I love to turn out the lights and listen to "Runaway." I was 25 in 1960 and had a beautiful wife and a year old little boy. My wife has passed away and my little boy is 60. Time really does fly.

I still find it difficult to believe that such a talented singer and song writer felt the need to end his life. I hope that he has now found eternal peace.

Now I am 76 years old, I go to the fair just to take our grandchildren. Time will tell if they remember Del singing Runaway at the fair because sixty years after I first heard it, they still play it at the fair. This can only illustrate that IN 60 YEARS, NO RECORD HAS BEEN RELEASED THAT IS BETTER THAN RUNAWAY. Rock on up there Del.

That statement "people saw me as a bum and lazy" says a lot. We are all human beings with unique minds and personalities. We are all miracles to even exist. The numbers are simply staggering. Thanks for who you were Del. You are a legend with that song........and a miracle to have been born... So are you all.......

Del actually did pretty well touring and “Runway” charted again in the 80’s due to the tv show “Crime Story” . He wasn’t just a one hit wonder . It’s sad that he died the way he did. Such an amazing artist and awesome at hitting those high notes.

Not just 'Runaway', but also ,'So Long Baby', 'Hey Little Girl', 'Hats Off To Larry', 'Kelly', 'Swiss Maid', 'The Answer To Everything' and many more. Del was one of the great ones of the early 60's who knew how to write and sing songs of teenage angst and deserves a lofty place in the pantheon of the 20th century's greatest rock stars.

Very underrated. The great late Del Shannon never to be forgotten.

From the UK. I loved everything he recorded. I'm 75 now and he takes me back to the best years of my life. He was up there with the best. I was totally shocked at the manner of his passing. Rock and roll. Ballads and Country and Western from around the mid fifties to mid sixties were the best we'll ever hear. I loved them all. Thank you America.

In late January, 1990, my wife and I along with 2 friends went to a local nightclub in Newmarket, Ontario Canada to see Del Shannon perform, not knowing that one week later, on February 8, his life would come to a tragic end. It also happen to be my birthday. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Del (Charles Westover) briefly, of all places, but in the washroom. Recently, I went back to the building to see what was there after all these years and I was surprised to see that the stage where he performed was still there. I took a picture of the stage and the area and memories of Del came back after 27 years. RIP Del Shannon

Del is one of my all-time favorites. So underrated.

One of the most underrated artists of R&R/Country. Not only a singer but also composer of great songs, fine guitar player and rumoured to be part of Traveling Wilburys until fate/destiny hit..........Rock On! 4 ever!

I was a young kid at the time but I really dug Hats Off to Larry. The video of his performance of Runaway on Letterman is one of my favorites to watch.

Shame that he didn't get the help he needed for his depression. He was a man that many still listen to.

He didn’t know how much people loved him..... and how much he meant to them....so sad.....

I was 18 in 1960. I really loved his hits. RIP Del and thank you so much for your talent and hard work.

I played that record so many times, it's a miracle,the needle didn't go clean through and play the flip side at the same time. To me. it's the most iconic song of The 60's.

I never knew what happened to Del. His music is woven into the threads of my youth, and I still enjoy listening to his songs. I hope you found peace, Del.

I never knew about Del or his admirable work. Then, in late 1989 Michael Mann's"Crime Story" became a huge hit on JBC TV here in Jamaica. A slightly reworked version of Runaway was the opening song and Del's music now had a huge impact on my life. However, just as I got to discover about him, the news of his death broke.

We saw him at a small outdoor concert at Ontario Place. He was amazing. His voice sounded as ever. After the concert as we walked away, a limo came along right on the walkway...Del Shannon was in the back. I waved like an idiot. As he rolled down the window a bit and with hubby right beside me I asked him over for Italian dinner! He ever signed an autograph I still treasure. Not long after that, we heard of his death... Stunned... What a sad loss. Still play his records....☺️

Rest in peace Del. You were one of the greats!

Del Shannon, thanks, you remind me of when I was sixteen...

Del Shannon was the SECOND rocker in history (the first being Chuck Berry) to write his own songs, sing them, and accompany himself on the electric guitar.He is a neglected giant of Rock'n'Roll history. While attending Choir School, where we loved him, I bought a pile of his singles, and still have them, including SEARCHIN' and LITTLE TOWN FLIRT.

