Bay City Rollers’ “Rock And Roll Honeymoon”: The Euphoric Soundtrack to Young Love’s Escape
The mid-1970s pulsed with a unique energy, a blend of burgeoning disco beats and the lingering euphoria of pop-rock. And for millions of teenagers, particularly in the UK and then globally, one band became the very embodiment of this youthful spirit: the Bay City Rollers. With their tartan-clad image, infectious melodies, and undeniable charisma, they ignited a phenomenon known as “Rollermania.” While iconic singles like “Saturday Night” and “Bye Bye Baby” defined their chart dominance, it’s tracks like “Rock And Roll Honeymoon” that truly illustrate the multifaceted charm of their albums. Released on their highly successful 1975 album, Wouldn’t You Like It? (known as Once Upon a Star in the UK), this song was not a standalone single and thus did not have an independent chart position. Yet, its presence on such a cornerstone album solidified its place as a beloved track for their devoted followers, a testament to the band’s deeper appeal beyond their immediate hits and a key component of the album’s overall commercial success.
“Rock And Roll Honeymoon” is an unbridled celebration of young love, painted with the vibrant hues of adventure and escape. It’s a whimsical journey into the exhilarating freedom of a new relationship, envisioning a life lived on the road, where passion is the compass and the destination is wherever the music takes them. The lyrics are suffused with an innocent optimism and a desire to leave the mundane behind: “Oh, it’s a rock and roll honeymoon / Take a jet to the moon / Oh, we’re gonna live our lives away.” This song encapsulates the youthful dream of running away with your beloved, fueled by nothing but love, music, and the open road. It’s about finding pure bliss in the simplicity of shared moments, transforming everyday experiences into grand adventures. For those of us who experienced the intoxicating rush of first love, the dream of an endless “rock and roll honeymoon” speaks directly to that period of boundless hope, when the entire world seemed to open up with the promise of shared excitement and future dreams. It’s a beautifully pure articulation of commitment born of passion, rather than obligation.
The story behind “Rock And Roll Honeymoon” speaks volumes about the Bay City Rollers‘ evolving artistry and their desire to contribute more to their own musical narrative. While much of their early output was provided by external songwriters and producers, by 1975, the band members themselves were increasingly involved in the creative process. This particular track was penned by two of the Rollers‘ core musicians, guitarist Eric Faulkner and bassist Stuart “Woody” Wood. This internal songwriting allowed for a more personal touch, a voice that authentically reflected the band’s youthful energy and the dreams of their audience. During this intense period of “Rollermania,” the band — Les McKeown (lead vocals), Eric Faulkner, Stuart Wood, Alan Longmuir, and Derek Longmuir — were navigating unprecedented fame, and songs like this, written from within, provided a more intimate glimpse into their world and their emotional landscape. Its inclusion on Wouldn’t You Like It? (or Once Upon a Star) demonstrated their capacity to move beyond mere pop anthems, showcasing a lighter, more romantic side that deepened their connection with their legion of fans. It was a charming expression of the very essence of the Rollers‘ appeal: sincere, infectious, and utterly captivating.
For those of us who came of age amidst the bright lights and joyful sounds of the mid-70s, Bay City Rollers‘ “Rock And Roll Honeymoon” evokes a vibrant wave of heartfelt nostalgia. It takes us back to a time when pop songs could be utterly joyous, unburdened by cynicism, and simply celebrate the pure, exhilarating feeling of young love. It conjures memories of school dances, shared glances, and the intoxicating belief that life’s grandest adventures were just beginning. The song is a shimmering echo of teenage dreams, of the boundless energy that comes with first romance, and the simple, yet profound, desire to embark on a beautiful journey with someone special. Listening to it today, the warmth of Les McKeown‘s vocals and the track’s infectious optimism remain as captivating as ever. It stands as a cherished, enduring piece of Bay City Rollers history, a delightful reminder of the simple, potent magic they created and the everlasting dream of a life lived as one grand, rock and roll honeymoon.