Dick Dale, Legendary Guitarist, Dead at 81
Dick Dale, the legendary surf rock guitarist best known for the track “Misirlou,” has died. He was 81.
Dale’s passing was confirmed by his bassist, Sam Bolle, to The Guardian. An exact cause of death has yet to be confirmed. Per Rolling Stone, Dale was living with a number of health issues in the past decade, including rectal cancer, diabetes and renal failure.
Dale and his band The Del-Tones were instrumental in the creation and popularity of surf rock with songs like 1961’s “Let’s Go Trippin'” and 1963 “The Scavenger.” However, the 1962 single “Misirlou” is their most popular single thanks in part to its use in the 1994 film Pulp Fiction.
A number of musicians and fans took to social media upon learning of Dale’s passing. Here are some notable tributes.
Thank you Dick Dale for all the music 💔 https://t.co/RN9MeTpOtP
— Fender (@Fender) March 17, 2019
Dick Dale was DoPE R.I.B
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) March 17, 2019
Once I drove an hour and half to see Dick Dale perform at a horse track, and it was wonderful. RIP. https://t.co/ds8OrWKR4N
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) March 17, 2019
Rest In Peace Dick Dale... True original, So Cal Surf, American icon and a gentlemen of the highest order. pic.twitter.com/G3Uw5Xk055
— Joe Bonamassa (Official) (@JBONAMASSA) March 17, 2019
The groundbreaking, trail blazing, garage shaking, surf riding brilliance of Dick Dale can never be under estimated...RIP pic.twitter.com/pjVw2BSxQs
— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) March 17, 2019
Sad to hear the news. A true innovator and amazing talent. You will be missed. R.I.P. Dick Dale. #misirlou #surfguitar #legend #fender #stratocaster https://t.co/DMyQi77eeK
— Seymour Duncan (@SeymourDuncan) March 17, 2019
Erica Banas is rock/classic rock news blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.
