Dick Dale-Terrible News!

[elreydlp]

As reported on Surfguitar101 today:

just got this e/mail from LINDA MILLER - dear friend of DICK DALE - and a Woman who herself is going thru major health problems:

Rumors spreading about Dick’s health have prompted this email…
Prior to Sat night I was asked to keep my mouth shut, so I did…
Sat night John and I attended what may have been Dick’s final performance…
About 3 weeks ago Dick stood up from his chair and blacked out…
Attempting to get up, Dick’s caretaker threw herself underneath him…
She prevented his head from hitting the cement as he blacked out a 2nd time…
Caretaker Lana called the paramedics and off they went to Cedars Sinai…
At Cedars Sinai Lana remained constantly by his side the entire time…
Once they examined Dick they realized he had many things going wrong…
He has an acute infection that apparently has been taking its toll for years…
The infection occurred as a result of having an undetected intestinal leak…
They determined the leak was there before chemo, radiation & surgery…
Despite numerous tests and mini-surgeries they can’t find the leak…
He was on heavy duty IV antibiotics and not allowed to eat anything…
In that time he dropped from 200 lbs to a very fragile weakened 109 lbs…
The acute infection shut down his bladder and messed up his kidneys…
He is in chronic pain for which medication is not an option due to liver damage…
He canceled his Japan tour with son Jimmy to promote their signature guitars….
He played Coach House last night to avoid disappointing his faithful fans…
He had to be helped to and from the stage and sat in a chair to play but still
put on a great show and got personal with the audience as always…
He mentioned playing to packed houses & screaming fans since 1955…
The house was packed and there were numerous standing ovations for his valor…
Jimmy picked up where ever Dick left off playing but you couldn’t tell he had…
As always he paid a tribute to our soldiers by playing Amazing Grace…
Finished with Third Stone From The Sun dedication to my dear departed Scotty…
Told his fans “They are his medicine” and felt better for having played for them…
He was escorted to his car without signing autographs for the first time in 55 yrs…
As we left we were quite saddened by what we witnessed yet truly amazed…
Dick has always been and will always be my hero, confidant and best friend…
I close with one request that you pass this on to others and pray, pray, pray…
God bless,
Linda

please everyone pray for DICK DALE, and of course, while you are at it, do the same for LINDA MILLER (of the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum) and her Husband John, who are battling back against some difficult health issues of their own as well

Unsteady Freddie

Let Dick know he's in your thoughts and prayers: [email protected]

His fans mean a lot to him.

[lennon211]

Keep us updated please.

[kenposurf]

Dick has been through a lot but he's as tough as nails
I can't begin to thank him for all the inspiration

[collin]

So far Dick has outlived most of his peers from back in the day, let's hope the road isn't coming to an end (though he may not play live much anymore, even if he starts getting better).

The man is a living legend, what can ya say? I hope he pulls through it.

[jingle_jangle]

We hope that Dick pulls through and gets stronger. He's given us so much great energy and inspiration over five decades. He is a gentle soul in a hard-as-nails shell. He always had a kind word and smile for Juliana, and she's very fond of him, too...he's a sort of hero to her who got her drinking juices and water instead of soft drinks. Our prayers are with him in these difficult times.

[kenposurf]

I received a short note from Dick saying the thoughts and prayers are felt

[elreydlp]

I received a short note from Dick saying the thoughts and prayers are felt

I did too.
In the 20+ years I've known Dick, he has rarely failed to respond to an email or return a phone call.
Jingle_jangle nailed it. There's so much more to the man than meets the eye!

[kenposurf]

[elreydlp]

Great vids Kenpo!
Ron in his "Rasta" phase. I couldn't catch the drummer. Do you know who it was? Didn't look like Dusty or Prarie Prince.

[winston]

I sent Dick a get well note. The last time I sent him a get well message, he responded almost immediately. He is a great person and is an inspiration to many.

[elreydlp]

This from the LA Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_b ... uitar.html

Certainly more encouraging than previous reports.
The man is a fighter!

[Low End Lover]

I remember seeing Dick in the dead of winter in Madison, WI in '95. He killed it dead and then after the show we wanted to get some merchandise, but the club had asked for an insane markup and Dick told us to meet out back and he sold it to us for what he thought was a fair price and signed a few autographs as well. I hope and pray he pulls through. Just a great guy and musical treasure!

LEL

[elreydlp]

It was announced at the Surfguitar101 Convention on August 7 that Dick's surgery went well and that he was recuperating at home. Hang in there big guy!

[kiramdear]

I got a note from him recently:

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=397132