A Bay City Rollers star has spoken about his long history of performing in Ayrshire ahead of the group’s appearance at Troon Concert Hall later this year.
Stuart “Woody” Wood said he is looking forward to bringing the band’s Keep On Rollin’ Tour to the town on Wednesday, November 25. The concert will also form part of WinterStorm 2026, a five-day music festival taking place in Troon at the same time.
For Wood, the visit will renew a connection with the area that stretches back decades. The musician recalled performing in Troon during the 1970s and 1990s with the original line-up, as well as appearing several times in Ayr and Kilmarnock.
“We played Troon way back in the 70s and 90s as well with the original line-up.”
He added that he looked back fondly on those performances, while acknowledging that the experience of touring can make different venues blur together once a band is on stage.
“We have also played other Ayrshire towns like Ayr and Kilmarnock quite a few times, and they are always nice places to come to.”
Wood has been a Bay City Roller for 53 years, remaining a constant through changes to the group’s line-up. The band began in the mid-1960s and has had more than 30 members over its history, according to the musician.
A new chapter for the Rollers
The group returned to the UK top 20 in June 2024 with Shang-a-lang 50, released to mark 50 years since the original song came out.
Wood said he had lost enthusiasm for the songs during the 2000s, when he felt they had become tired. A reunion in 2015 changed his view, and he believes the current version of the band has brought fresh energy to the material.
“This version of the Bay City Rollers has given the tracks a new lease of life.”
He said nostalgia was helping longtime fans reconnect with the music, which has continued across generations.
What Troon audiences can expect
The band’s schedule includes festival appearances before a tour of the UK, Ireland and Germany. At Troon Concert Hall, audiences can expect the well-known songs alongside newer material.
Wood said the performance would aim to offer a broad selection of the band’s music, with an energetic show and the tartan associated with the Bay City Rollers.
“We just want to give people a taste of everything we do. They can expect a lot of energy and tartan.”
Tickets for the Troon concert are available through Skiddle.