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
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 .
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.
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!
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! 🇨🇦🖖🏻🇨🇦
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 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.
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.
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 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!!
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 🥰❤️
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 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!
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 !!
"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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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'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.
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
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."
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-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!
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.
I grew up riding around in an old 65 chevy truck with an 8 track tape player under the dash and listening to Dr Hook. One of the most underated musical acts ever.
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!
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.! ☺️😊😃 ✌🏻🌏🇦🇺🤘🏻
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.
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
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 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'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.
These guys were great. You could tell they were having fun and they're vibe was infectious. They didn't come across as having giant egos which doomed so many bands of the era.
That's not true. Egos didn't doom the bands of the 1970's. Many were great for many years. The only thing some bands had problems with were the management people or managers. They screw the bands out of a lot of money.
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?
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 😊
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
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 🌈
Loved these guys! I'm 56 now and I've turned my teenage granddaughters on to alot of my favorites from the 70's. We love to dance around the house and sing the oldies just like my kids did with me when THEY were young. Can't think of a song of theirs that I didn't like and thankfully I found "Ronja's Dr Hook channel" so that I can enjoy them anytime I want. Lost my husband in 2021 and I can't tell you how many times I've watched the "carry me Carrie on Shel's houseboat" video. Got me thru some pretty rough times....
I graduated in 74 and Dr. Hook and company helped me get thru my formative teen years. Still have a best of cd and listen to it often. Just a side note, a good friend of mine got to spend a concert backstage with them and said it was the best time of his life. They were fun and easily accessible I think his words were.
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. 😂
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.
They played in a small bar/club in Louisville, maybe 150 people. We stayed after the show drinking and wowing about the show.. there was 4 of us. After about 20 or so minutes, they came back on stage, invited everyone still left, about 20 of us and we sang, drank, etc… had an awesome blast with Dr. Hook!
I saw Dr. Hook at a club in Bethany W.Va. in spring of 76. About 3 hundred people, they were insane. I remember Dennis singing only sixteen and a lot of blues songs.
This band was always endearing to me as I was into music from the other side of the fence, . I saw them first at the Capitol in Passaic NJ warmed up for John Mayall, Lynerd Skynard warmed up for Dr. Hook, I didn't know much at 13 or 14 but I did know that I liked Dr. Hook more than them. Mayall blew my mind with his Jazz Blues Fusion band. Years later we went to see them at TG;s in Greenwood Lake NY, a supper club, during dinner some dude was testing the mic forever it seemed just saying Check Test, Check Test, Check Test, imagine eating dinner with that going on the whole time, So now the good part if you stayed with me this long, Dr. Hook takes the stage and us diners upstaged them and we demanded that Check Test come out and say it one more time, Imagine 300 people all yelling 'WE WANT CHECK TEST, WE WANT CHECK TEST. The band didn't know what was wrong with us and Check Test came out grabbed the mike and said CHECK TEST AND he got a standing ovation. The band were blown away by us and then they were allowed to play, It was one of those things, Were any of you out there at that show and remember that. My buds remember it. It was so classic.
Got to see Him in 2015 in London Ontario Canada, Sounded just like the albums. Will never forget that little old man getting on stage and blowing us away.
This video shows Dennis Locorriere singing Sylvia's Mother. Ray Sawyer is the guy with the eye patch and cowboy hat. He sings Cover of the Rolling Stone, but Dennis sang most of their hits including Sylvia's Mother, Queen of the Silver Dollar, Sexy Eyes, Sharing the Night Together, and Carry Me Carrie. (Edited for spelling)
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.
Remember going to see them at the old Apollo in Glasgow 1981 or 82 a magical night the band were amazing and just seemed to enjoy what they were doing never a dull moment on stage and the harmonies between them in that old venue were amazing.
The very first concert I ever seen, early 80's Paducah Kentucky , it was an amazing experience , as a young lady, Had the Albums . Little bit more and pleasure and pain knew every song, what a loss of an amazing band with iconic amazing music
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.
I met Denis on a fight from the Uk to Melbourne. I went to the show with my cousin and was invited back to the hotel for a drink, the band hung around the bar and the half dozen of us invited sat a table talking to each other we even bought our own drinks. Certainly not the after show invites you hear about from others. The last time I met him was when they played my home town. That was at least 5 centuries ago! well 50 years!
