Dickie Rock dead: Popular Irish singer lauded an ‘iconic performer’ passes away aged 88

Irish musician and icon of the showband era, Dickie Rock, has passed away at the age of 88.

The Irish singer, who sang the song Come Back To Stay at the 1966 Eurovision Song Contest, has been hailed as “an iconic performer who charmed and entertained generations.”

The Miami Showband, which had a successful 1960s, had the lead singer, who was a popular entertainer. Rock left the band in 1973 and continued to play with the band occasionally.

But, after a long career in the music industry, he stopped performing in his 80s and suffered the tragedy of losing wife Judy to Covid-19 in 2022. Rock, who was born in the Cabra area of Dublin in 1936, passed on Friday, his family confirmed.

Michael D. Higgins, Ireland’s president, hailed Rock as an “iconic figure” and praised his enduring appeal to people of all ages. He said, “I want to join all those who have been saddened by Dickie Rock’s passing.”

The “showband era” in Irish popular culture had a significant impact on the development of Irish music, and in particular, British music, where many showbands played Lent as Irish ballrooms closed.

Ireland’s deputy premier Micheal Martin also paid tribute, saying Rock was a gentleman loved by many. He posted on X, “Saddened to learn of the passing of Dickie Rock, an iconic performer who charmed and entertained generations.”

“The end of a era that dates back to the 1960s and continues today, with the exception of the Miami Showband.” a man that many people adore. My condolences to his family and friends”.

In a recent post on X, Miami Showband star Stephen Travers expressed his sadness over Dickie Rock’s passing, saying, “I am so sad about the passing of Dickie Rock.”

Source: Mirror