Exploding onto the music scene in the early 70’s, the Bay City Rollers debut album “Rollin” was released on 6 September 1974, featuring songs Shang-a-Lang and Summerlove Sensation that helped win the band a Tartan-clad army of young followers across the UK.
Their success however soon became global, with “Rollermania” taking hold of the world after the ‘tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh’ performed on the iconic Saturday Night Live in 1976, with the suitably titled single “Saturday Night” selling 12 million copies and reaching number one on the US Billboard chart.
Success would follow in Europe and Japan, but with a constantly changing line-up and hectic touring schedule, the band fractured at the end of the 70s.
In later years there were claims and counter-claims about where the money from their success had gone, while members of the Bay City Rollers also accused former manager Tam Paton of sexual abuse.
The show is being produced by theatre veteran Ed Crozier, alongside music industry stalwarts and promoters Mark Mackie, David Low and Donald Macleod and producer, songwriter and current ‘Roller’ John McLaughlin.
Featuring hit songs including, Bye, Bye Baby; Keep On Dancing; Shang-a-Lang; Summer Love Sensation and more, the play – which will mark the 50th Anniversary of the Roller’s first number one single – tells the story of two lifelong Bay City Rollers fans who meet up for a Saturday night and relive their exciting teenage years in the seventies.
Clothes, boys and music all play a big part in their coming of age at a time of phone boxes, mail order catalogues and crispy pancakes.
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And every moment is accompanied by a hit from the band, with their story playing out as the pair share their memories.
From the first exhilarating moment they see the band on TV to a rousing dance in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, the lives, loves and emotions of Susan and Jenny are governed by the Rollers.
Stuart “Woody” Wood said: “This is going to be a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see all the fans rockin’ the tartan at the shows and having great fun singing along to all the hits. Get your tartan on and ‘Keep On Dancing’.”
Writer Danny McCahon said: “When I was approached to come up with an idea for a play incorporating the music of the Bay City Rollers, I saw it as an opportunity to write about the most important people in pop – the fans.
“The result is a show about the fans for the fans, packed with some of the greatest pop music ever created. It’s been an absolute treat to work on.”
“I was hooked and I have loved the Rollers from that moment on. I’m so excited for them to finally be celebrated in a musical. It’s going to be such a great night out for all the fans.”
Director, Liz Caruthers said: “I’m thrilled to be asked to direct this exciting, funny new musical about the fans of the iconic Scottish band.
“I’m the same generation as the girls in the show and, as a teenager in Edinburgh, remember the excitement of seeing the lads on Top of the Pops just as they did.
“With all the classic Bay City Rollers songs in the show, I didn’t hesitate in saying yes to Rollers Forever. It’s going to be a great team, especially with Woody on board too.
“It will be an absolute treat to open the show in the beautiful Pavilion Theatre, which is one of the few Scottish Theatres I haven’t worked in before.”
