History of Honk
The Honk Band began in Laguna Beach in 1970. I joined in 1972. That year, we produced the music for a very popular film on surfing called “Five Summer Stories.” One of the songs on that sound track LP – “Pipeline Sequence” – became a #1 hit in Hawaii and climbed the charts in Australia. We later headlined a concert in Honolulu.
From 1972 to 1975, Honk was featured at high school and college concerts all over California, as well as at LA hot spots such as the Whiskey Au Go Go and the Troubadour. We recorded with producers known for their work with Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, the Beach Boys, and Ike & Tina Turner.
In 1974 & ’75, we toured the U.S. with the Beach Boys and also opened several concerts for Loggins & Messina, Chicago, Jesse Colin Young, Jackson Browne, and many others.
Amazingly, in Honk’s 30-year life span, there has been only 1 change in personnel! This may be a record for a rock band. The members are: Beth Fitchet Wood (vocals & guitar), Steve Wood (vocals & keyboard), Richard Stekol (vocals & guitar), Craig on saxes, clarinet, & flute, Will Brady (bass & vocals), and Tris Imboden (drums).
All of us are still full-time musicians. Steve has played with Kenny Loggins, The Pointer Sisters, etc. & has produced IMAX sound tracks. Richard produced 3 of my CD’s in addition to a bundle of his own, has played with scads of bands, has written songs for many fine artists, and is a noted golf pro. Beth and Willy have made some great CDs and perform in various all-star settings. Tris has been the drummer for the band “Chicago” for 20 years & has played with almost everyone else. Since the “Chicago” touring schedule has grown increasingly busy, Tris has had to send in a sub for several recent HONK concerts. He chose the incredible young drummer Nate Wood (who just happens to be the son of Steve & Beth).
Since 1983, Honk has been offering yearly “reunion” concerts to sold out venues in Southern California. The band has an uncanny way of retaining the freshness of its material & execution. These concerts are loads of fun! We are often featured at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA, (949) 496-8930.
The members of HONK (with Nate again substituting for touring Tris) graciously concented to perform on my latest CD “Renewed Hope.” HONK’s Steve Wood produced this effort.
While HONK took its 8-year “vacation,” Willy & i formed the jazz group “Storyville,” which released 1 of the several albums we recorded, played all over California, and opened for Dizzy Gillespie and the Crusaders. The Storyville trio featured the wonderful Jack Prather on bass, from whom we learned so much about music. Other Storyville alumnae include John Ferraro (drums with Larry Carlton, Rod Stewart, etc.), Paul Kreibich (drums with Ray Charles, James Moody, Woody Herman, Gene Harris, etc.), Karen Hammack (LA first-call studio pianist), Brian Atkinson (Disneyland Band, Lou Rawles, Big Bad Voodoo Daddies, etc.), and Dan Barrett (trombone with Concord All-stars, etc.) Dan, Brian, Karen, & Paul all appear on my latest CD “Skykomish.”
To purchase HONK CDs:
For the “Clay Figures” LP on 20th Century Records, click here. This is an EXCELLENT re-issue, fully endorsed by all the members of HONK. The original tapes were completely re-mastered by a well-respected mastering artist. In addition to the original LP, a second set of 20th Century recordings never before released has been included. There is also a beautiful booklet with photos of the band and essays on our history.
For the soundtrack to “Five Summer Stories”, click here.
Here is a cool article about HONK written by the world-famous surfer Corky Carroll.
Here is a poster of a Linda Rondstadt concert for which HONK was the opening act. I was late to this one, because i was attending my grandmother’s funeral, so Dan Hicks had to go on before HONK. I hope he has since forgiven me.
Check the Events Calendar for Concert Dates. New photos of the band will appear here soon. If you have any photos of HONK, please contact me.
HONK in 2008, Irvine, CA, photo by Joe Truxaw 
July 24, 2007 at 3:37 pm |
I have the soundtrack to 5 Summer Stories but lost my other Honk LP’s – I would love to have all of the Honk music! Some of the best concerts in my life have been seeing you guys at the Coach House.
