The Bel-Airs
| The Belairs | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Los Angeles County, California, United States |
| Genres | Surf rock |
| Years active |
1961–1963 (1986 reunion) |
| Labels | Arvee |
| Associated acts | The Challengers, Eddie & the Showmen |
The Bel-Airs were an early and influential surf rock band from South Bay, Los Angeles, 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 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]
Eddie Bertrand died of cancer in November 2012.[6]
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 and vocals)
- Jim Roberts (piano)
- Art Fisher (lead guitar), replacing Eddie Bertrand
Published recording
- " Mr Moto" b/w "LITTLE BROWN JUG" (7" vinyl Label/Cat #: Arvee A-5034, 1961)
- " Charlie Chan" b/w "Baggies" ("Lucky" Token 107, 1964)
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". 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.
- ↑ "Influential surf guitarist Eddie Bertrand of the Bel-Airs dies". Los Angeles Times. 2012-11-02. Retrieved 2012-11-02.