Bay City Rollers bassist Ian Mitchell dies aged 62

Former Bay City Rollers member Ian Mitchell has passed away at the age of 62, the band confirmed on Wednesday. The Scottish band enjoyed huge success in the 1970s and were often referred to as the ‘tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh’.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of Ian Mitchell’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Wendy, their family and friends. Rest In Peace, Ian,” the band wrote on Facebook. “If you wish to leave your condolences, please do so in the comments below.”

Guitarist Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood also shared a tribute to Mitchell, writing: “Very sad, sad news about Ian Mitchell. We’d like to send our love and condolences to Wendy and all Ian’s family and friends…you are in our hearts.

“I have many fond memories of Ian not only in the BCR days but also when we played together in the 80’s with The Passengers…great guys and great days! You will sorely be missed Ian.”

Mitchell joined the band as bassist in 1976 at the age of just 17, replacing founding member  Alan Longmuir, and enjoyed huge success with a cover of Dusty Springfield’s ‘I Only Want to Be With You’. Being from Northern Ireland, Mitchell became the first member of the band not to hail from Edinburgh.

However Mitchell left the band after just months and went on to play with Rosetta Stone.

The band, which formed in 1966, enjoyed a string of hit records including ‘Bye Bye Baby’, ‘Shang-a-Lang’ and ‘Give A Little Love. They were also renowned for their fans, who donned tartan trousers and scarves.

Following the shocking news, many fans of the band shared their condolences online. One wrote: “This is so shocking and heartbreaking. My heartfelt condolences to his wife Wendy and family. Rest in peace, dear Ian.”

Another commented: “I still remember how excited I was when Ian Mitchell joined the Rollers. He had my surname and grew up not far from me. Suddenly the band seemed more accessible. Such awful news, and my sympathies go out to his family and all who were lucky enough to be his friend.”

While another said: ” I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of you good friend and band mate I will miss Ian for ever you are in my thoughts and prayers.”