Frightened Rabbit | Photo by Jeremy Zimmerman | http://jeremy-zim.com/
RIP Scott Hutchison of Frightened Rabbit, gone at 36
Scott Hutchison, the singer and songwriter behind beloved Scottish indie rock outfit Frightened Rabbit, was found dead Thursday, after going missing earlier this week, and a subsequent outpouring of concern from his bandmates and fans. He was 36 years old.
According to a report on NPR Music, Hutchison was found by Edinburgh Police at Port Edgar near South Queensferry, not far from where he was last seen at the town’s Dakota Hotel. He posted two tweets late Tuesday that had his bandmates and his family concerned for his well-being.
A statement from Hutchison’s family says the following:
“Depression is a horrendous illness that does not give you any alert or indication as to when it will take hold of you. 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 willigness 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.”
True to that, Hutchison’s music with Frightened Rabbit tackled issues of self-doubt, insecurity and melancholy, set to the powerful swells of electric guitar. Their music could be quiet as a kitten and it could be a powerful scream in the night, and through that, Hutchison was able to connect with fans around the globe going through the same thing as him.
In a Tweet from Frightened Rabbit’s official account, bandmates Grant Hutchison, Billy Kennedy, Andy Monaghan, and Simon Liddell said “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 to continue doing this.” Read their full statement below.
— Frightened Rabbit (@FRabbits) May 11, 2018
After debuting in 2006 with Painting The Greys, Frightened Rabbit became critical darlings with the release of 2008’s The Midnight Organ Fight. They released five LPs over the course of their run, with 2016’s cathartic Painting Of A Panic Attack making their greatest stateside impact.
Frightened Rabbit made two appearances on World Cafe with David Dye; once in 2016, behind Panic Attack, and previously in 2013, touring in support of Pedestrian Verse. Listen to both interviews and sessions below.