The most underrated band of all time they could really play. Most of the time they were blitzed but sounded amazing so many different people in this band that can sing lead vocals. Love this band one of my all time favorites. 🤘
@David Filer - Elvis, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles were underrated ????? The influence these three had on music in general is immeasurable. Dr. Hook shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence as the icons you'd listed. Ever hear a successful modern musician say " I got into music after the first time I heard Dr Hook ? Yeah, me neither .
One of the reasons that Dr Hook were so popular during the 1970's in the UK, was that the public 'just liked them as people'. They were always gracious in the live performances and their songs had a sense of mischief held within - Great band and very fond memories of the band.
I think the same thing is true about their success in Australia. They had two number 1 singles and their Greatest Hits album went number 1 here as well. A lot of that popularity was fueled by their appearances here on the Don Lane show - the massively popular late night show that went out live in those days - they came across as spontaneous, fun and unpretentious. The show had a somewhat anarchic structure and would run way over time if something special was happening. Dennis and Ray were responsible for some of those memorable moments, chatting, taking part in skits and performing well after the scheduled end time. Australia just loved them.
They were really great guys, and fine artists... a lot of great stories related with shel Silverstein... documentaries should be mAke about the band and interviews mAde To be members
I get tickled with my grandchildren's reaction when they realize that this was ( and is ) one of Grandma's favorite bands. I still have the albums to prove it.
Silvia’s Mother was a hit when I was in grade 7 in school. I’ll be 70 next week. And I’m a retired nurse. The first time I heard Doctor Hook’s version of Sylvia’s Mother on the radio, I was smitten! Had several record LP’s which are now CD’s. Listen to them regularly. Great band, great tunes thanks to Shel, and still going strong at my house! 🇨🇦🖖🏻🇨🇦
Dr Hook's music and live performances are what legendary bands are all about. To entertain our minds and soul. And that's exactly what Dr Hook did, without missing a heartbeat even when 'stoned' out of their minds! Now that's what you call True Musicianship. If you're over 60 (like I am) then you may recall the music from the 70s with fond memories because that was a time of innocence. Watching bands like Dr Hook perform live is a pleasant stroll down memory lane - they bring back wonderful recollections. So when someone asks 'Whatever happened to Dr Hook?" Well then, you can tell 'em they are alive and well in the responses from folks all over the world like these ones that you're reading!
I saw them yesterday at Bexhill in East Sussex,the last gig of their 50th Anniversary Tour.Dennis was brilliant and the band and experience just great. I do hope they continue to entertain us, Wow!!
As soon as I heard Sylvia's mother, I was hooked. Been a fan since 1972 and seen them in concert three times, more than any other band. Saw Dennis as a solo artist in Bristol. The audience barely in the hundreds, but Dennis did a truly professional performance. Love their songs. First album I ever bought Sylvia's mother.
They were an amazing concert. So talented and a laugh a second. Comedic showmen and amazing music. I can still remember the show 40 years later. :) I still laugh when I remember it.
I don't know what was wrong with people back in the '70s they were one of the best groups out there that should have spent more time buying and listen to their music
We had a tremendous amount of great music (Bands) back in the seventies. Dr Hook was one you’d hear on the radio. Still love their music today and takes me down memory lane. ✌️
I caught Dr. Hook sometime in the 90s (I wish I could remember when more accurately); they played a mid-sized bar in Amarillo, Sneakers. I'm not sure of the lineup they had at the time, although I do know Ray was there with his iconic eye patch. After they played my gf Gretchen and I waited for them at their bus. A little more than a handful were there waiting as they walked to the bus with Gretchen now stating she was Gertrude to the emerging band. Those that know their music will get it. Gretch..., uh Gertrude was asking Ray for an autograph failing at the moment to realize she had neither pen or paper. Smooth as can be Ray asked for a dollar, that was quickly produced signing it for the beautiful young lady. On the one dollar bill, Ray had given George Washington an eye patch and signed his name. I lost Gretchen/Gertrude a long time ago, I wonder if she still has that dollar bill...?
