Welcome to my UK fansite dedicated to one of the world’s greatest blues rock guitarists.
Still recording and touring, Robin’s band features Davey Pattison [vocals],
Pete Thompson [drums] and Glenn Letsch [bass]. For more information click here.

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Latest: Friday 19 June 2009

Catch Pete’s Tour Blog

RTB drummer Pete Thompson is keeping a daily blog of life on the road from the current leg of the band’s USA tour. This essential, informative and entertaining read is highly recommended. Do check it out and send your comments back to Pete!

BTH Tour Update: Edinburgh makes it England 2 Scotland 2!

Jack, Robin and Gary have added a fourth show to their mini UK tour, this summer.  The show takes place on Friday, 7 August at the Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh as part of the City’s Jazz and Blues Festival. Click here for details.

It’s in! New arrivals ... a new album with new musicians

Such a wonderful package to wake up to! ‘What Lies Beneath’ arrives in this morning’s post! The album, produced by NOTG bassman Livingstone Brown at Mill Studios, Godalming, Surrey, England, features Livvy on bass with Sam Van Essen [eight tracks in total] and Chris Taggart [on three tracks] on drums, Roger Cotton on organ and Andrew Haveron and Clare Hinton on strings [with string parts arranged by Livvy].

Lister Band Join Lynyrd Skynyrd On UK Tour

One year on from his ground-breaking support slot on the last Robin Trower Band UK Tour, rising British guitarist blues guitarist, Aynsley Lister and his band have been scouted by Lynyrd Skynyrd to warm-up audiences on their forthcoming UK shows at the end of May. For details visit Aynsley’s website here.

WANTED! Any wannabe James Dewars or Davey Pattisons out there?

Trower Power, the UK’s only RTB tribute act, are on the look-out for a new vocalist. Specialising in the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ / ‘Live’-era sound and setlist, TP are based in the West Midlands. Interested? Know someone who could take on this challenge? For more details contact Mike on 07749 836 641 or email the band here. You’ll also find the band on MySpace and Facebook! Festival appearances and gigs booked for 2009...

‘Classic Rock’ honours Reg Isidore

A big vote of thanks to the editorial team at ‘Classic Rock’ magazine. In the June 2009 issue of the mag on page 16, their regular ‘R.I.P.’ feature is headed by a short piece about Reg Isidore.

Trower ties up with Livingstone Brown for new studio release

In a surprise move, our hero has been reunited with bassist-turned-producer Livingstone Brown for the 20th Trower studio release. ‘What Lies Beneath’ is available on pre-order online here.

Reg Isidore [1949-2009]

It is with great sadness that we must report the passing of Reg Isidore, The Robin Trower Band’s drummer on the first two, seminal albums. More.

Mother Glasgow completes BTH trio of UK dates

Trower fans north of the border will get the chance to see their hero in action with Jack Bruce and Gary Husband. Complementing shows in London and Shrewsbury, the BTH trio will play Glasgow’s O2 Academy on Thursday, 6 August 2009. For details click here.

BTH to relive ‘Memories of Woodstock’ at West Midlands Showground

Jack Bruce, Robin Trower and Gary Husband will be supporting headliners Asia on the second day of the three-day ‘Memories of Woodstock’ Festival on Saturday 8 August 2009 at the West Midlands Showground in Shrewsbury. Day tickets are £36 with weekend tickets, just £100. Other weekend attractions include Alvin Lee, Focus, Jethro Tull and Strawbs. For details visit the Festival site here.

Dewar ‘Unsung Hero’ in CR ‘50 Greatest Singers in Rock’

The May 2009 issue of ‘Classic Rock’ devotes an entire page to James Dewar of its 20-page ‘50 greatest’ feature. Headed ‘The Unsung Hero’, the article quotes Robin Trower on the great Scot’s best performances. “...I like ‘For Earth Below’ particularly,” says Trower.”Another one would be ‘Somebody Calling’. That’s one of my real, real favourites.” To read the full story, pick up a copy of the mag today. On news stands now! [Thanks for the tip-off Dunc!]

