One of the most prolific and best loved musicians in the NW
One of the most prolific and best loved musicians in the NW.

The following message was posted to Facebook earlier today:

Scott McCaughey, the ever-smiling, sunglasses-wearing front man of the bands The Minus 5 and the Young Fresh Fellows, and side man to countless bands — including M. Ward, The Baseball Project, Tired Pony, and R.E.M. — suffered a stroke while on a West Coast tour with Alejandro Escovedo. He is in stable condition.

Loved by many and a best friend to all, Scott brings a very bright light to the stage. In his ever-changing hats and loud sports coats, Scott exudes such joy while he performs.

“Scott McCaughey is one of the unsung heroes of rock n roll. A true believer and one of the most creative people I have ever met.” says guitarist Peter Buck.

The road to recovery will be a long one, and we believe it will come through music. We can’t wait to see him back in action. The collective energy of the entire creative community is powerful enough to overcome this hurdle. With the love and support of all of you, Scott will continue to share his love of music with the world.

We promise to provide continued updates and will share any messages of support you want to send with him.


My sentiments ex-fucking-actly.

On a personal note, I am a friend of Scott's and, like many people reading this, have recorded, performed, and toured with him many times. He's one of the warmest, most inclusive, and celebratory people I've ever met, not to mention talented, not to mention prolific, not to mention humble.

There's nothing he loves more than talking about, listening to, and above all playing rock and roll, and I look forward to hearing him do it again when (not if) he's up to it.

In the meantime, he has made more records than any three average musicians make in a lifetime. I encourage you to go check them out if you haven't, or even if you have. Start with The Minus Five (self-titled, a.k.a. The Gun Album), then Down With Wilco, then go backwards to the Young Fresh Fellows. Then do whatever you want. You won't be sorry.

I can't think of a more appropriate sound to hear coming out of every window in town this weekend than Scott McCaughey's voice.