Peace and respect,
David Hickey
October 1, 2007 at 10:31 am |
I grew up in Newport Beach in the ’70’s and LIVED on Honk melodies! Richard’s nephew (or cousin?), Dan Stekol was in my class. I also went to Mariners elementry school and knew teacher Mrs. Wood, Steve’s mom. Honk once played at one of our Ensign, Jr. High dances and were obviously awesome. What memories! I still love hearing every song where Craig blows his horns and woods. My family still has the original Honk 5 Summer Stories LP. It’s so fantastic you are all still going strong. I’m helping to organize our Newport Harbor High Class of ‘78 30-year Reunion. I doubt if our current budget could afford your performance fees, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. So, is Honk booked for the summer of 2008 yet?
Sincerely, Bill Beamish azbeamish@msn.com
October 19, 2007 at 4:14 pm |
Craig:
Remember I said we were musically motivated by Steve Wood’s Mom in 6th grade at Mariners Elementary School in Newport Beach, CA?
If you have a little time, go to our class reunion website, (above) and go to the “Past Voyages” page. If you scroll down to the “Elementary School” photo album, you’ll find Mrs. Wood and her 6th grade class of 1972… the same year you joined up with HONK! Mrs. Wood was your biggest academicaly-minded promoter!
January 13, 2008 at 7:38 pm |
Hi Craig.
Thanks for the great music! About a year or so ago I got the gift of “Capistrano Sessions” Just been listening to it again. Great Cd……. all the way around. Such incredible players, feeling, production and recording quality.
My life long friend in Southern California ( since the 2nd grade), Jeff Barrad sent it to me. I was the other music fan organizing and putting on the light shows on screen behind the band., mostly at the Laguna Theater (the Honk all nighters). The Great White Light Lite Show as we called ourselves. He mentioned that he had emailed you back that year or so ago. Listening to your CD today prompts me to write this note of thanks.
.
A couple of years ago I found Beth’s website, sent her and Steve some emails of appreciation for all the great music and musical influences that you all passed on. They were kind enough to respond, clearly remembering the young hippie upstairs. It really was so long ago, but I have great memory.
Seeing so many Honk shows no doubt had a positive musical influence. Whether it was an original tune, Jackie Wilson, Dave Brubeck, or whatever, always entertaining. I can still see those Quilter Amps. We were doing the visual arts thing but it really was all about being close to the music for me.
I have played in all kinds of groups here in my rural county since I came here in late 1974. Only in the last couple of years have I decided to go deeper, really learn more about music. I have fallen in love with jazz, especially the old stuff.
I play guitar and being self taught have created many bad habits (mechanical issues), limiting my progress. Right hand, left hand teqnique etc.
Fortunately my current group has a very accomplished guitarist, teacher ( http://www.fredtreece.com), who is giving me some lessons and exorcises to do to address things.
Anyway just want to, after all these years, thank you for the great music and musical influences. Please pass this on to Richard Stekol too. He deserves much thanks and appreciation from me.
I have never had the opportunity to see a Honk reunion concert. Please inform me if that continues to happen. If anyone from the “ancient band ” keep an email list, please put me on it. With enough advance notice my wife and I could attend. We are about 450 miles from Laguna. ( Sierra Mountains near Yosemite).
With total appreciation,
Ron
January 17, 2008 at 1:21 am |
Hi Craig,
Tom LeCompte here, pioneer surfer in the PNW and Alaska. Honk albums were required in my environment. I play a lot of folk and bluegrass and do a local NPR Bluegrass/ eclectic folk show weekly. I play some Honk from my old vinyl from time to time..and Oh Daddy seems to show up on a blues show from time to time.
I’d love to but CD’s of Honk albums, the Storyville Band and can you tell me any other albums Beth plays on. Loved her style as well.
