Ron Altbach obit

Rest In Peace Ron Altbach 

He was not on the list.

It's my unfortunate news to report that Ron Altbach, Beach Boys collaborator, and founding member of King Harvest allegedly passed away earlier this week.

Ron is best known for his collaboration, as co-producer, on The Beach Boys album MIU, where he co-wrote three songs She's, Got Rhythm, Belles of Paris, and Winds of Change. Altbach also was a member of Mike Love's band Celebration. Before joining The Beach Boys, he was a founding member of King Harvest with the late great Doc Robinson, Eddie Tuleja, and Rod Novak.

Before he allegedly unexpectedly pass, I was honored and lucky enough to have conducted what might have been his final interview on my podcast about a week before Christmas. I will now cherish the time I got to spend on that Zoom call with him even more than I did then for the genuine person he was as well as for being truthful and honest.

Love and Mercy to Ron, his family, his friends, and all his fans around the world! Thank you Ron for all the beautiful music you created.

He played the Wurlitzer electric piano intro on their single "Dancing in the Moonlight" (1973). He later became a session keyboardist for The Beach Boys and penned songs for the group. Altbach was a member of Celebration, a group led by Beach Boys co-founder Mike Love. In 1979, Altbach played keyboards in the band Clean Athletic & Talented (C.A.T.); the band, including John Huff, recorded an album.

Altbach's contributions to the Beach Boys include co-producing M.I.U. Album (1978) and co-writing songs such as "Belles of Paris", "She's Got Rhythm", and "Alone on Christmas Day".