Scottish singer-songwriter Joe Egan, co-founder of Stealers Wheel and co-writer of “Stuck in the Middle With You,” has passed away.
Egan died on Saturday, July 6, at the age of 77, as stated in an announcement on Rafferty’s official Facebook page. The cause of death was not disclosed.
“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 statement read in part. “I will always remember him as a sweet and gentle soul. May he rest in peace.”
Born on October 18, 1946, Egan and Gerry Rafferty first crossed paths as teenagers at St. Mirin’s Academy in Paisley, Scotland.
After playing in several bands and releasing his 1971 solo debut, Can I Have My Money Back?, Egan teamed up with Rafferty to form Stealers Wheel in 1972, according to Deadline.
Rafferty left the band before their self-titled debut album. However, he was inspired to return by the success of “Stuck In the Middle With You.”
The duo co-wrote and shared lead vocals on the single. It climbed to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached the Top 10 in the UK, and sold over 2 million copies. The single also propelled the group’s debut album with A&M Records to No. 50 on the Billboard 200.
Joe Egan’s ‘Stuck in the Middle with You’ Enjoyed Decades in the Pop Culture Spotlight
Meanwhile, “Stuck in the Middle with You” enjoyed renewed interest after being featured in Quentin Tarantino‘s debut 1992 film Reservoir Dogs.
In the infamously violent scene, the unhinged Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen) grooves to “Stuck in the Middle With You” on K-Billy’s (Steven Wright) Super Sounds of the 70’s. He then gives his captive cop, Marvin (Kirk Baltz) an unplanned ear-ectomy with his razor.
The song also went on to feature in various films and TV series. These include ER, Gilmore Girls, That 70’s Show, Malcolm in the Middle, Top Gear, and The Simpsons.
After their debut album, the group released two additional albums: Ferguslie Park in 1973 and Right or Wrong in 1975. The follow-up single “Everything Will Turn Out Fine” reached the Billboard Top 50. Meanwhile, “Star” climbed to the Top 30 and was later featured in an episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Stealers Wheel disbanded in 1975 and briefly reunited in 2008 without Egan or Rafferty. Rafferty passed away in 2011, while Egan released two solo albums before exiting the music industry in the ’90s.