Pet Rock

Pet Rock was a collectible conceived in 1975, by advertising executive Gary Dahl.

Development

In April 1975, Gary Dahl was in a bar (which is now Beauregard Vineyards Tasting room in Bonny Doon) listening to his friends complain about their pets. This gave him the idea for the perfect "pet": a rock. A rock would not need to be fed, walked, bathed, or groomed; and would not die, become sick, or be disobedient. He said they were to be the perfect pets, and joked about it with his friends. Dahl took the idea seriously, and drafted an "instruction manual" for a pet rock. It was full of puns, gags and plays on words that referred to the rock as an actual pet.

Marketing

Pet Rocks were a smooth stone from Mexico's Rosarito Beach. They were marketed like live pets, in custom cardboard boxes, complete with straw and breathing holes for the "animal." The fad lasted about six months, ending after a short increase in sales during the Christmas season of December 1975. Although by February 1976 they were discounted due to lower sales, Dahl sold 1.5 million Pet Rocks for $4 each, and became a millionaire.

Pet Rock (album)

Pet Rock is the second and final album from The Sinceros a new wave and power pop band from England. The album was released worldwide and achieved moderate commercial success. The album has been released on CD by Wounded Bird. Originally intended to be released under the title 2nd Debut in 1980, the album reached the test pressing stage but was recalled by Epic Records and reworked into Pet Rock under the guidance of producer Gus Dudgeon.

Track listing