"Wipe Out" is a tune written by Bob Berryhill, Pat Connolly, Jim Fuller and… Read Full Bio ↴"Wipe Out" is a tune written by Bob Berryhill, Pat Connolly, Jim Fuller and Ron Wilson. The tune 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 tune also featured in the films Surf's Up and Dirty Dancing.
The term 'wipeout' refers to a fall from a surfboard, especially one that looks painful.
Bob Berryhill, Pat Connolly, Jim Fuller and Ron Wilson wrote the tune almost on the spot as a suitable B-side was needed for the intended "Surfer Joe" single. In late 1962, while the band was in Cucamonga's Pal Recording Studio recording the single, 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 Smallin.
Ron Wilson's energetic drum solo (a sped up version of his Charter Oak High School marching band's drum cadence) was beaten out on malt-shop tables all over the country which also helped "Wipe Out" to become one of the best-remembered instrumental tunes of the period. The afterthought track spent four months on the national Billboard chart in the autumn of 1963, reaching #2 and kept out of the top slot only by Stevie Wonder's Fingertips. The smash hit returned to the Hot 100 in 1966, reaching #16 in its second national chart run. Meanwhile, original A-side "Surfer Joe" only attracted airplay in the wake of Wipe Out's success, and peaked at #62 during its six-week run.
The term 'wipeout' refers to a fall from a surfboard, especially one that looks painful.
Bob Berryhill, Pat Connolly, Jim Fuller and Ron Wilson wrote the tune almost on the spot as a suitable B-side was needed for the intended "Surfer Joe" single. In late 1962, while the band was in Cucamonga's Pal Recording Studio recording the single, 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 Smallin.
Ron Wilson's energetic drum solo (a sped up version of his Charter Oak High School marching band's drum cadence) was beaten out on malt-shop tables all over the country which also helped "Wipe Out" to become one of the best-remembered instrumental tunes of the period. The afterthought track spent four months on the national Billboard chart in the autumn of 1963, reaching #2 and kept out of the top slot only by Stevie Wonder's Fingertips. The smash hit returned to the Hot 100 in 1966, reaching #16 in its second national chart run. Meanwhile, original A-side "Surfer Joe" only attracted airplay in the wake of Wipe Out's success, and peaked at #62 during its six-week run.
Wipe Out
The Surfaris Lyrics
Instrumental
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Judy Colson
I was in grade school and the boys would challenge the other boys in saying “I bet you can’t do wipe out”. Then they’d do their drums on the school desks to prove themselves. What a memory of those happy 60’s. 😊
Jophlo TheArtist
My father played this a lot when I was a child. Yesterday was the one year anniversary of his passing & I miss him dearly. R.I.P Pop🙏🏽
BETTY BREEMER
@Saint Steven 🥰
cbell
R.I.P., sir.
Oliver Williamson
Your father had an impeccable taste in music
Anita Butcher
Hello My name is Anita Jo Butcher 💕 God Bless You 🙏💓🙏 I am so sorry for Your Loss I lost My Youngest Daughter Alicia Alpha Butcher 💕 2 year's ago she had 3 Daughters Gracie Lynn, Faith Marie and Allie Mae Butcher 💕 and 2 of them have no Father either Faith Marie Father Buck BoBo shot himself and Allie Mae's Father Leon Jayjohn overdosed on heroin what a shame it is losing Someone You Love so Dearly 💞🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💓 I put 7 of everything because it is God's number I'm a little bit strange But I am not a bad person I just wanted to say hello to you and tell you that God 🙏💓🙏 Loves You Very Very Much ❤️ keep on listening to Your and Your Father's music 🎶🎼🎶🎼🎶🎼🎶 and Be Happy Healthy and Wise 🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉 much Love Your Sister in Christ Your Sister for Life Anita Jo Butcher 💕 God Bless You 🙏💓🙏 Amen and Amen Thank You Jesus Christ 🙏💓🙏 Amen and Amen
Jibimba Pionaves
😪At least, you have good memories of your dad to keep with you forever!
IMA LT
When I was in college, the two guys in the next dorm room were the quiet, studious, hard working types. Never trouble makers, pranksters or loud. Then, on the last day of finals, we heard this blasting out of their open dorm room window.
TheFluteKid
My grandfather used to play this song on the drums, everyone called him “animal” (from the muppets) and today was his funeral. Hope you’re having fun playing in heaven, grandpa, I love you.
schawangus
He is undoubtedly jammin out to his heart’s content up there. Rest in peace, grandpa 🫡