BRITAIN’S first boy band the Bay City Rollers have announced their comeback after 37 years, countless law suits and incredible acrimony.
Frontman Les McKeown revealed the reasons why the Rollers, or rather three of them, were set to Shang A Lang together once again.
“We’re doing it for the fans,” said a smiling, tartan-shirted McKeown at a press conference in Glasgow’s Central Hotel. “And of course for the money.”
The theme of money has been the continual lyric in the Roller’s personal song since they parted in 1978.
The groups which once sold 300m records such as Bye Bye Baby and Remember, and became the biggest band in the world since the Beatles, went on to sue Arista Records for royalties they claimed they were never paid. The case is ongoing.
Meanwhile, relations between the band members were fraught, with Eric Faulkner, Stuart Wood and the Longmuir brothers Alan and Derek claiming McKeown continually demanded the spotlight. At one point a frustrated Wood kicked McKeown into the orchestra pit.
Over the years, the split saw the factions create their own Roller versions, but time, emotions, and the thought of potential earnings, has brought three of the group together.
“Relations can get screwed up,” said a contrite McKeown. “And over the years you can say some really nasty things. But we’ve put that behind us and realised there’s nothing you can’t get over.”
He added, grinning; “Especially when there is money involved.”
The lead singer said he was hopeful guitarist Eric Faulkner would re-join. “We’ve been talking to him and he hasn’t said no. He’s weighing things up and hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later.”
Stuart Wood concurred; “We’ve still got an on-going court case and Eric perhaps wants to see that tied up. But we’ll see.”
However drummer Derek Longmuir definitely won’t be coming back. “He’s been working as a cardiology nurse for 28 years and he doesn’t have the energy or the will to go on stage and play the drums again,” said McKeown.
The Bay City Rollers, looking older but certainly wiser, are already lining up tour and they play Glasgow’s Barrowlands on December 20.
They are set to release a new album and a single Boomerang, co-written and produced by Glasgow songwriter John McLaughlin.
Les McKeown, who has battled alcohol and substance abuse over the years, certainly seems excited at the prospect of the return to tartan.
“T be honest, I’m not interest in court cases now. I want to play music. I’ve wanted to get back with the guys for some time. The fact someone is throwing some money at us is just a great excuse.”
Watch the announcement here
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