Media today has been full of Beach Boys music to mark the passing of Brian Wilson. While it’s sad to hear the news, it’s been great to hear the music. It’s like no other.
I had the good fortune to see The Beach Boys back in 1992 at a very special place in the band’s history – “Australia’s Narrabeen”.
They played at Warringah Rugby Park at North Narrabeen. It is more affectionately known locally as “Rat Park” as it was built on top of a rat-infested garbage dump.
So why Narrabeen? It’s mentioned by name in the 1963 classic “Surfin’ USA”.
“You’d catch ’em surfin’ at Del Mar (inside, outside, U.S.A.)
Ventura County line (inside, outside, U.S.A.)
Santa Cruz and Trestles (inside, outside, U.S.A.)
Australia’s Narrabeen (inside, outside, U.S.A.)
All over Manhattan (inside, outside, U.S.A.)
And down Doheny Way (inside, outside)
Everybody’s gone surfin’
Surfin’ U.S.A.”
I grew up at Warriewood, two beaches up from Narrabeen (North Narrabeen and Turimetta were in between) and just above Rat Park. Narrabeen Beach was the location of my primary school. My recollection is that North Narrabeen had better surf than Narrabeen.
I was never a surfer. I stopped at those white foam KFC boards that chaffed you. The kid from a few doors down wasn’t put off by the chaffing and went on to become one of Australia’s first surfing world champions – Damian Hardman.
I recall the concert and its huge crowd. While it was a great occasion, it wasn’t a great concert. Rat Park was open to the coastline and there was a strong wind that day. The non stop gusts pretty much blew the sound away. It was awful. But hey, it was The Beach Boys and I was there.
These days you can find just about anything online, including the set list from that 1992 concert. They played a massive 37 songs. Thirty-three songs were in the main set and four in the encore. Brian Wilson didn’t tour with the band in 1992 but four original members were present.
The concert ended with Surfin USA and, of course, a shout-out and cheer “Australia’s Narrabeen”.
12 June 2025