Dick Dale Dead - Legendary 'King of Surf Guitar' Dies at 81

Dick Dale has sadly died at the age of 81.

The guitarist, known as the “King of Surf Guitar,” died on Saturday (March 16) according to his live bassist Sam Bolle, TMZ reported on Sunday (March 17).

“He was an original, he always did things the way he wanted to do them…his own way. Long before punk rock, he was doing that,” Sam said.

Dick helped to spearhead the surf rock movement in popular music in the ’60s, had many solo records and also performed with the Del-Tones. He appeared on many shows over the years on television, including The Ed Sullivan Show and Late Night With Conan O’Brien.

He also made cameos on different TV shows and movies, including Beverly Hills, 90210 and An American Vampire Story.

Our thoughts are with Dick‘s loved ones at this difficult time.