A tribute to Ian Mitchell
(1958-2020)
After a reportedly short but brave battle with throat
cancer former Bay City Rollers and Rosetta Stone guitarist Ian Mitchell died on
September 2nd, 2020.
Having replaced bassist Alan Longmuir (Guitarist Stuart “Woody”
Wood switched to bass upon Ian’s arrival) in April 1976, Ian’s initial tenure
with the Rollers was brief. Mere seven
months to be exact, although he also partook in a reunion or two later-on in
the band’s turbulent history.
The Rollers’ fourth album Dedication featured Mitchell –
his lead vocals even adorned the title track.
After leaving the band due to an apparent nervous exhaustion in
November ’76, he rejoined his pre-Rollers group Young City Stars, now
re-christened Rosetta Stone.
After a couple of albums in a couple of years he left to
form his very own Ian Mitchell Band.
Similarly, two years and two albums later IMB became La Rox, and
eventually Bachelor of Hearts. BoH
recorded one album, On the Boulevard in 1983.
After that Ian returned to Rollerland for a couple of years.
The late ‘80s saw him move to American for good – he eventually
became a U.S. citizen – where he played in myriad of bands through the years.
He recorded his first and only solo album in the early
2000s – a festive album no less – but does seem to have been only sporadically involved
with music thereafter.
As a tribute to Ian I’ve picked a few of the best bits
*I* believe he was involved with during his time as a working musician. Feel free to disagree though…
Bay City Rollers/"Dedication" (LP version) 1976
