Bay City Rollers Where are They Now? Who is Still Alive from the Bay City Rollers?

Bay City Rollers

The Bay City Rollers are a Scottish pop-rock band that gained immense popularity as teen idols during the 1970s. They were widely recognized as the “tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh” and were often compared to the Beatles in terms of their success and influence.

Throughout their career, the band experienced several changes in their lineup, but the classic roster that achieved the peak of their popularity consisted of guitarists Eric Faulkner and Stuart Wood, singer Les McKeown, bassist Alan Longmuir, and drummer Derek Longmuir. These members were instrumental in shaping the band’s sound and image during their heyday.

In recent years, the lineup of the Bay City Rollers has undergone further changes. As of 2018, the current lineup includes original guitarist Stuart “Woody” Wood, singer Ian Thomson, bassist Mikey Smith, and drummer Jamie McGrory. These talented musicians continue to carry the legacy of the band and entertain audiences with their music.

Bay City Rollers Where are They Now?

Some of the Bay City Rollers members are still busy in the minds of the fans, generating music. Let’s see about them.

1) Stuart ‘Woody

Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood, now 66 years old, joined the Bay City Rollers at the age of 15, making him the youngest member of the band. Despite his limited experience playing the guitar, Woody played a crucial role in the band’s success and was part of their classic lineup. During the peak of their fame in 1975, he ended up in the hospital after a stage invasion following a performance.

However, tensions within the band began to surface, and after the departure of Alan Longmuir in 1976, the group eventually disbanded in 1978. Woody continued to pursue music, performing in smaller venues and clubs during the 1980s. He faced financial challenges during that period, but his love for music kept him going.

Woody formed a new band with Duncan Faure as the singer and spent time in Los Angeles. After the band split, he moved to South Africa and collaborated with Neil Solomon in a group called The Passengers. He also worked as a producer and had successes with projects such as producing records for The MacDonald Brothers.

In 2003, Woody co-founded the Edinburgh music label The Music Kitchen. He continued to produce music and perform with his own version of the Bay City Rollers, aiming to deliver the essence of the original band to audiences.

As of 2019, Woody resided in Edinburgh with his wife, Denise. Upon learning of the death of fellow band member Les McKeown, he expressed his condolences and reflected on their shared history in the Bay City Rollers. Woody praised Les’s energy and impact on stage, remembering their early days together in the band.

2) Alan Longmuir

Alan Longmuir, the bassist and co-founder of the Bay City Rollers, formed the group in 1966 under the name the Saxons. Alongside his brother Derek on drums, cousin Neil Porteous, classmate Gordon ‘Nobby’ Clarke, and Dave Pettigrew, the band went through lineup changes before achieving immense success as one of the first boy bands. They had two No. 1 hits in America and became a classic of the genre.

Alan was briefly replaced by rhythm guitarist Ian Mitchell in 1976 and later returned to the group in 1978 after Pat McGlynn’s departure. Following the band’s split in the early 1980s, Alan went back to his previous occupation as a plumber but faced financial struggles. He made some poor financial decisions, including investing in a Scottish hotel that didn’t work out.

In 2015, Alan reunited with other members of the Bay City Rollers for a successful reunion tour. He also debuted a music-and-memories production at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and returned annually until his death. Alan passed away in 2018 at the age of 70 after contracting a mystery virus while on vacation in Mexico with his wife, Eileen.

Throughout his life, Alan faced health challenges, surviving two heart attacks and a stroke. He left behind a legacy of love and kindness, and his family described him as a humble man who considered himself “just a plumber from Edinburgh who got lucky.” He was survived by his wife, Eileen, his children, stepchildren, and siblings.

3) Derek Longmuir

Derek Longmuir, the younger brother of Ian Longmuir, was a founding member of the Bay City Rollers. Like his brother, Derek joined the band as a teenager in the 1960s. However, he retired from the music industry in the early 1980s and pursued a different career path.

Derek began training to become a nurse in 1990 after volunteering at the Sick Children’s Hospital in Edinburgh. He qualified as a nurse in 1993 and worked at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

In 2000, Derek faced legal troubles when he was found to possess child abuse images. He was sentenced to 300 hours of community service after admitting to the charges. The material was discovered during a police raid on his home following a tip-off. Despite claiming that the images belonged to an American friend, Derek pleaded guilty to avoid media attention.

The controversy led to his dismissal from his job at the Infirmary, but in 2001 he was allowed to resume his career as a psychiatric nurse. Since then, Derek has kept a low profile and declined interviews alongside his brother and former bandmates. In 2005, he mentioned that fame was not the traumatic aspect but rather the ruthless nature of the music business, which required a recovery process.

4) Eric Faulkner

Eric Faulkner, a guitarist and songwriter who is now 67 years old, joined the Bay City Rollers in 1972 after playing with another group called KIP (previously known as Sugar). He played multiple instruments and became an integral part of the Bay City Rollers, co-writing over half of their songs, including popular hits like “Money Honey” and “Love Me Like I Love You.”

Unlike some other members of the band, Faulkner remained active in the music industry even after their split in the early 1980s. He transitioned from being a teen idol to a Left-wing folk artist and formed his own band called The Eric Faulkner Co-operative. He also toured with the band 3 Men & Black and performed as a solo artist at Glastonbury in 2007.

In 2015, Faulkner contracted viral encephalitis, which nearly took his life. Although he recovered, he experienced post-encephalitic syndrome and has since raised funds for others suffering from the condition. Despite some legal disputes and conflicts within the Bay City Rollers, Faulkner continued to write and record music, making a comeback in 2017 and returning to the stage in 2018.

