Dan McCafferty, a founding member of the Scottish rock band Nazareth, has died.

News of the singer’s death at the age of 76 was confirmed today (November 8) by Nazareth bassist Pete Agnew.

“This is the saddest announcement I ever had to make,” Agnew wrote on Facebook. “Maryann and the family have lost a wonderful loving husband and father, I have lost my best friend and the world has lost one of the greatest singers who ever lived. Too upset to say anything more at this time.”

McCafferty was the singer for Nazareth from their formation in 1968 through to 2013, when the band announced his retirement from touring due to health issues. He appeared on all of Nazareth’s albums up to 2014, beginning with 1971’s self-titled effort, and toured with the group for 45 years.

The last Nazareth album McCafferty was involved with was 2014’s ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Telephone’.

In 2019, McCafferty released ‘Last Testament’, his third and final solo album, which followed 1975’s ‘Dan McCafferty’ and 1987’s ‘Into The Ring’.

Nazareth are known best for their 1975 album ‘Hair Of The Dog’, which featured the title track and a cover of The Everly Brothers ballad ‘Love Hurts’.

The band remained active, with Agnew as its only original member, and new lead singer Carl Sentance.

Earlier this year, founding member Manny Charlton passed away at the age of 80. News of the guitarist’s death was confirmed by his grandson, Jamie Charlton, who shared a photo on social media with the caption “RIP Grandad.”

Ricky Warwick, frontman of Black Star Riders and Thin Lizzy, was among those who paid tribute to McCafferty.

He wrote on Twitter: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Nazareth’s Dan McCafferty today. I was honoured to be in his company on the Rock Meets Classic Tour in 2016. My thoughts and condolences to his family and close friends.”

See more tributes to the frontman below.

Very sad to hear of the passing of Nazareth’s Dan McCafferty today. I was honored to be his company on the Rock Meets Classic Tour in 2016. My thoughts and condolences to his family and close friends. pic.twitter.com/o0cos0OttI

— RICKY WARWICK ? (@rickywarwick) November 8, 2022

Nooo just hearing that Dan McCafferty of Nazareth fame has died. Loved that group, loved that heavy heavy sound. Ach..never saw them live, anyone see them live? will discuss later here:https://t.co/aUVTVPvRmg

— John Beattie (@BBCJohnBeattie) November 8, 2022

Sad news about the passing of Dan McCafferty. A true gentleman. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. Despite the success he had found Dan always remained approachable. His stories were just the best too. A sad loss to his family and many friends and fans. RIP Dan. ?

— Visit Dunfermline (@LoveDunfermline) November 8, 2022

RIP Dan McCafferty who has died at the age of 76. One of the great rock voices, front man of one of the stellar early 1970s rock bands Nazareth & at his peak Dan had one of the classic male rock looks. pic.twitter.com/7j8xeKOOm4

— Gerry Hassan ?? (@GerryHassan) November 8, 2022

Very sad to hear the news of the passing of Dan McCafferty – possessor of one of the great voices in British rock. Here with Nazareth performing Hair of the Dog.https://t.co/0z1dsyg0up

— British Music Exp (@thebme) November 8, 2022