Best wishes and keep playin’,
Tom LeCompte
Ketchikan AK
March 3, 2008 at 7:57 pm |
HUGE fans of Honk
loved the 70’s surf music you guys did
looking for an excuse to travel out west
a Honk Reunion ???
Is tat a possibility in 2008 ?
I am from Boston
Brian
April 4, 2008 at 5:13 pm |
Thanks for your great music! Listening to the 5 Summer Stories album puts me right back to that time in high school surfing uncrowed Salt Creek and Trestles. Remember seeing Honk at San Marino High School around 1975(?) when Van Halen opened for you! My 1 year old son and 5 year old daughter dance around the house to High in the Middle all the time. You bring joy and beautiful memories into our world.
Taylor
Laguna Beach
May 10, 2008 at 11:45 pm |
Saw Honk tonite at the Coach House; wow! Like what you did with Pipeline Sequence, the new stuff and song 2 going into song 3 was beautiful – it all was. Thank you very much; my wife and I had a great evening and it was her first show seeing you all. She loved it (I did good being it was Mother’s Day wknd. and hope to take our son to see ya sometime in the near future). Your song October, right on! It had been awhile since I saw Honk last (Laguna Bowl in the mid/late Eighties), but never stopped listening.
Thank you all again for your music and fun. I’m listening right now as I write this,
God Bless!
Chris
San Clemente
June 14, 2008 at 8:22 am |
I saw Honk with The Beach Boys about 1975 or 6 at UCSB..
They kicked The Beach Boys ass !
Glad they are still playing..Cool..
Love The “Pipeline Sequence” song..
I’m going to buy it on iTunes today..
July 26, 2008 at 4:28 pm |
Richard Stekol is my brother in law, or ex brother in law as he divorced years ago unfortunately from my sister Sue. We still keep in touch from time to time and I see my nieces Maggie and Kellie Stekol all the time. They live in Laguna Niguel.
Honk was an awesome group when I went to Newport Harbor High in the early seventies. It was all we listened to in Newport at the time. Pipeline Sequence is an instrumental masterpiece and never got the real credit it deserves nationally. It’s a wonder they never made it real big nationally as a group but so much of it is marketing and not just talent. Richard did write for Kenny Loggins for a while and Tris and Steve played for Loggins in his popular Caddyshack years.
Now Richard is basically retired from music and coaches golf at Laguna Beach High School. The guy is still amazing to sit and chat with though. I think his IQ is around 180.
August 18, 2008 at 9:12 pm |
My best to all. I haven’t seen you guys for years since we went to the Ranch for Stuart’s birthday. Damn. Give big hugs to Beth and Steve. They don’t know it but they sealed the deal with my wife. Tell Richard he’s not such a bad guy though I’ll kick his butt in beach football. Kidding. B.D.
August 27, 2008 at 7:13 am |
Honk has been playing in So. Cal? Oh’ma god! Will they ever come up to Santa Cruz and play? The other “Surf City”… I remember first hearing their soundtrack to five summer stories at the SC Civic Center in town where all the surf movies would play. Still can’t get their songs out of my head.
Anyone know if there is any sheet music to any of their music?
Cheers-
BK
September 28, 2008 at 10:47 am |
When I was a senior at Vista High in 1975, some buddies and I skipped school and drove to the Big A to see the Beach Boys, Chicago and Honk. It was a great concern, but sadly Honk was not there. I still have their two LPs, but alas have never seen them in concert. Anyone else go to that one expecting to see them?
Mike
November 22, 2008 at 7:08 am |
I cannot think of surfing without Honk in my head. When I see film or think about great sessions with my friends, you provide the soundtrack.
I just wanted to thank you for that . . .
December 8, 2008 at 6:02 am |
i was in hawii and heard the song pipeline sequence .i liked the song very much and want to know where i can buy it .thanks again from rogerhayden @ymail.com
December 14, 2008 at 12:33 am |
Oh “the many times” we tripped on down to Laguna for your concerts. From Newport Beach. I still sing to myself ” Money slips through my fingers” to myself when I get on my spendo matic mode, which hasn’t changed much over the years. Hung out at the “frog House” listened to Fready play on the piano, and surfed the river jetty mostly. At night when possible off to Laguna for another concert. School wasn’t the top of the priory list. I still have your album, sure would like to get it in CD. Well to the days of my youth, and your music that left quit the memories. To cool thanks DeDe.
