Leslie McKeown the former frontman of the 70’s boyband the Bay City Rollers has died at age 65. The news has left millions of Bay City Rollers fans across the world in tears and disbelief.
Immediately fans began commenting their condolences and favorite memories of Les across his social media pages. Questions about Leslie McKeown’s death remained unanswered.
According to Daily Mail reports, Leslie leaves behind a heartbroken widow, Peko, and son Jubei as well as the countless fans who have followed the singer’s career for decades.
Leslie McKeown’s sudden death hits fans hard
McKeown’s widow Peko speaks out for the first time since announcing Leslie’s death. By breaking her silence, Peko hopes to ease some of the pain fans are feeling.
‘It was a terrible shock – but now he’s at peace, ‘ states Peko. Peko reveals it appears as if Leslie’s cause of death was ‘from a heart attack.’
Peko spent more than 30 years with Les McKeown. She reveals they shared great love, but it was not always easy. Peko claims that despite their dedication to each other, they shared had more than their share of ups and downs.
Leslie McKeown’s widow reveals boy band legend’s cause of death
Peko states that Leslie fought many demons over the years, including drug and alcohol addiction and infidelity. It has taken a lot for her to overcome the years of grief she endured with his drug, alcohol addictions and affairs with women and men.
For much of his life, he was addicted to drugs and alcohol. He drank three bottles of whisky a day at one point. A turning point for Les arrived in 2008 after his doctor told him he would not live to see Christmas.
McKeown fought hard to change his life.
Leslie decided to participate in a TV documentary in 2009 about addiction. The “Saturday Night” hitmaker agreed to go to rehab at Passages in Malibu, California. Roller fans who wish to gain better insight on Les McKeown’s rehab journey can view it on Youtube.
Bay City Roller Leslie McKeown led a troubled life
During his rehab stint, McKeown painfully confessed his infidelities to his wife Peko and son Jubei. At the time, he said: ‘I’ve been a bit of a George Michael, meeting people, often strangers, for sex.
‘Peko’s an incredible woman. There have been times when she’s forgiven me for cheating with other women. I think this has been harder.
‘This gay thing has been really hard for her to confront. She has been a big rock holding the family together and I’m really lucky to have her.’
Peko admits her love for Les saw her through the dark times. “Leslie struggled with his demons. His dying is a terrible shock but, now he is in peace.’
The family of Bay City Roller Leslie Richard McKeown has asked that those wishing to honor Les make donations to Music Support UK.
