Published: September 26, 2026 · 2:37 AM EDT
The Scottish guitarist spent two years with Bay City Rollers from 1970 before later joining Middle of the Road as a guitarist and songwriter
Neil Henderson, the Scottish guitarist who played with Bay City Rollers during the band’s formative years, has died at the age of 73. His death was announced by his former colleagues in Middle of the Road, who remembered him as a guitarist, songwriter and longtime friend.
Henderson joined Bay City Rollers in 1970 and remained with the group for approximately two years. He performed on their 1971 single “Keep On Dancing,” which became the band’s debut UK chart hit and reached No. 9 on the Official Singles Chart.
The single provided an early breakthrough several years before Bay City Rollers became one of the biggest pop groups of the mid-1970s. Henderson left the lineup before the release of the band’s debut album Rollin’ in 1974.
He later joined fellow Scottish group Middle of the Road as a guitarist. Henderson also contributed as a songwriter, with credits connected to songs including “Rockin’ Soul” and “Everybody Loves a Winner.”
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Middle of the Road said Henderson had been ill for some time and had been working to recover from a stroke suffered several years earlier. The band did not identify the stroke as the cause of his death.
Bay City Rollers guitarist Stuart “Woody” Wood also paid tribute, saying that although he had never personally met Henderson, late bassist Alan Longmuir had spoken highly of him.
Henderson is survived by his daughters, Heather and Shona.
Listen to Bay City Rollers’ 1971 recording of “Keep On Dancing,” featuring Neil Henderson during his time with the band, below:
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
IMAGE CREDIT: Archive photograph.
