Dick Dale Delivers

Dick Dale & Band w/ Jimmy Dale on Drums

Bruce Rossmeyers Destination Daytona

Wednesday, April 25, 2012,Ormond Beach,FL

By M. Alberto Rivera

King of the Surf Guitar and living legend Dick Dale burned up the stage on one of the last cool nights of the year. The salty air blown far inland from the coast had a slight chill to it as the eager crowd waited for Dick Dale to take the stage and remind everyone why he’s still one of the most highly regarded guitarists to ever plug in.

Now 75, a spry Dale took the stage and led three piece band through seventy minute set of high octane surf guitar. Heavy on the reverb, and lightning fast leads, Dale was backed on the drums by his son Jimmy Dale. The younger Dale brought fresh energy to the material with newer licks and fresh double bass percussive touches to many of the songs. Jimmy Dale, however respected the tradition of the more popular numbers like “Misirlou” and played it true to form and close to the vest. During “Hey Bo Diddley,” Dick Dale set down his guitar and joined his son playing dual drums. Dale Sr. followed this by playing the bass strings with a pair of sticks while bassist Sammy (last name unknown) fretted chords.

Dale engaged the audience in between songs relating stories about customizing his 41 Harley, and happily being caught off guard after seeing a photo of said bike in the adjacent Harley Davidson showroom. He showed absolutely no signs of slowing down as he tore through his catalog of hits and select covers. “Let’s Go Trippin’,” “The Wedge,” “Esperanza,” and “Ghost riders in the Sky,” were all fleshed out to the delight of the audience.