A devoted group of Bay City Rollers fans, known as ‘Still Rollin’, successfully raised over £12,000 to install two memorial benches in honor of the band’s founding member, Alan Longmuir, and lead singer, Les McKeown. This fan community, consisting of more than 1,500 active members worldwide, organized various fundraising events with the help of individuals like Gail Shackley in the UK, Susan Rostron, Laura Brady, and Sheila Nittz in the USA, and Kat Connor in Canada to achieve their goal. The culmination of their efforts was a Gala celebration commemorating 50 years since the release of the band’s debut album, Rollin, in October 2024, where approximately 150 fans from different corners of the globe gathered at the Caledonian Hotel.
Gail Shackley disclosed that after consulting with the families of the late band members, the decision was made to raise funds for both Alan Longmuir and Les McKeown’s memorials. The unveiling of the benches took place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Princes Street Gardens, a significant location in Edinburgh frequented by fans and visitors alike. The emotional significance of the benches is profound, as it serves as a tangible reminder of the enduring legacy left behind by these iconic stars.
Fans Unite to Honor Their Idols
The efforts to commemorate Alan Longmuir and Les McKeown were fueled by the passionate dedication of Bay City Rollers enthusiasts who came together to pay tribute to their beloved idols. Peko, Les McKeown’s wife, played a pivotal role by enlisting the support of ‘Still Rollin’ to raise funds for a bench in Princes St Gardens during the planning stages of the 50th Anniversary Gala Event. Peko shared poignant anecdotes of her walks with Les through the gardens, where they would admire the bench inscriptions, fostering Les’ desire to have a bench dedicated to him after his passing.
In a heartfelt gesture, Peko generously donated items of Les’ stage clothing for auction, with the proceeds contributing to the fundraising target. The auction, held during the Gala Event in October 2024, was a poignant moment for fans as they bid on treasured memorabilia to support the cause. The overwhelming response from fans worldwide, coupled with the discovery of rare Bay City Rollers’ music by Eric Faulkner, the band’s Lead Guitarist and songwriter, underscored the deep connection fans shared with the band’s legacy.
Eric Faulkner’s Touching Gesture and Legacy
Eric Faulkner’s contribution to the fundraising efforts added a unique dimension to the campaign, as he unearthed an old cassette tape containing early demos and unreleased Bay City Rollers’ music. This discovery resonated with fans, who eagerly embraced the opportunity to acquire this limited-edition CD in exchange for donations towards the memorial benches. The overwhelming success of this initiative, which accounted for a significant portion of the total funds raised, exemplified the enduring impact of the band’s music on its loyal fan base.
Furthermore, Eric Faulkner’s decision to donate any surplus funds to Help Musicians, a charity that provides essential support to musicians in need, highlighted his commitment to giving back to the community. Having personally benefited from the charity’s assistance during a challenging period in his life, Eric’s gesture underscored the band’s enduring legacy of compassion and solidarity within the music industry. The location of the memorial benches in Princes Street Gardens, overlooking the picturesque Ross Fountain and Edinburgh Castle, serves as a fitting tribute to the band’s enduring influence on the cultural landscape of the city.
In conclusion, the installation of the memorial benches in honor of Alan Longmuir and Les McKeown stands as a testament to the enduring impact of the Bay City Rollers on their fans and the music industry as a whole. Through the collective efforts of ‘Still Rollin’ and the unwavering support of fans worldwide, the legacy of these iconic band members will be immortalized in the hearts of generations to come.
