Farewell to the Scots superstar who turned the world tartan
Family, friends and fans pay tribute to Bay City Rollers singer Les Mckeown who died aged 65, writes Caroline Wilson
“THERE goes another piece of my childhood,” said one fan as tributes were paid to Bay City Rollers frontman Les Mckeown, who died suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 65.
The Scottish pop vocalist, known for his romantic lyrics and flamboyant fashion sense, was the frontman of the group during their 1970s heyday.
His death was confirmed in a statement by his family yesterday.
Wife Keiko spoke of her shock after the “profound loss” of a husband and father, who captured the hearts of legions of teenage girls in the band’s 1970s Rollermania heyday.
His former manager John Mclaughlan, who dealt with his comeback shows in 2015, led tributes to the Edinburgh singer, saying the Rollers “flew the flag for Scotland”.
Mckeown, born in Edinburgh to Irish parents, joined the Bay City Rollers in late 1973.
His arrival coincided with the Bay City Rollers’ ascent to fame and Mckeown remained lead vocalist until 1978, appearing on Top Of The Pops on a number of occasions.
Formed at the end of the 1960s, the Rollers enjoyed huge success at home and abroad with their distinctive tartan outfits and upbeat pop tunes like Bye Bye Baby and Shang-a-lang.
They finally broke through into the mainstream in 1974, going on to sell more than 100 million records. In the press they were heralded as “biggest group since The Beatles”.
Before they made the big time they had released a series of singles which failed to dent the charts.
The band’s first return show at Glasgow Barrowlands in 2015 sold out in three minutes, the second in 15, a testament to their enduring popularity.
Mr Mclaughlan said: “I’m very sad and shocked and so is Keiko, his wife.
“She is heartbroken and called me from Les’ phone with the news. I picked up and thought it was Les wanting a chat.
“I’m still in shock right now, I spoke to him last week and he was on great form and happy about life and happy to book his tour. We were friends as well as working partners. He was hoping to
get it all going again and he was one of the hardest-working men in the music industry.
“We got on so great and he was great fun to be around. He had his moments but was always a good laugh to be around and a great performer.”
He added: “He was a great singer. The Bay City Rollers were the biggest band in the world in the mid-1970s and beyond.
“They had their own TV show and Rollermania. They flew the flag for Scotland and made me think as a wee boy watching the telly you can be a pop star and in music. They meant a lot to me getting involved in music and the industry, and the clothes and the hair and image were brilliant – and the gang mentality was amazing.
“I’m honoured to have worked with them.”
The announcement was made by his family on the band’s Facebook page
yesterday afternoon. The statement read: ‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband and father Leslie Richard Mckeown.
“Leslie died suddenly at home on Tuesday 20 April 2021. We are currently making arrangements for his funeral.
“If you would like to remember Leslie, please make a donation in his name. We thank you and ask for privacy after the shock of our profound loss.
“Thank you. Keiko and Jubei Mckeown.”
A cause of death has yet to be declared.
Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood, former Bay City Rollers guitarist, said: “I am upset and shocked to hear this very sad news.
“Les and I had our differences over the years but even though we had disagreements we are sending our
heartfelt condolences to his son Jubie and all the Bay City Rollers fans. It’s a sad day in Bay City Roller history.
“He was a great performer on stage and he was full of energy. I was roadying when Les first came into the band and I saw his first gig when he took over from Nobby Clark and injected new life into the band.
“I was 15 and he was 17. I joined properly when I turned 16 in 1974. He had lots of energy on stage.”
Bay City Roller fans flooded social media with tributes, sharing memories of the band’s heyday.
Yourwullie posted: “Gutted to hear about the passing of Les Mckeown. Difficult to comprehend how an 18-year-old could’ve coped with such a level of superstardom.
“Over 120 million record sales, topped the charts in nearly every record-selling country in the world. Not bad for a boy from Broomhouse #RIP.”
They flew the flag for Scotland and made me think as a wee boy watching the telly you can be a pop star