Les McKeown.Photo: Brian Rasic/WireImage
Bay City Rollerssinger Les McKeown has died. He was 65.
News of the singer’s death was announced on his official social media accounts on Thursday morning.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband and father Leslie Richard McKeown,” read thefamily statement. “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 note, written on behalf of his wife and son. A cause of death was not given.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Peko and his son Jubei, their family and friends. Rest In Peace, Leslie,” they added.
His former manager, John MacLaughlan,told theDaily Recordthat he learned the news from McKeown’s wife.
“She is heartbroken and called me from Les' phone with the news. I picked up and thought it was Les wanting a chat,” he said. “I’m still in shock right now, I spoke to him last week and he was on great form and happy about life and happy to book his tour.”
“He was hoping to get it all going again and he was one of the hardest working men in the music industry. We got on so great and he was great fun to be around,” he added.
According to McKeown’s website, the Bay City Rollers were scheduled to play astring of tour datesthis year, starting in July.
Les McKeown.Photoshot/Getty
Bay City Rollers.Michael Putland/Getty
Bay City Rollers guitarist Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood also shared his own tribute to his late bandmate.
“I am upset and shocked to hear this very sad news,” he told theDaily Record. “Les and I had our differences over the years but even though we had disagreements we are sending our heartfelt condolences to Peko [his] wife and his son Jubie and all the Bay City Rollers Fans. It’s a sad day in Bay City Roller history.”
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Bay City Rollers musician and co-founderAlan Longmuirdied in 2018 at the age of 70. Ian Mitchell, who joined the group after his departure,diedin 2020.
Over the years, the band has continued to play together in a number of reunion concerts.
source: people.com
