Bay City Rollers singer Alan Longmuir dies, aged 70

2 July 2018, 10:17 | Updated: 2 July 2018, 10:19

Alan Longmuir
Picture: PA

By Tom Eames

Alan Longmuir - a founding member of the Bay City Rollers - has passed away.

The Scottish musician died in hospital on Monday morning (July 2) at the age of 70, surrounded by his family.

Longmuir was flown home from Mexico three weeks ago, after falling ill on holiday.

His family said in a statement that he would describe himself as "just a plumber from Edinburgh who got lucky".

Longmuir was described as "the original Roller", and formed the group with his younger brother and drummer, Derek.

Bay City Rollers
Bay City Rollers. Picture: Getty

The Bay City Rollers were one of the world's biggest bands in the early 1970s, with hits including 'Bye Bye Baby' and 'Shang-a-Lang'.

"He brought so much love and kindness to everyone he met, and he leaves a huge hole in our family," his family added.

"He would humbly say he was 'just a plumber from Edinburgh who got lucky'. However we were the lucky ones; the ones that were lucky enough to have Alan as part of our lives."

The band's lead singer, Les McKeown, also posted a tribute online: