In the late 1970s, Mike Love of the Beach Boys launched a short-lived side project called Celebration. The group brought together members from different musical backgrounds, including the rock band King Harvest and other Beach Boys collaborators. Their single “Almost Summer” reached the Billboard Top 40 in 1978 and became a modest success. Though the band’s time in the spotlight was brief, Celebration’s blend of surf-pop nostalgia and upbeat rock captured the vibe of its era.
Formation of the Group
By the late 1970s, Mike Love was exploring musical ventures outside of the Beach Boys. Looking for a fresh creative outlet, he formed Celebration, a band that would allow him to record and perform music with a more contemporary spin while still echoing the Beach Boys’ sun-drenched harmonies.
The lineup of Celebration included:
-
Members of King Harvest, known for their 1972 hit “Dancing in the Moonlight”
-
Musicians from the Beach Boys’ touring band
-
Jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, a former member of the Beach Boys’ live ensemble
-
Beach Boys bandmate Al Jardine, who also contributed to songwriting and backing vocals
With this mix of rock, pop, and jazz influences, Celebration set out to create music that reflected the upbeat, California-inspired sound that had become Mike Love’s signature.
The Almost Summer Project
Celebration’s first project was to record the soundtrack for the 1978 film Almost Summer. The movie, a coming-of-age teen drama produced by Universal Pictures, focused on high school life, youth politics, and beach culture. The themes were perfectly suited to Love’s musical sensibilities.
The title track, “Almost Summer,” was written by Mike Love, Al Jardine, and Brian Wilson. The song’s sunny tone, harmonies, and production strongly resembled the Beach Boys’ classic style.
Released as a single in May 1978, “Almost Summer” became a modest hit:
-
#28 on the Billboard Hot 100
-
Spent 11 weeks on the chart
-
Received national radio airplay during the summer of 1978
Though not a blockbuster, the song’s success proved that Love could still connect with a younger audience while sticking to his musical roots.
Sound and Style
Celebration’s music mirrored the sunny optimism and vocal harmony of the Beach Boys but added a slight 70s soft rock twist. The Almost Summer soundtrack included several songs that leaned into easy listening, youthful themes, and California pop aesthetics.
The full soundtrack featured contributions from other artists and showcased a blend of pop-rock tracks and mellow ballads. Celebration’s other tracks included:
-
“Summer in the City” (a cover of the Lovin’ Spoonful hit)
-
“Sad, Sad Summer”
-
“We Are the Future”
These songs didn’t chart but contributed to the overall nostalgic vibe of the film and album.
Post-Soundtrack Work
Encouraged by the mild success of “Almost Summer,” Celebration followed up with a self-titled album, Celebration, released later in 1978. The album expanded on their beach rock identity and included tracks like:
-
“Gettin’ Hungry”
-
“How’s About a Little Bit”
-
“Lovestruck”
However, none of these singles managed to chart. A second album, Disco Celebration, was released in 1979, attempting to capitalize on the disco craze. It was a significant departure from their earlier beach rock sound and failed to attract much attention.
Live performances followed, mostly in support of the Almost Summer soundtrack and the band’s early releases. Despite their strong lineup and promotional support, Celebration failed to gain lasting momentum in the market.
Disbandment and Aftermath
By 1979, the project had run its course. Mike Love returned his focus to the Beach Boys, who were still performing and recording regularly. Charles Lloyd, never fully committed to a long-term pop group, resumed his career as a respected jazz musician.
While the band disbanded officially, several musicians from Celebration—especially members of King Harvest and the Beach Boys’ touring band—continued to perform with Love on tour during the 1980s and 1990s.
Celebration quickly faded into pop obscurity, but “Almost Summer” remained a nostalgic track for fans of late 70s light rock and Beach Boys-style harmonies.
Legacy and Cultural Context
Though Celebration’s time in the spotlight was brief, it offers a unique look into Mike Love’s solo ambitions during the Beach Boys’ quieter years. The group represented a transitional phase in 70s pop, blending surf nostalgia with a touch of soft rock and post-disco experimentation.
The song “Almost Summer” still finds its way into oldies radio playlists and retro summer compilations, often rediscovered by fans of vintage beach culture or 70s youth films.
In retrospect, the band is remembered as a side project with a distinct moment in pop culture rather than a major musical force. Still, it holds a niche place in the wider story of the Beach Boys’ extended family.
Conclusion
Celebration, featuring Mike Love, was a momentary venture that produced one memorable hit and served as a creative outlet for Love during a transitional phase in pop music. With ties to the Beach Boys and contributions from King Harvest and Charles Lloyd, the group had promise—but limited commercial impact. Still, their work—especially “Almost Summer”—offers a nostalgic snapshot of 70s American pop, sun, and youth.