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) www.bethfitchetwood.com, Steve Wood (vocals & keyboard), Richard Stekol (vocals & guitar), Craig Buhler (sax, clarinet, flute), Will Brady (bass & vocals) www.willbrady.com, and Tris Imboden (drums).

All of us are in music more-or-less full time. Tris has been the drummer for the band “Chicago” for over 10 years & has played with almost everyone else. Steve has played with a lot of people & 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, and is a noted golf pro. Beth’s and Willy’s web sites (see above) attest to their musical triumphs.

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. If you would like to check for upcoming dates please see my event calendar.