Del was an icon in so many ways. A true musical legend.

As a Kid, I remember the song "Runaway" was the very first tune that actually caught my attention, made me focus on listening to a song from beginning to end, from then on, I appreciated music.

Made me cry. I had tickets to see Del in 1986 in Vancouver BC when we hosted EXPO 86.......sadly there was an issue with him crossing the border and I never had the opportunity to see him. Always loved his music and appreciated his talent.

Very sad to see how a man this talented, wasn't recognized the way he should. I am heartbroken to learn 30 years later, this is how he died. It's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll!

I always loved Del Shannon's songs. They were from a different era but so am I.. Bravo, Del!!!!

As a teenager, Del Shannon was my personal favorite. I still have nearly every album he released.

Thank you, Del, for your wonderful songs. You made my teen years richer.

"Runaway".....great song. We all loved it and sang along and danced. I was 17 that year. Went into the Army the next year and my youth was behind me. Life was never the same.

I'm sad that he's gone since he's my great great uncle and it would have been amazing to meet him. But my whole family does their best to remember him.

Del Shannon should be added to the hall of fame like the rest. Hats off to Larry Runaway wowwwwww

Of course Del Shannon was one of the greats of classic 🎤rock & roll🎸. Loved his music and its a real shame that we lost him. Never will forget Runaway & Still Searching.🎶 Awesome video by the way.👍

Me too Tony.....I'm also 72 and still sing with him word for word......

In London at the beginning of the 1960s, in my early teens, I was Del's number one fan. I must have driven my parents crazy by playing his records all the time. Del's first tour of the UK was in late 1962, when he was on a package show with Dion. Although he played some London dates, for some reason I was only able to get tickets for his show in Maidstone, which is some miles out. My Dad had a car, and so he drove me there. Seeing my hero on stage, in person, was almost overwhelming. To this day I remember Del, a broad-shouldered, barrel-chested man, standing at the mic and pounding out "Runaway". The sheer volume and energy were extraordinary. Dion wimped out of his own appearance, claiming laryngitis, but although I was disappointed, I had seen Del Shannon live - and nothing else mattered. I'm 70 now. Never can forget.

R-I-P Del , one of the USA finest singers , tribute from London.

Little Town Flirt, now that is one of the most intriguing songs I have ever heard! So well constructed it for me is a masterpiece of genius writing and production 👍🆙🇬🇧

Such a tremendous talent, such a tragic end. Also can't help but notice how much he looked like Gary Busey (or vice versa); both incredible talents, both plagued by the challenges that addiction and life in the fast lane can bring with it. RIP, Del.

Del Shannon is a legacy, legend and so much more. It doesn't matter how he died. Love you Del forever.

Del Shannon was a treasure and part of music history!

Such an underrated artist. So talented. RIP.

Strangely enough, as a 16 year old male a couple years ago, I became a fan of Del. His music really spoke to me in the sense that the teenage girl problems he was singing about were still so accurate today, not to mention that the lyrics and melodies are genius. Thank you, Del. Rest In Peace

Del still has a thriving fan club building yearly on fbook. All of his self penned stuff beyond his well known early 60s classics is stellar. The album, "the further adventures of charles westover," is a fantastic psychedelic masterpiece. He had other great obscured self written songs in the late 60s like What Makes You Run, Never Thought I Could, Break Up, move it on over, Coming Back To Me, hey little star, For A Little While, Stand Up, sister Isabelle, Colorado Rain which are brilliant and at points sound like The Byrds, The Stones, the beach boys and more, but somehow it's all uniquely del. Then of course he had a great final posthumous album "Rock On" produced by jeff lynne and mike Campbell of tom petty and the heartbreakers fame. Songs like Walk Away (cowritten with petty and lynne) and calling out my name and others are hauntingly beautiful tracks. Del was an amazing artist.

Del Shannons music was part of my life when I was a teen and I love till now as I am a grandfather.R.I.P. Del.

