Showband legend Dickie makes a rock solid promise to the people of Cork

LEGENDARY showband singer Dickie Rock has vowed to make his comeback in Cork following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 82-year-old crooner broke hearts last year after announcing that he would be leaving the music industry with the exception of one-off gigs. 

But the recent coronavirus has helped change his mind, making him determined to return to Cork stages.

The octogenarian is even giving hope to fellow “cocooners”, revealing that he’d love to play in Cork nursing homes as soon as it is safe to do so.

After a career spanning more than six decades Dickie reassured fans that he is not finished yet. 

However, he advised older people to stick with the programme so he can perform for them again when the time is right.

He also hopes to perform to a packed out Cork venue for a concert to remember in 2021.

“Cork has been good to me since 1963,” he said.

Dickie said he hopes the pandemic will bring about a positive social shift.

“People are kinder now,” he said. 

“They seem to be more aware of other people. It’s changed people for sure. People who were very selfish before now realise that no man is an island.”

He remembers a time when — along with many others in Ireland — adoring Cork woman threw their underwear on stage.

“That was great, although I always made sure to throw them back. They might have needed them!” he laughed.

He urged the elderly not to lose hope.

“They (older people) should stay in for as long as it is deemed necessary and not until I’m coming back to Cork,” he joked.

The singer has fond memories of Cork.

“I remember playing in the Arcadia which as far as I know is all apartments now,” he said. 

"I sang 'I can’t get used to losing You', by Andy Williams, and I had to perform it three or four times throughout the night because they loved it so much. 

"Back then everyone listened to Elvis and rock and roll songs. The Cork people were the first to appreciate this kind of quality music.”