Hero, of course). He also recorded music for the
Space Mountain ride at Disneyland. When it
opened, he stood on top of Space Mountain
(without a safety harness) to blast out Misirlou.
Dale had to stop surfing when his leg was
injured – it was a minor wound that became
infected because of the polluted water, and almost
cost him his leg. The event led him to become an
environmental activist. Which is only one of the
many causes he is involved with. He is a man of
strong convictions. And many talents. As well as
the guitar, he is a master of the piano, trumpet,
saxophone, banjo, and other instruments. He is also
a qualified pilot and expert in martial arts. He is the
owner of a private zoo and a pet lion...
One of the most amazing things about Dick
Dale is that he is still performing today, at the age
of 76, and battling some major health issues. He is
still touring and blowing audiences away with his
wild energy. His concerts are legendary. He plays
on extra-heavy-gauge strings, because only they can
Dale performing in 2005
withstand the thrashing he deals out. His guitar
picks are shredded while he plays – he tosses them
A few of the many awards he has received: in
1989 he was inducted into the Surfing Hall of
Fame. In 2000 he was inducted into the White
House Congressional Hall of Records. In 2007 he
was chosen as only the third person in 40 years to
be officially named a “Guitar Legend.” Dale has
also had a guitar made in his honour – the “Dick
into the ecstatic crowd. Now his son Jimmy plays
on stage with him. Dale is teaching him the
traditions of Middle Eastern music that were so
important to him – and also teaching him to speak
Arabic.
Long live the King!
Dale Stratocaster,” in recognition of the
groundbreaking work he did with the instrument.
Dale’s music has been used on the soundtrack of
countless films and TV shows, as well as
commercials and video games (including Guitar
www.dickdale.com