1962

Friday January 12, 1962

Rainbow Gardens, Pomona, CA-with the Mixtures and the Sentinals (8:00 PM Show)

I found this show after the publication of my book.  The Beach Boys appeared as a “special guest star” at DJ Bob Eubanks “Teen Age Dance Party” at the Rainbow Gardens.  Wink Martindale began hosting Dance Parties at the Rainbow Gardens every Friday in 1961 and Bob Eubanks then took over emcee duties by the end of the year (he also took over as host of the P.O.P Dance Party TV Show in place of Martindale).  Eubanks eventually started his own teenage nightclub, The Cinnamon Cinder, in the summer of 1962.  He was an early booster of the Beach Boys and employed them numerous times. The Mixtures were the house band at the Rainbow Gardens and played there every Friday, with different guest acts.

Thursday January 25, 1962

“Surf Nite” at the Angeles Mesa Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles, CA

As a result of their first record Surfin’s success, the Beach Boys were soon in demand locally for live performances.  This show was a fundraiser for the church. Admission was one dollar and a surfboard was offered as a door prize

Friday January 26 1962

Hawthorne HS Senior Breakfast, Hawthorne, CA-with Chris Montez and the Mellow Teens 

“Twist For Silver”  March of Dimes Dance at Robert Hall Chevrolet, Los Angeles, CA-with Donnie Brooks, Dean Holly, Molly Bee, Steve Wale, the Bel Aires, and the Marketts  (7 PM to Midnight-hosted by KRLA DJ Jimmy O’Neill) 

James Murphy, who delved into the Hawthorne High School archives for his marvelous book, Becoming the Beach Boys (McFarlane, 2016), uncovered the morning appearance at Hawthorne HS. According to a witness, the group was “dreadful.” After the publication of my book, I found the evening appearance, which was hosted by future Shindig host Jimmy O’Neill.  Headliner Donnie Brooks was from Texas and had scored in 196o with the songs ‘Mission Bell’ and ‘Doll House.’ Molly Bee was a noted country singer, who recorded ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’ in 1952.

Circa Jan-Feb 1962

Record Store, Thousand Oaks, CA

According to Beach Boys historian James Murphy, the Beach Boys performed at least once at a store owned by Shane Wilder. Wilder later claimed in an article that he served as a manager for the group in the early days, but this has never been confirmed by any member of the band.  During this period, Mike and Brian were encouraged by Murry and Hite Morgan to keep writing songs and they soon had a follow up record called “Surfin’ Safari.” The new song was again very catchy and showed that Brian and Mike had improved their songwriting abilities in the few months since “Surfin.’” In addition, Brian wrote a pretty ballad, based on the melody of the Disney song “When you wish upon a star,” which he titled “Surfer Girl.”  He worked out a lush arrangement for the ballad and was eager to record it.  Thus, on February 8 the group returned to World Pacific Studios and recorded the two songs, along with an instrumental called “Karate” and another song by Brian called “Judy,” about his then girlfriend, Judy Bowles.  Although nothing would ultimately be released from this session, Murry now believed that the group had real star potential and began trying to gain the boys a recording contract from a major label.

Saturday February 10, 1962

Long Beach Municipal Auditorium (hosted by Bob Eubanks)-with James Darren, Frankie Avalon, The Surfmen, Gene McDaniels, Della Reese and Bobby Rydell.

The first hour of this concert was taped for The P.O.P. Dance Party TV Show that aired on KRLA TV (Channel 5).  The BBs again are not listed in advertising but Ray Hunt of The Surfmen (who were most famous for 'Ghost Hop') later recalled appearing with the Beach Boys and James Darren (a popular young actor, who'd launched a singing career after his appearance in the movie Gidget) on the same bill and this is the likeliest occasion that this could have happened.

Monday February 19 and Tuesday February 20, 1962

Academy Fine Arts Theatre (Two shows a night at 7:00 and 9:00 PM)

The band played in between showings of Bruce Brown’s film Surf Crazy. A poster for this show is probably the earliest Beach Boys concert poster in existence. Al Jardine has recalled playing these shows on numerous occasions, including the 1989 Endless Summer TV show (he claimed that after one of the appearances, the BBs stopped at a local party and performed the, as yet unreleased, Surfer Girl for the first time.  However, these San Diego concerts appear to have been the last shows Al played with the group before leaving the band to continue his education. He did not play another show with the Beach Boys till the spring of 1963, when he began filling in for Brian on the road.  Al later recalled that it took Murry many years to forgive him for leaving.

