Dino Danelli, drummer for the Young Rascals, died on Thursday, December 15, at the age of 78. Danelli has been described as “one of the finest underappreciated rock drummers of all time.” Danelli’s bandmates announced the news on social media by uploading a photo of him and writing that people learned a lot from his experience in the music industry. According to the post:
“I hope you all continue to admire his ability and show him your love. Thank you for your continued support of his different activities throughout his career. You all made it possible for him to pursue his ambition of being a musician and artist. Joe Russo wishes you all the best.”
Dino Danelli’s cause of death has not been disclosed, and no funeral arrangements have been arranged.
Twitter users pay homage to Dino Danelli.
Dino Danelli has amassed a sizable fan following over the years due to his skill as a drummer. When word of his death spread, Twitter was inundated with tributes:
RIP Dino Danelli . https://t.co/chH3kgm0lg
— Clem Burke (@clem_burke) December 16, 2022
I’m so sad to hear the great Dino Danelli has passed away. A brilliant drummer and artist. I’ll never forget all the happy moments we spent on Broadway during the run of our Rascals show. An original Disciple. An original, period. 💔
— Maureen Van Zandt (@MVZaGoGo) December 15, 2022
Dino Danelli rose to prominence as a member of The Young Rascals.
Danelli began his career with the establishment of The Young Rascals in 1964. The quintet made their debut at a New Jersey nightclub. The Young Rascals were well-known for songs such as Good Lovin’, Groovin’, People Gotta Be Free, How Can I Be Sure, A Beautiful Morning, and others. In March 1966, the rock band’s self-titled first album debuted at the top of the Billboard charts. They issued eight more albums before disbanding in 1972. Although Eddie Brigati and Gene Cornish made their last appearance on their seventh album, Search and Nearness, their following two albums got positive critical and financial responses. The group’s remarkable voyage lasted until one of its members, David Brigati, announced his departure in 1970.
The band signed with Columbia Records in 1971, and although releasing two albums, they did not get great criticism in comparison to their prior offerings. Over the years, the band members were constantly changed, and the founding members quickly began to seek solo careers in the music business. Dino Danelli, Felix Cavaliere, Eddie Brigati, Gene Cornish, David Brigati, Robert Popwell, and Danny Weis were among the prominent cast members. The ensemble reformed in April 2010 for a New York event, followed by two more in 2012 and 2013.
Danelli formed another band, Bulldog, when The Young Rascals disbanded in the 1970s. The group, however, did not endure more than three years. Danelli has performed with bands such as Fotomaker, Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul, and others in addition to The Young Rascals and Bulldog. Danelli is survived by family members whose identities have not been revealed. In all these years, Danelli has never spoken about his personal life.
