Dave Clark

Denis was a very dear friend who I've known since we were teenagers. He was extremely brave and not afraid of death. He had an amazing philosophy on life and will be greatly missed by me and all who knew him.

Les Reed O.B.E.

Very sad news indeed. Denis had many wonderful qualities, and I was always very fond of him as a man, and of his great creative talent. He will be sadly missed.

Alan Clayson

One of nature's sidemen, Denis was, nevertheless, solidly at the heart of the Five's music, ministering to overall effect via an instinctive command of virtually any instrument put in front of him. In this respect, he was on a par with Brian Jones, Alan Blakley, Steve Winwood and Graham Bond. He was also a gifted, if greatly undervalued, songwriter.

Bobby Graham

I liked Denis a lot, he always seemed to keep his feet on the ground at all times during the halcyon days of the DC5, and he was always the Sax player on the records, it was never a session man. Rest peacefully my friend.

Phil Lurie

Denis was my role model and the reason I took up playing the sax a few years ago.He was a really excellent and talented musician. His legacy is the fabulous music of the DC5 which I continually play.

Tom Aguiar

During the heyday of the British Invasion, the first album I bought was The Dave Clark Five "Glad All Over". The sound was just overpowering and Denis' playing was the engine that drove it. Thank you Denis.

David Block

My impression of Denis when I first met him remained the same. Despite the extraordinary fan adultation and pressures of fame that the 5 experienced in the 1960s, Denis never changed from a warm, friendly, courteous always cheerful, and unpretentious human being. And he was very funny, with a generous sense of humour that endeared him to so many friends and colleagues. Denis was a credit to the music business and I'm sure to his ensuing profession. I felt privileged to have known him.

Bob Andrewski, Cleveland, Ohio

I'm just a fan who loves the music,the DC5 has left behind for us. Denis was a big part of that.The sound of his sax,his stage presense, a CLASS act.Eternal rest Denis.

Dan Pivano

Denis Payton was unique. He gave the DC5 that special sound.My heart felt grief goes out to his family. God bless him.

Brenda Tseunis, Arizona USA

In recent years, Denis so warmly welcomed me as a friend. His performance, both as an individual and as a friend, has inspired me in so many ways. He�s given me so much more than even he could have ever realized. I�ve always held a special place in my heart for Denis. And now in that place resides a continuous ache; serving as constant reminder of what a special man he truly was. If he�s touched my life as much as he has, I can�t even begin to imagine how he�s touched the lives of others he�s been close to through the years. You will forever be missed Den!

Kathy Reid, Canada

I was so very sad to hear about the passing of Denis. He was a part of my all-time favourite group. It is so hard when you lose a part of your past. To his family and friends you have my deepest sympathy. And to you Denis, please keeping playing that great music from above.

Preston Ritter

I was the drummer for The Electric Prunes (1966-67). The Dave Clark Five were one of my favorite bands as a young man. I was saddened to hear about the passing of Denis Payton and the tragic accident of Mike Smith a few years ago. My prayers and heart felt condolences go to Denis' family, and friends. Since I am also a musician, I feel like I've lost a brother. We had much in common. R.I.P. Denis. You will not be forgotten.

Dean Tseunis, Arizona, USA

Denis was a good friend, and I will miss him. Even in his own time of need; during a time when he should have been concentrating on his own recovery, he selflessly worried and concerned himself with the welfare of others. You will truly be missed Denis. Be with God now.

Wayne Price, USA

Dennis appeared to be a class act as well as a polished musician who helped make the DC5 a great group. It will never be the same but hope one day that he will be reunited with Lenny,Rick,Mike & Dave playing from above. Rest eternal.

Christine Hitchins

How sad I was to hear of Denis passing. It is hard when you lose a part of our past and happy memories for me as a child of 12 listing to the Dave Clark Five or watching them on the television .I have still got my records of them after all these years. I am now 56 years old and I still play their songs and love singing with them on cd. Rest in peace Denis. A light is always in my home.

Vickie Harris

I had the privilege of meeting Denis one-on-one at a concert tour in Atlanta in the Sixties. He struck me then as an amazingly warm, down-to-earth person who had a natural high on life and respected his fans. In turn, Denis, we respected you and your multi-talented abilities. Until we meet again, you are deeply missed.

