RIP Scott Hutchison
Tributes have been pouring in for Scott Hutchison. Hutchison was a Scottish singer, songwriter, guitarist and artist. He was the founding member and primary songwriter of the indie rock band Frightened Rabbit, with whom he recorded five studio albums. Scott went missing during the early hours of Wednesday morning. Police announced the finding of a body at the Port Edgar marina on Thursday evening and this was subsequently confirmed to be him.
Scott was 36.
Personally, I am no lover of obituaries. They feel somehow intrusive at a time of great personal grieving. Same time, I do want to honour the man and his music. I didn’t know Scott, but friends did. I know that he battled depression for a long time and that he used his music to articulate his feelings and doubts. Scott had without doubt borne a terrible burden. After being so brave and so strong for such a long time his passing can at least be framed in terms of an end to suffering. I am thankful he is finally at peace. Thoughts go out to his family, friends, fans of the band and of course the group themselves.
His Frightened Rabbit bandmates released the following statement:
“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 all to continue doing this. “He will be missed by all of us and his absence will always be felt but he leaves a legacy of hope, kindness and colour that will forever be remembered and shared.”
Hutchison will now live on through his musical legacy. His songs will never die. I hope that we can fill the media with Frightened Rabbit music, keep the good memories and continue the fight in respect of depression. It is such an important topic and we should never be afraid to shine the light upon it.