Irish singer Dickie Rock has died aged 88, it has been confirmed.
Rock has been hailed as Ireland's first pop star, enjoying a string of hits with the Miami Showband, including Every Step Of The Way, George Porgy, and For The Candystore on the Corner.
During his time with the band, Rock garnered a huge fanbase across Ireland, filling ballrooms and venues wherever they played, often likened to the hysterics of Beatlemania, with the phrase "spit on me Dickie" becoming part of Irish folklore.
Rock also represented Ireland as a solo artist at the 1966 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing joint fourth with Belgium, his entry, 'Come Back To Stay' went on to become a number-one hit in Ireland.
He eventually went solo in 1973, performing occasionally with the Miami Showband. From there, he continued to tour into his eighties, earning a lifetime achievement award in October 2009.
In 2021, Dickie Rock aged 84 , retired from tour due to hearing issues.
Dickie Rock's death was confirmed via a statement shared by his family.
"His children, Jason, John, Richard, Sarah Jane and Peter will miss him very much," the statement read. "Dickie lost his beloved Judy in 2022 and they are now together again, and that is of some comfort to the family".
Dickie Rock's wife Judy Murray died in April 2022, after contracting Covid-19. As a devoted husband, the singer was grief-stricken following her passing.
Tributes have been paid to the late singer, including from Tánaiste Micheál Martin, and broadcaster Joe Duffy.
In his tribute, Mr Martin called Rock an "iconic performer who charmed and entertained for generations", while Joe Duffy hailed Rock as a "true Irish superstar when we badly needed him".
