The Daily Star Ireland
The funeral of iconic show band singer Dickie Rock, who passed away last week at the age of 88, took place this morning. His funeral procession arrived at the Church of the Most Precious Blood in Cabra West, where his coffin was carried in to the melody of his hit song Come Back to Stay.
Rock, considered Ireland’s first pop superstar, rose to fame as a member of the Miami Showband, where he achieved chart-topping success with songs like Georgie Porgie, Every Step of the Way, and From the Candystore on the Corner. One of their tracks, To Whom It Concerns, became the theme song for RTÉ’s The Late Late Show.
The requiem mass was led by Fr. Brian D’Arcy, a close friend of Rock’s, along with Fr. Paul Thornton. Fr. D’Arcy spoke warmly of Rock, reflecting on how his performances brought joy and allowed audiences to forget their worries. He also highlighted how Rock’s sole ambition as an entertainer was to bring happiness to others, using the voice and talent he was gifted with. D’Arcy also noted how the showband era helped lift Ireland out of difficult times, introducing elements like electricity, cars, and new social spaces like dance halls, where people could meet and connect.
President Michael D. Higgins was represented by his aide-de-camp, Paul O’Donnell. Other mourners included well-known figures such as producer Aonghus McAnally, showband peer Ronan Collins, and Liveline host Joe Duffy. To honor Rock, a microphone and a photo of him with his late wife Judy, who passed away in 2022, were brought to the altar.
