WITH the Olympia and Castlebar Shows completely sold out, we have been told there are a small number of tickets still available for the Limerick debut of 70’s and 80’s rock superstars who play the University Concert Hall next Sunday November 1. Dr. Hook featuring Ray Sawyer will deliver all of the bands worldwide smash hits including “Sylvia’s Mother”, “Sexy Eyes” “When You’re in Love With A Beautiful Woman” and a lifetime more.
Ray Sawyer, the spirited, eye patched lead singer of the group Dr. Hook, whose soulful and sometimes comic vocals fronted the bands breakthrough to the “Cover Of The Rolling Stone” an international superstar status in the early 70’s and 80’s, has been touring the United States, Canada and countries overseas, since the break-up of the band in 1984, with a new band and a new twist to his familiar sound. Ray’s current style is harder edged and more soulful then his previous country-rock and pop efforts, through future releases will show the humour is still there.
Born and raised in Alabama, Ray got his first job as a professional musician at age fourteen playing drums with a local band. Blending the black and white Southern music that kept Alabama dance halls and clubs hopping indelibly marked his style. When Ray grew up playing music in Mobile, you play either Country or Rhythm & Blues, though down there they are just about the same thing, its two races talking about their lives, Ray explains. Developing a style that extracted honesty and emotion-the best traits of both Country and R&B. Ray sings with an intensity and sense of conviction that truly moves an audience.
Ray’s trademark eye patch was acquired following a 1967 auto accident that left him without his right eye and kept him laid back for two years. When he was back on his feet, Ray set out for Los Angeles in 1968, working his way back East to New York where the nucleus of Dr. Hook was formed in time to record the score to a Dustin Hoffman film’ Who is Harry Kellerman (and why is he saying those terrible things about me).
Accumulating sixty gold and platinum records worldwide with Dr. Hook, He has gained the confidence of a seasoned entertainer; Ray still to this day travels the world with his band. His son Cayce has been touring with him since he was thirteen playing percussion and singing background vocals in the show. He is now the “Drummer” for the band.
Ray has had the honour of being inducted into the “ Music Hall Of Fame” in April 2005.
