For millions of fans in the 1970s, Eric Faulkner was more than just the guitarist of the Bay City Rollers—he was part of a pop phenomenon that swept across the globe with tartan scarves, catchy hooks, and teenage hysteria. Yet, decades after the peak of “Rollermania,” Faulkner faced a terrifying battle not with fame, but with his own health. A sudden and mysterious case of encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, nearly cost him his life and changed his outlook forever.
It was in 2015 when Faulkner’s health crisis struck without warning. What began as vague flu-like symptoms spiraled rapidly into a life-threatening illness. Encephalitis is a condition known for its unpredictability, capable of damaging memory, motor skills, and even basic survival functions. For Faulkner, the onset was brutal: he collapsed, was rushed to the hospital, and spent weeks in critical care. “Doctors didn’t think I would make it,” he later admitted in an interview.
For fans who remembered his high-energy stage presence during Bay City Rollers’ heyday, the news came as a shock. Social media flooded with prayers and memories, a reminder of how deeply the band had imprinted on pop culture. While many in the spotlight fade from memory, Faulkner’s struggle brought his name back into conversation, not for nostalgia alone, but for the human fight to survive.
Recovery from encephalitis is long and uncertain. Faulkner had to relearn basic skills, rebuild his strength, and come to terms with neurological side effects. The illness left him with chronic fatigue and occasional difficulty concentrating, challenges unimaginable for a man once known for electrifying guitar riffs and endless touring. But in true rock-and-roll spirit, he fought back—not by chasing stadium lights, but by returning to music in a quieter, more personal way.
In the years since, Faulkner has performed at small charity gigs, folk festivals, and local venues. His sets often combine Bay City Rollers classics with acoustic ballads and original songs written during his recovery. “Music became my therapy,” he has said. “It’s what kept me alive.” Audiences, many of whom grew up screaming his name in the 70s, now listen with a different kind of reverence—seeing not just a pop idol, but a survivor.
Beyond the stage, Faulkner has used his platform to raise awareness about encephalitis, a condition still misunderstood by the public. He has spoken about the importance of early diagnosis and medical support, hoping his story might encourage others to seek help at the first signs. In doing so, he has become more than just a musician from a bygone era—he has become an advocate, lending his voice to a cause that nearly silenced him.
The Bay City Rollers may forever be remembered for their chart-topping hits and tartan-clad fan mania, but Eric Faulkner’s legacy now carries an added layer of resilience. He is proof that even after the spotlight dims and life takes a cruel turn, survival, creativity, and the will to keep going can strike a deeper chord than any pop anthem.