![](\"https:\/\/www.thescottishsun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/bruce-guthro-runrig-main-stage-427271481.jpg\")
<\/p>\nTHE legendary lead singer of Scottish band Runrig, Bruce Guthro,\u00a0has died at the age of 62.<\/p>\n
Former bandmate and MP Pete Wishart revealed the sad news on social media this afternoon. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The singer-songwriter announced two months ago that he was battling with illness.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s final performances in 2018.<\/p>\n
Former bandmate Pete Wishart, now an SNP politician, revealed the tragic news on social media and spoke on BBC Radio Scotland\u2019s Drivetime programme tonight.<\/p>\n
Canadian-born Bruce had been forced to cancel several live shows in recent years due to his declining health.<\/p>\n
Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, said: \u201cHe was just the nicest person you could ever hope to meet and a joy to perform with.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn exceptional singer, musician and songwriter taken far too soon. We are going to miss him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve lost a friend, but we will never get to hear this wonderful singing voice live again.\u201d<\/p>\n
The musician, married to wife Kim, leaves behind two children who followed in his musical footsteps.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Both Dylan and Jodi are forging their own successful careers in the industry and previously performed with their father.<\/p>\n A statement from Runrig said: \u201cIt 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.<\/p>\n \u201cEverybody associated with Runrig is heartbroken at the loss of a dear friend and such a special musical colleague.<\/p>\n \u201cOur immediate thoughts and prayers at this time are with Kim, Dylan and Jodie.\u201d<\/p>\n Folk singer Julie Fowlis, who collaborated with Runrig shared her own tribute on Twitter.<\/p>\n She said: \u201cShocked and saddened to learn that Bruce Guthro has died. He was such a gifted singer & a powerful performer.<\/p>\n \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Kate Forbes, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, wrote:<\/p>\n \u201cIncredibly sad to hear this news and my deepest sympathies go to Bruce Guthro\u2019s family, friends and band members.<\/p>\n \u201cHis powerful voice lives on, as generations continue to listen to his beautiful music.\u201d<\/p>\n Fans of the band – famed for their energetic Celtic rock – told of their heartache over the news.<\/p>\n Alexander MacDonald said: \u201cWhat a talent we were able to enjoy, an incredible voice and the only one that could\u2019ve taken on the baton from Donnie.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for everything, Bruce.\u201d<\/p>\n And Penelope Bailey added: \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The group are most famous for singing Scottish anthem Loch Lomond. <\/p>\n Scots Celtic rockers Runrig brought down the curtain on a 45-year career in 2018.<\/p>\n The band, who formed in 1973, celebrated with a\u00a0final farewell concert\u00a0in Scotland that summer.<\/p>\n Titled The Last Dance, it was held at Stirling's City Park against the backdrop of Stirling Castle, on August 18, 2018.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n .<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/OP_LY_WILKO.jpg\")
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