The Bel-Airs

The Bel-Airs were an early and influential surf rock band from South Bay, Los Angeles, active in the early 1960s.[1]

The Belairs
OriginLos Angeles County, California, United States
GenresSurf rock
Years active1961 (1961)–1963 (1963)
(1986 reunion)
LabelsArvee
Associated actsThe Challengers, Eddie & the Showmen

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 later 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, Randy Nauert replaced Steve Lotto on bass, and Art Fisher replaced Eddie Bertrand on guitar. Delvy, Fisher Nauert and Roberts 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 on October 27, 2012, at age 67.[6][7]

Dick Dodd died of cancer on November 29, 2013, at age 68.

Band members
  • Eddie Bertrand (lead guitar)
  • Richard Delvy (drums), replacing Dick Dodd
  • Dick Dodd (drums)
  • George Dumeshousen (drums)
  • Art Fisher (lead guitar), replacing Eddie Bertrand
  • Paul Johnson (rhythm guitar)
  • Steve Lotto (bass, vocals)
  • Randy Nauert (bass guitar), replacing Steve Lotto
  • Jim Roberts (piano)
  • Chas Stuart (saxophone)

Published recordings
  • "Mr. Moto" b/w "Little Brown Jug" (Arvee A-5034, 1961)
  • "Volcanic Action" b/w "Runaway" (Arvee A-5054, 1962)
  • "Kami-Kaze" b/w "Vampire" (Triumph TRI-54, 1963)
  • "Charlie Chan" b/w "Baggies" (Lucky Token LT-107, 1964)
  • "Liverpool" b/w "The Intruder" (Lucky Token LT-111, 1965)

CD compilations
  • The Origins of Surf Music 1960-1963 (Iloki IL-1007, 1993)
  • Volcanic Action! (Sundazed SC-11100, 2001)

References
  1. Allmusic
  2. Dodd became both the lead singer and drummer of The Standells: see Profile of The Standells; www.classicbands.com.
  3. "Surfari Section - Paul Johnson's Guitar Heaven". Pjmoto.com.
  4. 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.
  5. See The Standells.
  6. Roberts, Randall (November 2, 2012). "Influential surf guitarist Eddie Bertrand of the Bel-Airs dies". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  7. "South Bay surf guitar pioneer Eddie Bertrand dies at 67". Daily Breeze. November 2, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
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