Trower 1973: “two years spent searching” for Reg and Jimmy

An Isidore-inspired treasure hunt, deep into the RTB archives unravels a hidden gem from ‘Melody Maker’ April 1973 written by Mark Plummer. Post-Jude and blazing a trail with the then recently released album ‘Twice Removed from Yesterday’, our hero hails the coming of Isidore and Dewar - the original Robin Trower Band. Enjoy!

Also, from June 1974, a ‘Melody Maker meet the band’ special.

BHT to play three UK shows in August 2009

According to Gary Husband’s excellent ‘myspace’ site, the drummer will be hooking up again with Robin and Jack Bruce for 11 summer shows. The schedule listed kicks off in Italy on 23 July and culminates in three UK shows: 5 August [Shepherd’s Bush Empire]; 6 August [tbc]; and 8 August [Shrewsbury].

Bruce Husband Trower Live in Nijmegen

Wow!  Oh What a night! Trower Bruce Husband like you've never heard them before ... Read the full report here!

Nijmegen Travelogue

A quick selection of photos taken by John Waters on the recent trip to Nijmegen here!

33 years on from The Empire

Is it really 33 years since Robin, James and Bill signed off their sell-out UK tour promoting ‘Robin Trower Live’ with a sensational show at London’s Wembley Empire Pool? The date was 5 March 1976. Take a trip down Memory Lane by checking out a review of the show here.

Blistering new album from Aynsley Lister
‘Equilibrium’ is the fabulous new album from rising British blues rock guitarist Aynsley Lister. Trower fans will love it especially Lister’s overdriven Strat on tracks such as ‘Time’s Up’, ‘Running out on Me’ and ‘Hurricane’. The album gets off to a dream start with ‘Soul’, a number showcased in Aynsley’s set supporting the Robin Trower Band ‘on the road’ on the last UK tour in May 2008. Not to be missed! Check it out! Aynsley and his band will be on tour throughout the UK during April and May 2009. Click here for details.

In praise of Air Berlin, Hertz and Mercure Nijmegen
Making the short trip over to the mainland is easy. There’s plenty of choice when it comes to landing points, sight-seeing choices and timings [Pic: a mini tour of Wuppertal’s industrial heritage as led by my companions Martin Hughes and John Waters. Cheers guys!]. It’s just like being at home really, only smarter, cheaper and cleaner. The service is excellent. Everyone speaks your language exquisitely [like you wished you spoke theirs]. On the roads, prepare to expect the unexpected - a completely different kind of driving experience. We found nothing but calm, considerate and courteous drivers. Nothing like being at home, at all!    

‘Trower Power’ rocks Worcester 23 January 2009

There may be only one more ‘farewell’ tour to come from the real Robin Trower band but fans in the UK now have another way of hearing the great man’s music played ‘live’. More

Tribute tune news from Redwood City!

Roland Kurz has emailed with news of five Trower covers I certainly wasn’t aware of.  I have added these to the list. There are two more unusual selections in ‘I Can’t Stand It’ covered by Jake E. Lee [2005] and Sunset Heights’ rendition of ‘Man of the World’ [1995]. Many thanks, Roland. If anyone out there knows of any other recorded versions of Trower songs do write and tell me and I will post the information on this site.

Karen calls for Caledonia and others on set list for next UK tour!

Further to the news item on my site some months ago, UK fan Karen W has written in with her suggestions. First and foremost, Karen says “I would really like to hear the band play ‘About to Begin’. It’s such a slow atmospheric song.” Good choice Karen! Other requests are: ‘I Want to Take You with Me’; ‘This Blue Love’; ‘Only Time’; ‘Caledonia’ and ‘Messin’ the Blues’. So UK fans what would you like to see included on the setlist for the next UK tour? Do write and tell me!

