Singer Michael Marra, ‘Bard of Dundee’, dies aged 60

ACCLAIMED Dundee singer-songwriter Michael Marra has died at the age of 60 following a battle with illness.

ACCLAIMED Dundee singer-songwriter Michael Marra has died at the age of 60 following a battle with illness.

Marra, who was understood to have been ill for some time, died on Tuesday night.

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Known as the Bard of Dundee, his live performances at folk clubs around Scotland were legendary, and he drew comparisons with Tom Waits for his distinctive songwriting style.

Marra was born in the Lochee area of the city in 1952, and chronicled everything in Scottish life, from the Shirley McKie fingerprint controversy to Hamish McAlpine, the Dundee United goalkeeper.

A Scotsman review of a Marra concert last year heaped praise upon the singer: “He finds poetry a-plenty in the pubs and housing schemes of Dundee. Marra is never less than interesting, but at his best he is unmissable: a unique voice with a unique vision.”

Marra also appeared on stage and wrote music for theatre and opera.

His niece Jenny Marra is a Labour MSP and his children Alice and Matthew are also musicians, in the band The Hazey Janes.

Many fans, friends and collaborators have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Marra today.

Singer Eddie Reader wrote: “Our whole country should pay tribute to Michael.”