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About this book:

The Bay City Rollers were one of the brightest things to happen in the tumultuous 1970s, illuminating a dark decade marred by falling stock markets, a plummeting economy and industrial unrest. Alan Longmuir, an apprentice plumber from Edinburgh, was inspired by The Beatles to form a band. After enlisting his brother and throwing a dart at a map, they became the Bay City Rollers.

In I Ran with the Gang, Alan recounts his incredible journey from the Dalry backstreets to the Hollywood hills and back again. Along the way, he punctures some of the myths and untruths that have swirled around the group, and unflinchingly tells of the acrimony and exploitation that led to the disintegration of the band. Most of all, though, Alan captures the great adventure of five young boys from Edinburgh who for a few heady years threatened to turn the whole world tartan.

Reviews:

Almost impossible to put down, this is a highly refreshing music business memoir, devoid of dirt-dishing, upbeat in the face of negativity, and inspiring in its positivity. – Peter Mason, Morning Star

A riveting inside track on life in the Rollers. – Brian Ferguson, The Scotsman

It’s a fascinating read for anyone who’s ever sung along to Shangalang and wondered just who this group of young men were, from boom to bust. – Kenny Smith, Scottish Field

How can I resist a combo of Martin Knight and the iconic Bay City Rollers? – IRVINE WELSH

It’s really good writing, it’s a really good story. It is very much Alan’s story… you can hear Alan on every page. It’s exceptionally well-written and entertaining; there’s bits that are really funny, there’s bits that are really poignant in it. – KARIN INGRAM