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Dan McCafferty R.I.P.

Roger Glover got in touch and asked us to post this message on the passing of Dan McCafferty:

The news that Dan has died hits hard. A friend of over fifty years, we shared many a tour and much studio time. With his mischievous smile and, endowed with a unique voice of grit and whisky, he came across as a tough character, which belied his gentle heart. He will be missed by his family, friends, and fans. His indelible contribution as Nazareth’s lead singer will live on. But now dear friend, may you rest in peace.

Roger Glover
November 2022

Thanks to Martin for the facilitation.



9 Comments to “Dan McCafferty R.I.P.”:

  1. 1
    Doug says:

    I only met Dan once – after the Glasgow show in 2002. Beer was involved, but the next day I don’t know what hurt more – my head or my sides (from laughing so much).

    RIP Dan.

  2. 2
    George Martin says:

    I saw Nazareth many times back in the day, as a headliner and an opener for Purple. He was a great singer in a great and underrated band. Both he and Manny Charlton gone in the same year is so sad. Rest In Peace Dan.

  3. 3
    Uwe Hornung says:

    No more Razamanaz, pity. When back in the 70ies someone gave me a tape with that album, it seemed to me the rawest and wildest, yet still melodic music I had thus far heard.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nbci6_dXLA

    I always loved his broken voice. And he wasn’t just a screamer.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8On-dhtQTME

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ck4sV9pmFg&t=120s

    Joni Mitchell was a great sport when she announced her own [i]This Flight Tonight[/i] at a London gig with “[i]And now I’m gonna play a Nazareth song![/i]”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRX9lOEAfVk

  4. 4
    stoffer says:

    RIP Dan McCafferty….purchased Razamanaz because it was produced by RG, WOW!! what an LP…instant fan.

  5. 5
    robert says:

    Saw Nazareth on tour in the US, they opened for DP on their CTTB tour( the one w/ t. bolin). To say the least “Naz” bettered them on many a night, Love hurts was in the top 10 and HOTD was in the top 20. I can remember the audience yelling the chorus “now your messin, with a son of a bitch” at the top of our lungs! I’m sure it was like that all over the world. RIP Dan.

  6. 6
    James Steven Gemmell says:

    I sent Ian Gillan a message. He was a big fan of Dan’s and told me he met him backstage circa 1969. “Hair of the Dog” was the breakthrough album – and deservedly so – but I like to platter up “Close Enough for Rock ‘n’ Roll” and some of the real-early material. Dan had been in bad health for quite a while. We lost Nazareth’s lead guitarist, Manny Charlton four months ago. But we’ll always have the music.

  7. 7
    MacGregor says:

    Another fine Scottish vocalist packs up his haggis, sporran & kilt & heads off into the Highland sunset. Vale Dan McCafferty, a melodic & powerful voice indeed. RIP

  8. 8
    Ivica says:

    I love Simple Minds and Jim Kerr..but for me… Dan and Nazareth are the best Scottish RnR of all time.
    Best song “Woke Up This Morning” (discount Status Quo, and better). Thanks for the music . RIP Dan McCafferty

  9. 9
    Tracy(Zero the Hero)Heyder says:

    Sad day for sure…. As did Brother Stoffer@4, I bought that album due to the Purple connect with Roger being the producer. Only saw them live once when they opened for Purple MK4 in 1976 in Miami. Great performance by both but I remember being quite impressed by Nazareth and especially Dan’s vocals. Sorry for the loss of your friend Roger and prayers going out to you and all who are effected by his passing…. RIP Mr. McCafferty…. 🙁

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