What kind of story about Dr. Hook is this, that doesn't even mention the last name of the lead singer, only 'Dennis'? Dennis Locorriere, you are the best!
I believe Dr Hook were more popular in Australia ( per capita) than anywhere else in the world. One of my favourite bands, deserved more recognition than they received!
Australia has had that effect on a few bands. Abba being the main one. Blondie had their first #1 hit in Oz ('In the Flesh'), Johnny Cougar (as he was then) was saved from being dropped from his label thanks to 'Hurts So Good' being a hit here, Dire Straits were bigger in Australia than anywhere else, and more recently P!nk has broken a lot of touring records.
Loved DrHook! All the songs were just beautiful! No other band had voices so good! Went to their concert in New Zealand and found myself shouting and crying with the lot!
I started dating a girl in September 1979 and when your in love with a beautiful woman had just charted, I bought the single and played it all the time😂😂😂. 43yrs later and were still together. Years from now is one of my favourite songs ever.
Sylvia's Mother , Only Sixteen, and In Love With A Beautiful Woman, Cover Of The Rolling Stone, my favorites in that order !! They seem to have so much fun on stage !! Thank you !!
Since 2020 when i first got to understand Dr Hook on u tube they are now my favourite band of all time & i am 56 of age. I’m just an average music person who likes all sorts that catches my attention. When i got to hear Dr Hook then it was a different ball game, only through u tube i got to get the privilege of knowing this amazing band, totally changed my mind set…. It’s the greatest guilty pleasure I’ve ever had. I never go with out a Dr Hook fix, its the only real thing in my life i get a real kick out of. Got to say Dennis Locorriere has the most wonderful voice, but all in all the band & with all the musicians over the years were spot on. What a joy to listen to this kind of music ❤️ some people look forward but i look backwards, thats where the real music started ✊ Thank you for the music Dr Hook & never forget Ron Haffkine & Shel Silverstein they made them 🥰❤️
"Roland the Roadie", "Cover of the rolling stone" "Baby makes the blue jeans talk" and "Freaking at the freakers ball" are my favorite songs from Dr. Hook
That's a sound list. Lots of good songs with two very different feels to their music. Hard to beleive the same band gives you I got stoned and sexy eyes but they do.
Hey!!!, thank you 🥰, I grew up with Dr Hook being played at family parties, good memories, and now my boys listen to it , they have no choice!🤣🤣🤣, much love and kindness always Tracie from Australia ❤
I saw Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show live at a concert in Walnut Creek, CA. sometime in the early 70's. They are still one of my favorite bands. We had lots of great bands that were based in the SF Bay Area.
I remember Sylvia's Mother, how can you forget it? I was a kid when these guys were starting out. There was fun music for everyone's taste back then. You have a great channel. Must be very difficult to compile all this info. Cover of the Rolling Stone will be in my head for days. Thanks.
April Wine is still touring . Myles also has put out a Blues Album and is doing a Just between You and Me tour with Jim Henman ( original Member of AW ) and Bruce Dixon . All 3 living in the Halifax Nova Scotia Area
It would be great to interview these guys from the band and come up with a documentary about the band... Dennis is also around. One should never neglect the great shel Silverstein... his contribution was vital from what I know to the band. And he is rarely mentioned as a songwriter, poet, etc... I am sure the boys from the band would have a lot to tell us about it black then, and about shel. There is a nice footage of all of them in shel houseboat in Sausalito. I guess those were the days! A challenege - for someone with ability and resources to do a documentary about the band and interviewing the members 😊
I'm 45. I remember going to a Dr Hook concert when I was still young enough (and small enough lol) to sit on my Dad's shoulders. They were throwing maracas into the crowd. It was fun and I was raised on Dr Hook songs, unfortunately I never was able to catch a maraca.
Australia gets a few mentions near the end, but they were huge in Australia in the mid 1970s. Our hit music show "Countdown" played their videos often, and the energy and fun of their live performance was very popular. They did at least two tours. As I recall their biggest hit was "Only Sixteen", and maybe "Walk Right In". "Cover of the Rolling Stone" was well known, but only as one of their early hits, before they were known in Australia.
