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Tributes pour in as legendary rock star Dan McCafferty who founded Scottish band Nazareth dies at 76

McCafferty founded the band with bassist Pete Agnew, guitarist Manny Charlton, and drummer Darrell Sweet, enjoying instant fame with several hits in the early '70s

SCOTLAND: Dan McCafferty, one of the founding members of the Scottish rock band Nazareth, died at 76 on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. The powerful vocalist was responsible for the Top 10 US hits 'Love Hurts' and 'Hair of the Dog', along with five Top 15 UK hits. While it was known that the vocalist suffered from health issues for years, the cause of his death was not disclosed in the announcement. The legendary rock artist remained with the band for 45 years. Many fans paid tribute and remembered the rock icon.

McCafferty founded the rock band alongside bassist Pete Agnew, guitarist Manny Charlton, and drummer Darrell Sweet and enjoyed instant fame with several hits in the early 1970s. Fast forward to 2013, the vocalist had to retire due to COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which is a breathing condition that leads to blockage of airflow in a patient, according to the Music Times. Agnew, the group's bassist and McCafferty's good friend, broke the news of his death with a touching post on Facebook. He wrote, "Dan died at 12.40 today. This is the saddest announcement I ever had to make." He continued talking about the late rock icon, "Maryann and the family have lost a wonderful loving husband and father, I have lost my best friend and the world has lost one of the greatest singers who ever lived. Too upset to say anything more at this time." 

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Tributes pour in for Dan McCafferty

One Nazareth fan was moved by the tragic news and tweeted, "RIP Dan McCafferty . One of the greatest rock voices of all time in my opinion and one of THE voices that I associate most with my young teenage years . He was unique and will be sorely missed!"

Another user showed the influence of McCafferty by using a quote of Axl Rose saying, "“If it wasn’t for Dan McCafferty and Nazareth I wouldn’t be singing.” -Axl Rose, 1988 RIP to Dan McCafferty, a hugely underrated vocalist in rock ‘n’ roll."

One fan remembered the vocalist and tweeted, "#DanMcCafferty Sad news Dan McCafferty has died age 76. Incredible singing voice he had with Nazareth. Love Hurts - Nazareth what a brilliant record. R.I.P. Dan McCafferty."

Another user wrote, "Rock Music has just lost one of the best vocalists of the last five decades.I first saw/heard #DanMcCafferty with Nazareth in #Edinburgh 50 years ago.His voice and delivery of a song was quite unique.Thanks for all the great albums and performances. Travel well #LoveHurts."

One user remembered McCafferty for the gentleman he was, "Really sad news about the death of the one and only Dan McCafferty. The very talented lead singer of Nazereth was an absolute legend of the music world and an proper gentleman into the bargain. October 14, 1945 November 8, 2022."

Another social media user wrote, "Sad news about the passing of Dan McCafferty. A true gentleman. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. Despite the success he had found Dan always remained approachable. His stories were just the best too. A sad loss to his family and many friends and fans. RIP Dan."

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