Farewell to Joe Egan: The man behind ‘Stuck in the Middle with You’

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As a fan who grew up listening to the raw and captivating beats of Stealers Wheel, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia as we bid farewell to Joe Egan, the co-founder of this legendary band and the co-writer of the iconic “Stuck in the Middle with You.” Born and raised in Paisley, Scotland, Joe Egan’s journey from aspiring soccer star to a key figure in rock and pop music is nothing short of inspiring.

On July 6, 2024, Joe Egan, famously recognized as a co-founder of Stealers Wheel and co-author of the timeless hit “Stuck in the Middle with You,” passed away at the age of 77.

The official Facebook page of Gerry Rafferty, his longtime bandmate, made a silent announcement regarding his death; however, no particulars about how he passed away were revealed.

Martha, Rafferty’s daughter, shared a touching tribute about Joe Egan, half of the band Stealers Wheel, who peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones yesterday afternoon. In her post, she remembered his gentle and kind nature, expressing her sadness at this loss. May he find eternal peace. Born on October 18, 1946, in Paisley, Scotland, Egan initially dreamed of becoming a soccer legend but found his true calling in music instead.

He and Rafferty initially met as teenagers at St. Mirin’s Academy in Paisley, bonding over their mutual passion for music. This common interest paved the way for their future musical partnership. In the early 1970s, they established Stealers Wheel, a band that would significantly impact rock and pop music. However, their first few singles did not gain much popularity. Nevertheless, Stealers Wheel achieved great success with their third song, “Stuck in the Middle with You.”

More on the song that made Joe Egan a success

The tune “Stuck in the Middle with You,” penned jointly by Egan and Rafferty, soared globally, charting among the top 10 songs in both the U.S. and the UK. Its catchy rhythm and vivid lyrics helped their first album, simply titled after the band, climb to the 50th spot on the Billboard 200. Eventually, it sold more than 2 million copies and firmly established itself as a classic rock standard.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share how a particular song skyrocketed to fame once it graced Quentin Tarantino’s 1992 masterpiece, “Reservoir Dogs.” In an unforgettable scene, the charismatic Michael Madsen, portraying the enigmatic Mr. Blonde, grooved to this catchy melody while subjecting a police officer to a chilling ordeal. This moment etched the song indelibly into the film’s darkly comedic lore. The track’s influence only expanded as it cropped up in various films and series, such as “The Simpsons,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” and “That ’70s Show.”

Life after the big song

Despite the initial success Stealers Wheel experienced, the band found it challenging to recreate the impact of “Stuck in the Middle with You.” Their subsequent single, titled “Everything Will Turn Out Fine,” managed to enter the Billboard Top 50, while a song called “Star,” written by Egan from their second album Ferguslie Park (1973), even made it into the Top 30.

Later on, the star was brought back into focus when it made an appearance in an episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. However, Stealers Wheel’s subsequent albums, Ferguslie Park and Right or Wrong (1975), failed to gain commercial success, ultimately causing the band to disband. After Stealers Wheel broke up, Egan opted for a solo path, putting out two albums: Out of Nowhere in 1979 and Map in 1981. Regrettably, neither album managed to make it onto the charts, and Egan’s presence in the limelight gradually diminished.

Instead of sticking with Stealers Wheel following their first album, Rafferty opted to concentrate on his own solo endeavors. This decision led to significant success, as evidenced by the multi-platinum album City to City (1978), which included the globally popular track “Baker Street.”

Regardless of following different careers, Egan and Rafferty kept up a bond throughout the years, even if they never collaborated musically again. Rafferty sadly passed away in 2011, leaving behind an enduring legacy that included the joint achievements with Egan in Stealers Wheel and their timeless hit song.

The death of Joe Egan signifies the close of a significant chapter for enthusiasts of Stealers Wheel and classic rock. His musical influence, particularly on the iconic song “Stuck in the Middle with You,” continues to echo strongly among listeners, cementing his status as a notable figure in rock music lore.

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2024-08-26 15:01