However, his current whereabouts are unknown, and he has seemingly become less visible in recent years according to music journalists.

5) Ian Mitchell

Ian Mitchell, a Northern Irish musician, joined the Bay City Rollers in 1976 as the replacement for bassist Alan Longmuir. Although his time with the band was short, spanning only seven months, Mitchell made a significant impact. He played bass on the Rollers’ album “Dedication” and was part of their success with the cover of Dusty Springfield’s “I Only Want To Be With You,” which reached number 12 on the US charts.

Infighting within the band led Mitchell to leave in late 1976 as their popularity began to decline. After his departure, he formed the band Rosetta Stone, which had successful tours in Japan and Thailand. They released three singles, including a cover of Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love.”

Despite his brief tenure, Mitchell’s association with the Bay City Rollers earned him a mention in the popular American sitcom Friends. In a 2001 episode, Monica mentions wanting The Bay City Rollers for dancing at her wedding, to which Chandler responds that Ian doesn’t play anymore.

Mitchell later quit the music industry in 1979 and launched the Ian Mitchell Band. Although they found success touring Asia and parts of Europe, they struggled to gain recognition in the UK. Mitchell participated in reunions for both the Bay City Rollers and Rosetta Stone in subsequent years.

In his later years, Mitchell lived in the US and pursued a career as a computer programmer and motivational speaker in California. He passed away in September 2020 at the age of 62. Despite becoming an American citizen, Mitchell remained proud of his Northern Irish roots, particularly his hometown of Downpatrick, and cherished the experiences and friendships he gained throughout his music career.

6) Les McKeown

Les McKeown, the singer of the Bay City Rollers, passed away at the age of 65. During the band’s heyday, they achieved tremendous success, selling 100 million records and becoming heartthrobs for millions of teenagers who adorned their walls with band posters. McKeown joined the Bay City Rollers as a last-minute replacement for Nobby Clark and quickly became the biggest star, causing tensions with his bandmates.

The band experienced rapid fame but also encountered troubles, including fights, drug use, and alcohol abuse, leading to their eventual downfall. McKeown faced legal issues, including a reckless driving trial and accusations of involvement in a drug conspiracy, although he was acquitted of the latter charge. He struggled with substance abuse for many years but claimed to have become clean and sober.

Despite his personal challenges, he was supported by his wife Peko Keiko, who stood by him through his affairs and vices. In his later years, McKeown revealed that he had been secretly gay for three decades, but Peko remained a steadfast presence in his life. She played a crucial role in helping him overcome his addiction and get into rehab. McKeown expressed gratitude for her support and acknowledged his past mistakes.

7) Tam Paton

Tam Paton, the manager of the Bay City Rollers and often referred to as the ‘sixth Roller,’ had a controversial and troubled legacy. Paton, a former bandleader, became the group’s manager as they rose to fame. Paton, who never married, suffered from health issues throughout his life, surviving two heart attacks and a stroke. He died in April 2009 at the age of 70, presumably due to a heart attack. Despite his controversial and troubled reputation, Paton played a significant role in managing the Bay City Rollers during their rise to fame.

The band members claimed that Paton introduced them to drugs, specifically amphetamines, creating what was described as a “wee drug culture” within the group. They alleged that Paton would give them amphetamines to keep them awake and energized.

Paton also faced serious allegations of assault. Guitarist Pat McGlynn accused him in Australia in 1977, but insufficient evidence prevented prosecution. Lead singer Les McKeown stated in a 2015 interview that Paton had facilitated another man assaulting him while he was under the influence of Quaaludes. These incidents highlight the manipulative and abusive behavior that Paton exerted over the band members.

In 1982, Paton served a one-year jail sentence after pleading guilty to molesting boys over a three-year period. He faced further accusations of child sex abuse in 2003, although the investigation was eventually dropped.

Paton, who had become a successful property developer in Edinburgh, also faced legal consequences related to drug offenses. In 2004, he was fined £200,000 for supplying cannabis, but he denied charges of supplying cocaine and ecstasy.

8) Gordon ‘Nobby’ Clark

Gordon ‘Nobby’ Clark, a founding member of the Bay City Rollers, attended school with the Longmuir brothers. He initially served as the lead vocalist for the band and contributed to their early hits. However, he was later replaced by Les McKeown in 1973. Following his departure, Clark embarked on a solo career and achieved notable success in France, particularly after appearing on the Claude Francois 1975 Christmas Special.

Clark’s involvement in the entertainment industry extended beyond his singing career. He composed the film score for the French movie “The Big Sky” in 1980. Additionally, he managed a recording studio and participated in various small comedy musicals, including productions like “I’m Sorry The Bridge Is Out, You’ll Have To Spend The Night” and “A Slice Of Saturday Night.” Clark also released a few solo albums, such as “If Only” and “Going Home,” which were produced by David Paton from the 1970s band Pilot.

Apart from his musical endeavors, Clark is an environmental advocate. He expressed regret for not reconciling with Les McKeown before his death, mentioning a confrontation they had in a court case in New York. Despite their differences, Clark acknowledged McKeown’s talent as a performer and entertainer, praising his stage presence and the iconic Bay City Rollers song “Shang-a-Lang” as one of the best pop songs ever written.

Who is Still Alive From The Bay City Rollers?

It’s happy news that Stuart Wood, Derek Longmuir, and Eric Faulkner are still alive. But, sadly Alan Longmuir, Les McKeown, Tam Paton, and Ian Mitchell died at an older age. While the status of Gordon ‘Nobby’ Clark is not known. 

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