January 17, 2009 at 8:13 am |
As a Laguna kid in the 70’s I remember well the midnight shows at the movie theatre. What a skillfull group of fun loving musicians. Are the CD’s avaialble? Wonderful pop music.
February 2, 2009 at 2:19 pm |
It’s amazing that your band is still in tact. I live in South Texas, no longer surf, but sportfish extensively and will add some HONK to the salt water play list. Sure would appreciate FIVE SUMMER STORIES soundtrack on CD.
March 6, 2009 at 10:08 pm |
I love your music, and used to go to skateparks in the late 70 when I was in the Navy and we would put your music on and skate and have the greatest time. You guys are great!!!
April 14, 2009 at 9:39 am |
I was living in Hawaii in”72 when Five Summer Stories was released. I saw the movie 7 times and one of the reasons was the soundtrack. I had, but lost 2 vinyl albums from the seventies over time. About 10 years ago, I bought the VHS of Five Summer Stories online and it renewed my interest in your music, but I could only find one CD online. What memories! Is there any sheet music available for “The Blue of Your Backdrop” song. I play guitar and would love to be able to play that song, but I can’t seem to figure out the chord progression. Another favorite I would love to have is “Don’t Let Your Goodbye Stand”. I’ve searched all over the internet, but can’t find your music anywhere. If you could help, I’d be eternally grateful. Living in Tahoe now, but still dreaming of the old surf life!
June 9, 2009 at 3:03 pm |
Just came across your website! Great job, and great success. I’ll be up in Vancouver in a couple of weeks, I’ll see if i can look you up or give you a call. Be great to see you after all these years.
Allen
June 11, 2009 at 10:19 pm |
John Meylor Says:
Craig:
I am a fan living in Indianapolis. I’m sure you hear this all of the time, but, Hesitation has always been my favorite. I have not heard it in over 36 years. Is it possible to get the song or the album on CD? I am not a computer wizard…but I’d love to be able to burn it on to a cd of my favorites.
Used to see you at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach.
Thank you for wonderful memories.
July 27, 2009 at 5:17 pm |
I had to come all the way from Germany to discover the incredible music of HONK,but when I arrived in Corona del Mar in 1976 the story seemed to be over already….not really ,as everybody knows the guys never quit and kept it together and matured over the years like a great wine.
Would never dream to become a lifetime friend of the gang and will never forget the many great moments we shared in Laguna,Corona del Mar, the Quiet Woman, Studio Cafe,Coach House etc etc.not to forget my guitar lessons with Willy….
What a ball my new friends in Argentina would have if they had a chance to see and to listen to HONK! They dont know what they are missing!
Steve,Beth, Willy,Craig,Tris and Richard …and Nate,look forward to another show one of these days.
Love to you all from Buenos Aires.
Lothar and of course from Lily as well
August 19, 2009 at 6:28 pm |
First heard Five Summer Story soundtrack in 1976 when I was 17 and was hooked. Saw you at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach and later in the (late 80’s?) at The Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. Your music is classy and classic and now I hope to see you again. I’m glad to hear you’re still together and will actively pursue attending some of your gigs.
You recapture a mood and time as well as simply having great music to listen too.
Best to the band,
Steve
Carlsbad, CA
September 27, 2009 at 11:14 pm |
I had a wonderful time at the concert, and my friend also had a glorious time. “Friday night with Honk,” he said, “made me feel young again.” He was so animated and having such a good time. It was a triumph for Honk musically but also psychologically for this audience. It was of a piece one of the best musical evenings I have had in my life, and I thank you all so much for the experience. It was transcendent.
Thank you.
Linda
P. S. Man, you can blow!!! Ah-may-zing.