Larry Tamblyn, Standells Founding Member, Dead at 82
Larry Tamblyn, Standells Founding Member & Russ Tamblyn’s Brother, Dies at 82
Larry Tamblyn, a founding member of the influential 1960s rock band The Standells and younger brother of actor Russ Tamblyn, has passed away at the age of 82.
His nephew, Dennis Tamblyn, announced the news in a heartfelt Facebook post, remembering his uncle’s “incredible life.” While he did not disclose the cause of death, he recalled fond memories of Larry staying with him in Arizona and noted that the musician was still actively creating music in his later years.
The Standells’ Legacy
Larry co-founded The Standells, a garage rock band credited with pioneering a raw, gritty sound that some consider an early precursor to punk. The band influenced legendary groups like the Sex Pistols and The Ramones.
Their biggest hit, “Dirty Water,” peaked at No. 11 on the U.S. charts in 1965 and remains a staple in Boston sports culture—both the Red Sox and Bruins play the song after home game victories. Over the years, the band released five studio albums, with their most recent, Bump, dropping in 2013.
A Hollywood Connection
Beyond music, Larry was part of a well-known Hollywood family. His older brother, Russ Tamblyn, is an Academy Award-nominated actor best known for West Side Story (1961). Larry was also the uncle of actress Amber Tamblyn, famous for The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Joan of Arc.
Larry Tamblyn leaves behind a musical legacy that shaped rock history, and his influence continues to be felt decades later.
Larry Tamblyn, Standells Founding Member, Dead at 82