Bay City Rollers

Bay City Rollers

Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	1964 in Edinburgh, Scotland
Headquarters	Edinburgh , Scotland
Products	Pop rock music, albums, singles

The Bay City Rollers are a Scottish pop rock ensemble celebrated for their status as international teen idols during the 1970s. Known as the "tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh," they have sold between 120 and 300 million records worldwide, placing them among the top-selling musical groups globally. The classic lineup included guitarists Eric Faulkner and Stuart Wood, lead vocalist Les McKeown, bassist Alan Longmuir, and drummer Derek Longmuir.

Their initial album, Rollin' (1974), dominated the UK Albums Chart for a total of fifty-eight weeks. The subsequent release, Once Upon a Star (1975), also debuted at number one in the UK and featured hit singles such as "Bye, Bye, Baby", which topped charts in the UK, Ireland, and Australia, alongside "Keep On Dancing". Notably, "Bye, Bye, Baby" was the UK's best-selling single in 1975. Their first album released in North America, Bay City Rollers (1975), peaked at number twenty on the U.S. Billboard 200 and reached number one in Canada.

Their international commercial momentum was sustained with albums like Wouldn't You Like It? (1975), Rock n' Roll Love Letter (1976), Dedication (1976), and It's a Game (1977). Nonetheless, their chart success waned following 1978's Strangers in the Wind, which failed to chart in the UK but secured a top-five position in Japan. Later albums such as Elevator (1979) and Voxx (1980) had minimal commercial impact. The band experienced a resurgence on the charts during the 2000s and 2010s with compilation releases—The Very Best of (2004), The Greatest Hits (2010), and Gold (2019)—all entering the UK top twenty and Scotland’s top ten.

Although they were highly prominent throughout the 1970s, Bay City Rollers found it challenging to move beyond their adolescent pop image as they grew older. Their career was complicated by financial struggles and management controversies. Allegations of sexual misconduct were directed at manager Tam Paton, although no legal charges ensued. Since 2018, the band's lineup comprises rhythm guitarist Stuart "Woody" Wood—the sole member to appear on every studio album—lead vocalist and guitarist Ian Thomson, bassist Mikey Smith, keyboardist John McLaughlin, and drummer Jamie McGrory.

Origins and formation: 1964–1971

In 1964, a group named the Ambassadors was established in Edinburgh by sixteen-year-old Alan Longmuir, who played acoustic guitar, his younger sibling Derek Longmuir on drums, and their cousin Neil Porteous on acoustic guitar. This ensemble never performed publicly under this name except at a family wedding where they covered "Wake Up Little Susie". They later adopted the name the Saxons upon adding schoolmate Gordon "Nobby" Clark as lead vocalist. Porteous transitioned to electric guitar while Alan switched to electric bass. The Saxons occasionally played dance hall events while balancing work or studies; Alan was training as a plumber. After Porteous departed in July 1965, guitarist Dave Pettigrew joined following a newspaper advertisement response. Pettigrew’s advanced musicianship encouraged the band to refine their skills, focusing on American R&B and pop tunes such as "Please Mr. Postman" and "Heat Wave". They briefly performed under the name Deadbeats but changed it due to naming conflicts.

At Napier College, Alan met fellow plumbing student Gregory Ellison who joined as an electric guitarist; Pettigrew moved to keyboards. Gregory's brother Mike became a second lead singer to strengthen harmonies for Motown covers. The band recruited Tam Paton, a former big band leader turned local manager, who auditioned them at the Longmuir residence and secured gigs at his venue, the Palais, as well as opening slots at Top Storey.

Building their reputation, the Saxons rehearsed at Hermiston church and broadened their setlist with songs like "C.C. Rider" by Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. In search of a more compelling name, they opted for "Rollers" preceded by an American place name. After randomly selecting Arkansas by throwing darts at a U.S. map—and then near Bay City, Michigan—they finalized "Bay City Rollers".

Temporary members included bassist David Paton (1969–70) and keyboardist Billy Lyall (1969–71), both of whom later co-founded Edinburgh-based band Pilot.

Breakthrough: 1971–1973

Following their contract with Bell Records, the group launched the single "Keep on Dancing", a rendition of a 1965 track originally by the Gentrys. This release found commercial success in the UK, climbing to number nine on the singles chart and leading to promotional performances on BBC One's Top of the Pops. During this era, lead vocalist Gordon "Nobby" Clark departed in 1972 due to disagreements over the band's musical direction, after recording two additional singles that did not chart. Guitarist Eric Faulkner, a long-standing member, was incorporated into the lineup. By mid-1973, their fourth single, "Saturday Night", narrowly failed to enter the UK Singles Chart.

