Ron McMullen, Drummer for Long Beach 60's Surf Group "The Pyramids" Passes, Had Nat'l Hit With Instrumental "Penetration"

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Ron McMullen, Drummer for Long Beach 60's Surf Group "The Pyramids," Passes; Group Had Nat'l Hit With Instrumental "Penetration"

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(Jan. 8, 2015) -- LBREPORT.com is saddened to report the passing of Ron McMullen, drummer for the Long Beach homegrown 60's surf band The Pyramids. The group (friends from LB's Poly High) had a national hit in early 1964 with "Penetration," one of the last of the period's instrumental surf hits. It has an indelible, instantly recognizable drum riff (featuring Mr. McMullen) (video/audio below.)

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Their 45 rpm single received heavy radio airplay locally, making it into the Top 10 on then-dominant L.A. outlets KRLA and KFWB and onto the Billboard "Hot 100" nationally for 10 weeks, peaking at #18.

As a promotional device, the Pyramids shaved their heads (suggested by their manager) and were marketed as "America's answer to the Beatles" [then-considered long haired.] To see/hear the Pyramids on American Bandstand in March 1964 (including a chat with host Dick Clark, click the video icon below. (Note the moves, in coats and ties.)

For cleaner audio of their 45 rpm single -- which opens with Mr. McMullen's drum intro -- click here

Forest Lawn's website indicates visitation for Mr. McMullen will take place Jan. 16 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a funeral service on Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. at 1500 E. San Antonio Drive, Long Beach 90807.