Larry Tamblyn, founding member of The Standells and brother of actor Russ Tamblyn dies, aged 82

Larry Tamblyn, founding member of The Standells and brother of actor Russ Tamblyn, has died, aged 82.

The frontman and keyboardist’s death was announced by his nephew, Dennis Tamblyn, on Friday (March 21) in a post on Facebook. No cause of death has yet been shared.

He wrote: “My uncle Larry Tamblyn passed away today. I have very fond memories of him and his family over the years. He lived an incredible life. He was in a band called The Standells, whose hit song ‘Dirty Water’ is still played to this day whenever the Red Sox or the Bruins win a home game. They also played on an episode of The Munsters.”

Tamblyn continued: “A few years ago, The Standells played at Hotel Congress here in Tucson, Ariz., and Larry stayed with me. It was so great to hang out with him and catch up. He was still making music well into his later years. You will be missed, Uncle Larry.”

Tamblyn, who is the younger brother of Twin Peaks actor Russ Tamblyn, was born in Los Angeles on February 5, 1943. The Standells were formed in 1962 by Tamblyn, guitarist Tony Valentino, bassist Jody Rich and drummer Benny King.

In 1966, they recorded their most famous hit ‘Dirty Water’ which is still played after every Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins home win. It peaked at Number 11 on the Billboard charts.

In addition to 1965 episodes of The Munsters, The Bing Crosby Show and Ben Casey, The Standells also appeared in such low-budget films as Get Yourself A College Girl (1964) and Riot On Sunset Strip (1967).

After taking a long break to pursue a solo career, he performed again under the band’s name in 2009 with bassist John Fleck, guitarist Paul Downing and drummer Greg Burnham.

They released their final album ‘Bump’ in 2013. That same year former drummer Dick Dodd, died aged 68 after battling cancer.

In December 2023, Tamblyn was inducted into the California Music Hall of Fame by his brother.

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