Written by: Alex Green

John Douglas of the Trashcan Sinatras has died.

The Irvine-born guitarist had been with the legendary Scottish outfit since 1986 and played on all seven of their albums, including their latest, Ever The Optimist, which was released only a week ago (July 31).

In recent years, Douglas released a critically-acclaimed solo album and had been touring with his partner Eddi Reader, who is the sister of the Trashcan Sinatras’ singer Frank Reader.

Over the course of his career, Douglas also played with Normal Blake of Teenage Fanclub as well as Martin McAloon of Prefab Sprout.

Douglas and Reader had recently just completed their own debut album as a duo called Eddi & John that is slated to be released in September.

Reader recently cancelled her tour, which she said in a statement was, “due to unforeseen and challenging circumstances.”

She went on to write: “Right now I need to be at home to give my undivided love and care.”

The Trashcan Sinatras posted the following on the loss of Douglas: “We are devastated to inform all of you that we have lost our dear friend and brother John after a brief illness. John died peacefully in the early hours of Monday the 3rd August 2026, surrounded by loved ones, his beautiful voice and songs filling the room.”