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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Daniel Bird

Stealers Wheel founder Rab Noakes dies suddenly as tributes pour in for late singer

Rab Noakes, who is best known for being a singer-songwriter and founding member of Stealers Wheel has died, aged 75.

Singer Barbara Dickson announced his death on social media, writing: "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."

Paying tribute to the late star, writer Val McDermid posted: "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.

Many have been paying tribute to the singer following his sad death (Corbis via Getty Images)

"We messaged each other only a couple of days ago and he was his usual upbeat self. We were planning to record some tracks together in the new year."

The Scottish star was a founding member of Stealers Wheel and also enjoyed success as a solo artist, releasing more than 20 albums and performing at festivals across the world over the years.

Before creating his own record label with his wife Stephy in 1995, the late star enjoyed an eight-year spell at the BBC where he produced music and entertainment shows radio in Manchester for Network Radio before going on to head up the entertainment department at Radio Scotland.

Stealers Wheel posing for a group snap in 1973 (Redferns)

Rab's sudden death comes just weeks before the star had been due to take to the stage with Frasier Speirs at a Polish Club in Kirkcaldy on December 15.

The late musician's website also lists several scheduled festival and tour dates throughout January and February next year which would have seen Rab perform once again for delighted fans across the United Kingdom.

The late star was an influence for many Scots (Redferns)

Several other high-profile figures from Scotland's arts scene have paid tribute to the late star in the wake of his death.

Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis wrote online: "An iconic and generous musician, and a gentleman. It was always a joy and an education to be in his company.

"Fois shiorraidh dha anam." (Eternal rest for his soul)

The late star is survived by his wife (Redferns via Getty Images)

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

"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"

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