Steve Wahrer

Steve Wahrer
Background information
Born(1941-11-22)22 November 1941
Died21 January 1989(1989-01-21) (aged 47)
GenresSurf rock
Occupation
  • Musician
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • Drums
Years active1962–1988
LabelsSoma
Formerly ofThe Trashmen

Steve Wahrer (November 22, 1941 – January 21, 1989) was an American drummer and singer who is best known for being the co-lead vocalist in the rock band The Trashmen. He sung their hit song "Surfin' Bird",[1][2] and also shared lead vocals with guitarist Tony Andreason.

Wahrer founded the Trashmen in 1962 with guitarist Dal Winslow.[3] The Trashmen would release "Surfin' Bird" a song that was a combination of The Bird is the Word and Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow by The Rivingtons, the song was a big hit on the charts. On January 4, 1964, Wahrer would appear on the show American Bandstand performing "Surfin' Bird" with the Trashmen and being interviewed.[4][5][6]

In 1967, the band disbanded. Wahrer played in a few other bands during the time the band was broken up. In 1982, the Trashmen would reunite, and Wahrer toured with them until 1988 when he became too sick to perform. He died on January 21, 1989, of throat cancer.[7][8][9][10] The Trashmen replaced Wahrer with Andreason's brother Mark on drums and Tony Andreason took over full lead vocals. The band would tour until 2016, when they broke up again.

  1. ^ "Famous birthdays Nov. 13; and: Bird is the word, for Minnesota's Trashmen". Twin Cities. 2016-11-14. Retrieved 2024-02-18.
  2. ^ "What is the most popular song by Steve Wahrer?". Genius. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  3. ^ Archives, L. A. Times (1989-01-23). "Steve Wahrer, 47; '60s Rock Drummer". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  4. ^ "American Bandstand" Episode #7.15 (TV Episode 1964) - IMDb, retrieved 2024-02-23
  5. ^ Yates, Ed (1964-01-04), Episode #7.15, American Bandstand, Dick Clark, Charlie O'Donnell, Shirley Ellis, retrieved 2024-02-23
  6. ^ "Songfacts".
  7. ^ "Trashmen drummer dead of cancer - UPI Archives". UPI. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  8. ^ By (1989-01-24). "STEVE WAHRER, 47, the drummer who helped…". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  9. ^ RussGary (2010-10-07). "The Rivingtons and The Trashmen!". Russ & Gary's "The Best Years of Music". Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  10. ^ "Steve Wahrer Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic. Retrieved 2024-02-18.