Tribute planned for Frightened Rabbit singer at Halifax concert

A tribute to Frightened Rabbit singer Scott Hutchison is planned in Halifax as the band was due to play at the Piece Hall this month.
A tribute is planned for Frightened Rabbit singer Scott Hutchison at the Piece HallA tribute is planned for Frightened Rabbit singer Scott Hutchison at the Piece Hall
A tribute is planned for Frightened Rabbit singer Scott Hutchison at the Piece Hall

The 36-year-old indie band's frontman was last seen at around 1am on May 9 after leaving the Dakota Hotel in South Queensferry.

A body was found at Port Edgar near South Queensferry at 8.30pm the following day and Police Scotland later confirmed it was that of Mr Hutchison.

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The five-piece band was due to play alongside Father John Misty, Leeds-based Hookworms, Edwyn Collins and others at a gig at Halifax's Piece Hall on Saturday, May 26.

A statement from the Piece Hall Trust, Brudenell Social and Futuresound events said: "We are all shocked and deeply saddened by the recent loss of Scott Hutchison and our thoughts go out to his family and everyone else who was close to him.

"Out of respect to Scott and Frightened Rabbit we have decided not to replace the band on the bill for the forthcoming show on 26 May.

"We will hold a minute of applause and noise to celebrate the life and music of Scott at 7.30pm.

"The other artists will have extended set times.

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"We will also be collecting on the gates for a regional charity who deal with men’s mental health awareness, please give generously to this cause."

In a statement released through Police Scotland, Mr Hutchison's family said that they have been overwhelmed by the love and support that they have received in recent days.

They said: "As a family, we are utterly devastated with the tragic loss of our beloved Scott. Despite his disappearance, and the recent concerns over his mental health, we had all 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. He was passionate, articulate and charismatic, as well as being one of the funniest and kindest people we knew.

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"Friends and family would all agree that he had a brilliant sense of humour and was a great person to be around.

"In addition to his musical success, Scott was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend. Despite whatever else was going on in his life he always had time for those he cared for.

"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 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.

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"To all of those who have come forward with such kind messages of support over the past couple of days, we wish to express our most sincerest of thanks. We have been overwhelmed by the love that has been conveyed, not only to Scott, but to our family. It means the world to us.

"We also want to thank Police Scotland and the Dakota Hotel for all of their assistance since Wednesday.

"We now ask that our privacy be respected so that we may come to terms with our loss."