UK Trower Band play Worcester 23 January 2009!
Trower Power, who performed their inaugural concert on New Year’s Eve, play The Marrs Bar in Worcester on Friday 23 January [on stage at 8pm] supporting rising British blues star, Larry Miller and his band. For more info on the band, click here. In the meantime, if you are aware of any other UK-based Trower cover bands out there, do please let me know.
 

Tommo now online

Congratulations and best wishes to Pete and Angie Thompson on their recent wedding! We look forward to toasting this fabulous news with you both on your return here for the next UK tour. In the meantime, one instantaneous result from their union has been the delivery of a brand new website celebrating Tommo’s illustrious and eclectic musical career. Check it out and don’t forget to leave a message for Pete on his Guestbook.

UK Tour Set List Requests
Which tunes should Robin and the band be looking to bring into the frame for the next UK Tour? Since 2005, songs from both ‘Bridge of Sighs’ and ‘For Earth Below’ have fared well, less so, albums such as ‘Long Misty Days’, ‘In City Dreams’ or ‘Victims of the Fury’. A recent poll by Canadian maestro Steve Shail on his site ‘Steve’s Place’ fingered ‘Alethea’ for a comeback, next time. But what would you like to hear? Your thoughts on this, setting out your reasons, would be most gratefully received by email, for posting on this site!

Get your ‘Equilibrium’ Two Months Early

Hot on the heels of his outstanding stint on tour with The Robin Trower Band in 2008, Aynsley Lister has a brand new CD ‘Equilibrium’ out soon. Although not in the shops until March time, you can pre-order a copy online now here. All advanced orders will be shipped out within a few days of the end of the month.

Bruce Trower & Husband to take ‘Seven Moons’ into orbit!

For a few nights only, Robin and Jack will get to play live together for the first time ever in late February 2009. Teaming up with Level 42 sticksman, Gary Husband, they are due to play shows in Karlsruhe [25Feb at Tollhaus], Cologne [26 Feb at Kantine] and Nijmegen [28 Feb at Concertgebouw De Vereeniging]. Once again, I will be teaming up with ‘Steve’s Place’ to bring you detailed coverage of at least one of the shows!

Richard Watts: Radiation alert!

Browsing the iTunes store the other day, I chanced upon a six-track CD recorded by Richard Watts. ‘Radiate’, released in 2004, finds our Richard in great form and showcases his astute song writing talent and gorgeous vocal style. It’s a worthy addition to any CD collection. Check it out! You’ll also find more info on Richard on his myspace page here! [And if you need a classy covers band try here!]

Trower mega-Watts from Sweden 2005

A new CD ‘Sweden Rock Festival Best of 2005-06 Volume 3’ features a rare ‘live’ version of ‘Day of the Eagle’. To my knowledge, it’s the only commercially available CD to contain a live recording of the band as fronted by Richard Watts. Other acts showcased include Ted Nugent, Molly Hatchet, Sammy Hagar, Vixen, The Sweet, Alice Cooper and many more. Available from most online sellers including iTunes.

Dedicated to Jimmy

Carl Kennedy has published a website celebrating the life and works of James Dewar. The essential voice of The Robin Trower Band during the 1970s and early 1980s, Jimmy is one of the greatest singers in rock of all time! Carl’s site, published with the blessing and support of members of Jimmy’s family, is a welcome tribute to the man and his music. To visit the site click here.

Steve Steven’s Trower Tribute on Classic Rock Cover CD

Billy Idol axeman’s neat rendition of ‘Day of the Eagle’ is featured on the September 2008 issue of ‘Classic Rock’ magazine’s cover CD. Featuring vocals by Kings X’s Doug Pinnick, the track is one of nine all-time rock classics [Jump, Black Night, Lamb lies down on Broadway etc.] as lovingly recorded by the likes of The Answer, Paul Gilbert and Heart. For more information on Trower tributes, visit our brand new Covers page here.

