The Rockets Singer David Gilbert

David Gilbert pictured here with Detroit Guitar hero Jim McCarty in "The Rockets " band. A band David recorded 6 albums with. He was a force. He was so gifted. He was the Voice of " The Rockets "

Front man David knew precisely how to engage audiences in concert all over the nation. At a bar , at a bonfire , wherever he sang.

He had a gift, not only a song, yet of performing with intensity. Every breath , every lyric , and every vocal was for you. David grew up with deaf mute parents and his communication skills were extraordinary.

He loved people. He loved his fans and friends. He loved most of all the stage, giving , giving and giving until one day, his body gave out from Cancer.

He was Love. He was a beautiful soul. He was a special human being , equaling his amazing talent. 💞

Offdeecuff - 6-20-26

TBT. Blue David -

They say that someone isn't really gone until you stop remembering them. I believe this is true.

When you left this world , a huge part of me went missing. Yet I know you left some of yourself behind for me to find.

When you left this world , I went through your pictures and studied your face harder then ever before.

When you left this world . I listened to your voice sing songs on your albums like I heard these songs for the first time.

When you left this world I held your concho belt and your clothing close . I could close my eyes and feel your energy as if you were still here.

When you left this world I found as many reasons as I could to talk about you. I tell stories about you and for a moment we were living in those memories again.

I always find so many reasons I can to remember you. To not let the love I feel to ever leave this world, brings me Peace.

Those who knew you in this world , know who you truly were. Kind , loving and giving to strangers. Beautiful , talented and trusting . We have not forgotten you in this world.

You were a bright shining star, most known as the Voice of The Rockets. A driving , performing powerful brilliance on stage with all of your different bands.

You were not a mere egotistical idol with a great talent. There are plenty of those still in this world.

God made you special, humble, like Elvis was. God called the good ones home from this world early.

And for those of us who remember you, however we remember you , a part of you will always be here.



Photo by : Lynn Heydenreich

TBT ! SO many artists have covered Peter Greens " Oh Well "

This is how it's done Detroit Style - with Dave Gilbert's Excellent Vocal Style.

Gilbert was an enticing front man. He loved performing for an audience and we knew it!

The Rockets band on this video , "The Midnight Special " was a big deal for all of us Rockers in Detroit, back on Friday nights decades ago. It was great !

RIP Rock In Paradise .
You did your very best. You will never be forgotten. You were🔥!

The Rockets, "Oh Well" Detroit's own Rockets doing their arrangement of Peter Green's song...

TBT. I pulled this photo off one of David's albums. David Gilbert lived life large. He knew his future would be Rock and Roll at age ten. This man paid his dues and was the real deal. He had the talent, the looks and was the best he could be as a vocalist, front man , recording artist and human being.

This man was not falling off of stages. He was not showing up to all his gigs and rehearsals high, drunk or late as rumored.

He was a real professional before and after the Rockets. This is a fact.
He did not take his career lightly. He loved his life path, entertaining.

He loved his fans and friends and engaged at parties and when people wanted a piece of him , he gave the best he could, with a smile. He was humble and gracious. For being so great , he seemed to have balanced his ego.

This man did everything everyone else was doing back in the day.Including many artists of that musical era.

I never in my life saw him sloppy and we partied a lot at Private parties , Bon fires with friends and gigs. There was always an abundance of laughter and love. He was contagious.

He is gone and not here to defend himself when rumors, exaggerations , and falsehoods have been presented. I'm here however. I know his truth.
He had to deal with a lot of pain in life. We all do.
He was not just my husband , yet my best friend and more.

I spent the last decades of his life with this man and he never talked badly about anybody. Never, ever. Even the ones who did him wrong.

He was sensitive. That's who he was , the boy with a song and a smile. He was an empath. He was exceptional.

David lives through his recorded songs and in the hearts of those he shared his gift and love with. He would love being remembered. Truly.

I'm better for knowing David. I stood the course. as we went through lifetimes of change. Life taught me lessons with and many without him.

This page is for him. The stories we all remember and tell about this soulful amazing man , who is gone from Earth keep him alive in memory.
I feel he knows in spirit. David G. , Singer of Songs. 😇🎤🎶

Summertime Is here ! Pine K**b was happening in the summer of 1980. The air was intense.The sound of loud wailing guitars and heavy drum beats filled the night with the screaming vocals of David Gilbert that could be heard for miles away. The Rockets were Detroit's own! We had blankets laid out on the hill , coolers filled with beers , we wore bell bottom jeans and smoked rolled joints. This was the place to be! I'll never forget! 🎶 🎸 🎤🎸🎹 Photo Gratitude : Joanne Patten

The Rockets - Turn it up Tuesday 🎶 😎🎧🎤🎸
I Love this video of The Rockets. Everyone did .
We waited every week for "The Midnight Special" to air from L.A. with national Rock Groups in 1980. Loved it.

This video begins with Dennis Robbins on guitar . Dennis was the other guitar player in The Rockets. He was great!
Dennis is known for his mastery of slide style guitar playing . He is also an accomplished songwriter, writing this song with The Rockets.

When Dennis left the Rockets for Nashville , he became very successful, playing guitar, releasing his own albums and songwriting for Garth Brooks and many accomplished artists.
He was with the Rockets for several albums. David loved him. Everyone did. He was one of the good guys . 😉

Dave Gilbert was equally amazing, as usual , singing his heart out and performing with The Rockets! Yeah! Yeah ! 🔥

The Rockets, "Desire" Rockets live in CA, 1980 doing "Desire" from the No Ballads album. Featuring Jim McCarty, Dennis Robbins, Johnny "Bee" Badanjek, David Gilbert, Donnie Backus...