THE front man for Scottish band Belle and Sebastian frontman Murdoch has opened up over his battle with chronic fatigue syndrome and how it inspired his music.
Stuart Murdoch was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), a neuro-immune disease that causes profound fatigue, while at university in 1990.
The Glaswegian songwriter told BBC Scotland: "It was the biggest thing to happen to me, practically and spiritually, in every aspect.
"I had to give up everything, work and college and pretty much all my friends as well. You start your life again.
"It is always in the background, struggling with everyday stuff. You are almost cocooned. You go to extreme lengths to manage during the day."
Murdoch, 49, is leading a campaign for better research into ME, for which there is no diagnostic test or cure. Many sufferers are bed-bound and unable to leave the house.
A rally in Edinburgh yesterday was one of more than 60 held across the world calling for more research and better education for healthcare professionals.
"I'm super lucky," Murdoch added. "My so-called music career was built out of ME.
“I would not have written those songs if I hadn't had ME. So my group has been fashioned around my abilities and disabilities.
“The group has been a tremendous support to me. We go at my speed."
Carol Monaghan, MP for Glasgow North West, organised a Westminster debate on ME in February and welcomed efforts to raise awareness of the illness.
She said: "I have visited a number of constituents living with ME, and I have been shocked by the lack of assistance available"
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