THE ROLLERS are set to return.

Britain’s first boy band the Bay City Rollers have announced their comeback after 37 years, countless law suits and incredible acrimony.

Today frontman Les McKeown revealed the reasons why the Rollers, or rather three of them, were set to Shang A Lang together again.

“We’re doing it for the fans,” said the tartan-shirted singer at a press conference in Glasgow’s Central Hotel.

“And of course for the money.”

The theme of money has been the continual lyric in the Roller’s personal song since they parted in 1978.

The group which once sold 300m records such as Bye Bye Baby and Remember - and became the biggest band in the world since the Beatles - went on to sue Arista Records for royalties they claimed they were never paid. The case is ongoing.

Meanwhile, relations between the band members were fraught, with Eric Faulkner, Stuart Wood and the Longmuir brothers Alan and Derek claiming McKeown continually demanded the spotlight.

At one point Wood kicked McKeown into the orchestra pit.

Over the years, the split saw the factions create their own Roller versions, but time, emotions, and the thought of potential earnings, has brought three of the group together.

“Relations can get screwed up,” said a contrite Les McKeown.

“And over the years you can say some really nasty things. But we’ve put that behind us and realised there’s nothing you can’t get over.”

He added, grinning; “Especially when there is money involved.”

The lead singer said he was hopeful Eric Faulkner would re-join. “We’ve been talking to him and he hasn’t said no. He’s weighing things up and hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later.

“But all the bitching back in the day has been a factor in keeping us apart.”

Stuart Wood concurred; “We’ve still got an on-going court case and Eric perhaps wants to see that tied up. But we’ll see.”

However Derek Longmuir definitely won’t be coming back.

He’s been working as a cardiography nurse for 28 years years and Les McKeown says Derek doesn’t have the energy - or the will - to go on stage and play the drums again.

The Bay City Rollers, looking older but certainly wiser, are already lining up tour and they play Glasgow’s Barrowlands on December 20.

They are set to release a new album and a single Boomerang, co-written and produced by Glasgow songwriter John McLaughlin.

Les McKeown, who has battled alcohol and substance abuse over the years, can’t contain his excitement at the idea of the band reforming.

Holding a glass of milk he proclaimed; “We’ve gone from milk to alcohol and drugs and back to milk. We’re back together. For good.”

John McLaughlin declared he is a fan of the band.

“One of the reasons I got into pop music was the Bay City Rollers. I loved their energy and when I got talking to Les recently we began talking about recording.

“Then Alan and Woody came into the mix and now we’re in the position to launch the band.

“The Rollers were once the biggest band in the world and I want to try and get them back to that position.

“The plan is to try and make the new single as exciting as Shang A Lang.”

The Barrowlands concert is certain to be a sell-out. And then the world?

“Well, that’s where we used to tour,” says Les. “Let’s see where we go after Glasgow.”

The tour dates are is being put together at the moment, and it’s hoped the Barrowlands stint will stretch to several nights.

“We’ll probably never see a penny of the money we make, again,” joked Les.

“But seriously, we want to take tartan around the globe again. We want to enjoy it.”

Les denied there was a ‘curse’ on the Rollers.

“It wasn’t bad luck that created the problems for us. It was bad management,” he said of former manager, the late Tam Payton.

“But now we’ve got the new album coming out, the tour and we’re all signed up – on paper – to make money.”

He adds, with a wry smile; “Just like last time.

“But to be honest, I’m not interest in court cases now. I want to play music.

“I’ve wanted to get back with the guys for some time. The fact someone is throwing some money at us is just a great excuse.”