Beloved Guitarist John Douglas Dies at 63

Scottish indie rock band Trashcan Sinatras has announced the passing of their longtime guitarist, John Douglas. He died at the age of 63 following a brief illness. Douglas passed away peacefully in the early hours of August 3, 2026. His bandmates expressed their deep sorrow, stating they had lost a dear friend and brother. John Douglas had been an integral part of Trashcan Sinatras since its formation in Irvine, Scotland, in 1986. He played on all seven of the band's studio albums, significantly influencing their melodic indie pop sound and thoughtful songwriting. His distinctive guitar playing became synonymous with the band's identity. In addition to his work with Trashcan Sinatras, Douglas was a collaborator with his wife, singer Eddi Reader, and had embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album in 2024. The news of his death comes shortly after the band released their latest album, 'Ever The Optimist'.