Joe Egan, one-half of the ‘70s folk rock band Stealers Wheel, passed away on July 6 at 77.
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Egan held writing credits on many of the band’s works including their biggest hit, “Stuck in the Middle with You.” It was a top 10 hit in both the UK and the US. It was also the driving force behind sales of Stealers Wheel’s self-titled debut album.
Stealers Wheel would go on to release a total of three studio albums in three years. However, dwindling record sales led to the band splitting up in 1975. That doesn’t mean that Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty went their separate ways, though. The two remained friends for years.
Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty Remained Friends
Gerry Rafferty passed away in 2011. Since then, his daughter has kept his Facebook page alive. She shared the news of Joe Egan’s passing with her father’s fans. “Very sad news that the other half of Stealers Wheel, Joe Egan, passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon with his nearest and dearest around him,” she wrote. I will always remember him as a sweet and gentle soul. May he rest in peace.”
[RELATED: “Stuck In The Middle With You” Co-Writer Gerry Rafferty Dies]
After Rafferty’s passing, Egan shared his thoughts with their hometown newspaper the Paisley Daily Express. His words revealed how deep the bond of the Stealers Wheel founders went. “Gerry’s death has already left a huge gap in my life. We lived in each other’s pockets for so long and, latterly, would speak regularly on the phone,” he told the publication.
Egan and Rafferty attended the same schools. However, they didn’t truly connect until Egan decided to give up his dream of being a footballer and throw himself into the music world. “That’s when Gerry and I first got together and were part of bands such as The Mavericks and The Sensors. It was a great time to be around because the music scene in Paisley was buzzing,” he recalled.
Featured Image by Fin Costello/Redferns
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