"When I die, it's not going to be in some old rocking chair, going back and forth. It's going to be onstage in one big explosion of body parts," Dick Dale, the legendary guitarist, admitted to New Times with the conviction of a psychic.
The man who created the surf-rock sound so many others struggle to imitate isn't kidding either. He's 75 years old and has had failing health for many years now, but he just won't quit. After a rigorous tour this time last year, he's back on the road again and heading to a place that loves him like a papa, South Florida.
"I was put here, like Johnny Appleseed, to spread happiness," he says
of his life's purpose. "Make people forget about the pain that they're
in." And even though Dale is probably hurtin' while he's onstage
annihilating his Dick Dale Signature Malibu, hair blowing back, badass
in the desert "winds" of a fan, this is his way of healing. "I had the
blues because I had no shoes, then upon the street, I met a man who had
no feet," he said. The sounds of surf will be the elixir for any pain.
"Music is medicine for everybody, and laughter is the greatest healer."
Dale's words, though trite, are true.
Dick Dale. With the Riot Act, the Riot Agents, and Killmama. 8 p.m. Saturday, April
20, at Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Tickets
cost $20 plus fees.
Call 954-564-1074, or visit cultureroom.net.
Follow @CountyGrind
