Tributes have been paid to Bay City Rollers singer Les McKeown, following his death at the age of 65.
News that the Scottish pop vocalist had died “suddenly” earlier in the week broke on Thursday evening.
His family said in a statement: “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. Keiko and Jubei McKeown.”
The current Bay City Rollers line-up led the tributes, with a message on the their Facebook page saying: “We are saddened by the news of Leslie McKeown’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Peko and his son Jubei, their family and friends. Rest In Peace, Leslie.”
Many other tributes to Les were paid online…
RIPLesMcKeown Bay City Rollers frontman he was part of the music scene when I was growing up & I remember tartan clad girls all screaming it was a hysteria era music wise with The Osmond's David Cassidy & Bay City Rollers seems like yesterday I was more into Reggae & soul music pic.twitter.com/Etw6IzzHMB
— Frank Bruno MBE 🇬🇧 (@frankbrunoboxer) April 22, 2021
Now this is a fecking tune. Don’t care what anybody says. Les you were a pop STAR. Rest in peace. #LesMcKeownhttps://t.co/f9wLzSic9m
— Nicky Campbell (@NickyAACampbell) April 22, 2021
Very sad to hear about Les McKeown. Last interviewed him late 2019…always fun always good to work with…and always fun on twitter….and by golly were they big in the 1970s. Bye Bye Les…..great legacy my friend. @LesMcKeownUKpic.twitter.com/5RaZS8d8Cv
— Mike Read (@MikeReadUK) April 22, 2021
I worked with Les McKeown on BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live. I was so impressed by his enthusiasm and positivity for his new project and his Bay City Rollers memories. So very sad to think he has passed over at just 65. My short broadcasting brush with him is one I still remember 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/WxAIMWFr8V
— Russell Grant (@THERussellGrant) April 22, 2021
I remember line dancing in the school assembly hall to Bay City Roller hits, Les was my schoolgirl crush RIP Les McKeown . Bye Bye Baby❤️ https://t.co/Y8tG9pWtiL
— Kim Wilde (@kimwilde) April 22, 2021
Rest In Peace Les. Loved rockin’ every night & day in my tartan when I was a kid and loved getting to know you when I grew up ❤️#lesmckeown#baycityrollerspic.twitter.com/Pa2k9Qe1qg
— Rowetta🎙 (@Rowetta) April 23, 2021
One of my first loves. I’m feeling some teen heartache but know it’ll be very real for his family and friends. Sending love, condolences and thanks for the memories. Former Bay City Rollers frontman Les McKeown dies aged 65 https://t.co/FLEmuOxKig
— Jacqui Smith (@Jacqui_Smith1) April 22, 2021
Sad news. RIP thank you for the music…and the
Shang-a-Lang @LesMcKeownUK#ByeByeBaby
Bay City Roller Les McKeown dead at age 65 leaving family and friends of band devastated
The Edinburgh singer died suddenly on Tuesday at the age of sixty five.https://t.co/1a5qVKziRe— Gillian McKeith (@GillianMcKeith) April 22, 2021
Les rose to fame when he joined the Bay City Rollers in late 1973, replacing founding lead singer Gordon “Nobby” Clark.
The group formed at the end of the 1960s and broke through into the mainstream in 1974 after a series of singles which failed to dent the charts.
They went on to enjoy huge success at home and abroad with hits like Bye Bye Baby and Shang-a-Lang.
Les became famed for his flamboyant fashion sense, was the frontman of the group until 1978.
Alongside Les and the late Alan Longmuir, the classic line-up also included guitarists Eric Faulkner and Stuart Wood, with Alan’s younger brother Derek on drums.
Les, Alan and Stuart reunited for a comeback tour in 2015 with tickets selling out in minutes.