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Former Bay City Roller Ian Mitchell has died aged 62

Ian Mitchell was just 17 when he joined the Rollers in 1976
Ian Mitchell was just 17 when he joined the Rollers in 1976

Former Bay City Rollers star Ian Mitchell has died at the age of 62.

The Northern Ireland musician joined the Scottish pop band in 1976 when he was 17, to replace founding member and bassist Alan Longmuir.

Mitchell was the first band member born outside of Edinburgh, but left the group after just seven months.

A statement on the band's Instagram page said: "We are deeply saddened by the news of Ian Mitchell's death.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Wendy, their family and friends. Rest In Peace, Ian.

"If you wish to leave your condolences, please do so in the comments below."

During Mitchell's time with the band, which has had many changes to the line-up, they released the 1976 album Dedication and a cover version of the Dusty Springfield hit I Only Want to Be With You.

The tartan-clad band had previously dominated the charts with songs such as Saturday Night, Bye Bye Baby, Money Honey and Shang-A-Lang, selling almost 300 million records worldwide.

As the group's popularity waned, Mitchell quit the band and was replaced by guitarist Pat McGlynn.

Stuart 'Woody' Wood, who is among the founding members and still performs with the band, wrote on Facebook: "Very sad, sad news about Ian Mitchell. We'd like to send our love and condolences to Wendy and all Ian's family and friends . . . you are in our hearts.

"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 ... "

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