FLOWER POWER CHEERS BAY CITY ROLLER AFTER SUSPECTED STROKE ALAN SAYS HE'LL GET FIT FOR HIS FANS
Former Bay City Roller Alan Longmuir told today how he has to use a walking stick after suffering a suspected stroke. But the pop hero--speaking for the first time of his health scare--has vowed to get fit for his fans. The guitarist has been overwhelmed with goodwill messages and flowers sent by fans around the world And although he has lost the feeling in his left leg and faces more threatment, he is already thinking of going back on tour with the band.
The 49-year-old was struck down by a suspected stroke after watching a rugby match. He said today: "I have lost the feeling in my leg, but I will keep working at it until I get it back." His speech was unaffected, but Alan has been left drained by his latest scare--just a couple of years after he suffered a heart attack.
AMERICA Doctors have warned him to take it easy but the vetran rocker is already thinking of joining fellow Rollers Stuart "Woody" Wood and Eric Faulkner on an American tour in April. "It may be a couple of months before I can play again, but the guys have been great to me and they will just get a stan-in," he said.
And he revealed that the good wishes of seventies music fans have put him on the road to recovery. Alan joked that his house is lake a funeral parlour because of the bunches of flowers. He added: "The support's been tremendous, there are messages from America, Australia and Japan. People found out about it from an internet website dedicated to the band."
Alan collapsed at home on February 1 after watching England thrash Scotland at rugby and was taken to Stirling Royal Infirmary. He returned to his home in the town, where he lives with girlfriend Eileen Rankin, on Friday. "The staff were absolutely brilliant towards me. But it's good to be back at home, though I have got to take it easy and get more tests done."
The Edinburgh born guitarist enjoyed chart success with the Rollers, with hits like Bye Bye Baby and Give a Little Love.
Exclusive By Murray Cox