The band’s release of "Remember (Sha-La-La-La)" received limited promotion in the UK after Bell Records’ manager Dick Leahy dropped them from the label. Manager Tam Paton stepped in to secure a final opportunity for the band. Despite internal concerns and Clark’s exit, "Remember (Sha-La-La-La)" reached number six on UK charts. Paton attempted to convince Clark to reconsider his departure and persuaded him to appear on Top of the Pops, but Clark declined further live performances and officially left. Although Clark traveled to London for the recording of the broadcast, he was omitted from the final segment.

Following Clark’s exit, Les McKeown took over as lead singer, and by early 1974, Stuart "Woody" Wood replaced guitarist John Devine, completing what became known as the classic lineup. While Clark initially recorded lead vocals for "Saturday Night", McKeown re-recorded them after Clark's departure. McKeown’s rendition achieved substantial commercial success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. Clark later claimed that his version was responsible for the single's success and asserted entitlement to royalties.

In 1987, Les McKeown disclosed on Jonathan Ross's talk show that The Bay City Rollers had not performed on their first four singles.

Rise to prominence: 1974–1975

Towards the end of 1973, McKeown recorded lead vocals for "Remember (Sha-La-La-La)", marking the beginning of a commercially successful phase. The single peaked at number six in the UK and reached number thirty-seven in Germany. By February 1974, 16-year-old Stuart Wood solidified the "classic five" lineup alongside Alan Longmuir, Derek Longmuir, Eric Faulkner, and Les McKeown. After "Remember (Sha-La-La-La)", the group released several successful UK singles including "Shang-a-Lang", "Summerlove Sensation", and "All of Me Loves All of You".

Their debut album, Rollin' (October 1974), enjoyed commercial success by reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and ranked as the 16th highest-selling album in the UK for 1975. It also attained top 20 positions internationally in countries such as Australia, Finland, and Japan. By early 1975, Bay City Rollers had established themselves as one of Britain's top-selling musical acts. Their successful UK tour garnered extensive media attention, with coverage coining the term "Rollermania". Additionally, they headlined a 20-week UK television series titled Shang-a-Lang, which aired from April through December 1975.

Their cover version of the Four Seasons’ "Bye, Bye, Baby" dominated the UK charts for six weeks during March and April 1975, selling close to one million copies and becoming that year’s top-selling single. The subsequent release, "Give a Little Love", also reached number one in July 1975. Two albums released that year—Once Upon a Star and Wouldn't You Like It?—featured songwriting primarily by Faulkner and Wood. At this point, fans had embraced a distinctive tartan-inspired fashion associated with Bay City Rollers.

English singer-songwriter Nick Lowe composed an intentionally low-quality track titled "Bay City Rollers We Love You" as a means to terminate his contract with United Artists. However, United Artists released it under the pseudonym Tartan Horde—the nickname given to Rollers fans in England—and it became a notable hit in Japan. Lowe’s follow-up single "Rollers Show" did not achieve similar commercial success but was included on the U.S. edition of his debut album Pure Pop for Now People.

Global Influence: 1976

As their fame expanded across the UK and overseas, Arista Records, which had evolved from Bell and was now under the leadership of Clive Davis, concentrated on introducing the group to the North American audience. This strategic push resulted in a significant commercial milestone when the Bay City Rollers climbed to No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in late 1975 with "Saturday Night," a track that had failed to chart in the UK two years prior. The band performed this hit on the television program Saturday Night Live, with Howard Cosell. In Canada, the song also secured the top position on the RPM national singles chart by January 1976. Their inaugural North American album, Bay City Rollers (1975), reached No. 1 in Canada and peaked at No. 20 on the US Billboard 200.

By the end of 1975, this album was ranked as the fourth highest-selling in Canada, twentieth in New Zealand, and sixty-fifth in the United States. The follow-up single "Money Honey" attained No. 9 in the US and claimed No. 1 on Canada's RPM chart in March 1976. Their 1976 release, Rock n' Roll Love Letter, available exclusively in North America and Japan, surged from No. 25 to No. 1 on Canadian charts, replacing their previous album at the summit, though it only reached No. 31 on the US Billboard rankings.

In Australia, the band cultivated a dedicated fan base, highlighted by their appearance on the influential TV program Countdown during a total solar eclipse on 23 October 1976—a significant cultural event that enhanced their presence in that market.