Friday March 2, 1962

Millikan High School Auditorium, Long Beach, CA (8:00 PM Show)

It’s quite likely that this was the Beach Boys first concert appearance with thirteen-year-old David Marks, the Wilson's neighbor. He took Al Jardine's place and remained with the group till October 1963 performing on the road and in the studio.  He added a vital element to their sound at a critical time.  Unlike the folk loving Al, David was a big rock and roll fan and took the group more in that direction.   In addition to a musical performance by the Beach Boys, Don Brown’s film, Surf’s Up was screened at this show.

Wednesday March 7, 1962

Morningside High School, Inglewood, CA

James Murphy uncovered the date of this show, which took place at Mike Love’s brother Steve’s school. This was probably David Marks’s second gig with the Beach Boys in place of Al Jardine.

Friday March 9, 1962

Rainbow Gardens, Pomona, CA-with The Mixtures

According to an anonymous source, the BBs played the Rainbow Gardens for the second time on this date. It is possible as Bob Eubanks hosted dances on Friday there-but the Beach Boys are not listed in newspaper advertisements.

Saturday March 10, 1962

Bel Air Bay Club, Pacific Palisades, CA (8:00 PM Show)

Photographs were taken this night and they are probably the earliest Beach Boys’ group shots in existence. The band had not yet adopted the red-checkered Pendleton jackets that they sported for much of 1962 but instead performed in identical mustard colored sports coats.

Circa Monday March 12 to Friday March 16, 1962

Torrance High School, Torrance, CA

Sometime during this “Prom Week” the BBs played one show at Torrance HS

Friday March 16, 1962 to Sunday March 18, 1962

Santa Monica Hotel, Santa Monica, CA –with the Bel-Airs and the Vibrants (8 PM to 12 AM on Friday and Saturday and from 1-5 PM on Sunday)

Friday March 23, 1962

"Kid's Day", National Orange Show Fairgrounds, San Bernardino, CA (afternoon)

Mira Costa High School Auditorium, Manhattan Beach, CA-with Spencer and Allred, Twin Tones and Tommy Terry (8:15 PM Show)

In my book, I mentioned that the Beach Boys appeared at a special Variety Revue to benefit the Manhattan Beach Police on the night of March 23 in Mira Costa. Jim Murphy uncovered the afternoon show in San Bernardino (which is where the photo comes from).

Saturday March 24, 1962

Hi-Teen Easter Fashion Show, Harris Department Store, San Bernardino, CA 

Third Annual Surf-O-Rama, Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, CA.  

James Murphy believes that the Harris Department Store gig listed in my book as “early spring” was probably on this date.  William F. Williams, a DJ at radio station KMEN in San Bernardino recalled to David Leaf that, “Harris had a fashion show/concert each year…KMEN was in charge of putting together the talent for Harris’s concert, and I remember Murry Wilson came to us and literally begged us to let The Beach Boys be the opening act. As I recall, they barely knew which end of the guitar case was up. They looked very badly, played very badly, and sang very badly.” This was at 130 PM. That same day, the Beach Boys appeared in Santa Monica at a trade show held from 1 PM till 1030 PM. That evening, Mike, Dennis and Carl apparently also played some songs at Newport High School in Newport, CA with the Vibrants.   Brian and David were not there and it was fairly impromptu.

Saturday March 31, 1962

Ontario National Guard Armory, Ontario, CA-with the Vibrants (8:00 PM to 12:00 AM Show)

This was the Beach Boy’s second known show with the Vibrants, a popular instrumental surf band from Manhattan Beach that had a hit with the instrumental Wildfire.