Charlene

The Dave Clark Five have always been my # 1 favorite group from day one ,1964 to the present . Denis, you will forever be in my heart . I feel like there�s an empty place now in my heart ,but you're now resting in peace and one of these days I�ll see your beautiful smile when its my time . So keep playing the saxophone . Love you and miss you dearly.

David Guarino, Chicago, IL.

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Denis Payton, I was a huge fan of The Dave Clark Five and attended at least five or six of their concerts in Chicago. Denis was always a favorite of mine, he seemed to be having such a good time on stage and his talents on the saxophone were legendary. From what I have gathered, he was every bit the gentleman and friend I would have expected him to be. As I am a Chicago journalist, and 58 years of age myself, I consider Denis and The Dave Clark Five a significant part of my past, a part that I fondly remember. Thank you, Denis, for all that you shared with the world; for all that you gave of yourself and your talents. You will be greatly missed. Here�s hoping our paths cross in the hereafter.

Rick Hancock, Louisville,Kentucky

The Dave Clark Five have always been dismissed as a second-rate British Invasion band. Let's get the record straight: The Dave Clark Five were as innovative as any of the British Invasion bands. And Denis Payton was a major part of that innovation. The emphasis on Payton's sax and Mike Smith's keyboards was a major influence on young bands that followed. If you don't believe this, just ask Bruce Springsteen, "Little Stevie" Van Zandt,Tom Petty, Billy Joel, and Paul Schaffer. I will always think of Denis Payton as the driving force engine of the Dave Clark Five. Sometimes the "engines" don't get the credit they deserve. Denis Payton was as much responsible for the success of the DC5 as John Paul Jones was, for Led Zeppelin. Rest in peace, Denis and Mike, Amen.

Christine Bott

I knew Denis as a personal friend about 16 years ago but have only recently learned of his passing, when I was looking at tributes to Mike Smith. Denis was a caring and friendly person who was always happy to support anyone who was in distress. The time I spent with him was one of the better periods of my adult life. I know that at the time he was looking for someone special in his life - I had hoped to be that one but it was not to be. He told me he had met Lindsay and I am so glad she turned out to be the person he was looking for and that his search was not in vain. I am sorry not to have seen more of him in recent years - this was limited to occasionally seeing him in the street locally and stopping for a short chat - but I will always remember him and have been in a state of shock since I learned of his passing. My very best wishes to his family and I am sure they still miss him so very much and will appreciate how lucky they are to have had the time with him, although it was shorter than they would have hoped. I am sure Denis is still looking over them and sharing in their jokes - he had an infectious smile which I will never forget.

Frank Malatesta , Broomall, Pennsylvania

One of my favorite bands of all time, I was ten years old in 1964 I can remember seeing them on Ed Sullivan like it was yesterday. But through the years every time the D C 5 were mentioned I told my friends I could never forget them because they had a sax player, I don�t remember any British or American band in the sixties with a sax player. Dennis Payton is just one reason why I will never forget the D C 5.

I recently asked nine of my music friends what song had the best beginning, all nine people picked Glad All Over, not to my surprise, one of my favorite songs of all time, Denis and Dave couldn�t have started it any better. The world is a lesser place without you Denis, I feel for your family and friends, I am sorry I never had the chance to meet you. maybe someday. R I P.

Russell Woodcock, Melbourne, Australia &

Karen Dunn and Stephen Williams, Auckland, New Zealand

Dennis Payton, along with Mike Smith, have etched themselves into music history as part of the 1960's, 70's "British Rock Invasion" band The Dave Clark Five. Dennis & Mike are sadly no longer with us, it is hard to accept that people like them, who helped shape my life with their music in my teenage years, have died. Thanks for the memories, and thanks for all the music that will live on for generations to come. Rest in peace.

Karen Marnie, USA

"I was one of the Dave Clark Five Understudies and had the privilege of meeting Denis many times over the years when they came to Chicago. Denis was a kind, sweet and gentle man and I will forever hold those memories in a special place in my heart."

If you would like to add a tribute to this page, please email me at the address at the bottom of the page and be sure to include your full name if you want it posted.

New Bits And Pieces Website

Cambridge Guitar Orchestra Site

Lenny Plays For Amber


Back to Homepage






Email Lynn