Music icon Larry Tamblyn dies aged 82 as family issues heartfelt tribute
Music legend Larry Tamblyn has died at the age of 82, his nephew Dennis Tamblyn confirmed.
The musician was best known for his work with the band The Standells, who had a major hit with Dirty Water in 1966.
His cause of death has not been disclosed.
Paying tribute to his uncle, Dennis Tamblyn wrote: “A few years ago, The Standells played at Hotel Congress here in Tucson and Larry stayed with me.
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“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.”
The Standells were an American garage rock band from Los Angeles, formed in the 1960s.
They have been referred to as a “punk band of the 1960s” and are said to have inspired such groups as the Sex Pistols and Ramones.
The band was formed in 1962 by lead vocalist and keyboard player Larry, guitarist Tony Valentino, bass guitarist Jody Rich, and drummer Benny King.
Their 1966 hit Dirty Water became one of the most iconic garage rock anthems of the era.
Prior to his success with The Standells, Larry had been a solo performer in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
During this period, he recorded several singles including Dearest, Patty Ann, This Is The Night” My Bride To Be and Destiny for Faro and Linda Records.
Tamblyn came from a family with strong Hollywood connections. His brother is actor Russ Tamblyn, who starred in films including Django Unchained and Drive.
Very saddened to hear about the passing of Larry Tamblyn of The Standells. Fabulous keyboardist and sometimes lead singer. We’re glad to have met him a couple of years ago. Rock on Larry, thank you for the music.#larrytamblyn #thestandells #vinyl #garagerock #nuggets #60smusic pic.twitter.com/QBITgxWADr
— The Striped Bananas 🍌 (@TheStripedBanan) March 23, 2025
The icon was also uncle to actress and author Amber Tamblyn, who starred in a number of major US TV shows like House.
Fans took to social media to share their own tributes to the star.
“R.I.P. Larry Tamblyn eternal frontman lead singer organist with The Standells… you’ll be truly missed,” one wrote.
Another wrote: “Very saddened to hear about the passing of Larry Tamblyn of The Standells. Fabulous keyboardist and sometimes lead singer. We’re glad to have met him a couple of years ago. Rock on Larry, thank you for the music.”
“Stunned by the sudden passing of rocker Larry Tamblyn… My heart goes out to his close friends and family including his wife, children, older brother Russ, nience Amber and nephew Dennis… you will be deeply missed,” a third added.
A fourth shared: “I was a fan of Larry Tamblyn’s music with the Standells back in the day… So sorry to lose Larry. He was a great guy.”