When David Cassidy died last week, millions of fans mourned the loss of a popular culture icon.
Dave Robicheau mourned the loss of a fellow bandmate, and friend.
A Boston native, Robicheau moved to Westport 7 years ago with his wife Deb. She was Davy Jones’ manager.
Robicheau was connected to the ex-Monkee too: For 15 years, he played guitar on Jones’ tours. He also performed with former Monkee Mickey Dolenz, Bobby Sherman, and Herman’s Hermits’ Peter Noone.
When Jones died in 2012, Cassidy did a tribute show in Miami. Robicheau played with him. For the next 5 years, they worked together.
Dave Robicheau (left) and David Cassidy.
“He was a great musician and friend,” Robicheau recalls. “He seemed happiest before a show. When he went onstage, he was the David Cassidy everyone knew.”
Audiences — primarily women — loved how the ’70s singer’s music made them feel. “TV is a powerful medium. People remember his face in their living room,” notes Robicheau, referring to Cassidy’s role as Keith on “The Partridge Family.”
David Cassidy, in the “Partridge Family” years.
His singing career was bubblegum. His biggest hit was “I Think I Love You.” But, Robicheau says, he toured a lot longer than many “hipper” musicians.
His guitarist — who had not been a big Cassidy fan growing up — learned to appreciate the singer’s broad, long-lasting appeal. He discovered too that Cassidy was even more popular in the UK than the US. His cover of the Rascals’ “How Can I Be Sure” never charted here, but rocketed to #1 there.
Robicheau last saw Cassidy a month ago, in Chicago. Now, of the 3 Davids — he, Cassidy and Jones — he’s the only one left.