Thank you Del Shannon for that amazing music.

runaway...... my first favorite song

Del's "Runaway" album was my very first LP purchase at the age of 14. Every song a gem. I could never figure out why his follow-up hits weren't as big as "Runaway." "So Long Baby" is equally as good. Heck, "Walk Away, " from the last album he ever recorded was equally as good. I could make a case for "Misery"--- an album track from the "Runaway" LP that was not released as a single---being that good! Del was under-appreciated by the people in charge of playing the pop music of the day----but apparently not by throngs of average fans, as one can see from these comments.

Loved ALL his songs. Great entertainer and wonderful voice and style. Sadly he is not around anymore but will NOT EVER be forgotten. I wish there could be a better ending to his story. Forever a fan

One of a kind. Rave On Del, you will never be forgotten

One of the first artists who turned me onto rock and roll.

Good singer, very sad he suffered from Depression and took is own life, RIP.

He was a brilliant songwriter with songs that are timeless.

Many of his songs were about trying to escape or searching. I believe he was a gentle soul who lost his way trying to make it big again as a rock singer when at heart he was an artist with a unique talent that some of us loved.

One of the most underrated singers of Rock'n'Roll ever, still listen to him now.

I didn't know del lead such a tragic existence. Sad, but he had a number of other hits too. Hopefully you have found peace del.

Thanks for the memories, we will never forget the great music, j

He has left a musical legacy - he should be proud of that - Bless his Soul 💕🙏

Del was a one off, a true LEGEND.He did it his way, his music will live on forever..Tarquin 45 mentioned some of his tunes, Hoow about Little Town Flirt, and Two kinds of Teardrops, and flipsides like Broken Promises, A side Keep Searching. CLASSIC..RIP DEL..

I was just listening to "Little Town Flirt" and felt a need to return to this channel to find out about him. Thanks for all the videos on these legends! I'm sorry so many died so young and so painfully.

Del Shannon's last album that was released in 1991 titled "Rock On" and is simply fantastic. The best he has ever done. The album was produced by the genius Jeff Lynne (ELO) and featured Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty on the album. If you like any of these artists mentioned. This album is a must in your collection

as a boomer at 70 all my cowboys are in cowboy heaven but the've all left their spirit and soul for us to retreat to until it's our time .. thanks for all the good work and don't stop please

One of rock n rolls great heroes, he will never be forgotten.

Thanks for being on earth Del Shannon (heart)

Del Shannon will always have special place in my heart. When I first heard Runaway it shot right through my core. A great song that I loved so much. I never tired of it in those days. Love Del Shannon!

I loved that they used a re-recorded version of 'Runaway' as the theme to Crime Story.

i saw del live on stage here in London he was part of a big package show but he won the audience over right from the start .r.i.p

Went to see him with my mates only went with them for a night out.i was hooked that nght and saw him lots of times in the 70s .always put a great show on .a great artist live on the stage

This is really nice. I might listen to a song a thousand times but knowing the history behind it is incredible. Thank you.

Del, thank you for your songs; I'm sorry you took your life, Rest In Rock.....

Del Shannon had a great sense of humor....great singer and great steel guitar player...he is one of the guitar players on Brian Hyland's 1970 LP, Gypsy Woman. They do a superb job and my favorite song is "The Thrill Is Gone."

I liked to hear Runaway which was such a smash hit in 1961 when I was fifteen. I wondered why I never heard him sing another hit like that as his voice and style were really good.

I used to sing Runaway and Hey little Girl, great songs and singer

In the u.k. the hits flowed, Runaway, Hats of to Larry, So long baby, Cry myself to sleep, Hey little girl, The Swiss maid, Little town flirt, Two kind of teardrops, two silhouettes, Sues gonna be mine, Mary Jane, Handy man, Keep searchin, Stranger in town. Never thought it would end, the lost That’s the way love is, the grungy Break up, the rocking Move it on over, just failed to make it, The big hurt bubbled under, you can hear the influence of ELO in For a little while, Gemini, didn’t get any airplay, or Thinking it over, Sister Isabel and Coming back to me were drowned in a sea mediocrity. Del you were the one, what a voice. RIP, ROCK ON.

Del Shannon, Roy Orbison, Gene Pitney. The unsurpassed Trinity. To have lived in the same time period. Will never be matched.

Heart breaking...greatest voice great songwriting.. hope his spirit is well cause he's still making people happy here!

