Dickie Rock - a legendary figure of Ireland's showband era - has died aged 88.
The singer, who represented Ireland in the 1966 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Come Back To Stay, has been lauded today as "an iconic performer who charmed and entertained generations".
The entertainer was lead singer of the group The Miami Showband, which enjoyed success in the 1960s. Rock went solo in 1973, although still performed occasionally with the band.
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.
Image:
PA)President of Ireland Michael D Higgins described Rock as an "iconic figure" and praised his enduring popularity across generations. "May I join with all those who have expressed their sadness on learning of the death of Dickie Rock," he said.
"The showband period in Irish popular culture made a huge contribution to the history of Irish music, and indeed to that of Britain where many of the showbands toured during Lent as ballrooms in Ireland closed."
Ireland's deputy premier Micheal Martin also paid tribute, saying Rock was a gentleman loved by many. "Saddened to learn of the passing of Dickie Rock, an iconic performer who charmed and entertained generations," he posted on X.
"The end of an era stretching from Eurovision and the Miami Showband in the 60s until modern times. A gentleman loved by many. My condolences to his family and friends."
Stephen Travers of the Miami Showband fame shared his sorrow over the loss of Dickie Rock, saying, "I am so very sad to hear of the passing of Dickie Rock," in his recent post on X.
English (US) ·