TRIBUTES have poured in for a Scots singer and band member following his death aged 77.
Joe Egan, from Paisley, co-founded Stealers Wheel alongside Gerry Rafferty.
The group were best known for their 1973 debut single Stuck in the Middle With You.
It features in Quentin Tarantino‘s hit film Reservoir Dogs.
The sad news was confirmed by a family member of Rafferty, who passed away in 2011 aged 63.
Sharing a series of images of the pair, the post on the official page read: “Very sad news that the other half of Stealers Wheel, Joe Egan, passed away peacefully on Saturday with his nearest and dearest around him.
“I will always remember him as a sweet and gentle soul. May he rest in peace.”
A description of the musician on the Stealers Wheel website reads: “Joseph Egan was born into an Irish Catholic family on October 18th, 1946, in Paisley, Scotland.
“Egan attended St. Mirin’s Academy, where he met classmate and future musical partner, Gerry Rafferty. Both were intrigued by music from a young age and noted for their unique voices.
“As a young man, Egan played in multiple bands, including The Sensors, and alongside Rafferty in The Mavericks and The Fifth Column. Egan also worked as a session musician throughout his early musical career.
“Egan and Rafferty remained close friends throughout the 1960s and worked together on many projects, allowing them time to harness and fine-tune their natural musical abilities. In 1970, Egan contributed to Rafferty’s debut solo album, Can I Have My Money Back?, providing supporting vocals.”
Stealers Wheel broke up in 1975 due to creative differences.
Gutted music fans flocked to the comments to express their condolences.
One wrote: “Rest in peace Joe, another talented chunk of Scotland’s musical history now gone to heaven where hopefully he will be reunited with his old partner.
“The music remains on this planet so keep playing it everyone, it still deserves to be heard.”
Another said: “A couple of years ago, at a mutual friend’s house, I had the pleasure of meeting and sitting with Joe. We played and sang some of his songs, something I’ll never forget. What a gentleman.”
A third added: “Joe and Gerry were a perfect fit together and their harmonies were glorious.”
A fourth put: “Very sad news. Another musical icon leaves us but the music lives on.”
A fifth commented: “What a formidable talent they had. You and we are all the luckier from hearing their music.”