Wednesday April 18, 1962

Newport High School Stadium, Newport, CA-with the Bel-Airs, the Vibrants, the Fabulous Biscaines and Dodie and Dee Dee (7:00 PM Show)

This was a special Easter week “Stomp”, which occurred during an important week for the fledgling group.  Around the same time, Brian had made the acquaintance of a young musician and songwriter named Gary Usher.  Usher, originally from Pennsylvania, was 23 years old and had been involved in the California music scene for two years.  He had even recorded a solo single for Titan records in 1960.  Brian was fascinated by Gary’s tales of the recording business and impressed by his claims to know a number of important people, including KFWB DJ Roger Christian.  Mainly, however, Brian was just happy to meet someone outside of his family that shared his passion for music.  The two soon decided to try writing together and quickly produced a number of songs. Gary began urging Brian to make some professional demos to shop around to record companies and Murry agreed it was a good idea.  Gary Usher had visited Western Recorders in Hollywood and knew the studio had a nice sound.   Despite the expense involved, he convinced Murry that the demos should be recorded there.  On April 16, 1962 Brian and Gary held a session with the group to record some of their recent songwriting efforts.  Gary sang lead vocals on two songs “My Only Alibi” and “One Way Road to Love,” while Brian took the lead on “Visions” and “Beginning of the End.”  With the exception of “Visions” which was re-titled “Number One” and released as the B-side of a Rachel and the Revolvers single, none of these songs ever saw the light of day.   However, on April 19 the Beach Boys returned to Western and re-recorded “Surfin’ Safari,” along with the Wilson-Usher tunes, “409” and “The Lonely Sea.” In addition, Murry had them record the Four Freshmen song “Their Hearts Were Full of Spring” to show off their unique vocal blend.  Armed with these new recordings, Murry again began visiting labels.

Friday April 20 and Saturday April 21, 1962

Redondo High School, Redondo Beach, CA- with the Vibrants and the Bel-Airs

Originally, these shows were supposed to be held at Mira Costa High School, but the venue was changed at the last minute. Some posters exist that advertise the appearance as at Mira Costa

Friday May 4, 1962

Inglewood Women’s Club, Inglewood, CA (8:00 PM to 12:00 AM Show)

Around this time, Russ Regan helped Murry set up a meeting with Capitol Records popular music A&R man, Nick Venet.  As soon as Venet heard “Surfin’ Safari” and “409,” he knew Capitol had to sign the group.  In early May, Murry, Brian and Gary went to the Capitol Tower to meet with him.  Gary Usher recalled that Venet “was really ‘Mr. Hollywood’ with the stylized hair, the fancy shirts and the French cuffs…He looked quite impressive.  This was Capitol Records, the Big time.” Venet informed them that Capitol wanted to purchase the April masters for three hundred dollars and release a Beach Boys single.  He offered them a 5% royalty.  In a 2007 Beach Boys exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, a document on Capitol stationary which was dated May 8 1962 was exhibited.  The document is a letter from Nick Venet to Capitol legal, requesting that they draw up a contract for the group.

Friday May 11, 1962

Community Fair, El Camino Community College, Torrance, CA

This is another early Beach Boys’ show uncovered by James Murphy for his wonderful book, Becoming the Beach Boys.

Saturday May 12, 1962

“Campus Deb Jamboree”, Harris Department Store, San Bernardino, CA

This Harris Department Store event may have featured the Beach Boys. An advertisement mentioned that there would be "surprise guest stars."  It is known that the group played at a Harris Department Store event in the spring of 1962. It is possible they played at this event and at the March one listed above-but if they only played one event than the March 24 date is more likely.

Saturday June 2, 1962

Azusa Teen Club, Azusa, CA-with Bill Ell, Jesse Lee Turner and Lyle Sherman (hosted by B. Mitchell Reed)

In my listing for the Beach Boys July 1962 appearance in Azusa in my book, I mentioned that the band played this venue multiple times. Jim Murphy uncovered the dates of the these earlier appearances, of which this was the first.

Friday June 8 or Saturday June 9, 1962

Wagon Wheels Junction Roller Gardens, Oxnard, CA

A fan recalls seeing the group at this venue soon after her birthday, which was June 5.  By this time, “Surfin Safari” b/w “409” had been released as a single by Capitol.  The label initially believed that a song about cars had more chance of national success and promoted “409,” but when DJ’s began flipping the record over, Capitol realized that a record about surfing might appeal to non-Californians after all.  It was soon riding high on the national charts, where it peaked at a very respectable #14.

