Police in Scotland have confirmed the death of Frightened Rabbit singer Scott Hutchison, after his body was discovered following his disappearance on Wednesday.
Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchison: a songwriter who found humanity in our flaws Read more
Police made the discovery at Port Edgar near South Queensferry in Edinburgh at 8.30pm on Thursday, with Hutchison’s family informed. Hutchison, 36, was last seen at 1am on Wednesday, when he left the Dakota hotel in South Queensferry.
The band had posted a message on Twitter asking for anyone with information to contact police, adding: “We are worried about Scott, who has been missing for a little while now. He may be in a fragile state and may not be making the best decisions for himself right now.”
Fans sent messages of support, summed up by Hutchison’s brother and bandmate, Grant, who told Radio X earlier this week: “The support’s been immense … There’s nothing that is so insurmountable that we can’t figure it out together and help you to get better and we’re all here for you and we all love you very much.”
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Scott Hutchison playing with second band Mastersystem on 28 April. Photograph: Danny Payne/Rex/Shutterstock
After hearing of his death, Frightened Rabbit posted a message on Instagram reading: “There are no words to describe the overwhelming sadness and pain that comes with the death of our beloved Scott but to know he is no longer suffering brings us some comfort ... he leaves a legacy of hope, kindness and colour that will forever be remembered and shared.”
Hutchison had addressed mental health difficulties in his songwriting. In an interview published on Noisey last week, he described his mood: “Middling. On a day-to-day basis, I’m a solid six out of 10. I don’t know how often I can hope for much more than that. I’m drawn to negatives in life, and I dwell on them, and they consume me.”
In a 2016 interview, he spoke of experiencing anxiety attacks, and of how affected he was by his emotions: “I’ve always seen that kind of emotional turmoil as an illness. It’s one that lasts for quite a long time and can’t be fixed. You know, you describe it as a ‘hurt’ – why would you describe it as that if it weren’t actually painful? It’s not just mental torment.”
Hutchison formed Frightened Rabbit initially as a solo project in 2003, before Grant joined him to record their debut album in 2006. The band expanded to a five-piece, and amassed a loyal following for their soul-baring, emotionally rich songwriting, including Aaron Dessner of US band the National who produced their most recent album, 2016’s Painting of a Panic Attack – Dessner said he was “devastated”, and called Hutchison “a dear soul and a brilliant songwriter”.
Robert Smith of the Cure had invited them to appear at Meltdown festival, which he is curating in London in June, and the band were also set to support US singer-songwriter Father John Misty in concert in May.
Hutchison had recently completed a tour with the band to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their breakthrough 2008 album, The Midnight Organ Fight, and another with his other band, Mastersystem. He had recently spoken of plans for a sixth Frightened Rabbit album, saying: “I would like for that to be finished by the end of the year.”
Among tributes to the singer, the radio DJ Edith Bowman tweeted: “You ok fella? Sending love and a shoulder if you need it” to Scott after his final messages – wrote on Twitter: “Can’t really believe I’m reading this. Saddest awakening ever. Love and best wishes to all the Hutchison and Frabbit family.”
Stuart Murdoch from Scottish band Belle and Sebastian wrote: “Tragic news about Scott Hutchison. The whole music community in Scotland was praying for a different outcome. Folks, if you are up against it, having dark thoughts, please tell someone, family, a friend or a doctor. There is always another way, though it might not seem like it.” Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite said Hutchison was “a lovely, warm talented guy and was loved by so many people”, while Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos called his death “a terrible loss”.
Update: The body has been identified as missing singer Scott Hutchison
Police searching for missing singer Scott Hutchison from indie rock band Frightened Rabbit have found a body.
The 36-year-old frontman was last seen at around 1am on Wednesday morning after leaving the Dakota Hotel in South Queensferry.
Police Scotland discovered a body at Port Edgar near South Queensferry at 8.30pm on Thursday.
Formal identification has yet to take place, but Mr Hutchison's family have been informed.
