Tributes paid to showband legend Dickie Rock after death aged 88
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Legendary Irish showband singer Dickie Rock has died at the age of 88.
In a statement on Friday evening, his children Jason, John, Richard, Sarah Jane and Peter said they were "saddened to confirm that he passed away peacefully today."
The statement added that they will "miss him very much."
He was pre-deceased by his wife Judy in April of 2022.
The statement continued: "They are now together again, and that is of some comfort to the family.
"Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
"The family ask for privacy to grieve at this very sad time."
Considered by many to be Ireland’s first pop superstar, during his time with the Miami Showband Dickie Rock enjoyed more than a dozen hit records with songs such as , and .
He and the band filled ballrooms across the country, and were hugely popular with female fans in particular, with the phrase ‘Spit on me Dickie!’ often being shouted as they performed.
The singer, who was born in Dublin’s North Strand but grew up in Cabra, represented Ireland at the 1966 Eurovision Song Contest with , finishing a respectable joint fourth.
The song went on to top the charts in Ireland.
He went solo in 1973, though continuing to perform occasionally with the Miami Showband.
Touring well into his 80s, he received a lifetime achievement award in October 2009. He retired from performing in 2021, at the age of 84, due to hearing problems.
President Michael D Higgins has led the tributes to Mr Rock.
In a statement, he said: "May I join with all those who have expressed their sadness on learning of the death of Dickie Rock.
"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.
"The major showbands such as the Miami Showband produced star performers, of whom Dickie Rock was an iconic figure.
"A performer of the highest quality, Dickie Rock's popularity, both in the Miami Showband and as a solo artist, was such that he remained a hugely popular entertainer through succeeding generations.
"May I extend my deepest sympathies to Dickie's children Jason, John, Richard, Sarah Jane and Peter, and to all of his family, friends and many fans throughout Ireland and abroad."
Tánaiste Micheál Martin also expressed his sympathies.
In a post on social media, he wrote: "Saddened to learn of the passing of Dickie Rock, an iconic performer who charmed and entertained generations.
"A gentleman loved by many. My condolences to his family and friends."
RTÉ presenter Joe Duffy said he "brought colour , joy and music to a grey Ireland."
He said: "Had the pleasure of being in his company and interviewing the legend so many times.
"A true Irish superstar when we badly needed them.
"From the candy store on the corner to the chapel on the hill , a legend."
Although Rock had left the Miami Showband by the time Stephen Travers joined it, Mr Travers greatly admired him and said his death saddened him.
He told the : “When superstars were thin on the ground, Dickie Rock embodied the class of Sinatra and the arrogance of Jagger and rocked an adolescent Ireland.”