I was involved professionally with Dell in his last days...Depression is an awful thing....A lot of people use the term; thankfully they haven't a clue about the kind of hopeless darkness that Del was living with. His wife stood by him until the end.

I'll always " keep searching " for Del Shannon...RIP ...

RIP Del... a legend and 'Hats off to Larry' is one of my fave songs.

Del had many other hits besides Runaway. It is so tragic that he saw the only way out of his situation in life was to kill himself. Gone but never forgotten!

I listen to Run away every time i hear it..!

Del looked to be "wound a little tight", as they say. But there's no doubt that he left his mark on the music business and American culture. Rest in Peace Del....

What an unnecessarily truncated summary of this man's life and legacy, including the many hits that were not mentioned nor his last album "Rock On" and second "comeback" that was cut short by his untimely death. Jeff Lynne, Mike Campbell and Tom Petty apparently worked hard to finish it off after Del's death. Also missing from this video is the fact that he was inducted into the R&R HoF posthumously and the fact that he was rumored to be joining The Traveling Wilburys to fill the position of his late friend, another legend by the name of Roy Orbison. He deserved more that this incredibly short video tribute, but thanks for mentioning him at all, I suppose. One last note, he didn't just kill himself because of lifelong depression and bouts with alcoholism. He had fought back and gotten sober for some time and was in good shape at the end of his life, he wasn't depressed about writing new and amazing material for the last album, he was excited and somewhat nervous about the mounting pressures of getting "out there" in a big way again. He went to a doctor for something that could help him "take off the edge" of the anxiety he was feeling and was prescribed Prozac which was fairly new and rather untested. He would have nightmares, he stopped eating regularly, he lost weight and withdrew more into himself. He was newly remarried to a woman he loved and in good spirits and at a highly creative point, some would even say he was writing some of the best songs of his career during that time...then the Prozac hit him and he wasn't the same. In a VERY short time, he was gone...taking his life unexpectedly after his wife had gone out to the store and left him home alone. This was a man who had plans for the future, gigs were booked, he had everything coming to him in exciting ways and even told his wife what he wanted her to bring back for him. Then suddenly, he's gone. That's all I wanted to put out there and get straight. Wikipedia leaves the Prozac out of the story as well.

This has really saddened me : Like so many other major pop stars, he was so important to my musical life.

Saw him perform once in the 80's, so bloody glad that I did, God Bless and thank you Del ♥

I am still playing your songs Del.....we should all be so lucky.

It doesn't matter how he died. He left a legacy such as Buddy Holly, Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens.

It's not just about having hits. Del was a great singer and a consummate songwriter, and he kept the spirit of rock 'n roll alive through the days of disco and punk and into the revivals of the late 80's. Other artists took the glory, but Del reminded them all about where that glory came from. He represented the roots.

Runaway is with us forever ...

The sound of his voice went to the very core of your soul!!

" I"ll Follow the Sun " .......most underrated song of the 60's !!

Not at all Runaway alone, is going to be a song that echoes throughout the centuries. Which will lead millions, of interested people towards investigating his music.

I didn't know he committed suicide, so sad to hear that. Thank -you. Even though it was 1990 it still breaks my heart. 😢✌ Rest In Peace Del Shannon...❤

One of the really best, the hits, the mid/late sixties albums....." I go to pieces" what a song.

Del was a great writer, musician, singer, and innovator. Think about it using Max Crook and probably one of the world’s first synths in 1961 wow that was light years in front of anything out their at that time. Amazing when you think Runaway was selling 80,000 copies a day, who dose that today. And that was just the beginning of his string of hits, very talented and underrated really many artists have had more recognition for a lot less.

"..had the radio on....me and Del were singing..." So THAT'S who Tom is singing about. Way to go, Alpha 11!!!

Del Shannon you will always be great! Runaway was a great song forever in our Hearts....

I was lucky enough to see dell shannon live in the 70s he was amazing .just so casual and relaxed it was a wonderful night

We were all overwhelmed with Run Away, So different, so new! And then there was, Hats Off To Larry, my fav!!!! Thanks Del You left good memories!! I'm 73 .

Really sad,that he was so depressed,that he had to end it. Be careful,what we wish for,we may get it,and be unhappy

Sad; Loss of a Great singer, fond memories..