Joe Egan of Stealers Wheel Passed Away at 77

Joe Egan, a key figure in the band Stealers Wheel along with Gerry Rafferty, has left us at the age of 77. His passing on July 6 marked the end of a life filled with musical achievements, most notably co-writing the band’s hit song “Stuck in the Middle With You”. This track not only scored a place in the top 10 in both the U.S. and the U.K. charts in 1973 but also enjoyed a second wave of popularity nearly two decades later thanks to its appearance in the 1992 film Reservoir Dogs.

The Passing of Joe Egan and His Musical Legacy

A statement shared on Rafferty’s Facebook page, managed by his daughter Martha, broke the news of Egan’s peaceful passing, surrounded by his loved ones. She described Egan as “a sweet and gentle soul” and wished for his peace.

Joe Egan’s journey into the world of music began in his hometown of Paisley, Scotland, where he and Rafferty formed Stealers Wheel in 1972. Their debut was met with critical acclaim, but Rafferty had already exited the band shortly after the album’s release. The success of “Stuck in the Middle” however, paved the way for his return. Despite the recognition, the band struggled to find commercial success and eventually disbanded after their third album, with a brief attempt at reunion in 2008 that neither Egan nor Rafferty participated in.

After the band’s breakup, Egan ventured into solo territory with two albums, Out of Nowhere in 1979 and Map two years later. As the music scene evolved through the ’90s, Egan stepped away from the limelight, choosing a quieter life running a publishing business near his hometown.

Gerry Rafferty’s Facebook page has posted that the other half of Steelers Wheel, Joe Egan, passed away yesterday. He was 77. Egan was one of the two key members of Stealers Wheel and co-writer of their hit song “Stuck in the Middle with You.” pic.twitter.com/XsQ0sc5Qtr

— Monica 🌊🌻💙🏳️‍🌈 (@softtail65) July 7, 2024

Reflections on Friendships and Beginnings

Reflecting on his relationship with Rafferty after his passing in 2011, Egan shared with the Paisley Daily Express their close bond, rooted in their love for music and nurtured through countless shared experiences. Despite the occasional disagreements, their connection remained strong, supported by regular phone conversations.

Before music fully captured his heart, Egan harbored dreams of becoming a soccer player—a dream he chose to leave behind in pursuit of his true passion for music, a decision that led to the formation of Stealers Wheel. Egan recounted the band’s formation, including their initial lineup with Rab Noakes and an American, Roger Brown, though the group would see changes over time, ultimately leaving Egan and Rafferty to carry the final two albums.

In recalling the past, Egan noted how closeness and time spent together brought both unforgettable moments and challenges. Their shared experiences, however, did not lead to a reunion, a reflection of the complexity of their relationship, filled with both admiration and the trials of collaboration.