Once a shining star of the Bay City Rollers, Eric Faulkner had it all — fame, fans, and youth. But then he vanished from the public eye, leaving fans wondering: what happened to the band’s soulful guitarist?
Born in 1953, Eric was the lead guitarist and one of the principal songwriters during the band’s meteoric rise in the 1970s. He contributed to numerous hits like “Money Honey,” “Give a Little Love,” and “You Made Me Believe in Magic,” helping define the band’s signature sound.
However, following the group’s breakup, Eric slowly retreated from the spotlight. It wasn’t until 2015 that the shocking truth came out: he had contracted viral encephalitis, a rare and potentially deadly brain inflammation that nearly claimed his life.
For months, Eric was bedridden — unable to speak, walk, or move independently. He described the experience as “hell inside my head,” a place devoid of light, music, and hope. Doctors doubted he’d survive.
But against all odds, Eric began to recover. Through rigorous therapy and unwavering determination, he relearned how to walk, talk, and eventually play guitar again. Though still physically limited, he resumed songwriting and began performing at small local events, grateful for every breath and every note.
In a rare interview, Eric admitted that during his darkest days, he contemplated suicide, but the thought of music — and the enduring love of his fans — pulled him back from the edge. “I no longer dream of arenas. I dream of mornings. Of still being here. Of having a song left in me.”
Today, Eric Faulkner lives in a quiet countryside home in the UK, devoting himself to music, poetry, and community causes. His story, though removed from fame, serves as a profound testimony of resilience, purpose, and the power of healing.