Saturday June 16, 1962

Azusa Teen Club, Azusa, CA-hosted by Roger Christian

This show was not known to me when I wrote my book, nor does it appear in James Murphy’s book Becoming the Beach Boys.

Saturday June 30, 1962

Azusa Teen Club, Azusa, CA-with Dick and Dee Dee, April Stevens and Nino Tempo, the Sentinels and Dorsey Burnette (hosted by B. Mitchell Reed)

This show was not known to me when I wrote my book, nor does it appear in James Murphy’s book Becoming the Beach Boys.  Also on the bill were two popular duos: Dick and Dee-Dee, a popular California duo that had scored hits with 'The Mountain's High" and 'Tell Me" and April Stevens and her brother Nino Tempo, who are probably best known for their 1963 single 'Deep Purple.'

Tuesday July 3, 1962

Dykstra Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA-with Chris Montez and Dante and Evergreen (8:30 PM-12 AM Show)

In the “Other 1961-62 Concert Appearances” section of my book, I mentioned that the Beach Boys played at an undated Sigma Chi fraternity party at UCLA in the summer of 1962, at which Brian met future roommate Bob Norberg. Brian produced a record of Bob and his girlfriend Cheryl Pomeroy singing Brian’s composition “The Surfer Moon” in September. Subsequent to publishing my book, I found an advertisement for this concert in the UCLA Summer Bruin newspaper. The group played at a dance hosted by DJ and Brian songwriting collaborator Roger Christian.

Summer 1962

Cinnamon Cinder, Studio City, Los Angeles, CA

Keith Badman’s book, The Beach Boys, listed the band as playing two shows at the Cinnamon Cinder in February 1962.  He clearly erred as according to a contemporary article in the Long Beach Independent, Bob Eubanks and his partners “started the original Cinnamon Cinder in North Hollywood in July of 1962.” Another article in the Van Nuys News from July 1963 states, “This month marks the first anniversary of the Cinnamon Cinders, young adult night clubs.” However, while the dates listed in Badman's book were incorrect, the group clearly played there on a bunch of occasions. Carl Wilson's close friend Ron Swallow, who served as the Beach Boys first 'roadie' and often accompanied them to their early shows vividly recalled the group playing numerous shows there in the summer of 1962.  David Marks also recalled playing there “a lot in the real early days.” Hence they most likely played there soon after the club opened in July 1962.  I have found, however, no advertisements.

Saturday July 14, 1962

“Diaper Derby,” Oxnard, California-with the Surf-men (afternoon) 

“Canteen Dance” Hawthorne High School, Hawthorne, CA (evening)

These were some of the Beach Boys first appearances after the release of their first Capitol Records single, “Surfin’ Safari” b/w “409.” They provided the entertainment at the first annual Diaper Derby, in which babies crawled across a rug to their mothers while a cheering crowd egged them on. The event was covered by radio station KOXR. A small portion of The Beach Boys concert appearance, their performance of the Bel-Airs surf classic, “Mr. Moto,” and a short radio interview, remains in existence. Following the Oxnard show, the Beach Boys headed to Hawthorne. The city created a summer “youth canteen” to curb teenage violence and give students something to do. A gala dance was organized for students from the whole Centinela Valley and it was held at Hawthorne High School, while school was out. Linda McVeigh was on the committee that was created to plan activities. She recalled in 1965 that the Beach Boys played despite strenuous objections of many students, who felt they were terrible. Indeed, although the Beach Boys agreed to play for free, some students tried to take up a collection to hire another act instead!

Wednesday July 18, 1962

Jodi Gable’s 16^th Birthday Party, Burbank, CA

The Beach Boys played a free impromptu performance for Jodi Gable’s 16^th birthday party. She ran the official fan club for the group until 1966, when the amount of work involved in handling the job became too much for her and her small staff

Friday July 27, 1962

Azusa Teen Club, Azusa, CA (afternoon)

Rainbow Gardens, Pomona, CA-with the Mixtures and the Paris Sisters

In his research for his book, James Murphy discovered that the BBs filmed their appearance singing “Surfin’ Safari” in the short film One Man’s Challenge at the Azusa Teen Club on July 27 not July 28 (as listed by mistakenly in my book with Jon Stebbins, in which we accepted the date given by author Keith Badman). Murphy’s book includes numerous photographs taken that day. In my own research I discovered that the Beach Boys also appeared at the Rainbow Gardens on this night. Bob Eubanks hosted weekly Friday dances there. This is one of only two documented appearances by the band at this venue, but they may have appeared there unadvertised on other occasions as well.

