Concertgoers were brought back to the psychedelic ‘60s for a couple of hours last Friday night at Solana Beach’s Belly Up Tavern. Legendary rock guitarist Dick Dale, the king of surf guitar, gave a flawless performance, reminding fans of what a real rock concert sounds like. No props, strange getups or flashy dance moves necessary, just raw musical talent with only a few vocals to get in the way.
Dale’s musical career began in the late ‘50s and blossomed in the ‘60s when he helped pioneer surf rock, the epitome of what was considered the Southern California sound. The genre is characterized by its functional quality, emulating the pulse-pounding sensation of surfing. Using the musical innovations of the time period, Dale used amplification, reverberation, tremolo effects and pitch bending to create the signature sound of surf rock. “Let’s Go Trippin’” of 1961 is considered to be the first surf rock song.
Older fans in attendance on Friday immediately cheered when Dale began playing the song that started it all. Younger people may never have heard of Dale, but, more than likely, they’ve heard his signature tune “Misirlou.” This song is the quintessential surf rock guitar anthem of the ‘60s and was featured in the popular film “Pulp Fiction.”
Last Friday’s performance featured many of Dale’s famous songs, but he covered other hits of the ‘60s as well. From Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say” to Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” mashed with “Ring of Fire,” Dale added his signature touch to each tune. Dale dedicated a poignant rock version of “Amazing Grace” to those serving in the military, showing that, when in the right hands, the guitar can be played in a powerful manner that few musicians are able to master. His talented son on the drums and a friend on the bass guitar aided his performance as well.
At 73, Dale’s talent should be an inspiration for any aspiring guitarist. On stage, Dale is lively and personable, with an excellent sense of humor. Dale was a priest that night, the audience receiving his gospel of rock. Not only does he play the guitar, he can rock a harmonica as well. Dale rinsed his small instrument on stage and blessed a couple of front-row audience members as he waved the sopping instrument in the air and recited what sounded like a Latin prayer in the manner of a Catholic priest blessing churchgoers.
Dale closed the night with the song everyone had been waiting for: the fast-paced “Misirlou.” Concertgoers left the Belly Up Tavern having received a lesson, or perhaps a review, of the history of rock, by the king of surf rock himself.
