The streets of Edinburgh are buzzing once again — but this time, it’s not for a concert. Eric Faulkner, former guitarist and songwriter of the iconic 1970s pop band Bay City Rollers, has officially announced his candidacy for the Edinburgh City Council, sending both music fans and political observers into a frenzy.
The 71-year-old musician made the announcement at a small press conference held near Leith Walk, where he grew up. Dressed modestly in a gray jacket and his signature tartan scarf, Faulkner opened with a line that instantly captured headlines:
“I once made people dance — now I want to make them change.”
The Bay City Rollers, often dubbed “Scotland’s Beatles,” sold over 120 million records worldwide and ignited a cultural phenomenon known as Rollermania. But for Faulkner, fame came with lessons that shaped his later life. After years of performing and humanitarian work — including appearances for anti-poverty and peace campaigns — his turn toward politics feels both surprising and inevitable.
“I’ve spent years talking about unity and fairness from the stage,” Faulkner said. “Now it’s time to put those words into action. Edinburgh is my home. It deserves leaders who listen, who care, and who haven’t forgotten where they came from.”
Supporters cheered as Faulkner laid out his platform, which focuses on affordable housing, youth music education, and sustainable urban growth. “We need to give young people the same opportunities music once gave me,” he added. “A sense of belonging, a voice, a chance to dream.”
Still, the announcement has divided fans. Some longtime supporters celebrated the move, calling it “a natural evolution” for the once-outspoken artist. Others questioned whether a rock star can navigate the complex world of local politics. Social media exploded with debate — half rallying behind “Councilman Faulkner,” while others jokingly wondered if city meetings would open with a guitar solo.
Political analysts, however, are taking him seriously. Faulkner’s name recognition, combined with his reputation for sincerity and activism, could make him a dark horse candidate in the upcoming elections. One columnist noted, “Eric represents the working-class optimism that built Edinburgh. He’s not just chasing nostalgia — he’s trying to translate it into civic renewal.”
In recent years, Faulkner has spoken candidly about his near-fatal illness in 2015 and how it reshaped his priorities. “When I recovered, I realized I didn’t just want to survive — I wanted to serve,” he told reporters. “Music gave me a platform. Now I want to use it for something bigger.”
As the campaign begins, Faulkner’s message is resonating far beyond his fanbase. The idea that a former teen idol could become a voice for community reform has captured imaginations — and reminded many that fame, when grounded in purpose, can become a powerful tool for change.
Whether or not he wins, one thing is certain: Eric Faulkner has already struck a new chord with the public. The boy who once made Britain sing “Shang-A-Lang” may soon be making headlines for something even louder — a call for hope, compassion, and renewal in his beloved Edinburgh.
💬 “Politics needs heart,” Faulkner said as he ended his speech. “And I’ve still got a few songs left in mine.”
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