Wipe Out (Surfaris song)
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"Wipe Out" is a song written by Bob Berryhill, Pat Connolly, Jim Fuller and Ron Wilson. The song was first performed and recorded by The Surfaris, who were elevated to international status with the release of the "Surfer Joe" and "Wipe Out" single.
The term 'wipeout' is a fall from a surfboard, especially one that looks painful. "Wipe Out" is one of the most famous songs of the surf music genre, with only "Surfin' USA" and "Pipeline" as competition for the title of the surfing anthem.
[edit] Recording and single release
Bob Berryhill, Pat Connolly, Jim Fuller and Ron Wilson wrote the song almost on the spot as a song was needed that was suitable for the B-side of the "Surfer Joe" single. In late 1962, while the band was in the studio recording the song, one of the band members suggested that a gimmick sound indicating a wipe out off a surfboard be emulated. The suggestion was made that during the introduction before the music starts, a cracking sound, imitating a breaking surfboard, should be made. Also in the introduction is a manic voice babbling "ha ha ha ha ha wipe out". The spoken voice at the beginning of the song is the voice of the band's manager of the time, Dale Smallen. Ron Wilson's energetic drum part was beaten out on malt-shop tables all over the country which also helped "Wipe Out" to become one of the best-remembered instrumental songs of the period. The single was born that night at Pal Recording Studio in Cucamonga, California.
Another Southern Californian surf group formed around the same time who were also known as The Surfaris renamed themselves the Original Surfaris following the success of "Wipe Out".
Following the death of television personality Morton Downey, Jr., news reports and obituaries incorrectly credited him as the composer of "Wipe Out".[1] As of 2006, Downey's official website continues to make this claim.[2]
[edit] Cover versions
The song has been covered by several artists including the American pop band The Beach Boys in which the song was released on their 1989 album Still Cruisin' with the rap group The Fat Boys making a guest appearance on the track. A promo clip was also filmed for The Beach Boys version of the song.
The 2006 Dancehall riddim Wipe Out is based on the Surfaris song. Several well known Jamaican musicians (Lady Saw, T.O.K., Elephant Man, Beenie Man and others) recorded vocals over this instrumental.[3]
It is used in the takeoff scenes of Return To The Forbidden Planet.