@@NewFalconerRecords I didn't see that! Thanks for telling us. Sums up why we loved them - "They'd basically just sit around and jam, very loose and low-key."
Well it was a long time ago, can't remember if Shel was there but enjoyed hanging with Ray and Dennis, we were the support band and Ray did everything he could to give us a good sound because we had to use their rigs ,great memories, can't tell you everything that happened haha
Sitting in a bar near San Diego State University called "The Back Door" my friend and I were sitting in a booth and this guy walks up to us and offers a pitcher of beer and proceed to sit down and chat for serveral minutes. He then stands up and saids "well I've got to go now" and stolls down to the stage and the band starts playing "Sivia's Mother" ...it was Ray Sawyer
There were many popular bands at the hight of their popularity who's music can still be heard through radio and television. If someone wants to hear Dr Hook they literally have to search for it. No one hears them anymore. That's only 1 of a few reasons why they are underrated. There sound was like no other, as common as that sounds, it's true
@@gogoyubari366 That's also my question. They had their fortune and fame during the '70 and even '80's. Big hits even when they were wimpy. So I think rated at value.
The first time i ever heard Dr. Hook was at a Presbyterian summer camp in the mid 80s.. one of the camp counselors had a couple of tapes, one being a mix tape, the other being "sloppy seconds".. that was a great summer.. when I hear "when you're in love with a beautiful woman ", it takes me back to the cut, in a bunkhouse, and a battery powered tape deck. Good times!
Met Ray several times , I live in Nova Scotia , and Sound a lot like Ray , My favorite song is Carry Me Carrie , but love them all !! Soup stone is another favorite , And I also like every ones making it big but me and Millionaire !!! Last time I saw Ray was in 04 at Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax , Mr Francis was living on the South Shore of Nova Scotia as was Ray . I got a couple more years on on ya Baby is another favorite . An very under rated band . And Radio was not their friend !! They had so many good tunes that never saw the light of radio !! And if I am not mistaken Ray toured Canada with a band called Ray Sawyer and the Canadian Connection . And even though not "Political Correct today , I want Freakers Ball played at my funeral
I have been a very huge fan of Dr Hook since the 70’s. In the 80’s, I seen them in concert and shook hands with all the band. In the 90’s I seen them again in concert. Have a framed photo of Dr Hook giving me a kiss on the cheek. I would gladly see them again if possible. They are definitely one of my favorite bands!! ❤️☮️😎🌏
I first heard their music from my older brother who was a DJ for our local radio station. I was born in '60. So had excellent exposure to all the many great groups of that time 70's to current. Love this band , great music.
Great overview of the band ! Thoroughly enjoyed it . Sylvia's Mother is one of my favourite songs & I named my daughter after it . When I sing it too her she tells me to shoosh cause it's so sad 😂 ❤❤
I love the video of “ When you’re in love with a beautiful woman” when he sings “ Watch your friends” and he looks at the other band members in a suspicious manner. 😂
I saw them in 1979 in Greensboro, NC. Sadly, they were opening for Sha Na Na, but in my opinion they easily upstaged Sha Na Na. It was my first concert, and when my dad bought the tickets, he had no idea who Dr. Hook was. He bought the tickets for himself, my brother, and me, because of Sha Na Na. My dad was standing up singing "I was stoned but I missed it," before he realized what it meant.
Wish I had met the man... did he ever shared stories about being around with the band? What about shel Silverstein? He is a character I am always fascinated about... did ray ever Mentioned shel or any stories about shel?
I've had some online interaction with Rik Elswit, so I've been checking out a lot of the band's stuff. They were a bit "before my time", and the first thing I can remember hearing from them when it was current was "When You're In Love With a Beautiful Woman". I only heard that because it was frequently played on the country music radio station my dad listened to. I didn't really like the song at the time (hey, I was probably 12 or so), so I didn't investigate the band any further at the time. Wish I had, because their music is a lot of fun, and they seem to be a great bunch of guys.
oh God - judy, last mornin, i'll sing another song for y0u - anything shel silverstein wrote for them - dennis and ray - both voices that kill me. but also everybody loves me !!!!!