On Thursday, Hutchison's brothers, Grant and Neil, had said they were "distraught" about his disappearance and appealed for him to get in touch.
The pair spoke about their sibling's fight with depression and how he had helped others by speaking about his condition.
Guitar trio: (from left) Gordon Skene, Scott Hutchison, and Billy Kennedy of Frightened Rabbit on stage this year (Timothy Hiatt/WireImage)
Speaking to Radio X, Grant said: "We've been coping as well as we can really, all the family are together and just supporting each other and doing all we can to try and let Scott know that we are here for him and that we love him.
"We just all feel a little helpless but the support has been incredible.
"It really genuinely does keep us going and keeps us feeling positive about the situation to know that there is that many people out there who care so much about Scott and want us to know that and want him to know that as well.
"If he has access to get online and he has seen any of it then it's important that we keep sharing that to let him know he is loved and that we just want him to come back.”
Hutchison had recently finished a tour with Frightened Rabbit to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their breakthrough 2008 album The MIdnight Organ Fight, and another with his band Mastersystem. He had also spoken about plans to finish the sixth Frightened Rabbit album this year.
He was last active on Twitter at around 11pm on Tuesday, when he wrote: "Be so good to everyone you love. It's not a given. I'm so annoyed that it's not. I didn't live by that standard and it kills me. Please, hug your loved ones."
"I’m away now. Thanks."
The Samaritans can be contacted in the UK on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255
The body of a man found in the search for Scott Hutchison has been confirmed as the missing Scottish rockstar.
Hutchison, who was 36 years old, was best known as the founding member of indie rock band Frightened Rabbit who had a UK number one album in 2016.
Police Scotland discovered the body at Port Edgar near South Queensferry, Scotland, at 8.30pm on Thursday but were initially unable to confirm the identity.
The frontman had last been seen at around 1am on Wednesday (9 May) morning after leaving the Dakota Hotel in South Queensferry.
Hutchison had Tweeted two hours earlier, writing: “Be so good to everyone you love. It’s not a given. I’m so annoyed that it’s not. I didn’t live by that standard and it kills me. Please, hug your loved ones.” In another message he added: “I’m away now. Thanks.”
Frightened Rabbit later appealed to fans to look out for Hutchison, writing on social media: “We are worried about Scott, who has been missing for a little while now. He may be in a fragile state and may not be making the best decisions for himself right now.”
Notable deaths in 2018 – in pictures
16 show all Notable deaths in 2018 – in pictures
1/16 Verne Troyer The actor died on 21 April, aged 49. Widely known for his role as Mini-Me in Austin Powers, Troyer also appeared in the Harry Potter series. Getty
2/16 Avicii The musician, whose real name is Tim Bergling, died on 20 April, aged 28. A pioneer of EDM, and one of the most successful DJs in the industry, the musician found crossover pop success with his 2011 track ‘Le7els’, which sampled Etta James, going platinum in the US and becoming a number one single internationally Getty Images for Clear Channel
3/16 Winnie Mandela The ANC activist died on 14 April, aged 81. Winnie fought tirelessly against apartheid in South Africa, becoming a figurehead for the movement while her husband Nelson was in prison AFP
4/16 Stephen Hawking The theoretical physicist died at the age of 76, on 14 March. The iconic physicist is known as one of the greatest scientific minds in the history of the world, and worked to peer into the most mysterious parts of the universe. Hawking was known also for the accessible way in which he communicated those discoveries, with his work including A Brief History Of Time making its way into pop culture Getty
5/16 Marielle Franco The politician was brutally murdered in downtown Rio de Janeiro on 14 March, in what officials have concluded was a targeted political assassination. A black LGBT+ woman in a country notoriously dominated by racism, sexism and traditional religious dogma, she was raised in one of Rio’s largest, poorest and most violent slums, the Maré complex AP
6/16 Ken Dodd The comedy legend died aged 90, on 11 March. Sir Ken, famous for his epic stand-up shows which could go on for hours at a time, as well as his Diddy Men and tickling stick, died just days after leaving hospital. Getty
