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ROLLERS STAR DEAD

Alan Longmuir dead – Bay City Rollers star dies aged 70 weeks after flying home from Mexico suffering ill health

The musician passed away following a short illness this morning surrounded by his loved-ones

Alan Longmuir, a founding member of pop group Bay City Rollers, has died at the age of 70.

The Scottish musician passed away following a short illness this morning surrounded by his loved-ones.

 Alan Longmuir performing at Hammersmith Apollo in 2016
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Alan Longmuir performing at Hammersmith Apollo in 2016Credit: 2016 Dick Barnatt

He had flown home from Mexico around two weeks ago suffering ill health before his condition deteriorated.

Bay City Rollers were one of the most popular bands of the 1970s and reached number one in the UK charts with hits including 'Bye, Bye Baby' and 'Give a Little Love'.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Mr Longmuir's family described him as an "extraordinary man with an extraordinary heart".

They said: "He brought so much love and kindness to everyone he met, and he leaves a huge hole in our family," they added.

 Alan in 1979 shortly after returning to Bay City Rollers
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Alan in 1979 shortly after returning to Bay City RollersCredit: Getty - Contributor

"He would humbly say he was 'just a plumber from Edinburgh who got lucky'.

"However we were the lucky ones; the ones that were lucky enough to have Alan as part of our lives."

Edinburgh-born Alan founded the group with younger brother Derek but was replaced as guitarist at the height of their fame in 1976.

He returned to the band in 1978 and recently performed at a reunion shows at Glasgow Barrowlands in 2015 and a subsequent tour.

Singer Les Mckeown joins Alan Longmuir on stage during stage show
 Alan (right) founded the band with brother Derek (front)
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Alan (right) founded the band with brother Derek (front)

Liam Rudden, director stage show of 'I Ran With The Gang: The Story of Alan Longmuir', said: “Having worked closely with Alan for the last seven years I am devastated by the news he has left us.

“Alan was one of the most gentle, generous and kind-hearted people I have ever known.

"He touched the lives of everyone he met with a smile that made them feel special, insisting that despite his amazing adventures in life he was still just 'a plumber from Edinburgh'."

Bay City Rollers enjoy a chuckle as they reunite