Renowned Irish Singer Dickie Rock Passes Away at 88

The family of Irish singer Dickie Rock has confirmed his death at the age of 88. Born in Dublin, he represented Ireland in the 1966 Eurovision Song Contest, where he secured a fourth-place finish. His track “Come Back to Stay” achieved the top spot on the charts in the Republic of Ireland. A statement released by the Rock family on Friday officially announced his passing. The statement included: “His children, Jason, John, Richard, Sarah Jane and Peter will miss him very much.” It further stated: “Dickie lost his beloved Judy in 2022 and they are now together again, and that is of some comfort to the family.” For a period, he was also a member of the Miami Showband, contributing vocals to several of their successful songs. Among these, “To Whom It Concerns” was adopted as the signature tune for RTÉ’s prominent Friday night broadcast, The Late Late Show. Stephen Travers of the Miami Showband shared on X: “I am so very sad to hear of the passing of Dickie Rock. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam [May his soul be at the right hand of God].” Fellow Miami Showband vocalist Des Lee described the news as “very sad news,” noting that the band’s “lead singer has passed away”. Irish President Michael D Higgins characterized him as a “performer of the highest quality”. President Higgins added: “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.” Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle, the Lord Lieutenant for Belfast, commented: “For many people in the city, Dickie personified an era of more innocent times of fun, music and freedom.” She concluded: “He will be much missed and greatly mourned. Requiescat in Pace.” Rock embarked on a solo career in the 1970s, though he continued to make occasional appearances with the Miami Showband. In 1975, three members of the group were killed when their vehicle was intercepted by individuals from the loyalist paramilitary organization, the UVF, in County Down. Rock maintained his touring schedule into his 80s and was honored with a lifetime achievement award in October 2009. His retirement from performing came in 2021, at 84 years old, attributed to hearing difficulties. His wife, Judy, passed away in April 2022, preceding him in death. Mark O’Brien, executive director of Dublin’s Abbey Theatre, paid tribute to Dickie Rock, calling him “a true rock’n’roll star”. O’Brien further posted on X: “As important to Ireland as Elvis was. Rest in power Dickie. Legend.” Details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be released in the forthcoming days. A statement from the family requested: “The family ask for privacy to grieve at this very sad time.”