Neil Henderson, early Bay City Rollers guitarist and Middle of the Road songwriter, dies at 73

The Scottish guitarist helped shape the Rollers' first chart breakthrough before writing and playing with Middle of the Road.

Sep 29, 2026

Neil Henderson performing onstage with Middle of the Road

Credit: Middle of the Road (via source)

Neil Henderson, the Scottish guitarist who played in the early Bay City Rollers and later became Middle of the Road’s lead guitarist and songwriter, has died aged 73. Middle of the Road announced his death and remembered him as an original member, collaborator and friend; no cause of death is being stated here.

Henderson joined the Bay City Rollers in 1970 and played on the group’s first chart single, “Keep on Dancing,” before leaving two years later. With Middle of the Road he contributed as both guitarist and writer, including songs such as “Rockin’ Soul” and “Everybody Loves a Winner,” and later ran a music shop and home studio in Scotland.

Credit: Uti's Records (via source)

Why it matters

Henderson's work connects the pre-fame Bay City Rollers to one of Scotland's other internationally successful 1970s pop groups, with songwriting and guitar credits beyond the better-known Rollers story.

From Guitar News to Guitar Progress

Discover it here. Learn how it works. Practice it until it's yours.

Today's focus in Practice: Technique — Clean hands. Clear sound.

Open Practice

Also see:Neil Henderson Bay City Rollers Middle of the Road Pop Rock