Photographing the Bay City Rollers – A Humble Reflection

Growing up in the 1970s, the Bay City Rollers were everywhere. Their music filled the airwaves, their faces were on every magazine cover, and tartan ruled the streets. For a young lad in Glasgow, it was impossible not to get swept up in the magic of Rollermania. Those songs became the soundtrack of my childhood.

Fast forward to 2015, and life gave me a moment I could never have imagined. I was asked to photograph the Bay City Rollers’ legendary comeback — right in the heart of my hometown. To be in the room with them, to witness the excitement of the fans, and to see the roar of the Barrowland Ballroom return, felt like stepping back in time. For me, it wasn’t just another job behind the camera — it was a chance to play a small part in a story that had meant so much to me growing up.

Little did I know then that my journey with the Rollers would continue beyond that comeback night. It eventually led me to capture what would become the last ever photograph of the Bay City Rollers, taken live on stage at the Glasgow Hydro in December 2016. Looking back now, that image feels more than just a photo. It feels like a symbol — a farewell from one of the world’s most beloved bands to the greatest fans in the world.

I feel incredibly grateful to have been there, to have seen it up close, and to have frozen that final moment in time. It’s a privilege to share that piece of history with fans who have carried the Rollers in their hearts for decades.

To mark the 10th anniversary of their unforgettable 2015 reunion, I’m proud to release this last photograph as part of the Brian Anderson Photography Gallery launch. This exclusive, framed print is available for a limited time only, making it not just a piece of art, but a chapter of pop history.

Alongside this, I’m delighted to announce that my book on photographing the Bay City Rollers is now available in print and eBook — a collection of s images that celebrate the band’s enduring legacy and the fans who made it all possible message from Woody and foreword by Irvine Welsh.

For me, it has been nothing short of magical to go from being a kid in the middle of Rollermania to becoming a small part of the Rollers’ journey. And now, to share that journey with you feels like the perfect way to celebrate 10 years since they came back and reminded us all of the power of the tartan dream.

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