Dick Dale, "King of the Surf Guitar," Dead at 81

[surfnorthwest]

The guy was an American icon. Dick Dale, known as the "King of the Surf Guitar," and the King of Spring Reverb has died at the age of 81. The legendary guitarist's death was confirmed by his live bassist, Sam Bolle.

The legendary, often overlooked guitarist virtually singlehandedly invented surf-rock, and influenced everyone from The Beach Boys to Eddie Van Halen.

Though he retired from music in the Seventies and engaged in a low-key comeback in the Eighties, Dale returned to the spotlight when, in 1994, Quentin Tarantino chose "Miserlou" as the theme music for his iconic film, Pulp Fiction.

https://youtu.be/oOoBomvuYnw

Dale detailed his extensive health issues, saying “I can’t stop touring because I will die... Physically and literally, I will die.” He went on to say that the medical supplies he needed to remain alive costed over $3,000 a month, and kept him on the road consistently despite near-debilitating health problems.

Dale previously survived two battles with rectal cancer, and a surfing-related puncture wound that became infected, and nearly ended up costing Dale his leg.

https://youtu.be/56SAxtf-RTg

[Anitoli]

Friggin legend. He owned that surf sound. Whether you like surf music or not you can't deny it, one note and you know what it is.

[Papus]

South Paws unite!

[SteveD]

We've lost Bernie Torme too