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Dr. Hook Singer Dennis Locorriere Passes Away, Aged 76

Mary Varvaris

Locorriere's bandmates confirmed his passing, saying that the singer died "after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease."

Dennis Locorreiere
Dennis Locorreiere(Credit: Supplied)

Dennis Locorriere, founder of the ‘70s rock band Dr. Hook, has passed away. He was 76.

Locorriere died of complications from kidney disease. His bandmates confirmed his passing in a statement on their website.

The band’s statement reads:

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis Locorriere, who, after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on May 16th 2026.

Dennis faced his illness with remarkable strength, dignity, and resilience throughout, and remained deeply cherished by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his warmth, love, and the lasting impact he had on those around him.

We would like to thank everyone who supported Dennis during his journey and ask for privacy for his loved ones as they grieve this profound loss.

As a founding member of Dr. Hook, Locorriere received more than 60 Gold and Platinum singles and hit #1 in more than 42 countries. In addition to the band and his solo work, he was a songwriter whose songs have been recorded by Bob Dylan, Helen Reddy, Willie Nelson, Olivia Newton-John, Jerry Lee Lewis, and others.

Born in New Jersey, Locorriere co-founded Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show in 1969. He served as the group’s lead singer and guitarist and achieved success with singles such as Sylvia’s Mother, Carry Me Carrie, and The Cover of Rolling Stone, to name a few.

After the band shortened their name to Dr. Hook in the mid-1970s, they released more hits, including Sexy Eyes and Better Love Next Time. The band embarked on a farewell tour in 1985, but Locorriere retained the rights to the band’s moniker and continued to tour under the name of Dr. Hook.

In November 2025, he announced his retirement from touring. Dr. Hook last toured Australia in May and June 2017. Before then, Dennis Locorriere Presents Dr. Hook arrived on our shores in October 2015.

Reviewing his show at Perth’s Crown Theatre, The Music’s Dan Cribb wrote, “A playful disclaimer was produced at the set’s beginning that some unknown songs would surface from time to time, but not one tune was delivered without an enthusiastic response, proving Dr. Hook’s back catalogue is indeed timeless.”