The last time I saw Dick Dale, he put me in a headlock showing me a martial arts move that he did back in the day. He was full of stories that were beyond normal human existence. Like the time when his Jaguar had his head in the clenches of her jaws. Or the time when he and his buddy were racing motorcycles down hwy 101 going over 100mph, then their foot pegs got locked together. Over the 8 times that he played The Uptown, my wife and I were genuinely happy to see him and Lana with smiles. They had travelled a distance to be here, but the moment he stood on the stage, he would explode with musical vigor. Playing to sold out shows fueled him to be intimate with his audience. Between songs, taking time to tell us of his life and health. Though when it came to his accomplishment, Lana would be the one to relay them. He was too humble to talk about himself in that way. When I learned of his death today, I was flattened; trying to push off having to think about it until now, there is so much to say. But what stands out to me, is that today the world has lost a person who’s shoulders generations have stood; and many more generations will continue to stand. It is what most of us strive, to be remembered for something we’ve done and leave this earth better than it was when we got here. I will miss you Dick Dale! Rest in Peace my friend!
- Ray