Iconic Singer-Songwriter of Pop-Rock Hit Passes Away: ‘A Sweet and Gentle Soul’

[TheChronicle] - Joe Egan, a pivotal member of Stealers Wheel and co-creator of the band’s biggest hit, has died at the age of 77.

Egan, a Scottish folk-rocker, co-wrote the 1970s radio hit “Stuck in the Middle with You” with Gerry Rafferty and shared vocals on the song. The two musicians founded Stealers Wheel in 1972, achieving significant success with “Stuck in the Middle with You” in the UK and the United States, where the song reached the top 10 on the Billboard charts. The song's popularity surged again when it was featured in Quentin Tarantino's 1992 film “Reservoir Dogs.”

Egan’s death was confirmed on July 7 via a post on the official Facebook page for Rafferty, who passed away in 2011 at age 63. The page, managed by Rafferty’s daughter Martha, shared the news with 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,” the Facebook post read. “I will always remember him as a sweet and gentle soul. May he rest in peace.”

No further details, including the cause of death, were provided.

Egan and Rafferty, both hailing from Paisley, Scotland, were the driving forces behind Stealers Wheel during the 1970s. The band, known for its blend of pop rock, folk rock, and soft rock, released three albums between 1972 and 1975. Their self-titled debut album, featuring “Stuck in the Middle with You,” sold approximately 2 million copies and peaked at No. 50 on Billboard’s album chart in 1973.

Following their debut, Stealers Wheel released “Ferguslie Park” (1973) and “Right or Wrong” (1975). Egan took lead vocals on the 1974 single “Star,” which reached No. 29 on the Billboard charts. The band dissolved in 1975 but briefly reformed in 2008 with some former members, although neither Egan nor Rafferty participated.

For film enthusiasts, “Stuck in the Middle with You” remains forever linked to a memorable scene in “Reservoir Dogs,” where Mr. Blonde, played by Michael Madsen, dances to the tune while torturing a captive police officer. Director Tarantino revealed to Rolling Stone in 2009 that the song was his first choice for the scene, and the actors agreed that the lilting melody would have a stark impact against the violent visuals.

Rafferty emerged as the most famous member of Stealers Wheel, later enjoying a successful solo career with hits like “Baker Street,” “Right Down the Line,” and “Night Owl.” However, Egan was crucial to the Stealers Wheel sound, contributing through his songwriting, vocals, and instrumental prowess on keyboard and guitar.

Egan released two solo albums, 1979’s “Out of Nowhere” and 1981’s “Map,” before leaving the music business in the 1990s. His work continues to resonate with fans, as evidenced by nearly 300 comments on Rafferty’s Facebook page mourning Egan’s passing and celebrating his music.

Here’s a sampling of tributes:

“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,” Ian Harvey posted on Facebook. “The music remains on this planet ... so keep playing it everyone, it still deserves to be heard.”

“A couple of years ago, at a mutual friend’s house, I had the pleasure of meeting and sitting with Joe,” Ian Connor said. “We played and sang some of his songs, something I’ll never forget ... what a gentleman. I’ve been performing ‘Back On The Road’ for decades. R.I.P. Joe.”

“So sad -- Joe was a great songwriter, singer, and musician,” said Ian McLaren. “He contributed hugely to the success of Stealers Wheel’s three brilliant albums. His first solo album ‘Out Of Nowhere’ is a fantastic album that never received the recognition it deserved. Another Scottish music legend gone. Love and warm wishes to Joe’s family.”

“A greatly underrated songster in his own right,” said David Logan. “Joe’s solo work is amongst my favourite music. I’m really saddened to hear this news. His music lives on.”

“Very sad news,” Alex Macmanus said. “Another musical icon leaves us, but the music lives on.”

“So sorry to hear this,” said Ian Lee. “Stealers Wheel was the very first band that I took any interest in as a young teenager and I always hoped that we might eventually hear from Joe again. Deepest sympathies to his family and friends from a longtime fan.”

“So sorry to hear this sad news,” said Jenny Warren. “Joe seemed a lovely, gentle soul. If there’s anything there after we pass, I hope Joe and Gerry meet again.”