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.
Interesting take
That’s why i got to like them, just so true to them selfs… genuine & realistic no Bull !! 👍
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.
For example ... ua-cam.com/video/3caXEWbbi2k/v-deo.html
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
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. 🤘
My feelings about them exactly!👍
I'm so sad I never got to see them perform. I love all their music
They were consistently big in Australia in the 1970's, always on the radio, always making more hits.
Followed by Elvis, with the Beatles and Rolling Stones in joint third on the all time so so underrated list.
@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 .
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.
Dr. Hook is one of the reasons the 70's & 80's were the best decades for music.
There is not another voice which is so recognizable. Brilliant, lovely, mega talented.
your so right!!!
Absolutely Right Man, never bee another Dr Hook
I remember growing up in the 70s. And Dr hook music was being played everywhere on the radios.
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!
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! 🇨🇦🖖🏻🇨🇦
Yep this band could make it in any and all generations I guess you call them timeless
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 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.
my husband of 41 yrs, and i started dating in 1980.love all their music, for sure!
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.
You were Dr Hooked !
Sylvia’s mother was written by Shel Silverstein who wrote a hell of a lot of their “hits”. Not my cup of tea at all but hey ho
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
I agree !!
I did!
A lot of talent in the 1970s. I like them, but Lynyrd Skynyrd were the same but probably better in many regards.
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. ✌️
No they weren't.
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!!
Not the same at sll
You saw Dennis
I was a teen in the 70's and loved Dr. Hook and The Medicine Show. Had some of their songs on vinyl. Still like the music they came out with.
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 🥰❤️
Oklahoma loved them 70 s on ….
They got golden fingers.
What a wonderful and concise review. Every one of the band and crew that were Dr. Hook would find great pleasure in these words I believe.
The music on shels houseboat, makes me want to go back to that time, I miss it so much
2020? Dang, Ray had been gone 2 years already by then!
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.
Grew up listening to these guys…still listen now. I’m 44
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!
What other band had a hit every time they whether the hit the 1 one spot they were number one just amazing bunch of guys that were simply amazing❤❤❤❤
Wish I could watch them one more time WOW I HAVE A PLAY LIST OF ALL MY FAVORITES RHERE ARE FIVE OF THEIR SONGS ON IT NO ONE ELSE CAME CLOSE
I seen them in California when I was 18. They were fantastic. One of the best memories I have.
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...?
Glasgow Appollo theatre 1981 . Dr Hook . Best live concert I have ever attended . Great night never forgotten
This was a great band, the lead singer has a great , very unique voice loved their songs.
They never wrote any of their own songs, Shel Silverstein takes all the credits, pretty much a gimmick band, certainly not for me
One of my favorite bands of all times! Love the song Last morning
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!
Also didn't mention Rik Elswit still being alive and well.
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 !!
I forgot about how many hits they had until I was doing research for the video.
You forgot to mention Only Sixteen Sam Cooke's remake.
"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
“When you’re in love with a beautiful woman” loved that song.
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.
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.
This band is so underrated!
What makes you believe they're underrated? Please explain.
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.
They were on the cover of Rolling Stone...
Dr. Hook and the Medicine show sure had a lot of soulful rhythm. AMEN ❤ I hope they made the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame . They deserve it!❤
They never will. They don't meet the criteria according to the powers that be. 😡
Back in the 1970s they were one of my favorite bands. I just loved their music.
I shared the stage with these guys back in the 70s in Copenhagen great bunch of friendly blokes and great musicians
Soooo cool! Any fun stories from that time when together? Was shel Silverstein around too? How was it? Would love to read from you about it
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
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.
Thanks for listening
My mom loved Sylvia’s Mother more than the other songs on the Greatest Hits album.
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'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.
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
"I got stoned and I missed it", was, and still is, one of my favorites
More of the best songs of my younger days. Thank you. ❤
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.
Remember their appearances on the Don Lane Show? They'd basically just sit around and jam, very loose and low-key.
@@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."
Rik Elswit is still alive & kicking! Lives in California.
Oh, Rik Elswit, the most underrated member of the most underrated band. But I think he preferred it that way. Not everybody want to be stars.
