27 May 2025<\/time>\n <\/p>\nRick Derringer, the celebrated classic rock guitarist whose career spanned over six decades, has died aged 77. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Rick Derringer, the celebrated classic rock guitarist whose career spanned over six decades, has died aged 77<\/p>\n
His longtime friend and caretaker Tony Wilson confirmed the news, stating Derringer passed away at 8:09pm on Monday (26.05.25) in Ormond Beach, Florida, surrounded by his wife Jenda and Wilson himself.<\/p>\n
Tony said in a statement: \u201cDerringer\u2019s legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent. His passing leaves a void in the music world, and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones.\u201d <\/p>\n
He also noted Rick \u201cleft an indelible mark on the music industry as a guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer\u201d.<\/p>\n
Born Rick Zehringer in 1947, Derringer was a pioneering figure in rock music, best known as the co-founder of The McCoys. Alongside his brother Randy Zehringer, 75, and bass player Dennis Kelly, he formed the band in Ohio in 1962. <\/p>\n
\nThe group achieved early success with the 1965 hit \u2018Hang On Sloopy\u2019, recorded when Derringer was just 17. <\/p>\n
\nHis influence extended far beyond The McCoys, as he wrote the iconic \u2018Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo\u2019 \u2013\u00a0which featured in season four of \u2018Stranger Things\u2019 \u2013\u00a0and composed Hulk Hogan\u2019s \u2018Real American\u2019 wrestling theme.<\/p>\n
\nIn addition to his own recordings, including his 1973 debut solo album \u2018All-American Boy\u2019, Rick produced \u2018Weird\u2019 Al Yankovic\u2019s first album and helped launch Patti Smith\u2019s career by giving her first major credit on the song \u2018Jump\u2019. <\/p>\n
\nThroughout his life, he collaborated with a range of music heroes such as Alice Cooper, Barbra Streisand, Cyndi Lauper, and was known as a friend of Andy Warhol. <\/p>\n
\nIn recent years, he toured worldwide with Ringo Starr and The All Starr Band.<\/p>\n
\nTributes poured in on social media following the announcement. <\/p>\n
\nVinny Appice, drummer for Black Sabbath and Rick\u2019s former bandmate, wrote online: \u201cRick was a great guitarist and even more a teacher to me… we recorded three albums together and played many tours, opening for Aerosmith, Boston, Foghat and more.\u201d John Corabi, former M\u00f6tley Cr\u00fce frontman, described Derringer as \u201ca brilliant guitarist\/producer and songwriter\u201d. <\/p>\n
\nJoe Bonamassa added: \u201cIt was an honor to know you, work with you and call you a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nRon Onesti, president of Onesti Entertainment and owner of the Arcada Theatre in Illinois, recalled a recent phone call with Rick in his tribute.<\/p>\n
\nHe said: \u201cHe called me from his bed a few days ago \u2013\u00a0we planned on his return to The Arcada. He said, \u2018I want nothing more.\u2019 <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI can\u2019t believe it. He is now in Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo Heaven. God bless him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nNo cause of death has been officially disclosed, though Rick had faced several health issues recently, including undergoing an ankle bypass operation.<\/p>\n
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