The Trashmen

Surf Rock Pioneers Behind Surfin Bird Hit

The Trashmen were an American rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1962. They are best known for their 1963 hit "Surfin' Bird," which combined two R&B hits by The Rivingtons: "Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow" and "The Bird's the Word." The song became a garage rock staple and a part of American pop culture, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100. The band's unique blend of surf rock and garage rock made them standouts during the early '60s. Despite their brief initial career span, which effectively ended in 1967, The Trashmen's influence persisted, with "Surfin' Bird" experiencing renewed popularity over the years due to its inclusion in movies, television shows, and its cover by other artists. The band members included lead guitarist Tony Andreason, drummer Steve Wahrer, who also provided lead vocals for "Surfin' Bird," along with guitarist Dal Winslow and bassist Bob Reed. Although they never replicated the success of "Surfin' Bird," The Trashmen are remembered as a seminal part of the surf rock movement and have enjoyed a cult following. They have reunited periodically for performances and have been celebrated within the nostalgia circuit for their contributions to the genre.