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Dick Dale Fights On...

As I looked at the Dick Dale Website to check when he would be coming to play in New Jersey, I was saddened to read that Dick is fighting cancer.  After losing Danny Federici of the E-Street Band, I immediately said a prayer, so that we don't lose another great muscisian and person.  I have had the pleasure of seeing Dick twice over the past two years and each concert was a high energy rock n' roll show.  Rock that way it is supposed to play.  You could just envision Dick some 45 years ago, bringing his surf music to hungry crowds, eating up ever lick, every word and of every song.  I am sure not much has changed since then, as Dick continues on.  I emailed Dick the other day and was pleased to get an email back from him yesterday.  He said, no more chemo, he is in remission and he is getting a little stronger each day.  He looks forward to hitting the road again and we look forward to seeing him.  I also mentioned that I am ready to host the first annual Dick Dale Festival & Cookout in my backyard on his next visit to New Jersey.  He responded with a smile and thanked me for my support.  I am thinking that we have the inaugural Dick Dale Festival on Labor Day weekend.  If anyone is interested in attending, playing or just being part of the fesitval, just contact me via email and we can start to put the day or days together.  Now understand, my backyard is not that big, but I do live on a dead end street, and I am sure we can take the festival to the streets and have a good old fashioned New Jersey Block Party. Here is what Dick posted on his website... 

"I want to thank all my music lovers for supporting me these last 3 months

with your Wonderful heartfelt letters praying for my speedy recovery

as I battle this demon that Attacks so many other friends and their loved ones. 

So for now, no touring for a while....  I have rectal cancer....

 I had to undergo 6 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation  

 every day, Monday through Friday. 

Now I have rested and healed another 6 weeks from the Radiation and Chemotherapy.  

April 4, 2008 my surgeon Dr Hoffman and 2 other surgeons

will cut out the tumor at Cedars - Sinai Medical Center Hospital in Hollywood, Ca.  

I will have chemo afterwards to finish up. 

Then I will kick back and heal…. 

Then I will go back into reconstructive surgery and more Chemo. 

Then go to Hawaii and surf.... 

I again, thank all of you from my deep within and promise me, keep smiling…. D"

Our prayers and thoughts are with you Dick, To a rapid and complete recovery and hoping you will be here in NJ on Labor Day. !