Original Nazareth lead vocalist Dan McCafferty dies

Original Nazareth vocalist Dan McCafferty has died at the age of 76. Longtime Nazereth bassist and co-founding member Pete Angew shared the news on the band’s Facebook page.

Agnew posted, “Dan died at 12:40 today (Nov. 8). This is the saddest announcement I ever had to make. 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 singer who ever lived. Too upset to say anything more at this time. – Pete.”

In 1968, McCafferty, who was born in Scotland in 1946, formed the band with Agnew and late guitarist Manny Charlton, who passed away in July at the age of 80. The band released their self-titled debut album in 1971, but it wasn’t until 1974 when the rockers’ had their breakthrough with Hair of the Dog.

While the band released a number of singles over the years, their 1974 cover of “Love Hurts” was their biggest song hitting No. 8 in the U.S.

McCafferty retired from the band in 2013 due to a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that caused breathing issues. His last album with the band was 2014’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Telephone.

No cause of death was given.

Nazareth – Love Hurts

Nazareth – Hair of the Dog

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Nazareth - Hair of the Dog (ORF, 1975)

Nazareth - Hair of the Dog (Auftritt im ORF, 1975)