By Chris MacDonald
Legendary Beach Boys member Brian Wilson, who recently passed away at 82 years young, was honored with a surfing tradition, a paddle out next to Huntington Beach Pier.
Organized by Visit Huntington Beach and International Surfing Museum the event drew hundreds of fans and even some famous people like Dean Torrence (of Jan & Dean), who co-wrote songs and performed with The Beach Boys.
Another icon known as Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum Executive Director Peter PT Townend said:
“It was an honor to be Master of Ceremonies of the Brian Wilson celebration of life at the Huntington Beach Pier, his penning of the song ‘Surf City’ with Jan Berry of Jan & Dean fame which became HB’s theme song and to have Dean Torrance at the beach Saturday to tell the story of how the song came about was priceless.”
Iconic musician Dean Torrence of Jan & Dean said: “It’s a great day to be in Surf City USA.”
Huntington Beach Mayor Pat Burns said:
“The Brian Wilson (of The Beach Boys) celebration of life and paddle-out event was incredible. Don Ramsey did an amazing job putting that together. I grew up listening to them and can sing 90% of their songs. As I stated at the ceremony, it is the first album I remember after my mom’s Englebert Humperdink and Tom Jones records!!! I was way too young to have heard them when they played in HB. Great event!”
Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Casey McKeon said: “One of the all-time classic and timeless bands in history. Their music transcends all age groups and genres and brings a smile to your face every time you hear a Beach Boy’s song. We are very proud of their connection and contribution to Huntington Beach, Surf City USA and we know they will carry on that legacy forever.”
Former Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum Vice Chair Bob Slater said: “Listening to the Beach Boys, as I was walking on the pier in honor of Brian Wilson gave me goosebumps and brought me back to my childhood days and my teens. My young adults and my older adult ages filled me up life without the beach. Boys would not be the life I’ve loved living.”