Dennis Locorriere, the guitarist and singer who co-fronted the 1970s soft rock band Dr. Hook, has died at the age of 76. Multiple outlets report that his management confirmed the death occurred after a “long and courageous battle” with kidney disease. The Guardian and other sources cite a statement describing how he faced his illness with “remarkable strength, dignity, and resilience,” and that he is remembered by those close to him. Stereogum adds that he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, citing information from the band’s website, with the death dated to May 16, 2026.
Locorriere is associated with several of Dr. Hook’s well-known hits. NME and Forbes highlight that he performed lead vocals on tracks including “Only Sixteen,” “A Little Bit More,” and “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman.” NME also notes other famous songs from the band’s catalog, including “Sylvia’s Mother” and “The Cover of Rolling Stone.” Across coverage, he is consistently described as a central figure in Dr. Hook’s transatlantic success in the 1970s, remembered as part of the band’s distinctive country-rock and soft rock sound.
