Dr Hook's Ray Sawyer has died, aged 81

31 December 2018, 22:37 | Updated: 31 December 2018, 22:54

Ray Sawyer
Ray Sawyer. Picture: Getty

By Tom Eames

The eyepatch-wearing musician has passed away after "a brief illness".

Ray Sawyer found fame with Dr Hook & the Medicine Show in the 1970s, and sang lead vocals on their hit 'Cover of Rolling Stone'.

He joined Dr Hook back in 1969, two years after he lost an eye in a car accident.

Although he was not the band's lead singer, his distinctive eyepatch and cowboy hat meant he was arguably the band's most famous member.

Dr Hook & The Medicine Show - "Cover Of The Rolling Stone"

Dr Hook's biggest hits included 'Sylvia's Mother' and 'When You're in Love with a Beautiful Woman'.

Sawyer quit the band in 1981 to pursue a solo career, but eventually toured with a spin-off group named Dr Hook featuring Ray Sawyer.

He retired from live performing three years ago.