“Ricky Nelson Remembered"

While creating a chart-topping career of their own, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson have kept alive the musical legacy of their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee father, Ricky Nelson, through tributes featuring the teen idol’s numerous classic hits.

Twenty-five years after his tragic death in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve in 1985 that killed not only their father but his band as well, the Nelsons take to the road again with “Ricky Nelson Remembered,” which opens at Brixton in Redondo Beach Thursday, March 4.

With songs like “Hello Mary Lou,” “Travelin’ Man,” “Garden Party,” “Poor Little Fool” and his first hit “I’m Walkin,’” Nelson had more than 50 songs on Billboard’s Top 100 chart over a nearly 20-year span. Ricky came to fame on his parents’ beloved family sitcom “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” which began in 1952 and lasted until 1966, just a year before the birth of his twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar.

They were only 18 when he died, but the brothers already had the music bug in them, picking up the guitar and drums at a very early age. A few bands came and went before Nelson’s debut album, 1990’s “After the Rain,” generated the No. 1 single “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection” as well as the hits “After the Rain,” a top 10 single, and “More Than Ever.”

Gunnar and Matthew Nelson are pictured performing some of their father’s songs in the tribute show ‘Ricky Nelson Remembered.’ (photo courtesy of The Rick Nelson Company)

Following their gig at Brixton, the Nelsons will play at The Canyon in Agoura Hills Saturday, March 5, and The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. For more information, visit www.RickyNelsonRemembered.com or www.NelsonRockBand.com.