BAY CITY Rollers frontman Les McKeown has passed away at the age of 65.
The sad news was broken yesterday by Mr McKeown's family, who took to social media to issue a statement.
In a post on Mr McKeown's own Twitter account, his family wrote:
"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."
— Les McKeown (@LesMcKeownUK) April 22, 2021
The family confirmed that they are currently making arrangements for his funeral and have asked for privacy from the public and themedia "after the shock of our profound loss".
The statement was signed off by Keiko and Jubei McKeown, Les McKeown's wife and son.
The Bay City Rollers official Twitter page also paid tribute to their frontman, who helped propel them to stardom in the 1970's with hits such as I Only Want To Be With You.
In a statement, the band said they are "saddened" by the tragic news of McKeown's death and offered their "thoughts and prayers" to his wife and son, their family and their friends.
"Rest in peace Leslie."
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. pic.twitter.com/TkmBNgNMaP
— Bay City Rollers Official (@thebcrofficial) April 22, 2021
Leslie Richard McKeown was born in Scotland to Irish parents and showed an early flair for music, dropping out of school aged 15 to play in a band full time.
He joined the Bay City Rollers in 1973, and while the band had been around since the 1960s, their popularity skyrocketed once McKeown became the frontman.
The band had enjoyed a renewed popularity in 2015 after McKeown rejoined for a series of reunion shows.
Les McKeown's cause of death has not been confirmed.
