Rab Noakes: Fife friends recall much loved friend, a gent and a great musician

Universally loved and respected in equal measure, he was one of Scottish folk music’s finest ambassadors - an outstanding singer-songwriter who never forgot his roots in Fife where he was a regular visitor.

The news of his death was broken by lifelong friend, singer Barbara Dickson, last Thursday. Just six or so weeks earlier, they shared the stage at Crail Community Hall, delivering another night of unforgettable music.

The 75-year old was due to perform at the Polish Club in Kirkcaldy in December, and also record a song he wrote about the late Jim Hyndman with some of his many Fife friends.

Rab underwent an operation on Wednesday, and had texted friends afterwards, and he had plans to meet up for coffee with some too, making his sudden passing within 24 hours all the more shocking.

On Saturday, singer Dean Owens dedicated his gig at Crail Community Hall to Rab, and recalled his own collaborations with a musician who was gifted, modest and hugely supportive of many across the industry. The love and sense of loss could be felt in equal measure.

Born in St Andrews and brought up in Cupar, Rab had been performing professionally since 1967. He played with Gerry Rafferty, Lindisfarne and Stealers Wheel, and released more than 20 albums across his career.

He always cut a dapper figure on the music scene, immaculately turned out, and was a regular to the many folk clubs across Fife where he honed his craft.

The depth of those roots were underlined in a poignant tribute from Kirkcaldy Acoustic Music Club where he played many times, and was due to perform on December 15.

It recalled a teenage Rab, along with Artie Tresize and Davie Craig running a small folk club in Cupar.

In the summer of 1970, the Great Fife Roadshow took to the road with Rab very much at the helm. Their tour started in St Andrews and included luminaries such as Barbara Dickson, Jimmy Hutchison, Davie Craig, Noel Farrow, Des Haldane, John Watt, Jim Herd, Maureen Chalmers, Artie and Davey Stewart.

Rab’s debut album Do You See The Lights came out in 1970 and he performed extensively, often sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the business, but he remained in touch with his friends in Fife.

He was one of the driving forces behind a 2019 50th anniversary revival of the Great Fife Roadshow whose members remained in touch across the decades. It was another great night of music and memories, this time at Lochgelly Theatre.

As well as writing and performing, Rab was the senior producer for music programmes on BBC Radio Scotland, and, a staunch trades unionist, he continued to champion musicians’ interests as he served on Musicians’ Union Executive Committee and represented musicians’ interests at the Scottish Trades Union Congress.

As well as performing and recording, Rab was also a major supporter of the Celtic Connections music festival where he was integral to celebrations of his great friends, the late Gerry Rafferty and Michael Marra.

In 2017 he was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, two years after a diagnosis of tonsillar cancer.

On the cusp of lockdown he was part of the Cash Back In Fife festival held in Aberdour to celebrate Johnny Cash’s links to the Kingdom. Curated by Dean Owens, Rab was the first to sign up, and join a songwriters’ as art of a glorious weekend of music and stories.

The tributes posted last week as news of his passing spread underlined the depth of love for the man and his music.

Kirkcaldy Acoustic Music Club said: “Rab played tiny clubs and huge festivals, was invariably immaculately dressed and super cool, but always gravitated to his family, friends and long term musical collaborators. He was a terrific musician and a champion of live music and our club, as well as a great supporter of several musicians throughout his life."

Author and fellow Fifer Val McDermid tweeted: “In tears at the news of Rab Noakes’ death. Known and loved this generous, talented, open-hearted man since I was 14, never known a kinder soul or a better guitarist.

"We messaged each other only a couple of days ago and he was his usual upbeat self. We were planning to record some tracks together in the New Year. Known and loved him since I was 14.”

Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis said he was “an iconic and generous musician, and a gentleman. It was always a joy and an education to be in his company.”

Scots singer Iona Fyfe said: “He was always so encouraging, generous with his time and unbelievably kind, welcoming and supportive.”

Fiddler Duncan Chisholm said: “Rab was a true gentleman, always encouraging and generous of spirit. He was an incredible performer and a real iconic figure in Scottish music.”

Playwright David Greig said: “I'm so sad to hear of the death of Rab Noakes; an exquisite songwriter, producer, singer, mentor, who deeply cared about music and the arts in Scotland. I was always in awe of his talents and inspired by his kindness.”

Singer-songwriter Horse McDonald, another great Fife singer-songwriter, said: “So very sorry to hear about Rab Noakes. What a giant of a man, he’ll be sorely missed.”

And Bruce Findlay, a man immersed in music all his life - he founded Bruce’s Record Shop and manages Simple Minds - spoke for many when he wrote: “I am gutted and so saddened to hear my dear old friend Rab Noakes has died. Thank you for all the wonderful music Rab but thank you most of all for being a pal for over 50 years … I'm going to miss you man.”