McKeown was part of the classic line-up during its heyday which also included guitarists Eric Faulkner and Stuart Wood, bassist Alan Longmuir, and drummer Derek Longmuir. As of now, the Scottish pop rock group have sold over 120 million records worldwide. The group got together in the early 70s and found their name by throwing a dart at a map that landed on Bay City near Michigan.

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— Les McKeown (@LesMcKeownUK) April 22, 2021

McKeown’s passing was announced on Twitter earlier. His family said that he “died suddenly at home” and asked for privacy following “the shock of our profound loss”. No cause of death has been announced.

McKeown enjoyed the popularity of the Bay City Rollers at its peak however the singer left the group in 1978 at aged 22. He has some success with his solo albums, most recently he released ‘The Lost Songs’ which was made up of songs he had written while on the road with the Bay City Rollers in the 1970s. McKeown had since re-joined the group for various reunion tours, most recently in 2015.

Bandmate Stuart Wood said in a statement: “I am upset and shocked to hear this very sad news. Les and I had our differences over the years but even though we had disagreements we are sending our heartfelt condolences to Keiko his wife and his son Jubei and all the Bay City Rollers Fans. It’s a sad day in Bay City Roller history.”

He is survived by his wife Peko Keiko and their son Jubei.

The news was confirmed in a statement from the band’s official Facebook page. The statement read; “We are deeply saddened by the news of Ian Mitchell’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Wendy, their family and friends. Rest In Peace, Ian. If you wish to leave your condolences, please do so in the comments below.”

A lot of fans did take the comments to share their condolences. One commented saying; “My deepest condolences. I met Ian at Foxwoods casino in Connecticut he was doing a concert with Leif Garrett, I met his wife too. Both of them were very nice and sweet. Praying.” 

Another read; “My first thought was no this can’t be true. Family,  friends and fans are heartbroken the world over. Our hearts are with you Wendy. Our roller world is shaken to the core.”

Guitarist of the band, Stuart Wood, also made a post sharing his sadness saying; “Very sad, sad news about Ian Mitchell. We’d like to send our love and condolences to Wendy and all Ian’s family and friends…you are in our hearts. 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…”

Ian Mitchell joined the band at just 17 years of age. He took over for Alan Longmuir in 1976. He was on the album Dedication and also appeared on the band’s cover of Dusty Springfield’s I Only Want To Be With You, which reached number 12 in the US charts. The Northern Irish bassist was the first member of the band to not be from the band’s hometown of Edinburgh. He stayed in the band for just seven months before Pat McGylnn took over until Alan Longmuir eventually came back to band.