by Merv Buchanan
Often referred to as “America’s Band,” The Beach Boys are the longest-lasting American rock’n’roll band. The group was formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961 by Brian, Carl, and Dennis Wilson, cousin Mike Love, and Al Jardine.
Originally called The Pendeltones after the plaid Pendelton jackets worn by local surfers, their name was changed to The Beach Boys by their record label’s promotion man who felt that a name associated with California and their new record Surfin’ would work better. Seems he was right!
Surfin’ a regional hit for The Beach Boys, was soon followed up by the hits Surfin‘ Safari, Surfin’ USA, Catch A Wave, and a series of car songs like Little Deuce Coupe, 409 and many more. In the ensuing decades, the group placed almost 40 songs in the top 40 and sold more than 100 million records.
Throughout their illustrious career, Beach Boys’ music, mostly written and produced by group leader Brian Wilson, often changed form, style, and subject matter. But it continually mined its rock’n’roll roots to come up with songs that resonated with fans.
As a worldwide concert attraction, The Beach Boys’ popularity experienced ups and downs. But what goes around comes around, and the fans always came back. Now, in their sixth decade, The Beach Boys are more popular than ever. The high point of their popular resurgence came on July 4, 1985, when they performed for 1,750,000 fans on the same day.
So it appears that Danny & The Juniors were right when they famously sang “Rock’n’Roll Is Here To Stay.”
What could two city dwellers from Toronto know about surf music? A lot, apparently. Landlocked Jeff Scott and Guy Schryer have turned their love of California surf music, especially that of The Beach Boys, into a touring music show that never fails to have crowds singing along and dancing in the aisles.
Jeff and Guy perfected their hot “vocals, guitar and piano” sound in scores of tribute shows like Buddy Holly and The Everly Brothers, before teaming up to create “Surfin’ USA” their hit tribute to The Beach Boys.
Thanks to their efforts, surf music soon began to enjoy a resurgence in popularity at colleges, concerts, and dance halls in Canada, the USA, and Mexico.
The Beach Boys’ infectious music, together with Jeff and Guy’s strong performance and easy-going style, have resulted in a popular tribute show that would make Brian Wilson proud.
This month, the duo will make their second visit to Banderas Bay. Their February 16th, and 17th shows at the popular Luna Lounge dinner theater in Bucerias, have already sold out, so a third show has been added on February 15th. On February 18th, their final Surfin’ USA show will be presented at Rancho Santiago in Paso Guayabo, beside the Cuale River, on city bus route #4, a few kilometers outside Puerto Vallarta.
Tribute Tuesdays brought to you for years at El Rio BBQ Bar, are back at Rancho Santiago with their famous ribs and music.