Early in 1976, Alan Longmuir departed due to challenges related to success and age considerations; he was succeeded by 17-year-old Ian Mitchell from Northern Ireland, marking the first time a member was not born in Edinburgh. With Mitchell onboard, they released their sixth studio album overall, Dedication (1976), which featured a successful cover of Dusty Springfield's "I Only Want to Be with You," reaching No. 12 in the US charts. Other prominent tracks included "Yesterday's Hero" and "Dedication," which incorporated live recordings from a Toronto concert.

Decline and Lineup Transitions: 1977–1979

As their popularity waned, lineup adjustments persisted with Mitchell's exit and guitarist Pat McGlynn joining. Aiming for a more mature sound, they collaborated with producer Harry Maslin, known for his work with David Bowie, resulting in the August 1977 release of It's a Game. This album featured four members: McKeown, Wood, Faulkner, and Derek Longmuir. The lead single differed depending on region: "You Made Me Believe in Magic" was promoted in the US while "It's a Game" served as the lead elsewhere. The latter became their final UK Top 20 single, peaking at number sixteen in May 1977 and achieving their highest charting position in Germany at No. 4.

In America, "You Made Me Believe in Magic" climbed to number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1977, marking their third Top 10 hit there. The subsequent single "The Way I Feel Tonight" reached number twenty-four and represented their last entry on the US Billboard Hot 100. The It's a Game tour was documented during a performance at Japan's Budokan Hall and later released as Rollerworld: Live at the Budokan 1977 in 2001. Additionally, the band featured in The Krofft Superstar Hour, which was renamed the Bay City Rollers Show, airing from September 1978 through January 1979.

In 1978, the classic lineup issued Strangers in the Wind, their final collaborative studio album. Founding bassist Alan Longmuir returned after a two-year absence, switching to rhythm guitar duties. The album's release coincided with their NBC television series titled The Krofft Superstar Hour Starring the Bay City Rollers. Its standout single "Where Will I Be Now" achieved modest success in Germany. Later that year, McKeown left the group following this album’s launch.

The Rollers: 1979–1990

Following the departure of McKeown and the dismissal of manager Tam Paton in 1978, the group adopted a new wave rock style and rebranded themselves as The Rollers. South African-born Duncan Faure took on the roles of lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter. This formation produced three albums: Elevator (1979), Voxx (1980), and Ricochet (1981). After their contract with Arista ended, album sales dropped and touring activities ceased by late 1981. The A.V. Club commended Ricochet for its pop-infused new wave sound reminiscent of The Cars, suggesting it deserved rediscovery.

During the 1980s and 1990s, The Rollers embarked on several brief tours, including shows in Japan in 1982 and 1983 featuring seven former band members. The 1985 reunion album Breakout, released exclusively in Japan and Australia, included drummer George Spencer and was mainly composed by McKeown and McGlynn, with additional input from Faulkner, Wood, and Mitchell. By the late 1980s, the New Rollers emerged with Faulkner as lead vocalist, touring extensively across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This lineup independently released a four-track EP titled Party Harty.

In 1990, Wood and Alan Longmuir reunited with Faulkner to tour under the Bay City Rollers name, issuing several CDs containing re-recorded versions of their classic hits.

Reunion and spin–off: 1996–2000

The classic lineup came together again in 1996 for a television appearance in Japan commemorating the 20th anniversary of Rollermania. Except for Derek Longmuir, the group performed a final New Year's Eve concert marking the millennium in Edinburgh (1999–2000). Renewed interest in the UK was sparked by television documentaries, and the compilation Very Best of the Bay City Rollers climbed to No. 11 on the UK Albums Chart in 2004.

In the late 2000s, Ian Mitchell led his own version of the Bay City Rollers featuring lead singer Kyle Vincent, representing the only former member actively involved at that time.

Sexual assault allegations against manager

Several members of the Bay City Rollers accused their former manager Tam Paton of sexual abuse. In 2003, McGlynn claimed Paton attempted to rape him in 1977; however, law enforcement found insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution. Paton had a history of arrests related to sexual misconduct involving underage boys. In 2009, McKeown also accused Paton of rape. The 2023 documentary Secrets of the Bay City Rollers presented allegations that Paton offered band membership in exchange for sexual favors.

Lawsuit to reclaim royalties from Arista

In March 2007, six ex-members—including Faure and those from the "classic lineup"—filed a lawsuit against Arista Records, demanding "tens of millions" in unpaid royalties. Gordon "Nobby" Clark threatened legal action against them if successful, asserting his creative contributions despite departing prior to their peak success.