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 😂 ❤❤
Glad you enjoyed it
"Freaking at the Freakers Ball" is my all time novelty song
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!
Now that must have been a blast lol any fun stories about it? Managed to talk to them?
Saw them years ago. Fantastic show! They performed at Cowboys in Tullahoma! Dennis had a great voice. Such emotion.
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.
Had the great pleasure of seeing this group in 1984 in Halifax Yorkshire Amazing night
I grew up riding around in an old 65 chevy truck with an 8 track tape player under the dash and listening to Dr Hook. One of the most underated musical acts ever.
They were pretty big down here in Australia in the late 70s, early 80s also....Only 16 was a pretty decent hit in our market.
Excellent. So educational and interesting. And a sad ending, sort of, at the end.
They were a great band . Loved Them. Thank You and Best Regards.
Glad you enjoyed it
Great memories growing up, Big rock singers we got golden fingers and we're loved everywhere we go!
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!
I love live concerts. I’ve been to over 100 concerts and hope to see many more. I haven’t seen Dr hook but I’d love to see them if I get a chance.
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.!
☺️😊😃
✌🏻🌏🇦🇺🤘🏻
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.
Glad you enjoyed it
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
Ray and Mr.Francis lived on the South Shore? I had no idea. Cool.
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 ❤
That is awesome!
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'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.
An interview with him and the other band members would be great... a documentary. Pass him the idea please lol
These guys were great. You could tell they were having fun
and they're vibe was infectious. They didn't come across as
having giant egos which doomed so many bands of the era.
That's not true. Egos didn't doom the bands of the 1970's. Many were great for many years. The only thing some bands had problems with were the management people or managers. They screw the bands out of a lot of money.
I was a big fan and still love all their music. I wish I could find guitar music for what I considered some of their greatest songs.
I love dr Hook. They make the best songs to play guitar and sing along to!
Ray was a great friend, showed me the ropes on the road. MISS HIM.
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?
they're still on my playlist....eternally.
I say, what happened to April Wine??
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
@@wayneschnare4019 nice! Love them. Sign of the Gypsy queen...
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 😊
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
That had to be great my man lol hey we’re damn nice and cool for sure
They where very popular in Denmark. In a particular concert they dropped their close and performed naken 😄
You beat me to it
I seen them live in 1980 best concert ever been
My first concert same year in 1980
❤ no other groyp has ever put as much energy into perfoŕmances as DR hook.
I never saw them but their hits I knew the words to all of them ! I loved dr. Hook
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.
It means you are from union city, New Jersey lol
@@Zheugma Yes! He was always in my neighborhood. I remember seeing him around when we growing up since we went to the same schools.
@@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 🌈
Loved these guys! I'm 56 now and I've turned my teenage granddaughters on to alot of my favorites from the 70's. We love to dance around the house and sing the oldies just like my kids did with me when THEY were young. Can't think of a song of theirs that I didn't like and thankfully I found "Ronja's Dr Hook channel" so that I can enjoy them anytime I want. Lost my husband in 2021 and I can't tell you how many times I've watched the "carry me Carrie on Shel's houseboat" video. Got me thru some pretty rough times....
I graduated in 74 and Dr. Hook and company helped me get thru my formative teen years. Still have a best of cd and listen to it often. Just a side note, a good friend of mine got to spend a concert backstage with them and said it was the best time of his life. They were fun and easily accessible I think his words were.
They were the perfect group to perform Shel Silverstein's songs. Such fun
Posting 6-16-24. Rik Elswit is still living, and will be 79 on July 6. Thanks so much for this!
Thanks for listening
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. 😂
Rik Elswit is also still alive and playing. He plays in a couple bands in the Bay Area. Super nice guy, too.
Thanks for the info!
An interview with him and the others about the band would be a great thing to do while we still have them with us .... someone ?
I am in the UK, and thank my Mum and Dad for introducing me to them all through my early years. Legends ! Still listening to this day
That's awesome!
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.
saw these guys playing in a little dive bar thirty years ago. they were awesome.
My mother introduced me to Dr.Hook we named our cat Dr.Hook he made it 17.5 years 😢 great times!
Sorry to hear that
RIP Ray! Not the voice, but certainly the look of the band. Most people would not recognize Dennis if they passed him on the street.
