The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Sarah Marshal
Bruce Guthro, the former frontman of Scottish Celtic rock band Runrig, has died, aged 62.
The lead singer’s death was announced on Wednesday (6 September) by his former band, who said Guthro’s death came after a years-long battle with cancer.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts and profound sadness that we inform you of the news that Bruce passed away last night [5 September], having finally lost a long battle with cancer that has stretched back many years,” the band announced in a statement.
“Everyone associated with Runrig is heart broken at the loss of a dear friend and such a special musical colleague.”
Following the news, Guthro’s friend and former bandmate, SNP MP Pete Wishart, told BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime programme: “We’ve lost a friend, but we will never get to hear this wonderful voice singing voice live again.”
His death comes nearly a week after his 62nd birthday on 31 August.
Guthro was born in Nova Scotia, Canada in 1961. He began his 40-year music career as a solo artist, having released his debut album, Sails to the Wind, in 1994.
He later joined Runrig in 1998, which helped the rock band gain considerable attention in Canada. Guthro stayed with the group until they eventually retired in 2018.
The band announced in 2016 their plans for retirement after they released their final 14th studio album, The Story.
They then embarked on their farewell tour, The Last Dance, in 2017, before wrapping up their final show in August 2018 in the UK’s Stirling City Park for an estimated 52,000 fans.
