Tributes paid to Scottish musician Rab Noakes following death aged 75 News Briefing
News Briefing

Tributes paid to Scottish musician Rab Noakes following death aged 75

By

Rab Noakes has died suddenly at the age of 75 (Picture: Getty Images)

Scottish singer Rab Noakes has died at the age of 75, with fans and friends paying tribute to the influential musician.

Noakes died in hospital on Friday after a career spanning well over half a century, with more than 20 albums to his name and having worked as a senior producer for BBC Radio Scotland.

First playing professionally in 1967, Noakes, who is from Fife, went on to be a founding member of folk rock band Stealers Wheel and performed at festivals such as Celtic Connections.

Val McDermid, the best-selling crime writer who is also from Fife, paid an emotional tribute to the man she has known since she was a teenager following the news of his death.

‘In tears at the news of Rab Noakes’ death. Known and loved this generous, talented, open-hearted man since I was 14, never known a kinder soul.

‘Or a better guitarist,’ she added.

The influential musician had a career spanning decades (Picture: Redferns/Getty Images)

Fellow singer-songwriter Barbara Dickson also remembered the man who she had performed with.

‘My dear and old friend Rab Noakes has died suddenly in hospital today,’ she wrote

‘I am shocked. We had so much in common – The Everly Brothers, the Flying Burrito Brothers and an enduring love of songs, particularly traditional music. Sleep well, Rab. May you rest in peace.’

And musician Iona Fyfe added she was ‘heartbroken’ by the news.

‘He was always so encouraging, generous with his time and unbelievably kind, welcoming and supportive. A complete honour to have spent time in Rab’s company, together in @WeAreTheMU. Privileged to have shared a stage with him.’

Steve Carson, director at BBC Scotland, said: ‘All of us at BBC Scotland are deeply saddened to hear the news about Rab Noakes.

My dear and old friend Rab Noakes has died suddenly in hospital today. I am shocked. We had so much in common – The Everly Brothers, the Flying Burrito Brothers and an enduring love of songs, particularly traditional music. Sleep well, Rab. May you rest in peace. Bx #rabnoakes pic.twitter.com/BVXhJOFqCW— Barbara Dickson (@BarbaraDickson) November 11, 2022

Devastating news of Rab Noakes passing away. Rab sent me loads of music so Caledon Radio could get started. I spoke with him a fortnight ago and as ever he was as polite and kind hearted. Large whisky and playing Rab’s music will be my night. RIP mate— Norrie Hunter (@HunterNorrie) November 11, 2022

So sad to hear of the passing of Rab Noakes. As a musician, broadcaster, producer and writer, he was a torch-bearer for Scottish culture across more than fifty years and a regular contributor to my programmes from OGWT to @BBCRadio2 But more – he was a kind and caring man #RIP pic.twitter.com/ZkzowPlYA1— Bob Harris 💙 (@WhisperingBob) November 11, 2022

Such sad news about our own Rab Noakes. A huge loss. He hired me at Radio Scotland and as a producer he taught me so much about the country-pop music we both loved. https://t.co/YPnIL0oadl— Bryan Burnett (@bryanb1965) November 11, 2022

Reeling from the sudden death of Rab Noakes today. A lifelong partner in song to Gerry, they shared so much through the songs they sang together, wrote for each other and mutual appreciation of each other’s music. May he RIP. pic.twitter.com/CBTgPWyklh— Gerry Rafferty (@TheRealRafferty) November 11, 2022

Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Rab Noakes. He was always so encouraging, generous with his time and unbelievably kind, welcoming and supportive. A complete honour to have spent time in Rab’s company, together in @WeAreTheMU. Privileged to have shared a stage with him. pic.twitter.com/HT3jsDPQOO— Iona Fyfe (@ionafyfe) November 11, 2022

‘His contribution to music in Scotland cannot be overstated, alongside some remarkable programmes he made here at the BBC.

‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and with all his fans across the nation.’

BBC Radio Scotland broadcaster Bryan Burnett added on Twitter: ‘Such sad news about our own Rab Noakes. A huge loss.

Tributes have been pouring in for the musician (Picture: Redferns)

‘He hired me at Radio Scotland and as a producer he taught me so much about the country-pop music we both loved.’

Noakes is likely best known for being a founding member of Stealers Wheel, though he left them before they released their first album.

The band, formed in Paisley, Scotland, went on to release mega hit Stuck In The Middle With You.

More: TrendingDaniel Craig’s sensational flamboyant dancing in new vodka advert is cinematic goldPaul Weller absolutely savages ‘fat c**t’ Robert Smith of The CureEmma Thompson was ‘utterly blind’ to ex husband Sir Kenneth Branagh’s ‘humiliating’ affair

After eight years with BBC Scotland as a senior producer on music programmes, Noakes left the company to create production company, Neon,w with his wife.

His 20th and final album, Welcome To Anniversaryville, was released in 2018.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Opening acts: The best new shows this week, from supernatural thriller to history-inspired musical

MORE : Andrew Rannells on his new musical Tammy Faye and gay representation in TV: ‘There have been great strides’

Load More