This is the cause of death of Ian Mitchell, ‘The Bay City Rollers’ bassist Ian Mitchell died after a short battle with throat cancer on September 2, 2020 at the age of 62.
Who was Ian Mitchell?
Ian Mitchell was a musician best known for his work as a guitarist with the Scottish rock band Bay City Rollers. Originally from Northern Ireland, Ian Mitchell became a key member of the Bay City Rollers in 1976 at the age of 17. Significantly, he took over the role of bassist, stepping in for Alan Longmuir, bringing his unique talent to the iconic group.
What made Mitchell’s inclusion even more significant was that he was the first individual to join the band outside of their hometown of Edinburgh, Scotland. Although his time with the Bay City Rollers was relatively short, Mitchell’s impact was not to be overlooked. Despite his departure from the band, his contribution during his tenure left an indelible mark on their musical journey.
Ian Mitchell Cause of Death
Ian Mitchell passed away after a short battle with throat cancer. Ian Mitchell, guitarist and former member of the Bay City Rollers, died on September 2 at the age of 62 after a battle with cancer. Originally from Northern Ireland, Mitchell joined the band in 1976 at the age of 17, following his time with the Rollers’ predecessor, the Young City Stars. The first non-Scot to don the iconic Rollers tartans, he replaced Longmuir but stayed with the band for just seven months.
During his brief tenure, Mitchell contributed significantly to the Bay City Rollers’ 1976 album “Dedication.” He showed his talent by singing the title track, and was also on their successful cover of Dusty Springfield’s “I Only Wanna Be With You”, which reached the Top 20 on the charts. Although his time with the band was relatively short, Mitchell left an indelible mark on their musical journey.
Sadly, Mitchell’s battle with cancer eventually claimed his life, leaving behind a legacy of his involvement in the vibrant and energetic era of the Bay City Rollers. His contribution to the Dedication album and his unique presence as a non-Scot in the group will be remembered by fans and music enthusiasts alike. The death of Ian Mitchell serves as a poignant reminder of his significant role in the band’s history and the impact he had during his time with the Bay City Rollers.
How did Ian Mitchell die?
Band representatives have confirmed that Bay City Rollers bassist Ian Mitchell died in the first two days of the month after a short battle with throat cancer. News of his death was met with deep sadness, Fox News confirmed. At the age of 62, Mitchell’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of his loved ones and the music community.
In a heartfelt message shared on the band’s official Facebook page, the Bay City Rollers expressed their deep sadness upon learning of Ian Mitchell’s death. Along with a touching black and white photo of young Mitchell, they sent their thoughts, prayers and condolences to his wife Wendy, their family and friends. They said goodbye to him, acknowledging his contributions and the lasting impact he left behind, and wished him rest in peace.
The loss of Ian Mitchell serves as a sad reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating effects of cancer. His presence as the bass player of the Bay City Rollers will forever be remembered, appreciated and celebrated in the music world. May his soul find eternal peace and may those who mourn his passing find comfort in the fond memories they hold dear.
Role of Ian Mitchell in The Bay City Rollers
Bay City Rollers, a renowned Scottish pop-rock band, gained worldwide fame and became an icon of teenage idols during the 1970s. Often referred to as “the tartan teenage sensations of Edinburgh”, they are hailed as one of the greatest musical acts since the Beatles. In 1976, Ian, a talented musician from Northern Ireland, joined the band at the age of 17, taking over the bassist role from Alan Longmuir.
Ian’s addition to the group marked a significant milestone as the first member recruited from outside their home city of Edinburgh. However, his time with the Bay City Rollers was relatively short, as he left after just seven months. However, during his short tenure, Ian contributed to the band’s 1976 album Dedication.
The album featured their successful rendition of Dusty Springfield’s “I Only Wanna Be With You”, which peaked at number 4 in the UK and reached number 12 in the US. Ian’s departure from the Bay City Rollers occurred in late 1976, and he was later replaced by guitarist Pat McGlynn. Reflecting on his decision to leave, Ian cited internal conflicts within the band as a contributing factor, expressing that he felt the need to distance himself from the dissent.
He frankly stated, “I had to get out before I put my head in the gas oven.” Despite his relatively short time with the group, Ian’s musical contributions and the success of the Dedication album remain part of the Bay City Rollers legacy.
Members of the Bay City Rollers
The Bay City Rollers rose to fame as a Scottish pop-rock band during the 1970s, winning over audiences around the world and achieving teen idol status. Hailing from Edinburgh, they were often referred to as the “tartan teen sensations” and were hailed as one of the most significant musical groups since the Beatles.
During its journey, the group underwent various line-up changes, but at the peak of its popularity, the classic line-up appeared. This lineup featured talented individuals such as guitarists Eric Faulkner and Stuart Wood, charismatic singer Les McKeown, skilled bassist Alan Longmuir and drummer Derek Longmuir. Their harmonious collaboration and appearance on stage endeared them to fans all over the world.
In recent years, the band’s line-up has undergone further adjustments. As of 2018, the current lineup includes original guitarist Stuart “Woody” Wood, talented singer Ian Thomson, bassist Mikey Smith and drummer Jamie McGrory. Together, they continue to keep the legacy of the Bay City Rollers alive, entertaining audiences with their infectious music and maintaining the spirit of the band that captured hearts in their prime.
Current members
Stuart “Woody” Wood
Ian Thomson
Jamie McGrory
Mikey Smith
Former members
Alan Longmuir
Derek Longmuir
Neil Porteous
Gordon “Nobby” Clark
Dave Pettigrew
Gregory Ellison
Mike Ellison
Keith Norman
David Paton
Alan Dunn
Billy Lyall
Eric Manclark
Neil Henderson
Archie Marr
John Devine
Eric Faulkner
Les McKeown
Ian Mitchell
Pat McGlynn
Duncan Faure
George Spencer
Marcus Cordock
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Source: HIS Education