Ian Mitchell, the former bass player for ’70s teen idols Bay City Rollers, has sadly passed away according to the band.
Ian Mitchell, the bass player for ’70s Scottish pop-rock group and teen heartthrobs, Bay City Rollers, has sadly passed away.
The band took to social media yesterday to announce the musician’s death.
Mitchell joined Bay City Rollers in 1976 when he was 17, replacing founding member and bassist Alan Longmuir. That same year the band released their album Dedication, featuring a cover of Dusty Springfield‘s I Only Want to Be With You which reached No 12 in the US charts. Adored by loving teen fans, Bay City Rollers were the first band to be dubbed “the biggest group since the Beatles”.
However, the Irish-born Mitchell quit the band after only nine months, returning to his home. Here he continued to perform in a band called Rosetta Stone alongside school friends. Mitchell was replaced by guitarist Pat McGlynn before Longmuir returned in 1978.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Ian Mitchell’s death,” the band described via social media. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Wendy, their family and friends. Rest In Peace, Ian.”
The band also shared a tribute from guitarist Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood who described the news as “very sad.”
“We’d like to send our love and condolences to Wendy and all Ian’s family and friends…you are in our hearts,” Wood described.
“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.”
Many have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the late musician.
Really shocked to hear that Ian Mitchell passed away a few hours ago. The Bay City Rollers were my teenage idols, and the real reason I took up music photography. I got to spend a bit of time with Ian shortly after he moved to LA in the 80s and he was great. Such a loss 💔 pic.twitter.com/84bn8wlUEc
— Lady LC (@LindaCoxPhoto) September 2, 2020
Rest In Peace Ian Mitchell in Rock and Roll Heaven. 😢 pic.twitter.com/dgj1ZgUTy1
— Sherry (@Sherry05761789) September 2, 2020
R.I.P. Ian Mitchell of The Bay City Rollers🙏🙌🙇💔🎶🎸🎵🎧📻🥁 pic.twitter.com/8ZOx517wys
— Keith Petty (@Keith_5591) September 2, 2020
Very sad to learn that Ian Mitchell, the youngest member of the Bay City Rollers, died yesterday of cancer at age 62. Roller fans around the world are heartbroken. Condolences to his wife and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/wRagMLSJFj
— Mary Ellen Landolfi (@MELandolfi) September 2, 2020
