Paul Revere, beloved classic rock legend, dies at age 76

The world of classic rock music has lost another icon today. Paul Revere, entertainer, singer, musician, bandleader, friend, husband, father and grand man of show business died Oct. 4, 2014 at the age of 76. The news of Revere’s passing came via a post on his band’s official Facebook page tonight.

In August, 2013, Revere shared the news of his battle with cancer with over 100,000 fans on his band’s Facebook page. A wellspring of support, love, prayers and well wishes ensued on his Facebook page, exemplary of the true devotion with which music lovers and Baby Boomers alike held the legend Paul Revere Dick (his real name), born on Jan. 7, 1938.

In the past year, although fans had known that Paul was battling cancer, everyone had prayed, hoped, and shared that they were all counting on Paul to get better. Although it was not widely known by the fans, when Paul made his final stage appearances, it represented such a magnitude and level of courage to still get out there and literally “gave everything he had” to bring the crowd what they came to see—a truly good time.

It was just a few months ago, in July, that the wonderful gentleman decided to step away from the stage, proclaiming that he wanted the show to go on, but without him. Insiders expected that he realized that his time here on Earth was limited but he didn’t want to disappoint his fans for one moment. Ever a man of great business integrity, he changed the name of the band to Paul Revere’s Raiders, to reflect honestly that he was not there as part of the band. Others in the entertainment business admired him for doing just that, what is today called by the ”kids” in the business as “old school.”

Still, the fans kept up a barrage of Facebook posts showing their love for him. When he didn’t have the energy to read them himself, his loving wife Sydney read them to him. Members of his band remained in daily contact with him by phone. Paul kept up enthusiastically with what was going on in the shows and he loved hearing about the fans. He never failed to offer support, strength, courage and love to his musicians, who were doing for him all that they could do, even if through the tears they felt like sharing. Still they went on "for him," because of their devotion to his insistence that it was all, always, for the fans, that he wanted to be there.

Paul Revere’s band is in mourning, deeply, tonight for the loss of their fearless leader. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family as well as his Raiders band, who include Ron Foos (bass) and Doug Heath (lead guitar), who’ve been with him since 1986; Danny Krause (keyboard), who’s been with him since 1986; lead singer Darren Dowler, who joined him in 2008, and drummer Tommy Scheckel, who joined the Raider family in 2010.

Fans can visit the band’s Facebook page to share love and best wishes for the Revere family and extended family, and expect that even though Paul remains with them all in spirit. The 2015 Concerts at Sea signature Revere “Where the Action Is” cruise will sail in January, and Paul Revere’s Raiders will be on it, as well as performing across the country, beginning again in November, because, well stated simply, Paul wanted that to happen.

To borrow a line from Aaron Sorkin, “The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels tonight.” Paul Revere, we thank you for all your gifts and graces shown to the world of music.

The author of Paul Revere’s tribute on his official Facebook page said it most eloquently: By your example, both professional and personal, you've left a blueprint of how to live a life full of love, laughter and happiness. The world will be a lot less fun, a lot less kind and gentle without Paul Revere in it. Your larger-than-life absence will leave a void in our hearts and our lives.

We are all blessed to have known you, and we'll miss you more than you could ever know.

Love forever,

Everyone who has ever met you

Paul Revere (January 7, 1938-October 4, 2014); Photo courtesy of Paul Revere's Facebook page.

Story originally published on examiner.com, which garnered

Classic Rocker Paul Revere Puts Himself on Temporary Hiatus But Sends His Raiders on the Road with His Love and Blessings

It's about as easy for Paul Revere for sit at home while his very own beloved Raiders, they of the Paul Revere & the Raiders fame, go out and entertain the legion of fans who want to see him in concert, together. The Raider fans are a special and distinct group of people. Yes, some of them have the tricorner hats, some of them won in contests, others of them acquired as gifts, but when someone is a Paul Revere & the Raiders fan, they know all the songs, all the words to the songs, and chances are good they're seeing a Raiders concert for the 3rd or 4th time in the past 10 years. It's just a Raider thing.

What's fine about this hiatus is that it gives Paul Revere a chance to truly rest. He's done a fantastic job of managing to perform and receive medical treatment for some health challenges in the past year, but his spirit and will to be there for the fans is a fine offset to the "kick-you into your recliner" feeling you get when you have to take medicines and are told "sit down, rest, and heal." For more than a few months, as Paul's doctors would chime in with this chorus, he'd come back with "la, la, la, la, I can't hear you." Or something close to that. Today, he's listening.

Read the full story. Click HERE

And go see those Raiders in concert because you'll love every minute of the music of your childhood.
In the story you'll find links to send messages to Paul because--although he can't be on the road right now--he can be on the computer reading Facebook posts and e-mails. Tell him why you love his music. That will keep him in smiles. He's resting up for the 2015 "Where the Action Is" cruise from Concerts at Sea! Want to know more about that? Visit www.concertsatsea.com and Harmon Travel and happy sailing!