Legend Dick Dale returning to Morgantown

Legendary surf rock guitarist Dick Dale will return to 123 Pleasant Street July 30.

Dale, who is 75 years old, is famous for his fast picking and signature ’60s west coast surfer sound.

His music has been heard by multiple generations and continues to captivate audiences world wide.

He continues to wow audiences after more than 50 years of playing to enthusiastic crowds and pushing the boundaries of rock and roll.

"Misirlou," his most notable song, was featured in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 smash hit "Pulp Fiction," and allowed him to reach out to a younger audience.

Dale’s unique sound was the driving force behind Leo Fender’s (of Fender guitars/amplifiers) search for a more powerful amp.

It was said that Fender would hand Dale amp after amp, and he would blow the speakers every time with his loud and revolutionary sound.

With Fender’s persistence and Dale’s relentless urge to push the boundaries, the guitar landscape was altered and new grounds were ready to be broken with Fender and Dale’s musical pioneering. Dale was referred to as the "Father of Heavy Metal" due to his quest for a louder sound.

Dale was also the first person to use a 100 watt amplifier and introduced reverb to guitar playing, which gave his guitar the surfer sound for which he is known.

His music and innovation has influenced many artists throughout the years, including Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, David Gilmour and many more.

Throughout his career Dale has recorded 11 albums and countless singles, one of which was cowritten by Stevie Ray Vaughan and nominated for a Grammy Award.

Those who didn’t catch Dale’s most recent appearance at 123 Pleasant Street last fall should set their calendars and come out to see a living legend perform.

It is a an honor for a man who has bestowed as much creativity and innovation to music to come to Morgantown.

Don’t miss this golden opportunity and a chance to listen to a historic sound.

Tickets are $22 in advance and are available at 123pleasantstreet.com.