The music world is in mourning as Dennis Locorriere, the frontman and bassist of legendary 70s rock band Dr. Hook, has passed away. The band, which hails from New Jersey, is mostly known for hits such as “Sylvia’s Mother,” “Sexy Eyes,” “The Cover of ‘Rolling Stone,” and “When You’re In Love With a Beautiful Woman.” Now, tributes are pouring in from adoring fans worldwide.
The Dr. Hook official website posted a statement on May 17, confirming the death of Locorriere. They wrote, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis Locorriere, who, after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.”
The statement then confirmed that Locorriere passed away on May 16. After that, the band addressed the singer’s illness, saying, “Dennis faced his illness with remarkable strength, dignity, and resilience throughout, and remained deeply cherished by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his warmth, love, and the lasting impact he had on those around him.”
They added, “We would like to thank everyone who supported Dennis during his journey and ask for privacy for his loved ones as they grieve this profound loss.”
Tributes Are Pouring in for Dennis Locorriere
Since its formation in 1969, Dr. Hook has recorded 11 studio albums, the last in 1983. Because of the group’s legacy, fans from different generations are taking to social media to pay tribute to Locorriere.
One person said on X, “Goodbye to the great Dennis Locorriere. Mid seventies Dr Hook &. The Medicine Show a high water mark of freakdom and their Musikladen performance is a fried masterpiece.”
BoomRadio UK also tributed the singer, writing on the platform, “We’re so sad to hear of the death of Dennis Locorriere – the legendary voice at the heart of Dr Hook. He was a remarkable performer and we shall miss him. Dennis was born in New Jersey and made his home here in the UK for the last 24 years.”
A fan wrote, “RIP Dr Hook frontman Dennis Locorriere, terminally underrated group, so many fantastic tunes.”
Someone else recalled seeing the group live. They said, “RIP Dennis Locorriere. I remember seeing “Dr Hook” at Sheffield City Hall in 1976 (I think it was) – with two pals in 2nd-row seats – and feeling enthralled throughout. Such a great beat, such a rhythm, such a great noise!”
Lastly, another social media user shared a memory. They said, “Back in the 1980’s, the band was in the UK for a tour. And one Saturday afternoon, they turned up at Birmingham City Football Club for an afternoon. They all came onto the pitch and got a warm reception from all the Blues fans
RIP Dennis Locorriere.”
He Was The Last Surviving Member of Dr. Hook
According to Rolling Stone, Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show launched as a group in 1969. In addition to Locorriere, the rock band included George Cummings, Ray Sawyer, and Billy Francis. They then signed with Columbia Records and released their debut album, “Doctor Hook,” in 1972.
Their follow-up album, “Sloppy Seconds,” was released the following year. Notably, legendary children’s book author Shel Silverstein wrote most of the songs for their first two records. The offical name of the group then became Dr. Hook in the mid 1970s.
Some of their later hits include “A Little Bit More” and “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman.” It’s also worth noting that Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan later covered the former of the two songs. Aside from Dr. Hook, Locorriere released three solo albums between 2000 and 2010.
