Ally McErlaine

Alistair (Ally ) McErlaine (guitar), one of the founding musicians of the group 21 years ago, played in Texas which was formed in Glasgow in 1986, an alternative rock band which was fronted by singer Sharleen Spiteri, sold more than 1.5 million copies of their 1996 album White On Blonde in the UK. By 2005 they had amassed 13 top 10 hits including Say What You Want, Summer Son and I Don't Want A Lover.

In 1994, Ellen DeGeneres requested the use of the Texas track “So Called Friend” as the theme tune for her self-titled ABC Comedy Show. Ally and Sharleen flew to the US to re-record the song to fit the theme song to the sitcom.

He now lives in the city with his wife Shelly, who was part of the pop group Alisha’s Attic - after marrying in Glasgow in 2001. Latterly Mr. McErlaine has pursed his interest in photography and set up a portrait company in London. He is a London based portrait, music and reportage photographer.

Ally McErlaine, guitarist for the Scottish rock band Texas is a keen photographer who follows his curiosity across a diverse range of subjects from portraits to macro photography. Yet as much as he likes to experiment and explore, he often finds himself returning to the tiny worlds beneath his feet. See many of his macro and miniature landscapes in his FlockPhotography portfolio.

Texas guitarist Alistair McErlaine has been taken off his life-support machine. The 40-year-old, who suffered a brain hemorrhage and underwent surgery, has spent a month in an intensive care following the operation and he is now breathing unaided. He stated: "On Wednesday Alistair made a great breakthrough and was taken out of intensive care."

Texas manager Rab Andrew added: "He has now got rid of any viruses that may have been lurking and is thankfully off his life-support machine. "He has a really long way to go but it is great that he is off the danger list. He has made good progress to get this far. "The doctors don't know yet how long the recovery will take, but he is alive and that is just the first step."

Miss Spiteri, the lead singer of Texas, said: 'Like everyone else I am desperately hoping Ally will get well and pull through.

'It is a shock and he is a personal friend. All of us are wishing him well with all our hearts.'

And band member Eddie Campbell, who still lives in Scotland, added: 'It’s heartbreaking and I just want everyone to say a prayer for him.'