The Pyramids (band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Headquarters | Long Beach, California , United States |
| Products | Surf music, instrumental rock music |
The Pyramids were a surf music ensemble originating from Long Beach, California, established in 1961. In early 1964, they achieved a Top 20 position on the Billboard Hot 100 charts with their instrumental track "Penetration", recognized as one of the last significant instrumental surf hits.
History
The group was formed by five students from Poly High: Skip Mercier (lead guitar), Ron McMullen (drums), Tom Pitman (saxophone), Willie Glover (rhythm guitar), and Steve Leonard (bass). Initially, their style centered on rock and roll. In 1964, Drake Jenkins took over drumming duties from McMullen. Their major breakthrough occurred during a dance event in San Bernardino sponsored by a local radio station, where Steve Leonard composed the song "Penetration".
Career
Under the management of John Hodge, The Pyramids recorded at Long Beach’s Garrison Studios. Their debut single, "Pyramid's Stomp," experienced limited commercial success due to insufficient promotion. Their subsequent release featured "Here Comes Marsha" as the A-side and "Penetration" on the B-side—a piece influenced by The Chantays' "Pipeline". Thanks to strong regional DJ support, "Penetration" gained local airplay and was eventually distributed nationally through London Records.
In February 1964, their album Original Penetration was issued on Best BR 16501, drawing attention with tracks like "Penetration," alongside dance numbers such as "Louie Louie" and "Out of Limits". The album entered the Billboard charts in March and reached a peak position of #119 by April. The single "Penetration" remained on the charts for ten weeks, attaining its highest rank at #18 on March 14, 1964. Meanwhile, "Here Comes Marsha" found regional popularity in Texas.
July 1964 saw The Pyramids featured in American International Pictures' movie Bikini Beach, where they performed two songs—“Record Run” and the instrumental "Bikini Drag"—both penned by Gary Usher and Roger Christian. They also provided backing for Frankie Avalon and Little Stevie Wonder on various tracks. A memorable moment included their performance wearing Beatles-style wigs that were dramatically removed mid-set to reveal shaved heads.
Later years
Following The Pyramids’ disbandment, members Skip Mercier, Steve Leonard, and Will Glover collaborated with Long Beach musicians Mike Marchman, Jim Foelber, and Chris Myers to form The Family Cat, a club band active in Orange County nightclubs until 1973.
In 1995, Sundazed Music issued a 20-track compilation CD titled Penetration! The Best of the Pyramids. Bob Irwin of Sundazed—who had previously worked alongside The Revels’ music director Tony Hilder and band members Sam Eddy and Norman Knowles—partnered with John Hodge, the band’s manager and producer. Hodge retained ownership of the original masters including unreleased recordings. Irwin intended to release a follow-up album containing this previously unheard material.
Drummer Ron McMullen died on January 7, 2015, in Long Beach, California.
Production and management
The Pyramids were managed and produced by John Hodge. Larry Wilson co-produced their single "Midnight Run" b/w "Custom Caravan". Gary Usher handled production for their contributions to the film Bikini Beach. Both Hodge and Wilson also produced other artists such as Wee Willie & The Pals with their 1964 release "We’re Gonna Dance" / "Teardrop Strawberry Soda". Additionally, John Hodge produced The Daisy Chain’s 1967 album Straight Or Lame.
Discography
| Title | Catalogue | Year | Notes # |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Paul" / "Pyramid's Stomp" | Best 45-BR-1 | 1962 | |
| "Pyramid's Stomp" / "Paul" | Best BR-101 | 1962 | |
| "Pyramid's Stomp" / "Paul" | Best 45-13001 | 1963 | |
| "Here Comes Marsha" / "Penetration" | Best BR-102 | 1963 | |
| "Penetration" / "Here Comes Marsha" | Best 45-13002 | 1963 | |
| "Midnight Run" / "Custom Caravan" | Cedwicke 45-13005 | 1964 | |
| "Pressure" / "Contact" | Cedwicke 45-13006 | 1964 | |
| "I Don't Wanna Cry" / "I'm A Love Ya" | Archer 45-102 | 1965 | |
| "Stay With Me" / "I Don't Wanna Cry" | Archer 45-103 | 1965 | |
| "Carol Ann" / "Bikini Drag" | Sundazed S-111 | 2000 |
| Title | Catalogue | Year | Notes # |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Pyramids Play The Original Penetration! | Best BR 16501 | 1964 | |
| Penetration! The Best Of The Pyramids | Sundazed LP 5012 | 1995 | CD reissued as Sundazed SC 11023 |
International Releases
| Title | Catalogue | Year | Tracks | Notes # |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Original Penetration | London RE 10.161 | 1964 | A. "Penetration", "Everybody" B. "Road Runnah", "Sticks and Skins" |
(France) |