Dick Dale, the legendary surf rock guitarist, died yesterday at the age of 81, and tributes are continuing to come in.
Dale’s playing was influential to generations of guitarists as evident in the reaction to his passing on social media. Here are some additional tributes that have recently been shared.
“It is saddening to hear of the passing of the incredible guitar player Dick Dale. I spent many moments learning his massive reverbed guitar licks in my bedroom, and still enjoy playing his song “Nitro” whenever I can. Sadly, I never got to meet him. A unique innovator of the guitar with pick melting style and swagger for miles. I can remember traveling up to Pontiac from Detroit by myself to watch him play when I was sixteen. That upside down gold sparkle Fender of his needs to be hung up some place special. Dick Dale, King Of The Surf Guitar.” -Jack White III
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.
Erica Banas is rock/classic rock news blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.
