Rosetta Stone (1970s band)

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Rosetta Stone was a British pop/rock band which included the ex-guitarist of the Bay City Rollers, Ian Mitchell. The group released two albums and one EP before dissolving in 1984.

The genesis of Rosetta Stone came in 1973, as childhood friends Mitchell, Terry McKee, Damian McKee, and Colin McKee formed a band called Young City Stars. They played local clubs and dance halls, often opening concerts for the Bay City Rollers.

In early 1976, Ian left the Young City Stars to join the Bay City Rollers. He was replaced by Belfast-born guitarist Andy LeGear. Mitchell would return later that year as the group, now managed by Rollers manager Tam Paton, changed their name to Rosetta Stone. In 1977, Rosetta Stone signed with Private Stock Records. Their eponymous debut album (known as Rock Pictures in some territories) was released in the USA in May 1978. A second album, Caught in the Act, followed in 1979.

In early 1979 Ian Mitchell once again departed, to be replaced by Paul "Flash" Lerwill. Lerwill left in 1982 and was replaced by Enda Walsh. That same year the EP "Hiding From Love" was released, after which the group permanently disbanded.

• • Since the band disbanded, there have been a number of "Rosetta Fests" (Reunions) where the band have performed together again to their fans. The next, and currently final fest, is due to be held in Toronto in September 2007 (see link: http://www.angelfire.com/co/rsff/fest.html)