Standells Bassist Gary Lane Dies

Gary Lane, who played bass on the Standells' 1966 garage-rock classic, 'Dirty Water,' died on Nov. 5 after an 18-month battle with lung cancer. He was 76.

Lead singer and keyboardist Larry Tamblyn broke the news on the band's Facebook page. Praising him as a "wonderful person and good friend," he added, "Gary was the Standells' original bassist who performed on such hits as 'Dirty Water' and 'Sometimes Good Guys Don’t Wear White.' He was also part of the Standells when we performed on 'The Munsters' and Bing Crosby TV shows, plus the movie 'Get Yourself a College Girl.' He was perhaps one of the most underrated bass players, whose unique solid style of bass playing is an inspiration to many rock musicians today. A quiet and humble man, Gary was a GIANT in my book."

Born Gary McMillan, Lane helped found the Los Angeles-based group in 1962. He left in 1966 after recording the 'Dirty Water' album, which spawned their two biggest hits: the title track (which reached No. 11) and 'Sometimes Good Guys Don’t Wear White' (No. 43). Lane rejoined the group in 2000 and occasionally played at their reunion gigs, including one at Fenway Park for game two of the 2004 World Series, until leaving for good in 2009. Tamblyn noted that he had hoped to have Lane appear as a special guest at their next concert, but his health issues made that impossible.

Nearly a year ago to the day, original Standells drummer Dick Dodd died of a brain tumor.

Hear The Standells Perform 'Dirty Water'