Saturday July 28, 1962

Swing Auditorium, San Bernardino, CA

The photo shows the Beach Boys at an early recording session with Capitol Records producer Nick Venet.  On the group’s first two albums, Venet was given credit as producer on the album covers, but the Beach Boys and Murry later insisted that he had never done anything but turn knobs and that Brian was in charge from the beginning.  Venet, of course, disputed this.  He told David Leaf that he played a vital role in the early days by helping “Brian choose which songs to record from the dozens he had written. Also I was an objective viewpoint.  I would say to Brian ‘I don’t think you need to do the record over.’” Nevertheless, the group’s need for Venet slowly declined and by early 1963 they had come to see him as superfluous.

Sunday July 29 1962

Dance Pavilion, Lake Arrowhead, CA-with the Tornadoes (Date may be wrong) and Wagon Wheel Junction Roller Gardens, Oxnard-with Soupy Sales (7 to 10 PM Show)

In my book I mentioned, in the “Other 1961-1962 Concert appearances” section, that the Beach Boys played at the Arrowhead Pavilion with the Tornadoes at some point in 1962, according to sax player George White. James Murphy uncovered the date of the show .However, I recently learned of the second show, which raises concerns as to whether the first show occurred on this date.

Tuesday July 31 1962

"Parade of Hits" KCOP TV, Los Angeles, CA

James Murphy uncovered the Beach Boys appearance on this local TV show hosted by Dick Moreland of KRLA. They undoubtedly played “Surfin’ Safari.”

Thursday August 2 1962

Gordon’s Wholesale Furniture and Appliances Grand Opening, Canoga Park, CA (7-9 PM Show)

I found this show after the publication of my book.  Kathy Linden, also on Capitol Records, appeared from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and The Rivingtons appeared from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m

Saturday August 4 1962

Azuza Teen Club, Azusa, CA

The photo was taken in Azusa on July 27, while the Beach Boys were filming their appearance in the short film One Man's Challenge, the earliest surviving footage of the group in existence.

Sunday August 19 1962

First Annual Surfer’s Ball, Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA-with Dick Dale and the Del-Tones

In our book we listed this show as “August 1962” at the Swing Auditorium because we were not able to obtain a photograph of the concert poster that James Murphy included in his book. As it turns out the show was at a different venue. I interviewed guitarist David Marks for the book and he recalled that a riot broke out at this show between the real surfers in the audience and “the Hodads.” “It was pretty scary. There were thousands of people there, or at least it seemed like it. A fight broke out or something.”

Monday August 20 1962

Broadway Store, Los Angeles, CA-with Kathy Linden and the Genteels (2:30 PM), Tustin Playhouse, Tustin, CA-with Timi Yuro and Dorsey Burnette (4:00 PM Show) and Broadway Store, Del Amo Mall, Torrance, CA-with Bobby Rydell (7:30 PM)

The Beach Boys were advertised in The Los Angeles Times as one of the Area Code Personalities that would appear at various KWFB events during the week of August 20 to 25. DJ Roger Christian, who was soon to collaborate with Brian on various songs including “Shut Down,” and other KFWB Disc Jockey’s hosted the events. They took place at the various Broadway-Hale Store locations in the greater Los Angeles area. Founded in 1896, the Broadway Store was the dominant retail chain in Southern California. On August 20, events were held at the flagship store in downtown Los Angeles at 2:30 PM and at the Del Amo Mall in Torrance at 7:30 PM. Since the publication of my book, I discovered that the Beach Boys played at a daytime fashion show in Tustin in between the two promotional appearances at The Broadway Store outlets.