7/16 Hubert de Givenchy The founder of the eponymous French fashion house died aged 91, on 10 March. In an impressive career that spanned more than five decades, Givenchy was renowned for dressing the likes of Jackie Kennedy, the Duchess of Windsor and Audrey Hepburn, his long-time muse Rex
8/16 Davide Astori The footballer died after a cardiac arrest aged 31 on 4 March. He was captain of Fiorentina, and an Italian international with 14 appearances for the national side Getty
9/16 Emma Chambers The British actress, best known for her roles in ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ and ‘Notting Hill’, died aged 53, on 21 February. A statement from her agency said: ‘Emma created a wealth of characters and an immense body of work. She brought laughter and joy to many, and will be greatly missed.’ Rex
10/16 John Mahoney The actor, famous for his role in long-running TV show ‘Frasier’, died at the age of 77, on 4 February. The British-born star was on the show for 11 seasons spanning from 1993 through to 2004 and his character, Martin Crane, is a fan favourite Getty
11/16 Mark E Smith The lead singer and the main artist behind The Fall, died aged 60, on 24 January. Famous for his acerbic wit, Smith was the ever present member in the band, going through over sixty members in the group's fourty year duration
12/16 Hugh Masekela The legendary South African jazz trumpeter and anti-apartheid activist died on 23 January at the age of 78 after suffering from cancer. Masekela, branded the ‘father of South African jazz’, died in Johannesburg after what his family described as a ‘protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer’. AFP/Getty
13/16 Jimmy Armfield The Blackpool legend and former England captain passed away, aged 82, on 22 January. The right-back played 627 matches for the Lancashire club between 1954 and 1971, and captained England 15 times in 43 appearances. He would later go on to manage Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United, before working as a pundit for the BBC for thirty years Getty
14/16 Ursula Le Guin The celebrated science fiction and fantasy author died at the age of 88, on 22 January. Among the author’s best-known works are the 1969 science fiction novel ‘Left Hand of Darkness’, which explores themes of gender by featuring characters with no fixed sex, and the 1968 coming-of-age story ‘A Wizard of Earthsea’ Getty
15/16 Dolores O’Riordan The singer died on 15 January, aged 46. Born into a staunchly Catholic family, O’Riordan was 17 when she responded to a press advert for a female vocalist to join The Cranberry Saw Us, comprising brothers Noel and Mike Hogan and Fergal Lawler, in 1989. Soon after she became lead singer, they became The Cranberries and cut a three-track EP on an independent label AFP/Getty
16/16 Cyrille Regis The former England footballer died from a heart attack aged 59, on 14 January. The ex-footballer, who scored 112 goals in 297 appearances for West Bromwich Albion, also turned out for Coventry City and Aston Villa in the top flight, as well as playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wycombe Wanderers and Chester City in the later years of his career before retiring in 1996. Regis was a pioneer for black footballers in Britain Getty
Hutchison’s brothers, Grant and Neil, spoke to Radio X on Thursday (10 May) saying they were “distraught” about his disappearance. They went on to detail the singer’s fight with depression and appeal to anyone who could help. The duo also thanked fans for their support on social media.
The band has since released a statement about the death confirmation, saying "there are no words to describe the overwhelming sadness and pain" they felt but "to know know he is no longer suffering brings us some comfort."
"He will be missed by all of us," the statement reads, "and his absence will always be felt but he leaves a legacy of hope, kindness and colour that will forever be remembered and shared. Rest peacefully Scott."
In a statement released on Friday (11 May), Hutchison’s family described the singer as “passionate, articulate and charismatic, as well as being one of the funniest and kindest people we knew” and “wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend”.
They said they were “devastated”, adding that there had been concerns over his mental health but “remained positive and hopeful that he would walk back through the door, having taken some time away to compose himself”.
“Scott, like many artists, wore his heart on his sleeve and that was evident in the lyrics of his music and the content of many of his social media posts,” the statement continues.
”He was passionate, articulate and charismatic, as well as being one of the funniest and kindest people we knew. Friends and family would all agree that he had a brilliant sense of humour and was a great person to be around“.
