Bruce Guthro, the former leader of Scottish Celtic rock band Runrig has died at the age of 62.

The Canadian singer’s death was announced Wednesday (September 6) by the band, who said Guthro’s death came after a years-long battle with cancer.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts and deep sadness that we bring you the news of Bruce’s passing last night. [5 September]after finally losing a long battle with cancer that lasted for many years,” the group announced in a statement.

“Everyone associated with Runrig is heartbroken at the loss of such a dear friend and such a special musical colleague.”

Following the news, Guthro’s friend and former bandmate, SNP MP Pete Wishart, told BBC Radio Scotland Driving time programme: “We have lost a friend, but we will never have the opportunity to hear this wonderful voice sing live again. »

His death comes nearly a week after his 62nd birthday on August 31.

Guthro was born in Nova Scotia, Canada in 1961. He began his 40-year music career as a solo artist, releasing his first album, Sails in the windIn 1994.

He joined Runrig in 1998, which helped the rock band gain considerable attention in Canada. Guthro remained with the group until they retired in 2018.

The band announced plans to retire in 2016 following the release of their 14th and final studio album, The story.

They then embarked on their farewell tour, The Last Dance, in 2017, before concluding their final show in August 2018 at Stirling City Park in Scotland in front of around 52,000 fans.

In the years following Runrig’s retirement, Guthro continued to perform with his two adult children, Dylan and Jodie, as part of the Guthro Trio.

He also frequently hosted his own Songwriters Circle, where he and three special guests performed many of their most popular hits at an event space in Halifax.

“He was such a gifted singer and a powerful performer,” fellow Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis recalled of Guthro in a tribute. “It was one of the greatest privileges for me to sing with him on stage and backstage over the years.”