By September 2010, Clark, Ian Mitchell, and Pat McGlynn lodged a U.S. lawsuit against these six former members over exclusion from the Arista case, seeking monetary damages for breach of contract. In 2013, a U.S. Appeals Court dismissed their claims based on statute of frauds regulations and limited their entitlement to contributions made during recording sessions rather than subsequent earnings.

In March 2011, a judge in New York permitted the Bay City Rollers' suit against Arista Records to continue despite Arista's defense citing a six-year statute of limitations on royalties before 2001. The ruling acknowledged ongoing written assurances by Arista extended the timeframe for claims.

After nearly ten years of litigation, the dispute concluded with an out-of-court settlement in 2016; Arista's parent company Sony Music reportedly paid $3.5 million, distributing roughly £70,000 to each band member.

Second reunion: 2015–2018

On 22 September 2015, the Bay City Rollers announced their comeback, featuring McKeown, Wood, and Alan Longmuir, with a concert scheduled at Glasgow Barrowlands on 20 December. Due to serious health complications from viral encephalitis in February 2015, Eric Faulkner was unable to join the reunion. The band introduced a new single titled "Boomerang" and revealed intentions to produce an album. This reunion extended into 2016 but concluded on 9 July when Wood departed, citing a shortage of confirmed gigs. Meanwhile, Les McKeown dedicated much of 2016 to solo projects, which contributed to the reunion's premature end. Tours and album releases planned for 2017 did not come to fruition. After the tour concluded, McKeown continued performing under the name "Les McKeown's Bay City Rollers."

Recent history: 2018–present

On 27 February 2018, Stuart 'Woody' Wood unveiled a "new generation" lineup of the Bay City Rollers set to perform in Tokyo in June. This formation included Wood on guitar, Ian Thomson handling lead vocals and guitar, Marcus Cordock (later replaced by Mikey Smith) on bass, and Jamie McGrory on drums. On 2 July 2018, bassist Alan Longmuir passed away while vacationing in Mexico. His autobiography, released posthumously, expressed optimism for a future reunion involving McKeown and Wood. Nevertheless, in 2019 both artists denied intentions to reunite or collaborate, although McKeown showed interest in working with Faulkner.

Following disruptions caused by the pandemic that affected both McKeown’s and Wood’s bands, McKeown expressed openness to reuniting with Wood given sufficient preparation in August 2020. Ian Mitchell succumbed to throat cancer on 1 September 2020. Les McKeown died at age 65 on 20 April 2021.

From March through December 2023, the band arranged eleven concerts and festival appearances with the lineup of Ian Thomson, Stuart 'Woody' Wood, Mikey Smith, and Jamie McGrory—nine shows across the UK plus one each in Denmark and Germany—with additional dates planned for 2024.

On 13 September 2024, during a UK tour stop in Walsall, the band’s tour van containing instruments and gear was stolen. Wood’s tartan-decorated guitar remained safe since he traveled separately by train with his instrument. A nearby music shop provided rental equipment enabling performances to continue.

Musical themes and sound

During their initial rise and peak popularity, the Bay City Rollers were characterized by Top of the Pops as embodying a "youthful" and "clean-cut" persona centered around "upbeat, sing-along pop tunes," which contributed to their status as one of the era's most beloved musical acts. Bill Martin, brought on by Bell Records to shape the group’s direction, aimed to create a Scottish pop band that stood out distinctly and praised their strong confidence despite noting that they "could hardly tune their own guitars."

As a result, session musicians performed the instrumental tracks during recording sessions because Martin was concerned it would "take too long" for the inexperienced band members to achieve the desired sound. After releasing their debut album, the band sought more creative input in production and songwriting; however, producer Phil Coulter refused these requests, leading them to find a new producer.

In their late-1970s evolution into The Rollers, Wayne Coy pointed to their Elevator (1979) release as an impressive example of power pop excellence that demonstrated they transcended simple bubblegum pop. Coy described their music as embodying "fun and good times." Recognized as one of Scotland’s leading musical exports, their 1974 hit "Shang-a-Lang" is considered a "genuine Scottish anthem," celebrated for its unique "brilliant Scottishness" that helped shape Scotland’s musical identity.

Image

As their popularity soared, the BBC characterized the Bay City Rollers as "rolling towards making tartan a global phenomenon." Music publicist Carol Strauss Klenfner highlighted the band's youthful appearance and distinctive Scottish features. Following the 1974 release of "Remember (Sha La La La)," the group ignited a fervent fan movement known as "Rollermania." Producer Bill Martin likened this surge to "a rocket taking off," while Stuart Wood reflected on the swift transition from anonymity to widespread fan admiration. At their height, they earned the title "the tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh" and were frequently hailed as the "biggest band since The Beatles."

