Tornadoes, The

The Tornadoes (not to be confused with the British beat group The Tornados of Telstar fame) were one of California’s earliest exponents of the surf instrumental sound that swept the USA in the 60s.

Formed by brothers Gerald and Norm (Roly) Sanders, their cousin Jesse Sanders and friend Leonard Delaney, their biggest hit, Bustin’ Surfboards, also became the title of their only album in 1964, which included acknowledged surf classics like Shootin’ Beavers and The Gremmie.

The group briefly changed their names to The Hollywood Tornadoes, because the aforementioned British band were charting in the US with Telstar. The band broke up in the late 60s.

In 1993 all the original members reunited to play a large surfing reunion concert in Huntington Beach with Jan & Dean, Dick Dale, The Surfaris and The Kingsmen.

Bustin’ Surfboards was also included on the soundtrack to the Quentin Tarantino movie Pulp Fiction in 1994, which renewed interest in the band, and The Tornadoes continued to perform – with varied line-ups – until 2007.

Gerald Sanders
Bass, vocals
Norm (Roly) Sanders
Lead guitar
Jesse Sanders
Rhythm guitar
Leonard Delaney
Drums
George White
Saxophone