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”.
Image copyright Rex Features
A body found at a marina on the banks of the Firth of Forth has been confirmed as missing Frightened Rabbit singer Scott Hutchison.
The discovery was made at Port Edgar, between the Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing, at about 20:30 on Thursday.
Mr Hutchison, 36, went missing in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
His family said there had been recent concerns about his mental health, and they were "devastated" by his death.
Mr Hutchison had spoken openly about his battle with depression over the years, with elder brother Neil saying he had done so "in an attempt to help other people with similar conditions".
'Articulate and charismatic'
In a statement released on Friday, the family said Mr Hutchison "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.
"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 statement added that relatives had "remained positive and hopeful that he would walk back through the door, having taken some time away to compose himself".
And it described Mr Hutchison as a "wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend" who always had time for those he cared for.
Image caption Scott Hutchison formed Frightened Rabbit alongside his brother Grant, the band's drummer
"Depression is a horrendous illness that does not give you any alert or indication as to when it will take hold of you", it added.
"Scott battled bravely with his own issues for many years and we are immensely proud of him for being so open with his struggles.
"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."
If you or someone you know has been affected by mental health problems, these organisations may be able to help.
His Frightened Rabbit bandmates released a statement saying: "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.
"Reading messages of support and hope from those he has helped through his art has helped immensely and we encourage you all to continue doing this.
"He will be missed by all of us and his absence will always be felt but he leaves a legacy of hope, kindness and colour that will forever be remembered and shared."
Image copyright Police Scotland Image caption Scott Hutchison was last seen after visiting the Dakota Hotel in South Queensferry
The singer and guitarist had last been seen on CCTV footage leaving the Dakota Hotel in nearby South Queensferry at 01:00 on Wednesday.
Two hours earlier, he had tweeted: "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."
Shortly afterwards, he added: "I'm away now. Thanks."
Frightened Rabbit were formed by Mr Hutchison and brother Grant on drums. The band released their debut album Sing the Greys in 2006, and went on to release four more albums.
The brothers also released a critically-acclaimed album last month as part of Mastersystem - a supergroup that also included Justin Lockey from the band Editors.
Image copyright Police Scotland Image caption The singer has spoken openly of his battle with depression
News of Mr Hutchison's death sparked tributes from fans and musicians.
Snow Patrol singer Gary Lightbody paid tribute on Instagram to "one of Scotland's most extraordinary song writers".
He said Mr Hutchison "wrote with such profound insight into loss and longing and listening to his words always made me feel this heady mix of wonder, elation and pain.
"That pain that also makes you feel someone understands what you're going through and you don't feel so alone".
Image caption Frightened Rabbit, pictured here at Glastonbury in 2013, released five albums
Franz Ferdinand singer Alex Kapranos tweeted: "Awful news about Scott Hutchison. A terrible loss."
Stuart Murdoch, from Belle and Sebastian, wrote: "Tragic news about Scott Hutchison. The whole music community in Scotland was praying for a different outcome."
DJ Edith Bowman said: "Can't really believe I'm reading this. Saddest awakening ever. Love and best wishes to all the Hutchison and Frabbit family."
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also tweeted: "Heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with Scott's family, friends and fans. A remarkable and much loved talent."
The musician is originally from Selkirk but had been living in Glasgow.
Frightened Rabbit - a band of brothers
Frightened Rabbit were formed with Scott Hutchison on vocals and guitar and his brother Grant on drums, with the band's most recent line-up also featuring Billy Kennedy, Andy Monaghan and Simon Liddell.
They released the first of their five albums, Sing the Greys, in 2006, with Scott also releasing a solo album called Owl John.
Scott and Grant had recently formed a new band called Mastersystem, joining forces with Justin Lockey from Editors and his brother James, a film maker.
Their debut album, Dance Music, was released last month.
Scott had also hinted at a sixth Frightened Rabbit album being released before the end of the year, saying they had five or six songs that were coming together.
The family of missing Frightened Rabbits singer Scott Hutchison have been informed following the discovery of a man's body by the police. Formal identification has yet to take place.
The body was found on Thursday night at Port Edgar, in South Queensferry, near where the Scottish musician was last seen at the town's Dakota Hotel. Hutchison was reported missing in the early hours of Wednesday morning, and was last seen on CCTV footage after visiting the hotel.
His family and friends became concerned after Hutchison posted tweets on Tuesday night, that read: "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."
Minutes later he added: "I'm away now. Thanks."
On Wednesday, his brother and band mate Grant shared a plea on Instagram, saying that Hutchison was "in a very fragile state".
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