Tuesday August 21, 1962

Broadway Store, West Covina, CA (2:30 PM)

Broadway Store, Pasadena, CA (7:30 PM)

Wednesday August 22, 1962

Broadway Store, Anaheim, CA (2:30 PM) 

Broadway Store, Whittier, CA (7:30 PM)

Thursday August 23, 1962

Broadway Store, Westchester, Los Angeles, CA (2:30 PM)

Broadway Store, Crenshaw Plaza, Baldwin Hills CA (7:30 PM)

Friday August 24, 1962

Broadway Store, Long Beach, CA (2:30 PM)

Saturday August 25 1962

Broadway Store, Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA (10:30 AM), Broadway Store, Panorama City, Los Angeles (3:30 PM) and Reseda Jubilee, Reseda, California- with Jan and Dean (Evening)

In addition to their appearances at the Broadway Stores, the Beach Boys received a mention in The Los Angeles Times for taking part in this annual community carnival, which took place from Wednesday August 22 to Sunday August 26. The Beach Boys were hired to appear on Saturday and shared a bill with the already well-established California act, Jan and Dean, who'd scored hits with 'Baby Talk' and 'Heart and Soul.' This appears to be the first concert that the two groups played together. As Jan and Dean were strictly a vocal act, The Beach Boys agreed to back them up during their performance, in addition to playing their own set.

Sunday August 26 to Thursday August 30 1962

Pandora’s Box, Los Angeles, CA

The Beach Boys began an important residency at this tiny but well-known club on the Sunset Strip owned by Bill Tilden.   We listed the first appearance at this club as September 1 in our book but James Murphy has since uncovered the fact that the residency began a week earlier.  David Marks recalled that, “It seemed like we played at Pandora’s Box every weekend, at least in my recollection…A lot of hipsters went there.  It was small but it was always packed." Brian's songwriting partner Gary Usher brought his then girlfriend, fifteen-year-old Ginger Blake and her cousin Diane Rovell to this show or one soon after.  Blake and Rovell fell in love with the group and promised to return for one of their next appearances.

Sunday September 2, 1962

17th Birthday Party for Milton Berle’s Daughter Victoria, Los Angeles, CA  and Pandora’s Box, Los Angeles, CA

The Victoria Berle Birthday Party show that we listed in our book as “early September” can now be exactly dated . The Beach Boys obtained the gig because their William Morris agent Marshall Berle was comedian Milton Berle’s nephew and on his nephew's advice he hired the group to perform at his daughter’s party. David Marks recalled, “Uncle Milty surprised us with twenty bucks each and told us we did a great job.” That night the Beach Boys again returned to the Pandora’s Box.

Sunday September 9, 1962

Pandora’s Box, Los Angeles, CA

The band played more shows at Pandora’s Box.  It is likely that Ginger Blake returned with her fourteen year old cousin Marilyn Rovell on this occasion. Marilyn was born in Chicago and had moved to Los Angeles in 1955 with her parents Irving, a sheet metal worker, and Mae Rovell and her two sisters Barbara and Diane.  Marilyn recalled on BBC Radio that Brian asked her for a sip of her hot chocolate during the show and then spilled it all over her. They soon hit it off.  Brian began spending a lot of time at the Rovell house, which became a sort of home away from home for all the Beach Boys.

Friday September 14 1962

"The Howdy Hop", Hawthorne HS, Hawthorne, CA and “Surfers’ Ball,” Morgan Hall, Long Beach, CA- with Lonnie Belmore, the Bonnavills, Russ Storman and Dean Long (8:00 PM Show)

Prior to the evening show in Long Beach, the Beach Boys played a morning show at the Wilson's high school. Brian had already graduated but Carl was still a student there.  Dennis never graduated. At some point during the previous school year, Dennis was suspended from high school for fighting, and didn't bother coming back; he also quit his dollar-a-day job sweeping the floor at a local laundry.  He recalled in 1970, “That was it! I was already a professional because I wasn’t doing anything else.  I had a painful trip at school; I got kicked out; and now the girls were going to look at me because I was in a group.”  

