Dick Dale to announce shock retirement from music?

  • By Smith Alexander
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

King of the Surf Guitar created a stir on Friday when rumors have surfaced that his career was over.
Dick Dale »
See more news, pictures and video.

Sad news for Dale fans. Speculation had been rife that King of the Surf Guitar will announce his retirement from music, at age 89, with immediate effect.

UPDATE 18/07/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Being a guitarist isn't fun anymore

“As we get older, there are phases of life that we enter into, and being a guitarist just isn't fun anymore,” he might have said, says a source who remained anonymous. Other reports hinted that he may branch out into other creative fields he is better at (and more interested in), though they didn't provide any details.

#ThankYouDick

For a little while on Friday evening, #ThankYouDick was a trending hashtag on Twitter. As many fans reminisce and look back on all the unforgettable memories, some may wonder what about now made him make the decision.

“You’ve accomplished everything I ever dreamed of #ThankYouDick.”
— @DesireePlum, 17 Jul 2026
“Dale wasn't retired?”
— @borisB0, 17 Jul 2026

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Dick Dale: Recent News

 

page served in 0.039s (1,2)