Bay City Rollers Vocalist Les McKeown Passes Away

Bay City Rollers vocalist Les McKeown has passed away, age 65.

The news was confirmed by McKeown's family in a statement today saying, "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 and ask for privacy after the shock of our profound loss. Thank you," read the statement.

Born in Edinburgh in 1955, McKeown joined the Bay City Rollers in 1973, replacing original lead singer Gordon Clark. 

McKeown was a member of the group through to 1978 and was featured on some of the group's most-loved albums including their debut Rollin' which featured hits like Shang-A-Lang, Be My Baby and more. 

The Scottish group remained a firm favourite in the Australian charts throughout McKeown's tenure with Once Upon A Star, Wouldn't You Like It? and Dedication all landing in the top five. 

McKeown would once again join the classic line-up for a special New Year's Eve millennium concert event and then again from 2015 with bass player Alan Longmuir (who passed away in 2018) and guitarist Stuart Wood. 

McKeown last toured Australia in 2018 (read a gig review here) and was due to return in August last year with the tour postponed due to COVID restrictions.