Cork set to bid a fond farewell to Dickie Rock SHOWBAND LEGEND TO PLAY HIS FINAL LIVE GIG IN THE REBEL COUNTY AT CITY HAL NEXT MONTH
AFTER enjoying an era defining career spanning more than six-decades showband legend Dickie Rock last month announced, albeit somewhat reluctantly, that he would be stepping back from the live music circuit at the tender age of 82.
Citing a lack of work for his decision, Rock did say that he would still be doing one-off performances, saying that playing in front of a live audience allows him to stay youthful.
Next month the singer will take to the road for one final time, bringing his ‘Just For Old Times Sake – The Farewell Tour’ to venues across the length and breadth country.
His Cork fans will also get the chance to see rock play the Rebel county for one final time when he is the special guest at the ‘Rolling Back the Years with the Legends of the Cork Showband Era’ in Cork City Hall on Saturday, October 19.
From his days as one of the frontmen with the Miami Showband, when the band attracted the kind of hysteria normally associated with the Beatles, and representing Ireland in the 1966 Eurovision Song Contest with ‘ Come Back To Stay’ Rock went on to enjoy a hugely successful solo career.
Since 1963 he has enjoyed phenomenal chart success both in the Miami and as a solo artists and played to packed venues across the country, cementing his stature as one of the greatest singers and showmen Ireland has ever produced.
The promoter of the City Hall concert, Sean O’Sullivan, said his final Cork performance promised to be a very special occasion that no fan of the showband era will want to miss.
“He will perform many of the hits from his amazing career including ‘Candy Store’, ‘Every Step of the Way’, ‘Georgie Porgie’ and ‘ The Wonder of You’, to name just a few,” said Sean.
“This will be the last chance to see Dickie live in Cork and tickets for the show will sell out quickly,” he added.
In addition to Rock, the show will also feature performances by a host of other household names from the Irish music scene including band leader Art Supple and his seven-piece band, ‘21-Year’s’ singer Dermot Hegarty and Galway troubadour Johnny ‘ The Man With The Golden Trumpet’ Carroll.
Kathy Durkin of Midnight to Moonlight will also join the line-up along with Dixies front man Joe Mac, comedy legend Packie O’Callaghan and country singer Mick Flavin.
Musical Director for the show is Oliver Hennessy, with Eric Griffin of C103 Mc for the night. Tickets, priced at €34.50 from www.ticketmaster.ie, Pro Musica on 021 427 1659 or Sean O’Sullivan on 086 860 9924.