About Ally McErlaine
Born 1968. Ally McErlaine is a British musician and guitarist.
Alistair Manson McErlaine (born 31 October 1968), known as Ally McErlaine, is a Scottish guitarist, best known for his work with the band Texas, of which he was a member from 1988 to 2022. He is a member of Red Sky July, who released their self-titled debut album on 17 October 2011.
Biography Other works aside from Texas, included a guest appearance on Rufus Wainwright's second album, Poses (2001), and Alain Bashung's 1994 album Chatterton. He was also the lead guitarist on the soundtrack album for the 2004 remake of the film, Alfie, along with Mick Jagger and David A. Stewart. He wrote and played guitar on two songs on Daisy Dares You's album, Rush on Jive Records.
McErlaine also wrote and played on the song "Hope", with Jack Savoretti and his wife Shelly Poole from her album, Hard Time for the Dreamer. It was released on Transistor Records in June 2005. It received airplay on BBC Radio 2 in November 2005. He played guitar on Gabrielle's fifth album, Always. In 2009, he started the alternative country band, Red Sky July, with his wife and American singer Charity Hair.
Musical career Texas
McErlaine, Sharleen Spiteri and Johnny McElhone are credited as the founding members of Texas.
Red Sky July McErlaine is also a member of the band Red Sky July, who released their self-titled debut album on 17 October 2011.
Personal life McErlaine married Shelly Poole from Alisha's Attic in 2001. On 8 September 2009, McErlaine was admitted to hospital after he collapsed with a massive brain aneurysm at the age of 41. His chances of recovery were initially unclear. McErlaine was in a coma for nine weeks, and spent six and a half months in hospital, before being discharged to continue to recover at home. By July 2010, McErlaine had recovered enough to perform on stage in several shows with Red Sky July, and had a chance to join Texas for their tour in 2011.
Discography
Southside (1989) Mothers Heaven (1991) Ricks Road (1993) White on Blonde (1997) The Hush (1999) Careful What You Wish For (2003) Red Book (2005) The Conversation (2013) Jump on Board (2017) Hi (2021)
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Important facts
People in Ally McErlaine's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Ally McErlaine's
Frequently asked questions
Who is Ally McErlaine?
British musician
When was Ally McErlaine born?
Ally McErlaine was born on 31 October 1968 in Glasgow.
What is Ally McErlaine's occupation?
Ally McErlaine is a musician and guitarist.
What nationality is Ally McErlaine?
Ally McErlaine is British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ally McErlaine. https://biography.guide/ally-mcerlaine/
MLA: "Ally McErlaine." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ally-mcerlaine/.
Chicago: "Ally McErlaine." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ally-mcerlaine/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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