Ian Mitchell Cause of Death, How Did Ian Mitchell Die?
by A Maria
Updated Jun 30, 2023
Who was Ian Mitchell?
Ian Mitchell was a musician who is highly recognized for his work as a guitarist with the Scottish rock band Bay City Rollers. Hailing from Northern Ireland, Ian Mitchell became a pivotal member of the Bay City Rollers in 1976 at the tender age of 17. Notably, he took on the role of bassist, stepping in to replace Alan Longmuir, bringing his unique talents to the iconic group.
What made Mitchell's inclusion even more significant was that he was the first individual to join the band from outside their hometown of Edinburgh, Scotland. Although his time with the Bay City Rollers was relatively brief, Mitchell's impact was not to be overlooked. Despite his departure from the band, his contributions during his tenure left an indelible mark on their musical journey.
Ian Mitchell Cause of Death
Ian Mitchell died due to a short battle with throat cancer. Ian Mitchell, the guitarist and a former member of the Bay City Rollers, passed away at the age of 62 on September 2nd after battling cancer. Hailing from Northern Ireland, Mitchell joined the band in 1976 at the young age of 17, following his time with the Rollers' precursor group, Young City Stars. As the first non-Scot to don the iconic Rollers' tartans, he replaced Longmuir but remained with the band for only seven months.
During his brief tenure, Mitchell made notable contributions to the Bay City Rollers' 1976 album "Dedication." He showcased his talents by singing the title track and was also featured on their successful cover of Dusty Springfield's "I Only Wanna Be With You," which reached the Top 20 on the charts. Though his time with the band was relatively short-lived, Mitchell left an indelible mark on their musical journey.
Sadly, Mitchell's battle with cancer ultimately claimed his life, leaving behind a legacy of his involvement in the Bay City Rollers' vibrant and energetic era. His contributions to the Dedication album and his unique presence as a non-Scot among the group will be remembered by fans and music enthusiasts alike. Ian Mitchell's passing serves as a poignant reminder of his significant role in the band's history and the impact he made during his time with the Bay City Rollers.
How did Ian Mitchell Die?
The representatives for the band have confirmed that Ian Mitchell, the bassist of the Bay City Rollers, passed away within the first two days of the month after a brief battle with throat cancer. The news of his passing was met with profound sadness, as Fox News has verified. At the age of 62, Mitchell's departure leaves a void in the hearts of his loved ones and the music community.
In a heartfelt message shared on the band's official Facebook page, the Bay City Rollers expressed their deep sorrow upon learning of Ian Mitchell's death. Alongside a poignant black-and-white photo of a young Mitchell, they extended their thoughts, prayers, and condolences to his wife Wendy, their family, and friends. They bid him farewell, acknowledging his contributions and the lasting impact he made as they wished for him to rest in peace.
The loss of Ian Mitchell serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating effects of cancer. His presence as the bassist for the Bay City Rollers will forever be remembered, cherished, and celebrated within the realm of music. May his soul find eternal peace, and may those who mourn his passing find solace in the cherished memories they hold dear.
Ian Mitchell's Role in The Bay City Rollers
The Bay City Rollers, a renowned Scottish pop-rock band, gained worldwide fame and became iconic teen idols during the 1970s. Often referred to as the "tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh," they were celebrated as one of the biggest musical acts since the Beatles. In 1976, Ian, a talented musician from Northern Ireland, joined the band at the young age of 17, taking over the role of bassist from Alan Longmuir.
Ian's addition to the group marked a significant milestone as the first member recruited from outside their hometown of Edinburgh. However, his time with the Bay City Rollers was relatively short-lived, as he departed after merely seven months. Nonetheless, during his brief tenure, Ian contributed to the recording of the band's album titled "Dedication" in 1976.
The album featured their successful rendition of Dusty Springfield's "I Only Wanna Be With You," which climbed to No. 4 on the UK charts and reached No. 12 on the US charts. Ian's departure from the Bay City Rollers came in late 1976, and he was subsequently replaced by guitarist Pat McGlynn. Reflecting on his decision to leave, Ian cited internal conflicts within the band as a contributing factor, expressing that he felt the need to distance himself from the discord.
He candidly stated, "I had to get out before I put my head in the gas oven." Despite his relatively brief time with the group, Ian's musical contributions and the success of the Dedication album remain a part of the Bay City Rollers' legacy.
Bay City Rollers Members
The Bay City Rollers rose to fame as a Scottish pop-rock band during the 1970s, captivating audiences worldwide and earning the status of teenage idols. Hailing from Edinburgh, they were often referred to as the "tartan teen sensations" and were hailed as one of the most significant musical acts since the Beatles.
Throughout their journey, the group underwent various lineup changes, but it was during their peak of popularity that the classic roster emerged. This lineup featured talented individuals such as guitarists Eric Faulkner and Stuart Wood, charismatic singer Les McKeown, skilled bassist Alan Longmuir, and drummer Derek Longmuir. Their harmonious collaboration and stage presence endeared them to fans around the globe.
In recent years, the band's lineup has seen further adjustments. Since 2018, the current lineup includes the original guitarist Stuart "Woody" Wood, talented singer Ian Thomson, bassist Mikey Smith, and drummer Jamie McGrory. Together, they continue to keep the Bay City Rollers' legacy alive, entertaining audiences with their infectious music and maintaining the spirit of the band that captured hearts in their heyday.
Current members
Stuart "Woody" Wood
Ian Thomson
Jamie McGrory
Mikey Smith
Former members
Alan Longmuir
Derek Longmuir
Neil Porteous
Gordon "Nobby" Clark
Dave Pettigrew
Gregory Ellison
Mike Ellison
Keith Norman
David Paton
Alan Dunn
Billy Lyall
Eric Manclark
Neil Henderson
Archie Marr
John Devine
Eric Faulkner
Les McKeown
Ian Mitchell
Pat McGlynn
Duncan Faure
George Spencer
Marcus Cordock
Ian Mitchell Cause of Death - FAQs
Ian Mitchell was a talented musician highly recognized for his role as the guitarist and bassist with the Scottish rock band, Bay City Rollers.
Ian Mitchell passed away at the age of 62 after a brief battle with throat cancer.
Ian Mitchell, the bassist of the Bay City Rollers, died after a short battle with throat cancer.
Ian Mitchell was a pivotal member of the Bay City Rollers, joining as a guitarist and bassist in 1976.
Ian Mitchell left the Bay City Rollers in late 1976, after just seven months with the band. He was replaced by guitarist Pat McGlynn. He attributed his departure to internal conflicts within the band, stating that he felt the need to distance himself from the discord.