, which followed in August. It became an international hit and sold more than a million copies. The group went on to release albums such as The Surfaris Play and Wipe Out in 1963, and Fun City, U.S.A. in 1964.

Influence

Wipe Out is best known for its opening: before the music starts, Berryhill's father breaks a board next to the microphone, like a breaking surfboard, followed by a crazy laugh and the words Wipe Out. Then comes Wilson's energetic drum solo, one of the best known in pop history. In 2019 the Surfaris were given a place in the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.

Listening

• 
  Wipe Out · The Surfaris, 1963
  Apple Music ↗

Discography

Studio albums

• 1963The Surfaris Play
• 1963Wipe Out
• 1964Fun City, U.S.A.
• 1964Hit City 64
• 1965Hit City ’65
• 1965It Ain't Me, Babe
• 2003Basic Tracks
• 2003Wipe Out

See also

• Surf rock