Love Dr. Hook, beautiful voices and music. No fovourites because I love all of their songs.
Saw them in Bexhill last month, brilliant show, Dennis still rocks.
71 years old now , and can still sing along with every lyric ! Dr Hook the best ever !
They played in a small bar/club in Louisville, maybe 150 people. We stayed after the show drinking and wowing about the show.. there was 4 of us. After about 20 or so minutes, they came back on stage, invited everyone still left, about 20 of us and we sang, drank, etc… had an awesome blast with Dr. Hook!
I had Garfats father as a 5th grade math teacher. He had us learn "cover of the rolling stone" by heart. He was a very well liked teacher
I saw Dr. Hook at a club in Bethany W.Va. in spring of 76. About 3 hundred people, they were insane. I remember Dennis singing only sixteen and a lot of blues songs.
I still got the ticket stubs in photo album from that concert lol.
@Mystery Mountain do you remember them running off the stage and out the side door for about 5 minutes f I r a little refreshment lol
My favorite band of all time, but you forgot to mention FREAKERS BALL!!!!!
This band was always endearing to me as I was into music from the other side of the fence, . I saw them first at the Capitol in Passaic NJ warmed up for John Mayall, Lynerd Skynard warmed up for Dr. Hook, I didn't know much at 13 or 14 but I did know that I liked Dr. Hook more than them. Mayall blew my mind with his Jazz Blues Fusion band. Years later we went to see them at TG;s in Greenwood Lake NY, a supper club, during dinner some dude was testing the mic forever it seemed just saying Check Test, Check Test, Check Test, imagine eating dinner with that going on the whole time, So now the good part if you stayed with me this long, Dr. Hook takes the stage and us diners upstaged them and we demanded that Check Test come out and say it one more time, Imagine 300 people all yelling 'WE WANT CHECK TEST, WE WANT CHECK TEST. The band didn't know what was wrong with us and Check Test came out grabbed the mike and said CHECK TEST AND he got a standing ovation. The band were blown away by us and then they were allowed to play, It was one of those things, Were any of you out there at that show and remember that. My buds remember it. It was so classic.
Got to see Him in 2015 in London Ontario Canada, Sounded just like the albums.
Will never forget that little old man getting on stage and blowing us away.
Who? Ray or Dennis?
This video shows Dennis Locorriere singing Sylvia's Mother. Ray Sawyer is the guy with the eye patch and cowboy hat. He sings Cover of the Rolling Stone, but Dennis sang most of their hits including Sylvia's Mother, Queen of the Silver Dollar, Sexy Eyes, Sharing the Night Together, and Carry Me Carrie. (Edited for spelling)
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.
From Freakers Ball to Daddy's Little Girl these guys ran the whole spectrum of emotion.
I saw Dr. Hook live in 1981 & 1983. They put on a fine show
You left out one of their biggest hits- "Only Sixteen" which was a huge hit in 1975.
I thought the same thing. I had the 45 back in the day.
Remember going to see them at the old Apollo in Glasgow 1981 or 82 a magical night the band were amazing and just seemed to enjoy what they were doing never a dull moment on stage and the harmonies between them in that old venue were amazing.
They were an excellent band. One of the best back in the 70s, glad i grew up in the 70s what a great decade.
They got old. But a very under appreciated group.
The very first concert I ever seen, early 80's Paducah Kentucky , it was an amazing experience , as a young lady, Had the Albums . Little bit more and pleasure and pain knew every song, what a loss of an amazing band with iconic amazing music
Played Hickory, NC Octoberfest in 1994. I danced with my husband and little girl. Such fun! Husband is gone now. This is a great memory!
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.
Penicillin Penny was hilarious, but got little radio air time! Great band.
I met Denis on a fight from the Uk to Melbourne. I went to the show with my cousin and was invited back to the hotel for a drink, the band hung around the bar and the half dozen of us invited sat a table talking to each other we even bought our own drinks. Certainly not the after show invites you hear about from others. The last time I met him was when they played my home town. That was at least 5 centuries ago! well 50 years!
Will never forget there Australian version off " The wild colonial boy" Great band.
They had some great music in the 70s, unfortunately I was stoned and I missed it.
..and it rolled right by...