Saturday September 15, 1962

Sixteenth Birthday Party for Helen Lee Stillman, Los Angeles, CA

As a result of their appearance at Victoria Berle’s birthday party, the group was invited to perform at this party for a local debutante. The event was actually written up in the society column of the September 16 Los Angeles Times.  According to the article “A Chaperone Learns Ropes,” by Wanda Henderson, the Beach Boys arrived late to the event, which was held at the Stillman home, having “locked their drums in the glove compartment or somewhere.”  The photo was taken the day before at the Howdy Hop.

Friday Sept 21, 1962

Battle of the Bands, Wagon Wheel Junction Roller Gardens, Oxnard CA

According to an Oxnard Press Courier article dated September 6 1962, the Beach Boys were booked to play at a “Battle of the Bands” “within two weeks” at the Roller Gardens against the Casuals, a new group that later evolved into the Dartells.  The Casuals won but their keyboard player Randy ray admitted that the voting was pretty subjective.  The Casuals were playing in their hometown.

Saturday September 22, 1962

Pickwick Recreation Center, Burbank, CA-with the Tornadoes, Toni Fisher, Dick Roman and the Grads (530-1030 PM-one and a half hour taping session) and Spastic Children’s League Benefit at home of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Palmer, Whittier, CA

The Beach Boys taped a performance that aired on the KTLA TV Pickwick Dance Party hosted by Bob Eubanks the following Saturday (Sept 29). Following that taping, the Beach Boys provided the poolside entertainment for a benefit concert in Whittier, CA billed as a “Sip, Sup and Stomp” event.  This show was not listed in my book with Jon Stebbins.

Thursday September 27 1962

The Row, USC, Los Angeles-with the Marketts

Wednesday October 4, 1962

Glendale Community College, Glendale, CA

Wednesday October 24, 1962

William Howard Taft High School, Woodland Hills, CA

Saturday October 27, 1962

Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA-with Doodles Weaver, the Castells, Billy Vaughn, Shelley Fabares, the Lively Ones, Chuck Connors, Bobby Vee, Paul Petersen, the Rivingtons, Jackie De Shannon, Soupy Sales, the Leon Russell Quintet and others (9:00 AM Show) and National Cystic Fibrosis Parade of Stars Show, Fox Theater, San Francisco, CA-with Joey Bishop, Jayne Mansfield, Troy Donahue, Annette Funicello, Bob Conrad, Donna Loren, Bobby Freeman, Tony Dow and others (Evening)

The Beach Boys made their first appearance at the famous Hollywood Bowl as part of “Y Day,” a giant YMCA event that brought together 15,000 young people from California, Nevada and Arizona. The event began at 9 AM and included a talent show.This was the first of many appearances by the Beach Boys at the Bowl.

Following the Y Day show, the Beach Boys flew to San Francisco to play at a National Cystic Fibrosis benefit show with a number of Hollywood stars. Prior to the concert, the Beach Boys attended a dinner for the stars of the show at which Brian chugged an entire bottle of champagne. When the group came out to play that night, he was pretty drunk and, according to David, he threw up on stage after the first number. However, he remained on stage for the rest of the show.

Sunday October 28, 1962

Pandora’s Box, Los Angeles, CA

The group returned to Pandora’s Box on the Sunset Strip for another series of Sunday shows.

Thursday November 1, 1962

Leonard’s Department Store, Torrance, CA (7:00 PM Show) and Leonard’s Department Store, El Segundo, CA (8:30 PM Show)

The Torrance Herald reported that the Beach Boys would perform for 45 minutes and then autograph copies of their album at the grand opening of this Leonard’s store. The store was located on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Crenshaw.  The El Segundo newspaper noted that the band was scheduled to play at three Leonard's stores (they'd appear in Garden Grove two days later).

Saturday November 3, 1962

Leonard’s Department Store, Garden Grove, CA (2:00 PM Show) and “Pickwick Dance Party”, Pickwick Recreation Center, Burbank, CA –with Valjean and Maureen Arthur (5:30 to 10:30 PM Show)

The Beach Boys gave another 45-minute appearance at the opening of a second Leonard’s store (one of three that opened that week) on Harbor Boulevard in Garden Grove and signed autographs. Following that appearance they headed to Burbank to perform at the Pickwick Recreation Center. This five-hour event was filmed for Bob Eubanks’ KTLA TV Pickwick Dance Party show. The Beach Boys segment aired locally on Saturday November 10.

