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Bay City Babylon

Mark Lamarr tells the story of the Bay City Rollers.

The story of the Bay City Rollers reads like that of a modern day Greek tragedy. From their mid 1970s domination of pop music through self destruction, missing millions and abiding hatred for each other this is a story that never seems to end.

Often dubbed the 'first boy band' there was, however, a lot more to the Bay City Rollers than tartan scarves and Shangalang. Years of hard work and a determination to succeed lay in the efforts of the band and their manager Tam Paton. Apart from their success in the UK the Rollers would go on to conquer America in a way that today's acts will only ever dream about.

Although often ridiculed, their legions of teenage female fans did not just buy the records; they also adopted their tartan uniform of roller gear. The Rollers also provided an emotional outlet for their followers at a level of intensity that has seldom been seen since their demise.

Mark Lamarr examines the phenomenon of Rollermania, and their unlikely influence on much more 'credible' acts such as the Ramones and the Sex Pistols.

Bay City Babylon features contributions from former Rollers Les McKeown, Alan Longmuir, Stuart 'Woody' Wood, Pat McGlynn, Nobby Clark and David Paton. Also taking part are their manager Tam Paton, songwriter Bill Martin, former Ramones manager Danny Fields, producer Phil Wainman, Stuart Cosgrove, Lavinia Greenlaw, Elaine C Smith and Caroline Sullivan.

First transmitted January 2008.

1 hour

Last on

Tue 2 Nov 2010 22:00
Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio 2

Music Played

  • The Rollettes

    We Love You Rollers

    • GTO GT 19.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Saturday Night

    • Rollerworld.
    • Acrobat Music ACRCG 702.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Manana

    • BELL 1262.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Keep on Dancing

    • The Very Best of the Bay City Rollers.
    • BMG 82876608192.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Jenny

    • BELL 1220.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Remember

    • The Very Best of the Bay City Rollers.
    • BMG 82876608192.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Shangalang

    • ¸é´Ç±ô±ô¾±²Ô’.
    • BMG 82876608202.

  • Bay City Rollers

    All of me Loves All of You

    • The Very Best of the Bay City Rollers.
    • BMG 82876608192.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Hey C.B.

    • ¸é´Ç±ô±ô¾±²Ô’.
    • BMG 82876608202.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Summerlove Sensation

    • ¸é´Ç±ô±ô¾±²Ô’.
    • BMG 82876608202.

  • Bay City Rollers

    The Bump

    Artist: The Bay City Rollers

    • Once Upon a Star.
    • BMG 82876608212.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Give A Little Love

    • The Very Best of the Bay City Rollers.
    • BMG 82876608192.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Saturday Night

    • The Very Best of the Bay City Rollers.
    • BMG 82876608192.

  • Ramones

    Rock & Roll Radio

    • Best of the Chrysalis Years.
    • EMI 5384722.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Money Honey

    • Dedication.
    • BMG 82876608552.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Love me Like I Love You

    • Dedication.
    • BMG 82876608552.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Are You Cuckoo

    • It’s a Game.
    • Cherry Red GLAM CD 35.

  • Bay City Rollers

    It's a Game

    • Rollerworld.
    • Acrobat Music ACRCG 702.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Let's Pretend

    • Dedication.
    • BMG 82876608552.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Yesterday's Hero

    • Dedication.
    • BMG 82876608552.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Lovely to See You

    • Wouldn’t You Like It.
    • BMG 82876608222.

  • Bay City Rollers

    Shangalang

    • ¸é´Ç±ô±ô¾±²Ô’.
    • BMG 82876608202.

Broadcasts

  • Sat 26 Jan 2008 20:00
    Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio 2
  • Tue 2 Nov 2010 22:00
    Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio 2