Timeless talent lost—Music icon of “The Standells” dies at 82

The music world has lost a legend with the passing of Larry Tamblyn, the dynamic frontman of the iconic 1960s band The Standells, at the age of 82.

His family has come forward with heartfelt tributes, celebrating the life and enduring influence of a man who not only shaped the sound of garage rock but also left an indelible mark on the punk movement that followed.



Larry Tamblyn's journey in music was one of passion and innovation.

As the lead singer of The Standells, he helped catapult the band to fame with their 1966 hit Dirty Water, a song that became an anthem for the rebellious spirit of the era and continues to resonate with fans across generations.

The news of Tamblyn's passing was shared by his nephew, Dennis Tamblyn, in a poignant Facebook post.

Dennis reminisced about the time The Standells performed in Tucson, where Larry stayed with him.


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Larry Tamblyn, lead singer of the 1960s band The Standells, has died aged 82. Image source: SHEES Celeb News / Youtube.



“It was so great to hang out with him and catch up,” Dennis wrote. “He was still making music well into his later years. You will be missed, Uncle Larry.”

The Standells, hailing from Los Angeles, were often hailed as the "punk band of the 1960s" for their raw energy and uncompromising sound.


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The Standells' notable hit was Dirty Water, which became influential in the punk movement. Image source: SHEES Celeb News / Youtube.



Formed in 1962, their influence stretched far and wide, with bands like the Sex Pistols and the Ramones citing The Standells as a source of inspiration.

Their partnership with Capitol Records' label Tower in 1965 led to the creation of Dirty Water, penned by producer Ed Cobb.



The song's gritty lyrics and catchy riff captured the zeitgeist of the time and secured The Standells' place in rock history.

Interestingly, Dirty Water has found a new audience in sports, being played after Liverpool soccer matches since the club's acquisition by the same owner as the Boston Red Sox, who have long used the song as an anthem.


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Tamblyn's family, which includes other notable Hollywood personalities, paid tribute to his life and legacy. Image source: SHEES Celeb News / Youtube.



Beyond their musical achievements, The Standells made their mark on popular culture with appearances on television shows like The Bing Crosby Show and in films such as Get Yourself a College Girl (1964) and Riot on Sunset Strip (1967), showcasing their versatility and widespread appeal.



Larry Tamblyn's legacy is also intertwined with Hollywood royalty. He was part of a family of stars, with his brother Russ Tamblyn achieving fame in his own right with roles in Django Unchained and Drive.


Source: Dirty Water Media / Youtube.​


As we reflect on Larry Tamblyn's impact, it's clear that his voice and vision were instrumental in shaping the sound of a generation.

His dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences through music are qualities that will continue to inspire musicians and fans alike.

Key Takeaways
  • Larry Tamblyn, lead singer of the 1960s band The Standells, has died aged 82.
  • The Standells' notable hit was Dirty Water, which became influential in the punk movement.
  • The band, formed in 1962, was part of the American garage rock scene and appeared in television and film.
  • Tamblyn's family, which includes other notable Hollywood personalities, paid tribute to his life and legacy.

The GrayVine community joins in mourning the loss of Larry Tamblyn, a true music icon. We invite our readers to share their memories of The Standells, their favorite songs, or how Dirty Water might have been a soundtrack to moments in their lives in the comments below.
 
In October of 2015 I attended The Cornerstones of Rock event. It was held at WTTW studios (channel 11) in Chicago. This event featured garage bands from the '60. The Standells were included in the line-up. Shortly after that event I became a FB friend with Larry. He spent some time writing his memior, which was published a few years ago.
You can access the Standells performance on YouTube. Search Cornerstones of Rock & scroll. You will find a picture of Larry & the title Dirty Water.
 

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