Jan and Dean / Paul Revere's Raiders at Surf Side VI – Summer 1978

June 24, 1978 ad from the Journal

Do you enjoy going to see tribute bands?

Although it's a popular form of entertainment for a lot of people I know, they're not for me. If I was a really big fan of a band or group, then I probably saw them in their heyday, at Blossom or the Coliseum. I don't need to see a reproduction now. 

But then there are the bands that are still touring under their original name, but are missing key performers and talents who are no longer with their respective groups. There was a lot of that going on back in the 1970s and 80s, with groups that were originally popular in the 50s and 60s. 

A good example is the musical bill shown above for the well-remembered Surf Side VI nightclub back in the summer of 1978. The ad, which ran in the Journal on June 24, 1978 announces the upcoming appearances of Paul Revere and the Raiders, as well as Jan and Dean.

But is that who showed up at Surf Side VI to perform? 

Well, yes and no. This article that ran in the Journal on June 30, 1978 explains.

As the article notes, the group that called themselves Paul Revere's Raiders were six new faces, unknown to the audience. Singer Mark Lindsay and leader Paul Revere were nowhere to be seen. Paul Revere, according to the article, still performed with his namesake group but only at really large venues.

As for Jan and Dean, there were two gentlemen there with those names: Jan Berry, one half of the famous beach duo (who had been in a terrible automobile accident) and a guy named Dean Ruff – not Dean Torrance, the original member.

It sounds like the new members of Paul Revere's Raiders won over their crowd during their performance. Jan and "Dean" – not so much. But Jan was there, and that's what mattered.

Sadly, neither group is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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Note also the ads for Amber Oaks and Lannie's.