Husband booked for post Valentine’s Day affair with Bruce and Trower

He may be on the Eve of a month-long fling with the UK’s foremost funk pop outfit - Level 42 - but drummer Gary Husband has reserved ten days in late February 2009 for a set of dates with Robin Trower and Jack Bruce, according to Gary’s own myspace website! So, consider yourself booked too from 21 Feb to March 2!

Many thanks to Jeffrey Platt for the tip-off! Posted August 2008.

EXCLUSIVE REVIEW! John’s pictures from the show now added.

Reg Isidore pops above the radar and surfaces live on stage in London. John Waters heads off south of the river to check it out! Read John’s review here!

Some other kind person has also posted some video of Gus and Reggie performing at a further gig, this time in Chislehurst. Watch it here!

Robin Trower and The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Robin’s name has been added to the list of artists on the 'Future Rock Hall' site who are eligible for induction into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.". Ronnie Kerrigan says “the more comments Robin generates, the greater the exposure! It will help to raise his profile and may attract new fans and supporters.” So come on folks. Let’s make Robin’s rock God status “official”! Please use this link to make your voice heard on the site.

 May 2008 UK Tour Reviews

Brighton No Time for farewells      Exeter Totally sold      Bilston Blistering Bilston
Glasgow Dedicated to Jimmy      London Let me hear you say YEAH!      Manchester Pride comes before a fall
Sheffield Balls of steel      Southampton From Portswood to poignancy
Stratford-Upon-Avon The play’s the thing      Birkenhead Fab Four in Birkenhead
Fleetwood Fulfillingness’ Fleetwood Finale      For more reviews visit Steve Shail’s site here!

 Reviews and pictures from the fans including ...

John Waters 1  Mark Smith  Ronnie Kerrigan 1  John Waters 2  Karen and John Wilson 1  Brian Smith   Matthew Goldsbrough 1   John Hall  Ronnie Kerrigan 2   Karen and John Wilson 2   Andy Parsonage
Tony Cuomo   Ray Martin   David Blue Jay  Matthew Goldsbrough 2
Ronnie Kerrigan 3   Matthew Goldsbrough 3   Andy   Steven Meek   Steve Davidson

Share your UK tour photos and comments by  emailing them here. Especially fans in Wales and Scotland!

Wanted! Your photos and reviews from UK shows!

So that was the tour that was. Robin’s fourth sojourn across the UK in as many years. Can you believe it?

If you were lucky enough to see one of the shows this time round [or managed to see the band on one of the shows from their last three trips] please do get in touch!

A few words about the Aynsley Lister Band
Aynsley, Jo and Richard certainly won many fans over back in May 2008. The band proved to be a sensational support act for Robin throughout the comprehensive 18-show tour. Check out my Lister page for more words and pictures here! A BIG thank you to John Waters too for his excellent shots of the ALB as featured here! Some excellent shots from the lens of Matthew Goldsbrough at Holmfirth and Birkenhead! Check out the band’s forthcoming shows info by visiting the official Lister website here!.

Andy Parsonage’s Academy pictures

More shots from the Manchester show here. Cheers Andy!

‘Classic’ review for Brook show

Check out the ‘Summer 2008’ issue of ‘Classic Rock’ magazine [on news stands now] for an excellent review of The Brook show. CR journo and long-standing Trower man Pete Makowski’s review includes the following ... “Bridge of Sighs has expanded to feature a breathtaking heavy jazz/funk interlude and beautiful fluid, sinuous solo worth the price of the admission alone. Vocalist Davey Pattison does more than enough to accommodate the loss of Jimmy Dewar.”

Andy Parsonage’s Picturehouse  photo’s

Some great shots just in from the band’s show in West Yorkshire. The Picturehouse is in Holmfirth, the town made famous as the setting for BBC TV’s long standing sit-com ‘Last of the Summer Wine’. Yet it was blues infused lead guitar flowing from the rafters on this magic night in May 2008 that inspired our Andy. Take a look!