The family said they were “immensely proud” of Hutchison for speaking publicly about his battle with depression over the years, calling it a ”horrendous illness that does not give you any alert or indication as to when it will take hold of you.”
They added: “His willingness to discuss these matters in the public domain undoubtedly raised awareness of mental health issues and gave others confidence and belief to discuss their own issues.”
Nicola Sturgeon – the First Minister for Scotland – wrote on Twitter: “Heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with Scott’s family, friends and fans. A remarkable and much loved talent.”
Hutchison began performing under the name Frightened Rabbit in 2003, later joined by brother Grant on drums in 2004, and bassist Billy Kennedy in 2005. The trio found fame with their second record, The Midnight Organ Fight, receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews, Hutchinson’s raw lyrics garnering praise.
The band released five albums in total, 2016’s Painting of a Panic Attack reaching number one on the UK album charts. They had recently finished tour to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Midnight Organ Fight. Frightened Rabbit were due to play Robert Smith’s Meltdown and Hutchison had previously expressed wishes to complete their next album “by the end of the year”.
Hutchison also worked on a variety of other projects, including Mastersystem, a group consisting of brother Grant and former Editors guitarist Justin Lockey. They had also performed earlier this year following the release of their album Dance Music, released to positive reviews.
During an interview last week, Hutchison spoke candidly about his mood, saying he was: “Middling.”
“On a day-to-day basis, I’m a solid six out of ten,” he told Noisy. ”I don’t know how often I can hope for much more than that. I’m drawn to negatives in life, and I dwell on them, and they consume me. I don’t think I’m unique in that sense. I’m all right with a six. If I get a couple of days a week at a seven, f**k, it’s great.”
Franz Ferdinand singer Alex Kapranos paid tribute to the singer, writing: “Awful news about Scott Hutchison. A terrible loss.” Belle and Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch wrote: “Tragic news about Scott Hutchison. The whole music community in Scotland was praying for a different outcome.” Snow Patrol singer Gary Lightbody called Hutchison “one of Scotland’s most extraordinary song writers”.
The Samaritans can be contacted in the UK on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255
Scott’s body has been found (Picture: Roberto Ricciuti/Getty Images)
Police have confirmed that the body found in Port Edgar is that of Frightened Rabbit frontman Scott Hutchison.
A body was found near South Queensferry in the hunt for the 36-year-old, who went missing at 1am on 9 May.
Now, Police Scotland have identified the body found as Hutchison’s.
The star’s family, including his brother and Frightened Rabbit bandmate Grant Hutchison, have been informed.
Yesterday, Hutchison’s family issued an appeal for the musician’s return, with his mother Marion saying: ‘Just come home Scott. Come Home. We love you so much. We just want you back.
Scott has died aged just 36 (Picture: Scott Legato/Getty Images)
‘He’s much loved by his family and a lot of other people. Scott’s written songs that have helped people through a lot of difficult things.
‘Obviously we are biased but he’s a really special person, to us as a family, but also to hundreds of thousands other people.’
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Scott’s brother and bandmate Grant, added: ‘We just miss him. We just want to see him, want to make sure he’s OK and just to help him through whatever it is he’s going through. We’re all here for him.’
Scott’s parents have been informed (Picture: PA)
Fans of Frightened Rabbit have flooded social media with their condolences and tributes to the Selkirk-born indie star.
Hutchison had sparked concern with his final tweets, with the indie star tweeting at 3.50pm on 8 May: ‘Be so good to everyone you love. It’s not a given. I’m so annoyed that it’s not. I didn’t live by that standard and it kills me. Please, hug your loved ones.’
At 4.09pm, he wrote: ‘I’m away now. Thanks.’
And in appeals from his family and bandmates, they said that the singer was in a ‘fragile state’.
Hutchison was celebrated for being open about his struggles with his mental health in his music, with the star talking about being ‘consumed by the negatives’ in an interview just weeks before his death.
Need support? Contact the Samaritans For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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