Bruce Guthro, former frontman of Scottish Celtic rock group Runrig, has died aged 62.
The Canadian singer-songwriter passed away on Tuesday, September 5, Runrig confirmed in a statement on social media yesterday (September 6).
“It is with the greatest regret and sadness that we inform you of the news that Bruce passed away last night, after losing a long battle with cancer that goes back many years,” the message began.
“Everyone involved with Runrig is heartbroken at the loss of a dear friend and special musical colleague.”
Guthro’s former bandmates said their “thoughts and prayers” were with the late musician’s family. You can see the full statement below.
In July, Guthro said in a social media post that he had been struggling with health issues for several years and had been forced to cancel several live performances.
Following the news of Guthro’s death, his friend and former band member, MP Pete Wishart, narrated the programme. Drivetime BBC Radio Scotland: “We have lost a friend, but we will never hear this great singing voice alive again.”
Guthro was born in Nova Scotia, Canada in 1961, and began his 40 year musical career as a solo artist, releasing his first album “Sails To The Wind” in 1994.
He joined Runrig four years later, replacing Donnie Munro, and remained with the group until they called it quits in 2018. The band’s fourteenth and final studio album, ‘The Story’, in 2016. A year later the next day. he went on a farewell tour, called “The Last Dance”.
Runrig played their last live concert in August 2018 at Stirling City Park in Scotland.
After the band broke up, Guthro continued to perform with his two grown children, Dylan and Jodie, under the name Guthro Trio.
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