Ian Mitchell

One of my biggest crushes as a little girl was Ian Mitchell. Oh, my. He was just so cute. I’ll still get a bit of the flutters when I think about him. I was a big Tony DeFranco fan when Ian came along. I remember seeing this Bay City Rollers group showing up in my teen magazines. It was not cool that they were taking away space from my Tony. They all wore really short pants and most of them had bad teeth. I  didn’t understand the popularity. But then……

The bass player in the group, Alan Longmuir, decided to quit. He was replaced by – cue the harp – my love, Ian Mitchell. Ian only stayed with the band for seven months, but that’s a lifetime when you’re a little girl. I was upset when he left. I felt the same sadness when Jeremy Gelbwaks left The Partridge Family after the first season. Why do all my loves leave me? Is it my breath? Is it my chubbiness? Is it because I’m too sexy?

60 Years Young

Ian Mitchell was born on August 22, 1958. I am writing this on August 21, 2018. Do you know what that means? My love will turn 60 tomorrow. How does that work? I’m still 12.

I saw Ian Mitchell at the state fair probably 10 or more years ago. He sang a lot of Bay City Roller hits.  I think.  I was just looking at him.  The concert also had Leif Garrett, Barry Williams (Greg Brady), Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods, and The Cowsills. I think that was it. It was a long time ago. I remember Ian giving off a very nice and happy vibe. He was enjoying what he was doing and seemed so real. (Leif did not seem happy. I felt sorry for him.) There was an autograph session in between sets, but I was too nervous to go up and talk to Ian. I did walk by the table though and look at him, so there’s that.

Friends

I was thrilled when Ian was mentioned in an episode of Friends. This was when Monica was planning for her wedding:

Monica: All right, so I haven’t cleared the budget with my parents yet, but tell me how this is for music.
Rachel: Okay.
Monica: All right umm, a string quartet for the procession.
Rachel: Aw.
Monica: A jazz trio for cocktails. The Bay City Rollers for dancing. Wait, that was from my sixth grade wedding.
Chandler: Well, you couldn’t get them anyway. Ian doesn’t play anymore and Derek… (Off of Rachel and Monica’s looks) And Derek is a name I shouldn’t know.

Ian Mitchell has been married to Wendy-Ann Antanaitis since 1992.  He is currently semi-retired and in the real estate business.  Guess who else went into real estate?  Tony DeFranco!  Anyway, I hope Ian always has music and happiness in his life.

I can’t believe my love is 60. That means I must be……..at least 14 or so.

Update

Sadly, Ian Mitchell has left us. He passed away shortly after his 62nd birthday of throat cancer. His wife Wendy wrote:  “It is with an extreme broken heart that I inform you, that the love of my life, my everything, my Husband, Ian Mitchell…passed away peacefully, today, at 3.01 pm PDT, in our “Casa” in Mission Viejo, CA after a short but very brave battle with throat cancer.

I know that Ian will be remembered with happiness, laughter and joy as we recall his wonderful life and the people around the world whose lives he has touched.

I ask that when you think of him…you do so with a sparkle in your eye, a song in your heart and…a smile on your face. Yes, a smile…I know he would like that…he really would. But most of all I ask that you remember Ian with love.

With much respect…
Ian’s Wife,
Wendy-Ann Antanaitis

“As long as you’re a part of me, this song will go on endlessly, I hope my dedication’s getting through…Dedication’s playing just for you…”

I will always love you, Ian. I will love no other.”

🙁