Scottish music legend Billy MacKenzie's brother dies in flat fire

The victim of a fatal fire in Dundee was named yesterday as the brother of the late Scottish cult music legend Billy MacKenzie, the former lead singer with the Associates.

John MacKenzie, 46, was pronounced dead in the city's Ninewells Hospital after being found lying in the living room of his smoke-filled flat, unconscious and unresponsive, by firefighters early yesterday morning.

Neighbours and passers-by had previously been beaten back by thick smoke and flames in their attempt to gain entry to the flat.

In a statement, released by Tayside Police following his tragic death, Mr MacKenzie's grieving family paid tribute to the "charismatic" brother of one of Scotland's pop legends.

The MacKenzie family stated: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of John Patrick MacKenzie, a beloved father, brother and uncle. John was a vibrant and charismatic person who will be greatly missed by the many family and friends he leaves behind. "

Billy MacKenzie died in January 1997 after taking a drugs overdose.

The 39-year-old singer had a string of hits with the Associates in the early 1980s.