The rock music world is mourning the loss of Joe Egan, the co-founder of Stealers Wheel, who has passed away at the age of 77. Egan, who formed the band alongside Gerry Rafferty, left an indelible mark on the music industry with their hit song “Stuck in the Middle with You.” The cause of his death has not been reported.
Fans and fellow musicians took to social media to express their sorrow and pay tribute to Egan’s immense talent. Thomas Walsh wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “His talent was immense and it shone beautifully, alas, all too briefly. His songs under the ‘Stealers Wheel’ moniker meant as much to me as Gerry’s. They still do.” Sean McPartlin added, “So sorry to hear the death of Paisley buddy Joe Egan. Loved his voice and his songwriting. In ‘Stealers Wheel,’ alongside his school pal, Gerry Rafferty, he was formidable. ‘Star’ a particular favorite. His first solo album was a cracker. Go well, Joe.”
Gerry Rafferty’s Facebook page, now managed by his daughter, also posted about Egan’s passing. “Very sad news that the other half of Stealers Wheel, Joe Egan, passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon with his nearest and dearest around him,” the post read. “I will always remember him as a sweet and gentle soul. May he rest in peace.”
Egan and Rafferty formed Stealers Wheel in 1972, and their song “Stuck in the Middle with You” from their debut album became a massive hit, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s catchy riff and unforgettable lyrics have made it a timeless piece, even finding a lasting legacy in Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic, “Reservoir Dogs.”
Following their successful debut, Stealers Wheel released two more albums, “Ferguslie Park” in 1973 and “Right or Wrong” in 1975. However, neither album achieved the same level of success as their first. The duo went their separate ways after 1975 but briefly reunited in 2008.
Fans flooded social media with heartfelt messages, remembering Egan not only for his musical talent but also for his gentle nature. One fan poignantly noted, “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 deserves to be heard.” Another fan echoed the sentiment, writing, “Two great talents, now gone but we have their work to remember them by. RIP Joe, now you’re home with Gerry.”
Reflecting on Egan’s solo career, one admirer shared, “A greatly underrated songster in his own right. Joe’s solo work is amongst my favorite music. I’m really saddened to hear this news. His music lives on x.” Another fan recounted a personal encounter with Egan, saying, “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.”
Despite the end of Stealers Wheel, Egan and Rafferty remained close until Rafferty’s death in 2011. Their enduring friendship and collaborative spirit left a legacy that fans continue to celebrate. Egan ventured into a solo career after Stealers Wheel, producing two albums, “Out Of Nowhere” and “Map,” before stepping away from the limelight.
As we bid farewell to Joe Egan, we remember him not only for his contributions to Stealers Wheel but for the sweetness and gentleness that characterized his life and music. His passing leaves a void in the rock music world, but his legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with fans for generations to come.
Source: Brian Linder, Virgin Radio, Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns via Getty Images, Rex, AP
