First Impressions: Les McKeown

LES McKEOWN is a Scottish pop singer. He was the front man of one of the biggest bands of the 1970s, tartan teen sensation, The Bay City Rollers, famous for such hits as Shang-a-Lang and Bye Bye Baby.

What are you working on at the moment?
My upcoming tour, The Bay City Rollers Story theatre production. The musical story is currently on a nationwide tour.

When were you at your happiest?
On stage. I am in my element and feel at one with my universe. Music is my world and nothing makes me more happy.

What is your greatest fear?
Losing my voice and/or hearing. My father was deaf from an early age and I feel he missed out on a lot of sensual information. I cannot imagine my life without being able to hear music or sing.

What is your earliest memory?
I have a few: being in an old-school, sprung pram and how comfortable that was; singing the theme tune to children's TV programme Fireball XL5. But I think being in hospital with meningitis is my most vivid memory.

Who has been your greatest influence?
My mum and dad. They have supported and believed in me. I am what I am because of them.

What do you most dislike about yourself?
It has to be my addictive personality, which I continuously have to keep in check.

What is your most treasured possession?
The enduring belief in humanity.

What trait do you most deplore in others?
Insincerity. I don't understand how people can be insincere – it puts me off.

Do you have a fantasy address?
Ah, a fantasy address. There are many places I would like to live – most of them are in the centre of London.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I can't stand my hamster pouches.

What is your all-time favourite book?
The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins is a must-read. I couldn't put the book down.

What is your favourite film?
12 Angry Men, starring Henry Fonda. It is a fantastic movie; I just can't get bored of it.

Your favourite record or piece of music?
Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor by Alexander Borodin.

Your favourite food?
I love food in general but my, absolute favourite is king or queen crab legs.

Who would you most like to come to dinner?
My family. I love having them over for dinner, there is nothing more special than having dinner with your loved ones.

Which historical character do you most admire?
Now that is a difficult one. If I am allowed to choose three, then it would have to be Abraham Lincoln, Alexander Fleming and Albert Einstein.

What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
Unfortunately, I've had so many nasty things said to me it's hard to pick out a gem that would deserve any accolade.


Do you believe in aliens?
Yes. I don't mind encountering friendly ones. It should be interesting to change the belief into reality – let's hope Curiosity finds something up there on Mars.

What is your secret vice?
It would have to be mint chocolate. It can be in the form of chocolate or ice cream – I can't resist it.

Do you write thank-you notes?
I'd love to write, but I text instead.

Which phrase do you most overuse?
I definitely overuse 'cool'.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
More time – more time to do all the things I want to do in music. More time to rest and more time for gardening.

What would you like your epitaph to say?
Les McKeown, a Scotsman who made the world a happier place with his singing.

Les McKeown will be on tour with The Bay City Rollers Story theatre production until 8 December 2012: www.lesmckeown.com/gigs.cfm