John Quigley, chef to stars Bryan Adams and Tina Turner, dies

John Quigley has died aged 62 from lung cancer

Tributes have been paid to a Glasgow restaurant owner who spent years as a chef for some of the world's biggest rock stars.

John Quigley's death was announced by his family in a statement. The 62-year-old had been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Among the acts he worked with were Tina Turner, Bryan Adams and Guns N' Roses - who Mr Quigley once recalled suddenly demanded reindeer for dinner while touring Scandinavia.

The Hamilton-born chef owned the Red Onion restaurant on the city's West Campbell Street with his wife Gillian.

Bryan Adams told the BBC he was very sad to hear of Mr Quigley's death.

He said: "Quigley, (or Quigs as he was known to us) was on tour with the band in the early '90s. He was a wonderful chef.

"John's presence and sense of humour endeared him to everyone and he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all of us in the band and crew."

Mr Quigley was also a regular on TV and radio, including BBC programme The Kitchen Café.

His friend, TV and radio presenter Stephen Jardine, told Radio Scotland Breakfast the chef's death was shocking.

"I first met John 25 years ago, when he became the chef on a new daily show I was presenting," he said.

"What came through was John's amazing life story - he had gone to London to study art, as he was working on his portfolio got pulled into restaurant kitchens to earn a crust and absolutely loved it.

"By the age of 22 he was the youngest head chef to appear in the Good Food Guide."

John worked as a chef for Guns N' Roses during their Use Your Illusion world tour

Mr Jardine said Mr Quigley's love of rock n' roll led to a decade working as a touring chef with singers and bands.

"He was cooking for everyone, from Tina Turner to Paul McCartney to the Bee Gees. John used to say he was a good 'tourer' - he liked that life, and the stories he would tell were outrageous," he said.

"Morrissey would refuse to pay for a kitchen porter - so John had to invite fans backstage to line up and do the dishes for him.

"He once roasted seven reindeer in a car park for Guns N' Roses outside a gig."

Mr Quigley previously recalled Guns N'Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin was fond of apple crumble and custard, which he would eat during gigs when bandmate Slash was indulging in long guitar solos during their 1992 European tour.

He also recalled working with the Bee Gees in the early 90s, and singer Maurice Gibb's wife giving advice on how to cook Yorkshire puddings for the band's Sunday roasts.

John and his wife Gillian had two daughters

However, his longest spell on the road came with Canadian singer Bryan Adams.

Mr Jardine said: "Bryan was a vegan before it became fashionable, so John was making almond milk long before you could buy it in supermarkets.

"That became the basis for Red Onion, where he cooked vegan food. He had learned it on the road with Bryan Adams."

Red Onion was opened in 2005, and offered casual dining based around traditional Scottish dishes.

Mr Jardine said he believed his friend's enthusiasm for cooking had helped the restaurant survive turbulent economic times after the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Quigley's family said in a statement: "On Sunday we sadly lost our beloved husband and father, John Quigley, far too young aged only 62, after an extremely courageous battle with lung cancer.

"John will be sorely missed by his wife, Gillian, and daughters Rosie and Amy who wish to extend their thanks for all of the kind wishes and compassion at this time.

"His family are committed to continuing his proud legacy at his successful family-run restaurant, Red Onion, with his dedicated and loyal team there."