The millionaire, On the way to the bottom and Levitate. For some reason, I don't hate, but seriously dislike, their hits. (I have a personal thing about excessive popularity. But, hey. That's just me. Give me the unique stuff.) From Levitate, the line, "If you can possibly manage, get one of your ankles on the floor.....", cracks me up to this day. I use that line when training new technicians on the use of extremely complex electronic test equipment. Needless to say, I get a lot of confused looks. I love it. I think the Shel Silverstein influence on Dr. Hook's work was the best part.
I went to see Dr. Hook when I was 14 in 1977. My friends & I got to go back stage & party with the band. They were very nice & loved having a good time. I just wish I could have seen them again but never got the chance. Love their music.
Man... that way pure gold. Any stories from that day? Was shel Silverstein around too? How was it? Lol would love to read from you and that experience. I am a huge fan and grew up listening to them even while in Europe
Thanks for this, so glad I found this, fantastic band great individual members all with their own bit to offer to the line-up. Great music and great characters, sad that they seemed to gradually leave the limelight as a group.
Dennis came from my hometown. He was a great guy we went to the same high school. He was a friend of my husband. I remember him from school. I wish I seen them perform.
@@billsmarysam1238 i am trying to get him to do an interview about shel silverstein since shel was such an important part of dr. Hook as well... i bet those were the days! One can only imagine how nice it had been to grow up during that time around those areas 🌈
I went to see Dennis Locorriere on his 50th anniversary of Dr Hook tour with my old dear and step dad and he was brilliant. Loads of classics and some songs I'd not heard before which were still enjoyable. Hope to see him again.
I saw them back in the early eighties at the Cape Cod melody tent it was my first concert and was forever turned on to live music! They were phenomenal!
My older brother met them through a friend and partied with them one night. He brought home a "not for sale" album, fully autographed and with a bunch of funny songs on it... I have no idea if most of those songs were ever released commercially. Songs like Roland the Roadie and Gertrude the Groupie, Acapulco Goldie, Penicillin Penny (which I can now see over on the side that there's a video of, so maybe it was released commercially). Anyway, the band that I heard seemed a lot different than what I heard commercially a few years later. When I was in high school, She Was Sixteen was on the radio. Nothing like that was on the album I'd heard a few years before.
So strange how some of their tunes were a hit in the U.K., but not so in the U.S., and vice versa. In fact, I wouldn't think Brit audiences would be that receptive to their "raw" sound and hillbilly-ish appearance ..
Dr. Hook band is full of beautiful history... it’s members, the involvement of shel Silverstein as a song writer with them and their appearance in the Dustin Hoffman movie, the involvement of guys like Clive Davis and Ron affine, their connection to the folk and country band influence of the that time (with whom shel Silverstein worked with), the exotic locales they would go and where Dennis and ray and billy started back in union city, New Jersey... in fact, a challenge... a documentary should be made about the band. It would be great. So,e of the members are still alive
extremely fond memories of this band of fine gents. my parents and aunties / uncles would play their vinyl / s frequently., glorious times we all had.! ☺️😊😃 ✌🏻🌏🇦🇺🤘🏻
I-saw them perform in June 1973 at Annapolis, Maryland naval academy, June week, graduation ceremonies. It was a great show! I really enjoyed it. What a memory!
Sometime in the 70s they came to Australia and that didn't end well the band got deported for drugs (none was found) my ex mother in law was in house keeping at their hotel she said they were the most polite clean and friendly guest she meet she said they got railroaded. They must've been nice she didn't like too many people.
Saw them at the Alladin in Las Vegas I wanna say around 1978. i was 12 years old. When Vegas was fun. The Alladin was where you saw Concerts. And Dr. Hook, was great.
