MUSIC: Bay City Rollers star to bring Rollermania to Leopardstown

LES McKeown from Bay City Rollers is bringing all the thrill and excitement of Rollermania to the August 8 Bulmer’s Live at Leopardstown night.

Les McKeown was part of what has been described as the classic line-up of the band and in late 1973, recorded lead vocals on ‘Remember (Sha-La-La-La)’.

By early 1975, the band was well on the way to achieving global success. Beginning with ‘Remember’, the Rollers’ popularity exploded, and they released a string of hits on the UK chart.

Following in succession were ‘Shang-a-Lang’, ‘Summerlove Sensation’ and ‘All of Me Loves All of You’.

By early 1975, they were one of the biggest-selling acts in the UK.

The successful ‘75 UK tour prompted newspaper headlines about the rise of ‘Rollermania’ (a take-off on Beatlemania a decade before). The Rollers were the subject of a 20-week UK television series, Shang-a-Lang.

A cover of the Four Seasons’ ‘Bye, Bye, Baby’ went to number one in the UK for six weeks in March and April 1975.

Performing all the original hits including ‘Bye Bye Baby’, ‘Shang-a-Lang’, ‘Remember’, 'Summerlove Sensation' and ‘Give A Little Love' plus many many more, Les also introduces new songs from their latest album Lost Songs.

Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers bring a new energy to all the classic hits and play Bulmer’s Live at Leopardstown on Thursday, August 8.
For tickets and hospitality options – go to www.leopardstown.com

TRACK RECORD WITH LES MCKEOWN

1. Most memorable moment in Dublin? Dublin, February 1975, Rollermania had taken over the city and we couldn’t go anywhere, concerts had to be cut short due to the mania that surrounded us that year.
 
2. Favourite place to visit in Dublin? 
I’m always finding new places to visit when I am in Dublin, I don’t have one particular place to say “it’s my favourite”.

3. When not performing, what else do you do? 
I am very active in my management and the organisation of all things related to my work, so most of the time I am in my office planning and booking the future.

4. First album you bought and last album you bought?

The first album was Pink Floyd – ‘Meddle’ and the last album was Radiohead ‘The Bends’.

5. Who are your influences? 
The people who influenced me the most were my parents.
 
6. What three things are on your rider?
Chilled water, fresh sandwiches, tea and coffee facilities.

7. Tips on life? 
Enjoy every minute, it won’t be here forever.

8. First person you'd invite to a dinner party and why? 
I would invite all my closest friends and just chill out and relax with the people I know best.