Tributes pour in as Stealers Wheel co-founder Joe Egan dies at 77
Joe Egan has died at the age of 77
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Stealers Wheel star Joe Egan has died at the age of 77, it has recently been confirmed.
The Scottish singer-songwriter co-wrote the group's signature song Stuck in the Middle With You and released solo albums before leaving the music business.
A post of the official Facebook page of Egan's late bandmate Gerry Rafferty, which is run by a family member of the Rafferty's, announced the news on Sunday.
A statement read: "Very sad news that the other half of Stealers Wheel, Joe Egan, passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon with his nearest and dearest around him.
"I will always remember him as a sweet and gentle soul. May he rest in peace."
Fans quickly responded with messages of sympathy as they expressed their sadness at the news.
Egan left the music industry in the 1990s
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Taking to X, many also left messages of thanks to Egan. One penned: "RIP Joe Egan and thank you for the music."
"RIP Joe Egan, who formed Stealers Wheel with t great late Gerry Rafferty, passed away the 6th of July. Made an absolute beautiful solo album before leaving the music business. Same spirit as @TheRealRafferty‘s stuff and Gallagher&Lyle/McGuinness Flint," a second shared.
"Sad news folks. Joe Egan of Steelers Wheel has passed away at age 77. You may remember their hit *Stuck in the Middle with You* RIP Joe and Thank you for the Music," another commented.
Someone else wrote: "RIP Joe Egan. Star by Stealers Wheel is a song I adore."
Rafferty died in 2011
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"RIP Joe Egan. His music meant a lot to me, Stealers Wheel or solo," another recalled.
"Such sad news Joe Egan died yesterday. Now we are missing 2 of the very best. RIP Joe Egan. I’m sure Gerry is waiting to commence the tunes!" one fan remarked.
Although Egan never returned to Stealers Wheel after the band's breakup inn 1975, he and Rafferty remained in contact until the latter died in 2011.
Egan went on to record a solo album, Out of nowhere, in 1979 before releasing a second in 1981.
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The band hit the charts with their 1970s hit Stuck in the Middle With You
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After his second album saw little success, the singer left the music industry in the 1990s.
The band were best known for their 1973 hit Stuck in the Middle With You, which reached the top 10 in the UK singles chart as well as the US Billboard Hot 100.