Sunday November 4, 1962

Pandora’s Box, Los Angeles, CA

Sunday November 11, 1962

Pandora’s Box, Los Angeles, CA

Wednesday November 21, 1962

Hermosa Biltmore, Hermosa Beach, CA-with the Journeymen (8:00 PM to 1:00 AM Show)

A “Thanksgiving Eve Dance and Stomp,” that was sponsored by the Alpha Omega Fraternity

Saturday November 24, 1962

Grand Opening of Rancho Music in Studio Village, Culver City, CA (2 PM)

I was not aware of this appearance when I wrote my book.  According to an article in The Evening Vanguard, “They will sing for about 45 minutes…and will present hits from their latest album ‘Surfin Safari’, including the song ‘Ten Little Indians.’ The Beach Boys will also autograph copies of the album, which will be on sale at the new store.”

Friday November 30, 1962

Alfred Goode Auditorium, Bakersfield, CA-with the Revlons, Candy Maloney and Ken and the Ho Daddys (8:00 PM Show)

In a December 1962 interview, Murry noted that Bakersfield was the farthest place away from Los Angeles that the group had yet played.  Also on the bill were the Revlons, a local girl group that had recently recorded the single Give Me One More Chance/Boy Trouble.

Saturday December 1, 1962

Van Nuys Theatre, Van Nuys, CA-with Dorsey Burnett, the Lively Ones, Annette Funicello, Andy Williams, Eddie Cano, Lou Monte, Billy Storm, The Christy Minstrels, Dee Dee Sharp, Dobie Gray, the Crystallets, Cyndy Malone, the Mixtures, Dick Michals, the Pastel 6 and Jimmy Haskell

The Beach Boys were one of the featured performers at this benefit show for the Pacific Lodge Boys’ Home.  They shared the bill with numerous acts, including rockabilly pioneer Dorsey Burnette, who had a hit with Tall Oak Tree in 1960, the popular surf instrumental band The Lively Ones, and the African-American singer/songwriter Dobie Gray, who had a local hit with 'Look at Me' but would not have enormous success until 1973 when he recorded 'Drift Away.'

Monday December 3, 1962

USC Pep Rally, Los Angeles, CA-with Ernest Borgnine, Doodles Weaver, The Countrymen, Joe Flynn and others (3:00 PM Show)

According to the Los Angeles Times, The Beach Boys were scheduled to provide entertainment at a massive pep rally on campus for the USC Trojans

Thursday December 6, 1962

Cinnamon Cinder, Long Beach, CA-with the Challengers, Sandy Nelson and Jan and Dean

Bob Eubanks hired the Beach Boys to perform at the grand opening of his second Cinnamon Cinder club at 4401, Pacific Coast Highway along with Jan and Dean, the Challengers and Sandy Nelson. In addition to the performers, Eubanks convinced numerous celebrities to put in an appearance at the opening as well. Stars who attended included Frankie Avalon, Brian Hyland, Shelly Fabares, Tony Dow, Dobie Gray and Rod Lauren

Thursday December 27 and Friday December 28, 1962

“Surf Fair” Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, CA-with the Shenandoah Singers, the Surfaris, Surf-Tones and the Surf Side Four

These shows are the only documented appearances by the Beach Boys in late 1962 but they allegedly undertook their first proper tour at this time. All that is known about it comes from an interview Murry gave to writer Tom Nolan in 1971 in which he stated that he was told by a 22-year-old William Morris agent, “that the Beach Boys would never make more money than Ruby and the Romantics, who were grossing $3500 for seven days a week…I got so mad.  It was December 17^th.  I called from my home to key places, and we worked between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.  We grossed $26, 684.” The interview suggests that the tour started on or about December 24.  Keith Badman’s book, however, states that the tour started in Santa Barbara on December 17.  Badman’s evidence for this is not known. There are, however, no ads for any Beach Boys show in the Santa Barbara papers.  Without further evidence, there must remain doubt about the exact dates and venues of this tour.  The dates listed by Badman were Santa Barbara (December 17), Bakersfield (20), Fresno (22), Merced (28) and Stockton (30).  None of these could be verified and the distance between these cities does not inspire confidence in the list’s accuracy.