Dick Dale, the legendary guitar player known as “the King of Surf Guitar,” has passed away. He was 81. Dale is considered the pioneer of surf-style music.
Dale passed away on Saturday, his death was confirmed by his live bassist Sam Bolle via The Guardian.
Dusty Watson, a former bandmate shared on Facebook, “The legend and king of surf guitar has passed. Condolences to family and friends and all those who were touched by your undeniable presence. Rest In Peace friend.”
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Born Richard Anthony Mansour in Boston in May 1937. Dale was the child of a Polish mother and Lebanese father. His distinct sound is attributed to rock influence from his Middle Eastern heritage.
Dale rose to prominence in the early 1960s. His 1961 track ‘Let’s Go Trippin’, is widely considered the first surf rock instrumental. Dale also played a significant role in the development of the Fender Stratocaster. “Everything that came out of Leo Fender’s head, I was his test pilot,” Dale shared in a 2011 interview with Miami New Times. “ He used to say, “When it can withstand the barrage of punishment from Dick Dale, then it is fit for the human consumption.”
Dale’s 1962 track ‘Misirlou’ acted as the theme song for Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 cult classic Pulp Fiction.
Watch: Dick Dale & The Del Tones – Misirlou
