Bay City Rollers' Stuart Wood ahead of East Lancashire dates

Stuart Wood, a member of the iconic band since they rose to fame in the 70s, recently shared two tales from the road that prove rock and roll never takes it easy — even after 50 years.

The first mishap struck during a gig on a cruise. The outward trip was smooth sailing, but the return trip was another story. “There were storms like you see in films,” Wood recalled. “We were getting chucked about the stage, and I was thinking we were going to go down! That was from Hull to Rotterdam — there was a gig across and a gig coming back. But the show goes on. That’s rock and roll!”

The Rollers have three shows in Lancashire coming up (Image: Gemma Laming)

But it wasn’t just storms they’ve been battling. Only a few weeks ago, disaster struck again —this time on land. On their way to a gig in Surrey, the band's equipment was stolen.

 “The other guys are on the west side of Edinburgh, so they hired a van and drove halfway down to Sussex. They stayed overnight at one of the hotels on the M6 near Walsall, and the van got stolen with all the gear in it. All the guitars, drums, everything — gone.”

Despite this major setback, Wood was determined the show would go on. “Thankfully, a couple of bands helped us out, and a music shop lent us some gear. We still made it to the gig and got it done.”

Stuart Wood has been with the band since the 70s (Image: Gemma Laming)

The band, who first rose to fame in the 70s with hits like “Shang-a-Lang” and “Bye Bye Baby,” is currently on their 50th anniversary tour, and new music is also on the way.

Their upcoming album Keep On Rollin’ — a nod to their 1974 debut Rollin’ — includes their latest single "Keep On Rollin'," and a charity single, “Shangalang 50.”

“Half of the album is new songs, and the other half, we’ve re-recorded some of the classics,” said Wood, adding that the response to the new material has been overwhelming. “It’s always risky playing a brand-new song, but it’s been going down a storm!”

The band is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year (Image: Natalia Aronowicz)

Fans can catch the Rollers at several upcoming gigs, including an intimate show at St Mary’s Chambers in Rawtenstall on October 11, followed by an acoustic afternoon performance at the Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre on October 12.

For those who miss those dates, the band will also be playing at the Kanteena in Lancaster on December 1.

With new music, a book in the works, and a tour full of stories and songs, Wood’s outlook is clear: “It’s all down to the music and just a love of playing. Long may it continue.”