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Bay City Rollers star Les McKeown dies aged 65

Les McKeown of the Bay City Rollers performing on stage in the King Tut's Wah Wah Tent during the second day of T in the Park, the annual music festival held at Strathallan Castle, Perthshire.
Les McKeown on stage (PA)

Bay City Rollers star Les McKeown has died at the age of 65.

The singer died suddenly at home on 20 April.

The star’s family announced the sad news on Facebook, asking for privacy as they deal with their "profound loss".

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The message said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband and father Leslie Richard McKeown.

“Leslie died suddenly at home on Tuesday 20 April 2021.

"We are currently making arrangements for his funeral and ask for privacy after the shock of our profound loss.

"Thank you."

It was signed "Keiko and Jubei McKeown”.

Phil Hendriks (left) and Les McKeown (centre) of the Bay City Rollers perform on stage at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, London, 14th December 2016. (Photo by Dick Barnatt/Redferns)
Phil Hendriks and Les McKeown of the Bay City Rollers (Dick Barnatt/Redferns)

Former manager John McLaughlin told the Daily Record: “I'm very sad and shocked and so is Keiko, his wife. She is heartbroken and called me from Les' phone with the news. I picked up and thought it was Les wanting a chat.

"I'm still in shock right now, I spoke to him last week and he was on great form and happy about life and happy to book his tour.”

McLaughlin said McKeown was “one of the hardest working men in the music industry”.

File photo dated 22/09/15 of Bay City Roller Les McKeown during the announcement of the band's reunion at Central Hotel in Glasgow. Bay City Rollers singer Les McKeown has died at the age of 65. Issue date: Thursday April 22, 2021.
Les McKeown (PA)

The singer found fame with the Scottish pop rock group in the 70s.

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The band have sold more than 120 million records worldwide and are known for hits such as Summerlove sensation, I Only Want to Be With You and Bye Bye Baby.

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