Bay City Rollers guitarist Neil Henderson dies aged 73 as tributes paid
Mr Henderson’s bandmates said his memory will “live on” through those lucky enough to share the stage with him
Bay City Rollers guitarist Neil Henderson has died aged 73 following a long illness.
The Glasgow-born musician joined the Edinburgh-based teen idols from 1970 and 1972 as they first broke onto the scene with their first single ‘Keep on Dancing’.
Two years after leaving the band over disagreements surrounding their musical direction, Mr Henderson joined pop group Middle of the Road.
“We are sorry to have to announce the death of Neil Henderson, our original lead guitarist, songwriter and friend,” his former Middle of the Road bandmates said in a statement released on Facebook.
They said Henderson’s memory would live on through his music.
Mr Henderson spent years performing alongside the band as they performed their number one single “Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep”.
“The tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh” meanwhile would go on to become one of the most iconic pop bands of the 70s, selling over 300 million records with hits like “Bye Bye Baby”, “Saturday Night” and “Shang-a-lang”.
His bandmates added: “Neil had been ill for some time and was fighting to recover from a stroke a few years ago.
“We wish to send our sincere condolences to Heather and Shona, his two daughters, and all his family and friends.
“His memory will live on with all who had the pleasure of sharing the stage with him as will his music.”
Henderson is survived by his two daughters.