'Baker Street' singer Gerry Rafferty has reassured worried fans he is not "missing".
Concerns for the songwriter grew this week after reports that friends had not heard from him since he disappeared six months ago while being treated at a London hospital for liver failure.
But tonight solicitors for the singer said he was "extremely well" and composing new songs at his home in Italy.
A statement given to Channel 4 News said: "Contrary to reports Gerry is extremely well and has been living in Tuscany for the last six months.
"At his house there, which is situated just north of Florence, he continues to compose and record new songs and music.
"He would like to send a personal thank-you to all of his fans who have expressed their concern for his wellbeing and he hopes to release a new album of his most recent work in the summer of this year."
Rafferty is best known for the 1978 hit 'Baker Street' but also had a huge hit in 1972 with 'Stuck in the Middle With You' with his band Stealers Wheel.
