logo

Ian Mitchell, former Bay City Rollers bassist, has died aged 62

He spent a short but impactful period in the band.

Ian Mitchell

Mitchell in 1977. Image: Fin Costello / Getty

When you purchase through affiliate links on Guitar.com, you may contribute to our site through commissions. Learn more.

Ian Mitchell, musician and former bassist for the Bay City Rollers, has died aged 62.

Mitchell’s passing was confirmed by the band, who posted a statement on their Facebook page. Bay City Rollers are best known for their hits Shang-a-Lang and Bye Bye, among others.

We are deeply saddened by the news of Ian Mitchell’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Wendy, their…

Posted by Bay City Rollers on Tuesday, September 1, 2020

“We are deeply saddened by the news of Ian Mitchell’s death, they wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Wendy, their family and friends. Rest In Peace, Ian.”

The band’s guitarist, Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood, also posted a tribute. “Very sad, sad news about Ian Mitchell,” he wrote. ”We’d like to send our love and condolences to Wendy and all Ian’s family and friends…you are in our hearts.

Very sad, sad news about Ian Mitchell. We’d like to send our love and condolences to Wendy and all Ian’s family and…

Posted by Stuart Woody Wood on Wednesday, September 2, 2020

“I have many fond memories of Ian not only in the BCR days but also when we played together in the ’80s with The Passengers… great guys and great days! You will sorely be missed Ian…”

Mitchell replaced bassist Alan Longmuir in 1976 when he was just 17. With Mitchell on bass, the group released their album Dedication and reached number 12 in the US charts with their cover of Dusty Springfield’s I Only Want To Be With You.

Mitchell would later be replaced by Pat McGlynn, before Longmuir returned to the group in 1978.

Related Tags

logo

The world’s leading authority and resource for all things guitar.

© 2024 Guitar.com is part of NME Networks.