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

Joe Egan, best known as the co-founder of Stealers Wheel and co-writer of the iconic hit "Stuck in the Middle with You," passed away on July 6, 2024, at the age of 77.

His death was quietly announced on the official Facebook page of his longtime bandmate, the late Gerry Rafferty, though specific details about his passing were not disclosed.

A heartfelt tribute posted by Rafferty's daughter, Martha, reflected on Egan’s gentle and kind nature, stating, "Very sad news that the other half of Stealers Wheel, Joe Egan, passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon with his nearest and dearest around him... May he rest in peace." Egan, born on October 18, 1946, in Paisley, Scotland, originally aspired to become a soccer star before music took center stage in his life.

He and Rafferty first crossed paths as teenagers at St. Mirin’s Academy in Paisley, where their shared love of music laid the foundation for their future collaboration. In the early 1970s, they formed Stealers Wheel, a band that would leave a lasting mark on rock and pop music. Despite their initial singles failing to gain traction, Stealers Wheel struck gold with their third release, "Stuck in the Middle with You."

More on the song that made Joe Egan a success

The song "Stuck in the Middle with You," co-written by Egan and Rafferty, became a global hit, reaching the Top 10 in both the U.S. and the UK. Its infectious melody and memorable lyrics propelled the band’s self-titled debut album to No. 50 on the Billboard 200. Over time, it sold over 2 million copies and became a staple in classic rock.

The song enjoyed a resurgence in popularity after being featured in Quentin Tarantino's 1992 debut film Reservoir Dogs. In a now-infamous scene, actor Michael Madsen, playing the character Mr. Blonde, danced to the likable tune while torturing a police officer, forever associating the track with the film's dark, twisted humor. The song’s legacy continued to grow as it appeared in numerous films and television shows, including The Simpsons, Gilmore Girls, Malcolm in the Middle, and That '70s Show.

Life after the big song

Although Stealers Wheel enjoyed initial success, the band struggled to replicate the impact of "Stuck in the Middle with You." Their follow-up single, "Everything Will Turn Out Fine," reached the Billboard Top 50, while "Star," a track penned by Egan from their second album Ferguslie Park (1973), made it into the Top 30.

"Star" later gained renewed attention when it was featured in an episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. However, Stealers Wheel’s subsequent albums, Ferguslie Park and Right or Wrong (1975), did not perform well commercially, leading to the band’s dissolution. After Stealers Wheel disbanded, Egan pursued a solo career, releasing two albums: Out of Nowhere (1979) and Map (1981). Unfortunately, neither album charted, and Egan gradually faded from the spotlight.

Rafferty, on the other hand, left Stealers Wheel after their debut album to focus on his solo career, achieving major success with the multiplatinum album City to City (1978), which featured the international hit "Baker Street."

Despite their divergent paths, Egan and Rafferty maintained a connection over the years, though they never reunited musically. Rafferty passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with Egan’s contributions to Stealers Wheel and their unforgettable hit.

Joe Egan’s passing marks the end of an era for fans of Stealers Wheel and classic rock. His contributions to the music world, especially through "Stuck in the Middle with You," continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring his place in rock history.