Who was Dan McCafferty? Nazareth singer dies at 76

Dan McCafferty, the long-time lead vocalist of the Scottish rock band Nazareth, died aged 76 yesterday (November 8). McCafferty left the band almost a decade ago due to the effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The star’s death was confirmed by Nazareth bassist Pete Agnew.

“This is the saddest announcement I ever had to make,” Agnew said on the band’s Instagram page.

“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.”

No cause was given for the singer’s death. He is survived by his wife, Maryann, and two children.

But who was McCafferty?

Who was Dan McCafferty?

Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, McCafferty was the singer for Nazareth from their formation in 1968 until 2013.

In the mid-60s, the band made up of McCafferty, Agnew, Manny Charlton (guitar) and Darrell Sweet (drums) were in a covers band called The Shadettes. They dressed in matching yellow suits and played venues around Dunfermline.

The group then moved to London with bingo hall millionaire Bill Fehilly as their manager. After months of gigging around the capital, McCafferty’s zestful performances caught the attention of Pegasus Records, who signed the band in 1971.

Nazareth are best known for their 1975 album Hair Of The Dog, which featured the title track and a cover of The Everly Brothers’ ballad Love Hurts. The group took their name from the Canadian-American rock group The Band’s classic song The Weight, which references the Pennsylvania town of Nazareth.

From 1971’s self-titled album onwards, McCafferty appeared on every Nazareth album released up to 2014. Known for his raspy vocals, he spent 45 years on the road with the band.

He was sadly forced to retire after he developed the lung condition COPD, which made it hard for him to breathe.

McCafferty also did solo work on the side - he released his third and final album Last Testament in 2019.

Nazareth remained active following McCafferty’s departure, with Agnew as its only original member and new lead singer Carl Sentance.

Founding member Charlton passed away earlier this year at the age of 80.