Rab Noakes Obituary, Funeral

Rab Noakes was a singer, songwriter and founding father of Stealers Wheels. He died suddenly on Nov. 11, 2022 at age 75.

Born on May 13,1947, Noakes who grew up in Cupar, Fife, was also a solo artist who released more than 20 albums and performed during festivals such as Celtic Connections.

Despite playing a key role in the formation of Stealers Wheels, he left the group before they recorded their first album.

He also sang backing vocals and played guitar on the first solo album by Gerry Rafferty, Can I Have My Money Back, most notably on “Mary Skeffington”, a song about Rafferty’s mother.

Following his exit from the group, he made his own debut solo recording Do You See The Lights in 1970, with a line-up that included ex-partner Robin McKidd on electric guitar and Scottish jazz bassist Ronnie Rae.

Noakes also worked as the senior producer for music programmes on BBC Radio Scotland.

He was also the founder of the production company Neon.

Details regarding his funeral will be announced in due course by his family.