Larry Tamblyn, the legendary musician and founding member of The Standells, has passed away at the age of 82. His nephew, Dennis Tamblyn, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, revealing that the rock icon took his final bow on Friday, March 21.
"My uncle Larry Tamblyn passed away today," Dennis wrote in his tribute. "I have so many fond memories of him and his family over the years. He lived an incredible life. He was in a band called The Standells, whose hit song 'Dirty Water' is still played every time the Red Sox or Bruins win a home game. They even made an appearance on an episode of The Munsters."
Tamblyn’s passing marks the end of an era for fans of classic rock and garage punk. While no official cause of death has been disclosed, his impact on the music industry remains undeniable. He was a force to be reckoned with, a musician who continued creating and performing well into his later years. Dennis also shared a personal moment from recent years, recalling how The Standells played at Hotel Congress in Tucson, Arizona, where Larry stayed with him. "It was so great to hang out with him and catch up. He was still making music even then. You will be missed, Uncle Larry," he added.
Born in Los Angeles, Larry was part of a star-studded family. He was the brother of actor Russ Tamblyn and the uncle of actress Amber Tamblyn. But long before his family became Hollywood staples, Larry was paving his own path in music. He started as a solo musician in the 1950s, and by 1962, he had formed a band initially known as Larry Tamblyn and The Standells alongside Tony Valentino, Jody Rich, and Benny King. A year later, they recorded their first 45, You’ll Be Mine Someday/Girl In My Heart, which caught the attention of Liberty Label. By 1964, the group had transformed into The Standells and began making a name for themselves in the rock scene.
Like many bands of the era, The Standells saw lineup changes along the way. One of the most pivotal moments came when Dick Dodd joined as lead vocalist in 1964. That change helped catapult the band to stardom with hits like Try It and Can’t Help But Love You. But it was Dirty Water that truly defined them. The song reached No. 11 on the Billboard charts, cementing The Standells' place in rock history. Even today, it remains a beloved anthem, especially in Boston sports culture.
Despite the band's success in the 1960s, Larry wasn’t done with The Standells just yet. In 2009, he reformed the band, bringing their music to a whole new generation. By 2014, they were back on the road for their first national tour since their heyday, proving that great rock never fades. They even released a final album, Bump, in 2013. Larry's passion for music never waned, and he continued to be a presence in the industry until the very end.
One of Larry’s last major honors came in December 2023 when he was inducted into the California Music Hall of Fame. His brother, Russ Tamblyn, had the privilege of presenting him with the honor at the age of 90. Just a month later, on January 13, 2024, Larry proudly shared a video of himself performing at his induction ceremony—a testament to his enduring love for music.
News of his passing rippled through fans and friends alike. A neighbor took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their shock and admiration, writing, "My friend and neighbor, Larry Tamblyn, passed away this morning … It was totally surreal that a member of the '60s garage punk band my '80s garage band used to cover, moved just around the corner from me in rural GA."
Larry Tamblyn may have left this world, but his music, his spirit, and his legacy live on. From the anthemic chords of Dirty Water to his unwavering passion for rock and roll, he leaves behind a soundtrack that will keep his memory alive for generations to come.
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