Throughout the 1970s, the Bay City Rollers gained worldwide acclaim for their consistent use of tartan in performances, music videos, and promotional appearances, which fueled extensive fan excitement. This tartan wardrobe became a hallmark of their brand identity. The introduction of lead vocalist Les McKeown brought a revamped look featuring half-mast trousers, platform shoes, and tartan patterns, reinforcing their commercial success.

Legacy

Acknowledged as "one of the largest bands globally," the Bay City Rollers have reportedly sold between 120 and 300 million records worldwide. In 2003, The Scotsman placed their album Once Upon a Star at number 91 among Scotland's greatest albums ever. Their 1979 release Elevator received acclaim from Rock and Roll Globe, which deemed it "one of the finest Power Pop albums ever produced." In 2021, Gold Radio selected "Bye Bye Baby" as their top track, emphasizing how the band successfully reinterpreted the original Four Seasons hit from 1965. Despite their commercial achievements, Wayne Coy described them as "criminally underrated pop artists of the 1970s," recognizing their delivery of highly successful pop tunes.

A dedicated fan group named Still Rollin'  hosts yearly gatherings to celebrate the band's music and commemorate members who have passed away. Following Les McKeown's passing, fans initiated a fundraising effort to place a memorial bench in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, fulfilling a wish expressed by his widow Peko. In 2024, the stage production Rollers Forever was announced, portraying two lifelong fans reminiscing about their teenage years during the seventies.

Members

Current members

• Stuart "Woody" Wood – rhythm and lead guitars, keyboards, bass, mandolin, backing and occasional lead vocals (1974–1987, 1990, 1996, 1999–2000, 2015–2016, 2018–present)
• Ian Thomson – lead vocals, lead guitar (2018–present)
• Jamie McGrory – drums, percussion (2018–present)
• Mikey Smith – bass, backing vocals (2023–present)
• John McLaughlin – keyboards, backing vocals (2023–present)

Former members

• Alan Longmuir – bass, rhythm guitar, piano, accordion, backing and occasional lead vocals (1964–1976, 1978–1983, 1990, 1996, 1999–2000, 2015–2016; died 2018)
• Derek Longmuir – drums, percussion (1964–1983, 1996)
• Neil Porteous – guitar (1964–1965)
• Gordon "Nobby" Clark – lead vocals (1965–1973)
• Dave Pettigrew – guitar, keyboards (1965–1968)
• Gregory Ellison – guitar (1966–1968)
• Mike Ellison – lead vocals (1966)
• Keith Norman – keyboards (1967–1969)
• David Paton – bass (1968–1970)
• Alan Dunn – keyboards (1969)
• Billy Lyall – keyboards (1969–1971; died 1989)
• Eric Manclark – guitar (1970–1971)
• Neil Henderson – guitar (1970–1972)
• Archie Marr – keyboards (1971–1972)
• John Devine – guitar (1972–1974)
• Eric Faulkner – lead and rhythm guitars, violin, mandolin, bass, backing and occasional lead vocals (1972–1987, 1990, 1996, 1999–2000)
• Les McKeown – lead and backing vocals (1973–1978, 1982–1987, 1996, 1999–2000, 2015–2016; died 2021)
• Ian Mitchell – rhythm guitar, bass, backing and occasional lead vocals (1976, 1982–1987; died 2020)
• Pat McGlynn – rhythm guitar, bass (1976–1977, 1982–1987)
• Duncan Faure – vocals, guitar, keyboards (1978–1982)
• George Spencer – drums (1985–1987)
• Marcus Cordock – bass, vocals (2018–2023)

Timeline

Sources:

Discography

• Rollin' (1974)
• Once Upon a Star (1975)
• Bay City Rollers (1975)
• Wouldn't You Like It? (1975)
• Rock n' Roll Love Letter (1976)
• Dedication (1976)
• It's a Game (1977)
• Strangers in the Wind (1978)
• Elevator (1979)
• Voxx (1980)
• Ricochet (1981)
• Breakout '85 (1985)
• A Christmas Shang-A-Lang (2015)
• Keep on Rollin' (2024)

Further reading

• Brigitte Tast, Hans-Jürgen Tast: Wie weit ist vorbei? Ein Konzert, eine Party und Meldungen aus der ganzen Welt. Kulleraugen – Visuelle Kommunikation Nr. 48, Schellerten 2016, .

External links

• as Les McKeown's 70's Bay City Rollers