MONDAY MEMORIES
The Kings of Surf
Beach Boys played Toledo Sports Arena in 1965
5/19/2014There probably were at least a few Midwest farmers’ daughters in the crowd of more than 5,000 teenagers for the 8:15 p.m. concert at the Toledo Sports Arena. Armed with cameras and binoculars, the teens turned out on May 20, 1965, to hear the Beach Boys, one of the latest sensations from California.
Sylvania youth reporter, Linda Furney — who went on to become an Ohio state senator — interviewed the band members and reported on the concert for The Blade. Blade photographer Lee Merkle captured her during her interview with, from left, Al Jardine, Mike Love, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, and Bruce Johnston. Johnston was pinch-hitting for Brian Wilson, who was working on new recordings in California and didn’t make the trip.
The Beach Boys said they loved their work, but found traveling tiring and rigourous. Each of their tours meant two to three weeks on the road. Members of the band said they liked surfing, and enthusiastically embraced the lastest fad — skateboarding. Asked what they thought about the hysterical fans and their screaming, drummer Dennis, referred to as “the sexy one,” remarked he digs them. He also told Miss Furney that he loves the latest fad of long hair, although the others said they prefer a clean cut.
Sharing the stage that night with the Beach Boys were the Vandaliers and Hank Campbell.
Going full circle, the Beach Boys are slated to appear at Centennial Terrace in Sylvania Saturday as part of the band’s 50th anniversary celebration.
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