The Bay City Rollers’ best-known line-up, the “classic line-up” of their 1970s peak, was guitarists Eric Faulkner and Stuart “Woody” Wood, singer Les McKeown, bassist Alan Longmuir and his younger brother Derek Longmuir on drums. The Edinburgh band has changed members many times since. Today it is led by Wood, who is joined by Ian Thomson, Jamie McGrory, Mikey Smith and John McLaughlin.
Known as the “tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh”, the band sold an estimated 120 to 300 million records worldwide. Their debut album Rollin’ (1974) went to the top of the UK Albums Chart, and “Bye, Bye, Baby” was the UK’s best-selling single of 1975.
The Classic Line-Up
Les McKeown – Lead Vocals
Les McKeown was the singer during the band’s peak popularity. He later co-wrote much of the 1985 reunion album Breakout with Pat McGlynn.
Eric Faulkner – Guitar
Eric Faulkner was one of the two classic-era guitarists. In later decades he toured under the Bay City Rollers name with Alan Longmuir.
Stuart “Woody” Wood – Guitar
Stuart Wood played lead and rhythm guitars, keyboards, bass and mandolin and sang backing and occasional lead vocals. His membership runs 1974–1981, 1982–1987, 1989–2000, 2015–2016 and 2018 to the present, and he is the link between the classic band and today’s line-up.
Alan Longmuir – Bass
Alan Longmuir was the classic line-up’s bassist and the older brother of drummer Derek.
Derek Longmuir – Drums
Derek Longmuir, Alan’s younger brother, was the drummer at the band’s peak.
Members Who Came and Went
- Ian Mitchell: joined in 1976 at 17, replacing Alan Longmuir for seven months, and was the first member born outside Edinburgh. He played on Dedication (1976).
- Pat McGlynn: guitarist who replaced Mitchell.
- Nobby Clark: an earlier singer who left in 1973, before the band’s biggest fame.
- George Spencer: drummer added for the 1985 reunion album Breakout.
The Current Line-Up
- Stuart “Woody” Wood: guitars, keyboards, vocals.
- Ian Thomson: lead and backing vocals, guitars (2018–present).
- Jamie “Jambo” McGrory: drums and percussion (2018–2021, 2022–present).
- Mikey Smith: bass and backing vocals (2023–present).
- John McLaughlin: keyboards and backing and lead vocals (2023–present).
Reunions
In 1996 the classic line-up reunited to perform “Saturday Night” on Japanese television, marking 20 years since the height of Rollermania. The classic line-up without Derek Longmuir later played a one-off New Year’s Eve millennium concert.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who sang lead for the Bay City Rollers? Les McKeown in the classic line-up. Ian Thomson sings lead today.
- Were any Bay City Rollers brothers? Yes. Bassist Alan Longmuir and drummer Derek Longmuir.
- Who is still in the Bay City Rollers? Stuart “Woody” Wood is the classic-era member in the current line-up.
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