WITH over half a century of live performance, more than 20 albums, broadcasting, production, song writing, and much more besides, Rab Noake’s contribution as an artist has been unique and unrivalled.   

His dedication to the Musicians’ Union (MU) was exemplary. Rab served for many years on its national executive committee, and after standing down in 2020, took up a role as vice-chair of the MU’s Scotland and Northern Ireland regional committee. He represented the MU on the STUC general council, fighting tirelessly for creative workers, the rights of women and young people, and for fairness in the workplace. 

The music industry often tends to pigeonhole people: a singer-songwriter is supposed to be a wild spirit with not much sense of business or responsibility to those around them. Rab’s multifaceted career broke right through that cliched mould. I remember Rab beginning to get involved with the Glasgow branch of the MU about 20 or so years ago. An artistic legend, of course, and well-known as a straight-dealing and imaginative producer, he quickly grasped the nature of the problems facing the MU at that turbulent time in its history and played a great part in shifting attitudes and forging solutions.