The Bikini Beach Band

The Bikini Beach Band

The Bikini Beach Band is a London-based group active from 1993. It forms around the story of Jesus C. Escovedo, described as a guitarist and former surfer whose sons later continue his musical legacy under the same name.

Formation and line-up

The group forms in 1993 after the death of Jesus C. Escovedo, when four musicians meet at his funeral and decide to start a band in his memory. The line-up consists of brothers Miguel, Esteban, Juan and Ricardo. Juan plays drums, Esteban plays guitar and provides the deep twang, Miguel contributes melody on guitar, and Ricardo plays bass.

Style and repertoire

The band plays a blend of classic instrumentals, soundtrack pieces and contemporary covers. Its sound is also described as moving from an easy-listening approach to a rawer surf style. The group’s material is rooted in surf music and related instrumental traditions.

Releases and recognition

The Bikini Beach Band first records a limited-edition cover of Blur’s Boys & Girls, which sells out. A version of Oasis’ Some Might Say follows and reaches number 16 in the Melody Maker indie chart. The band then releases its debut album, The Bikini Beach Band Leave Home. A later recording, Tide’s Out...?, marks a return to its surf roots.

Live work

The band plays gigs from Stoke Newington to the French Riviera and holds a residency at Club Indigo in London. It appears on GLR sessions for Robert Elms, performs as the house band for a Children in Need comedy gala at Shepherds Bush Empire in 1996, and is later offered a live prime-time BBC television slot for the 1997 event. It also opens for Pulp in Finsbury Park and for Sparks at the Royal Festival Hall, and appears at the Big Chill Festival.