When We Get to Surf City

When We Get to Surf City chronicles journalist Bob Greene's time touring with Jan and Dean, the 1960s rock duo famous for songs about surfing and cars. The memoir covers over a decade of summers spent on the road as part of their band. Greene documents life on tour buses, in small-town venues, and hotel rooms across America with aging rock stars who keep performing long after their chart-topping days. His role shifts between observer, performer, and friend as he becomes part of their musical family. The narrative reveals the complex reality behind rock and roll nostalgia shows - both the nightly magic of bringing classic songs to life and the daily work required to keep the music playing. While centered on Jan and Dean, the book captures interactions with other musicians of their era who cross paths on the touring circuit. This memoir explores themes of friendship, perseverance, and the enduring power of music to connect performers and audiences across generations, while offering a unique perspective on American entertainment culture.

Readers describe this memoir as a nostalgic road trip through America's music scene alongside Jan & Dean. Many reviewers connect with Greene's accounts of touring with aging rock stars and experiencing small-town venues across the country. Readers appreciated: - Behind-the-scenes details of life on tour - Personal stories about 1960s musicians - Observations about aging and second chances Common criticisms: - Repetitive writing style - Too much focus on mundane travel details - Limited depth in musician profiles Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (164 ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (47 ratings) One Amazon reviewer noted: "Greene captures the bittersweet reality of performers past their prime still bringing joy to audiences." A Goodreads reviewer criticized: "The endless descriptions of hotel check-ins and fast food stops detract from the more interesting musical moments." The book resonates most with readers interested in 1960s pop music history and those who remember Jan & Dean's original performances.

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🎸 Bob Greene spent 15 years touring with Jan and Dean, performing at state fairs and festivals across America while maintaining his day job as a newspaper columnist. 🏖️ The book's title references Jan & Dean's 1963 hit "Surf City," which was co-written with Brian Wilson and became the first surf song to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. 🎤 Despite being journalism professionals, neither Bob Greene nor his friend had any professional musical training before joining the tour – they learned to play their parts through practice and determination. 🌟 Jan Berry of Jan & Dean had suffered a devastating car crash in 1966 that left him partially paralyzed, but continued performing for decades afterward, inspiring much of the book's emotional core. 🚐 The narrative captures the twilight years of the surf music era, as aging musicians and their new bandmates traveled across the country in vans, performing for audiences who remembered their glory days of the 1960s.