Larry Tamblyn, a founding member of The Standells, died on Friday, March 21, at the age of 82. The announcement was made by his nephew, Dennis Tamblyn, via a social media post the next day.
Dennis Tamblyn shared on Facebook that his uncle Larry had passed, reminiscing about fond family moments and Larry’s influential career with The Standells. The band is well-known for the hit “Dirty Water,” a song frequently played at Boston Red Sox and Bruins games. Dennis also mentioned the band’s appearance on an episode of “The Munsters.”
Born on February 5, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, Tamblyn was from a family with Hollywood connections. He was the younger brother of actor Russ Tamblyn, known for “West Side Story,” and the uncle of actress Amber Tamblyn.
Tamblyn’s music career began before the formation of The Standells. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, he recorded around 45 solo singles with labels such as Faro and Linda Records, including songs like “Dearest,” “Patty Ann,” “This Is The Night,” and “My Bride To Be.”
In 1962, Tamblyn founded a rock band named Larry Tamblyn and The Standells with Tony Valentino, Jody Rich, and Benny King. The band later shortened their name to The Standells. In a 2014 interview, Tamblyn explained the name was inspired by their frequent wait in booking agents’ offices.
The Standells gained prominence with their 1966 hit “Dirty Water,” which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has become a Boston sports anthem, played after Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins victories. While Tamblyn was the keyboard player and original lead singer, drummer Dick Dodd sang lead vocals on “Dirty Water.”
The band also released “Sometimes Good Guys Don’t Wear White,” reaching No. 43 on the charts. Although The Standells did not have other major hits, they appeared on television shows like “The Munsters,” “The Bing Crosby Show,” and “Ben Casey” in 1965, and in films such as “Get Yourself a College Girl” (1964) and “Riot on Sunset Strip” (1967).
In a 2014 Vice interview, Tamblyn shared a story about their “The Munsters” appearance in 1965, before their first hit. The Beatles’ popularity led producers to seek a similar band style, making the experience exciting for Tamblyn, a fan of the show.
Following The Standells’ initial success, members pursued solo paths. Tamblyn revived the band in 2009 with John Fleck, Paul Downing, and Greg Burnham. The reformed group released the album “Bump” in 2013 and toured nationally in 2014 for the first time since the 1960s.
Despite limited chart success, The Standells’ influence on rock music is notable, often recognized as early punk music pioneers, inspiring bands like the Sex Pistols and the Ramones.
In December 2023, Tamblyn was inducted into the California Music Hall of Fame by his brother Russ, now 90. Tamblyn performed at the ceremony, showing his enduring musical passion.
His death led to tributes from family, friends, and fans. A neighbor shared on social media the unique experience of living next to Tamblyn in rural Georgia, a member of a band his 1980s group had covered.
Niece Amber Tamblyn expressed gratitude on Instagram for support, planning to write a tribute to her uncle, whom she described as a brilliant songwriter.
In 2023, Tamblyn published a memoir titled “From Squeaky Clean to Dirty Water: My Life with the Sixties Garage Rock Trailblazers the Standells,” detailing his music industry experiences.
The cause of Tamblyn’s death has not been disclosed. His legacy endures through The Standells’ music and “Dirty Water” at Boston sports events, cementing his role in rock history.
