Tributes are continuing to pour in for Dickie Rock, following news of his death on Friday, December 6, aged 88.

The legendary Irish singer passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin.

His death was confirmed in a statement from his family, noting that "his children, Jason, John, Richard, Sarah Jane and Peter will miss him very much."

"Dickie lost his beloved Judy in 2022 and they are now together again, and that is of some comfort to the family," the statement continues.

His funeral is set to take place at 10.15am on Thursday, December 12, at the Church of the Most Precious Blood, in Cabra West, the area where he grew up.

Dickie Rock initially rose to prominence as the lead singer of the hugely popular Miami Showband, scoring seven No.1 hits with the group. In 1966, he represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest, performing 'Come Back To Stay'.

He also enjoyed success as a solo artist, from the time he left the Miami Showband in 1973, right up into his 80s.

The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins is among those who have paid tribute to the singer over the past few days.

"May I join with all those who have expressed their sadness on learning of the death of Dickie Rock," he remarked. "The showband period in Irish popular culture made a huge contribution to the history of Irish music, and indeed to that of Britain where many of the showbands toured during Lent as ballrooms in Ireland closed.

"The major showbands such as the Miami Showband produced star performers, of whom Dickie Rock was an iconic figure," he continued. "A performer of the highest quality, Dickie Rock's popularity, both in the Miami Showband and as a solo artist, was such that he remained a hugely popular entertainer through succeeding generations.

"May I extend my deepest sympathies to Dickie's children Jason, John, Richard, Sarah Jane and Peter, and to all of his family, friends and many fans throughout Ireland and abroad," he added.

Micheál Martin also took to social media to state that he was "saddened to learn of the passing of Dickie Rock, an iconic performer who charmed and entertained generations."

"The end of an era stretching from Eurovision and the Miami Showband in the 60s until modern times," he continued. "A gentleman loved by many. My condolences to his family and friends."

Renowned Irish blues singer Mary Stokes has also shared her reflections on Dickie Rock's legacy.

"The showband era was somehow a very Irish scene, arguably one that paved the way for live performances and the emergence of rock’n’roll in Ireland," she notes. "Showband performers gave their all, as Dickie Rock did in his performances, and as ex-showband member Rory Gallagher also famously did.

"That characteristic ‘give it everything’ became a hallmark of the era, elevating many showbands to ‘legendary’ levels, generating wild energy and enthusiastic audiences countrywide," she adds. "That commitment to the audience, and hard graft was the name of the game. For those of us who followed that era, we owe a debt of gratitude to performers like Dickie..."

See more tributes to Dickie Rock below:

Remembering the late great Dickie Rock today with An Post’s 2010 Miami Showband commemorative stamp . pic.twitter.com/qD7RdgJYCH

— An Post (@Postvox) December 8, 2024

Coolest son of Cabra Rest In Peace.

Very sad that Dickie Rock has passed away. A legend of the Showband era. A thorough gentleman.

He made a generation dance and sing. He made people happy.

My sincere condolences to Dickie’s children, family, wide circle of friends, his… pic.twitter.com/5cCMPmn6pT

— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) December 7, 2024

Dickie Rock.
A true Rock ‘n Roll star.
As important to Ireland as Elvis was.
Rest in power Dickie. Legend.
This is brilliant old @rte archive footage of the Rí in action. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LIOElqi3KU

— Mark O’Brien (@obrienmark) December 6, 2024