The Bay City Rollers are excited to announce a new member joining the iconic band.
John McLaughlin, who masterminded their 2015 reunion and has written for the likes of Westlife, Busted and Blue will join original Roller Stuart “Woody” Wood in the line-up.
Ahead of next year’s 50th anniversary, the band - which includes Ian Thomson on lead vocals, Mikey Smith, bass and Jamie McGrory, drums - plan a string of gigs worldwide.
John said: “ I’ve been a huge fan of the Bay City Rollers since I was eight years old watching them on the telly.
“They gave me the inspiration to believe I could go down a similar path even at that early age. Now I complete the circle of fate, where I am now officially joining the band! It’s truly mind blowing.
“I became great friends with Les McKeown, Woody and Alan Longmuir through the reunion and even performed on keyboards with them on the last reunion show in Newcastle and on the BBC Hogmanay show, which was joyous and what I thought would be a one-off experience that I’d never forget.”
Since then both Alan and Les has passed away but the Rollers legacy has got stronger, especially after their recent ITV documentary Secrets of the Bay City Rollers with Nicky Campbell.
John stood in for current singer Ian in March this year as his baby was due.
John said: “Singing the classic hits like Shang-a-lang, Bye Bye Baby and US No1 Saturday Night, was such a thrill and the crowds were so great and accepting of me.
I was gobsmacked when Woody asked me to join the band as a new member! I jumped at the chance! It was like a dream come true!”
John and Woody are now writing and recording a new Rollers album and plans are afoot for plenty of live gigs around the world to celebrate next year’s 50th anniversary.
