Nazareth / Dan McCafferty dies aged 76

Dan McCafferty, the former singer and one of the founding members of Scottish hard rock band Nazareth, has died today, 8 December 2022, aged 76. As lead singer of Nazareth, McCafferty’s unmistakable vocals powered the band to a string of hit singles in the ’70s and paved the way for a career that endured for 45 years.

“Dan died at 12:40 today,” Pete Agnew said. “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 singers who ever lived.”

Ill health forced McCafferty to retire from performing live with Nazareth in 2013. His last solo album, Last Testament, was released on 18 October 2019.

Very sad to hear of the passing of Nazareth’s Dan McCafferty today. I was honored to be his company on the Rock Meets Classic Tour in 2016. My thoughts and condolences to his family and close friends. pic.twitter.com/o0cos0OttI

— RICKY WARWICK