From Near-Death to New Notes: Eric Faulkner’s Battle with Viral Encephalitis
In 2015, fans of the Bay City Rollers were stunned by a tragic update: Eric Faulkner, the band’s beloved guitarist, had been hospitalized with viral encephalitis—a rare but potentially deadly brain infection caused by a virus. For days, he lay unconscious. His life hung in the balance.
For many, Eric was not just a pop icon from the 70s. He was the very soul of a musical movement that defined a generation. His sudden disappearance from the spotlight raised countless questions: Would he ever return to music? Did the illness leave him permanently changed?
Answers didn’t come quickly. For nearly three years, Faulkner remained out of public view, focusing on recovery. When he finally spoke in 2018, it was with the honesty of someone who had faced death. The after-effects were brutal: temporary memory loss, persistent fatigue, and mind-numbing headaches. “There were times,” he admitted, “when I thought I might never hold a guitar again.”
But he did. Slowly, painfully, Eric began writing music again. He found peace in composing and solace in small, intimate performances. In place of stadiums, he now played folk festivals and charity events. The glitz was gone, but what remained was raw, heartfelt music—testament to resilience.
In 2024, Faulkner made a quiet yet powerful appearance at a UK music festival. With his guitar in hand, he sang new songs that carried deep personal meaning. While visibly older and a bit frail, his spirit was unmistakably present. For fans, it was a deeply emotional moment.
Some viewers, however, expressed concern. “He looked shaky, and his voice wasn’t what it used to be,” one commenter noted. Others were simply grateful: “He’s alive. That’s more than we could ask for.”
Eric has no plans for a major tour or reunion. But he continues to write and share his music. His message is clear: “I’m still here. And I’m still creating.”
For those who followed his journey from teen idol to survivor, Eric Faulkner remains a symbol of quiet courage—proof that music, even in its most fragile form, can still inspire and heal.