Scott Hutchison: Body discovered in search confirmed as missing Frightened Rabbit singer
Hutchison’s family said they were devastated by his death
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Your support makes all the difference.The body of a man found in the search for Scott Hutchison has been confirmed as the missing Scottish rock star.
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.”
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 a 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 he formed with brother Grant and former Editors guitarist Justin Lockey. They had also performed earlier this year following the release of their album Dance Music, which received 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 10,” 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 songwriters”.
The Samaritans can be contacted in the UK on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255