Since 1996, The Eliminators have remained Southern California’s critically acclaimed Surf Band. They have helped lead a resurgence of interest in surf instrumental music that was popular during the early 1960s by staying true to the sound while giving the music a modern twist. Internet DJ surf music guru Phil Dirt (www.reverbcentral.com) noted that The Eliminators “…understand the genre like guys who were there in ’62…Incredibly powerful, masterfully-performed genuine surf for the [present day] and beyond!”
All five band members have a common interest in the dynamic sounds of 50’s and 60’s instro music. Influenced by artists such as The Ventures, The Shadows, Dick Dale, Paul Johnson and Eddy Bertand, Duane Eddy, Fireballs, Link Ray. The band has written and recorded many orignal songs and use authentic, vintage equipment to get that unmistakable sound unique to guitar-driven instrumental surf music.
The Eliminators originally formed in San Clemente, CA. by Preston Wilson, Joe Kurkowski and Chuck McElvain. As the band evolved it brought in bassist Frank Hughes, sax man Bill Swanson and drummer Doug Harlow. Chuck McElvain eventually left and the remaining members carried on, Joe, Preston, Frank, Bill and Doug. This became the main force and The Eliminators had phenominal success. Original member Preston Wilson left a few years after the band’s second CD, (Ultra Sonic Surf Guitars) and guitarist John Benton from the Lively Ones replaced Wison.
In early 2009, author-guitarist, recording artist John Blair joined the band replacing John Benton. Blair is one of the most respected and popular surf instrumental guitarists on the planet. His early band, Jon & The Nightriders, ignited a “second wave,” or modern school of instro surf music in 1979 and his book, the Illustrated Discography of Surf Music, 1961-1965 largest discography of surf music recordings ever published (now in its 4th edition).
The Eliminators’ now consist of 4 original members, Joe Kurkowski (lead guitar), Frank Hughes (bass), Bill Swanson (sax, percussion, rhythm guitar), Doug Harlow (drums).
The Eliminators resume highlights includes the following:
- Provided the music for eight Budweiser “Left Coast, Right Beer” TV commercials.
- Appeared and perfromed on three episodes of the hit TV series “Beverly Hills 90210.”
- Provided music for the Mark & Brian Show on Los Angeles radio station KLOS.
- Performed on the popular TV talk show “The View.”
- Provided music for the TV series Providence.
- Provided the original music featured in the IMAX film, “Hawaiian Watermen.”
- Appeared in 2008 Discovery Channel program “Battleground Earth” with Tommy Lee and Ludachris.
- Performed all over the country, sharing the stage with many legendary artists.
- Twice nominated Best Surf Band for the Orange County Music Awards.
- The Eliminators were Jimmy Buffett’s party band and have opened many shows for Jimmy.
- The Eliminators performed live all over the country at venues large and small.
| The Eliminators discography: |
| 1997 |
Unleashed |
Eliminator Records |
ER101 |
| 1998 |
Ultra-Sonic Surf Guitars |
Eliminator Records |
ER102 |
| 2010 |
Room To Move |
Eliminator Records |
ER103 |
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| Compilation CDs: |
| 1997 |
Planet Surf |
Tri-Surf Records |
TR-102 |
| 1997 |
Surfin’ Sundays |
Golden Sand Records |
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| 1997 |
Totally Tubular |
KFJC Records KFJC011 (includes a 17-track live recording) |
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| Eliminators music is available at fine music retailers and online music sale outlets. |
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- Angel Stadium opening ceremony for The California Angels
- Aquarium of the Pacific, “Battleground Earth” Live w/ Ludacris & Tommy Lee for Discovery Channel
- Aquarium of the Pacific’s Grand Opening, Long beach CA
- AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Series Hermosa Bch CA.
- AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Series Huntington Bch CA
- AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Series Malibu CA
- AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Series Manhattan Bch CA
- AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Series San Diego CA
- AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Series Ventura CA
- AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Series Zuma CA
- Barbara Walters TV Show “The View” Debbie Goes Surfin’ w/“The Eliminators Live”
- “Beverly Hills 90210” Eliminators appear in 3 episodes
- Brea City Library, City of Brea, Summer Concerts
- Catalina Island CA Avalon Ballroom, w Dick Dale,
- City of Orange International Street Fair
- Costa Mesa CA Labor Day Cruise, Orange County Fairgrounds
- Dana Point CA Dale Velzy Surf Contest and Luau
- Dana Point CA Festival of Whales
- Dana Point CA Doheny Pop Festival Doheny State Park
- Hard Rock Café Maui Hawaii
- Hard Rock Café Newport Beach, Chris Issacs & The Eliminators
- Hard Rock Las Vegas Nevada
- Hermosa Beach, Bud Anheiser Bush Concert Series
- Hermosa Beach, Gateway Event, Dewey Weber Statue Dedication
- Huntington Beach, Bella Terra Mall Summer Evening Concert Series
- Huntington Beach, Edison High School Foundation, Flash From The Past Car Show
- Huntington Beach, International Surf Museum
- Huntington Beach, US Open of Surfing
- Jackson Hole Wyoming, Downhill Pro Ski Series
- Jimmy Buffet & The Eliminators Desert Sky Pavilion Phoenix AZ
- Jimmy Buffet & The Eliminators The Hollywood Bowl Los Angeles CA
- Jimmy Buffet, The Eliminators and Honk UC Poly Pavilion, B-Day Party for film producers Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy, Los Angeles CA
- Jimmy Buffett and Company, private party featuring the Eliminators at Hennessey’s Laguna Beach CA
- Jimmy Buffett & The Eliminators Hollywood Bowl Los Angeles CA
- Jimmy Buffett & The Eliminators The Verizon Theatre Irvine CA
- Laguna Beach Bluebird Canyon Park Summer Concerts
- Laguna Beach Festival of Arts
- Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival
- Las Vegas Nevada, Miss Tropicana Beauty Contest, Tropicana Hotel
- Las Vegas Nevada, “Viva Las Vegas” Rockabilly Weekend w/ Chuck Berry
- Los Angeles CA Gene Autry Museum Surf Music Concert Series
- Mammoth Mountain Pro Downhill Speed Ski Series
- Mammoth Mountain Summer Concerts in the Woods
- Mission Viejo CA Grand Opening of Bathgate Elementary School
- Newport Beach CA Newport Dunes, World Vision Fundraiser
- Palm Springs CA “Tiki Caliente” Music Event
- Riverside CA City Summer Concert Series
- Riverside CA Fender Museum, Kids Rock Free, Grand Opening
- San Bernardino CA Route 66 Rendezvous, Summer Concerts
- San Bernardino CA San Manuel Indian Casino & Hotel
- San Clemente CA Grand opening of Farmers & Merchant Bank
- San Clemente CA Shore Cliffs Elementary School Concerts for Kids
- San Clemente High School Grad Night
- San Clemente Summer Ocean Festival
- San Diego CA Action Sports and Retail Show
- San Diego CA Hotel Del Coronado
- Santa Cruz CA Longboard Reunion
- Santa Cruz CA Woodies on the Warf
- Santa Monica Pier Moonlight Summer Concerts
- Seal Beach City Summer Concert Series
- Snow Valley Ski Resort, Lake Aarrowhead CA.
- Solana Beach CA The Belly Up
- The Coach House SJC, CA
- The Galaxy Theatre Santa Ana CA
- The House of Blues Disneyland w/ Midnight Oil Tour
- 4th and B w/ Midnight Oil Tour
- The House of Blues Hollywood w/ Midnight Oil Tour
- The Queen Mary Los Angeles Harbor Fire and Rescue Anniversary Party
- Vail Colorado Downhill Pro Ski Series
- Ventura County Fairground Back to the Beach Car Show
- Ventura County Summer Concerts at the Beach
- Ventura Theatre in The City of Ventura, Concert for Coalition of Surf Clubs Surf Event
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All five band members have a common interest in the dynamic sounds of 50’s and 60’s instro music. Influenced by artists such as The Ventures, The Shadows, Dick Dale, Paul Johnson and Eddy Bertand, Duane Eddy, Fireballs, Link Ray. The band has written and recorded many orignal songs and use authentic, vintage equipment to get that unmistakable sound unique to guitar-driven instrumental surf music.