The Bel-Airs
The Bel-Airs were an early and influential surf rock band from Southern California, active in the early 1960s.[1]
They were best known for their 1961 hit "Mr. Moto", an instrumental surf rock song that featured a flamenco inspired intro and contained a melodic piano interlude. The song's theme was used in the solo for the song "Seed" by Sublime.
Upon splitting up, guitarist Eddie Bertrand formed Eddie & the Showmen in 1964, while guitarist Paul Johnson joined Cat Mother & the All Night Newsboys in 1970. Original Bel-Airs drummer Dick Dodd joined Bertrand in Eddie & the Showmen, and later joined The Standells, playing drums and singing lead on their major 1966 hit, "Dirty Water".[2] Richard Delvy replaced Dick Dodd on drums and went on to found the surf group The Challengers.
Johnson has continued in music, both in recording and as a performer. Among other music associations, he has been a member of the "Jim Fuller version" of The Surfaris since 1990.[3] Bertrand has also continued in music, touring as Eddie and the Soundwaves, among other performance configurations.[4] Dodd has participated in various reunions and later recordings of The Standells.[5]
[edit] Band members
- Paul Johnson (guitar)
- Eddie Bertrand (guitar)
- Richard Delvy (drums, replacing Dick Dodd)
- George Dumeshousen (drums)
- Dick Dodd (drums)
- Chas Stuart (saxophone)
- Steve Lotto (bass & vocals)
- Jim Roberts (piano)
Larry Carlton (guitar), Replacing Eddie Bertrand
[edit] References
- ^ Allmusic
- ^ Dodd became both the lead singer and drummer of The Standells: see Profile of The Standells; www.classicbands.com.
- ^ Surfari Section - Paul Johnson's Guitar Heaven; www.pjmoto.com.
- ^ See Chris MacDonald, Surf Museum "sizzles" with summer concert; www.beachcalifornia.com. Undated news release and video in relation to Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum.
- ^ See The Standells.
