Runrig legend Bruce Guthro dead at 62: Tributes paid to Loch Lomond singer | The Sun
THE legendary lead singer of Scottish band Runrig, Bruce Guthro, has died at the age of 62.
Former bandmate and MP Pete Wishart revealed the sad news on social media this afternoon.
The singer-songwriter announced two months ago that he was battling with illness.
The frontman, who replaced original lead vocalist Donnie Munro, was a mainstay of the Scottish rock group from the time he joined in 1998 until the band’s final performances in 2018.
Former bandmate Pete Wishart, now an SNP politician, revealed the tragic news on social media and spoke on BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime programme tonight.
Canadian-born Bruce had been forced to cancel several live shows in recent years due to his declining health.
Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, said: “He was just the nicest person you could ever hope to meet and a joy to perform with.
“An exceptional singer, musician and songwriter taken far too soon. We are going to miss him.
“We’ve lost a friend, but we will never get to hear this wonderful singing voice live again.”
The musician, married to wife Kim, leaves behind two children who followed in his musical footsteps.
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Both Dylan and Jodi are forging their own successful careers in the industry and previously performed with their father.
A statement from Runrig said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts and with profound sadness that we inform you of the news that Bruce passed away last night, having finally lost a long battle with cancer that has stretched back many years.
“Everybody associated with Runrig is heartbroken at the loss of a dear friend and such a special musical colleague.
“Our immediate thoughts and prayers at this time are with Kim, Dylan and Jodie.”
Folk singer Julie Fowlis, who collaborated with Runrig shared her own tribute on Twitter.
She said: “Shocked and saddened to learn that Bruce Guthro has died. He was such a gifted singer & a powerful performer.
“It was one of the greatest privileges for me to sing with him onstage & backstage over the years. Love and sympathies to his family and all of Runrig.”
Kate Forbes, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, wrote:
“Incredibly sad to hear this news and my deepest sympathies go to Bruce Guthro’s family, friends and band members.
“His powerful voice lives on, as generations continue to listen to his beautiful music.”
Fans of the band – famed for their energetic Celtic rock – told of their heartache over the news.
Alexander MacDonald said: “What a talent we were able to enjoy, an incredible voice and the only one that could’ve taken on the baton from Donnie.
“Thank you for everything, Bruce.”
And Penelope Bailey added: “It was an honour to have watched him live. Prayers are with his family and friends and his legacy will very much live on in our hearts.”
The group are most famous for singing Scottish anthem Loch Lomond.
Scots Celtic rockers Runrig brought down the curtain on a 45-year career in 2018.
The band, who formed in 1973, celebrated with a final farewell concert in Scotland that summer.
Titled The Last Dance, it was held at Stirling's City Park against the backdrop of Stirling Castle, on August 18, 2018.
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One of the biggest events the band has ever staged, the celebration was a thank you to those who had followed Runrig over the decades.
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