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TRUE DICK DALE STORY: I did an interview with Dick Dale at his hotel
room in Colorado Springs. (I am a writer & photographer). I scored a
free door pass and back stage pass. Yes, Dick embellishes the truth,
but he did play a role in a lot of groundbreaking stuff.
But his show kicked ass, Dusty was awesome (and a really nice and
interesting guy), and I certainly got my money's worth.
As the evening wound down, Dick sent my buddy out to shag girls for
him. When that didn't play out, I introduced Dick to two of my female
friends, and he got them to go back to his hotel room with him.
Neither put out. But I gotta give him credit for trying. Is that
pathetic of an old man, or admirable? Depends on where you are coming
from, I guess.
I came away thinking Dick is the most egotistical man I've ever met,
and yet still a formidable talent. Technically, he's not a great
musician but he pours his energy into his performances. He has
passion, and that's something in this world.
Dick signed a little notecard of a Strat, and he wrote "Gavin, Keep on
Playing!" I didn't play at the time, but I soon bought a Strat and
here I am today, working on my surf guitar chops. So, I thank Dick
Dale for that...
Gavin
--- In , "Bill Bergstrom"
<swingin_cat@h...> wrote:
> Much as I love the Dickster (have seen him 3 times now), I have to
> agree with TFJ and Ivan.
> Every song he's either getting royalties from, or else it's part of
> a 10-minute medley. While I admit that the young ladies in the
> crowd DO catch my eye, I'm in my early 20s, which is at least
> justifiable (or so I like to tell myself). What I always get is how
> he goes into his 10-15 minute spiels about "how to make music".
> See, he's just a vessel, and the music moves through him. It's all
> about the corazon. That's about the time I head over to the bar for
> another pint.
>
> However, the man is every bit as quick as he was 30 years ago (even
> though he is wearing all that leather), and his tone is at least
> close to that which made him famous. However, a lot of people have
> told me recently that is tone is getting a little "dirtier" due to
> aging equipment that isn't being kept up and his wireless system.
>
> I'd still go see him again, and think EVERY surf guitarist should
> see him at least once, if nothing else, so you can say you've seen
> him.
>
> ~Bill~