More lens magic from Matthew

Yet more simply stunning images from Derbyshire’s finest, Matthew Goldsbrough! This time from the gig at the Pacific Road Arts Centre in Birkenhead. Thank you Matthew [surely now up there with the incomparable Mr Neil Calandra in the ‘Champions League of Robin Trower Live photographers’!. Enjoy them here!.

Fan photos and review from Stratford-Upon-Avon

Karen and John Wilson move on from the band’s blistering show at The Robin 2 in Bilston to catch the show at Cox’s Yard, Stratford-Upon-Avon. It proved to be a fiery night and, without doubt, one of the best shows of the entire UK tour.

Their thoughts and images from the tiny packed venue here!

Mark Smith visits The Brook and is rejuvenated!

Mark’s tale untold here is typical of many of those people I met along the way on this 2008 tour. Fans who simply loved Robin’s music back in the 1970s but who found it almost impossible to keep tabs on him in the 1980s and 1990s - a period when Robin was probably one of the best kept secrets in his own country. That was, until the Internet! Welcome home indeed! Thanks Mark. Words and pictures here!

Ronnie and John Kerrigan witness sensational Southampton show

I must say it was great to see the Brtothers Kerrigan again. This time at the Brook. It was a great show as you will see by reading Ronnie’e review.

Great to see John Waters, Martin Hughes, John Hammond, Sean, Jackie, Jim and Sam Pierce there too!

More words and pictures review from The Astoria 2, London

Argubably the best night of the tour? See what you think by reading the excellent account of proceedings from Ronnie Kerrigan here.

Rescue Rooms review and pictures from Nottingham

Here’s a show I wanted to get to but, in the end, had to pull out due to other commitments. Very disappointed. Thankfully, Ronnie Kerrigan was there and here is his report on the action.

I was gutted becuase it sounds like I missed an absolute sizzler of a show. Cheers Ronnie!

Robin's Blog- Wednesday, 28 May 2008
"The Brook - My favourite gig of UK Tour. Sound of band really gelled on that stage - excellent crowd - big fun." [Robin Trower]

Ronnie Kerrigan says “this concert and performance will stay in my mind for many years. Robin played like only a virtuoso can, accompanied by an excellent band that generated warmth and intensity. Most of the "Trower Class of '76" were lucky to be in attendance and witnessed a marvellous show of musicianship.”

Trower interview confirms live collaboration with Jack Bruce
The latest issue of ‘Classic Rock’ magazine [July 2008 # - on news stands now] contains an excellent half-page interview with CR journalist, Phil Henderson.

When asked ‘how much of ‘Seven Moons’ will be played on the May 2008 UK Tour?’, our hero replies “Nothing. I’ll save that for when I go out wih Jack. He doesn’t want to do a lot of live work now, but we’re looking at doing some dates together later in the year.”

Martin dives into The Brook to catch the last ticket!
Congratulations to Catford’s finest, Mr Martin Hughes on netting the last available ticket for this week’s show at The Brook.

Folks, if you are heading down to Southampton for the show and fancy a pre-show drink with some fellow Trower fans, head for The Mitre which is on the crossroads of Highfield Lane and Portswood Road here, a short five to ten-minute walk from The Brook. If the weather’s good, we’ll be out the back..

Manchester review and photos

Once again, some stunning images from the lens of Matthew Goldsbrough in what were far from ideal conditions for taking good photographs. Check out these greats shots by clicking here!

My own review of the show is now online over at ‘Steve’s Place’!

London Astoria show review
I’m delighted to receive my first full-length reviews from fellow fans of this excellent show [the best so far].

The first one is  from Kent man and Spurs fan, Tony Cuomo here. Cheers Tone!

The second is from John Waters, together with some of his photos from the show here! Thanks John!

Fan photos from Norwich

Many thanks to Brian Smith for his shots from the gig at Norwich’s Waterfront on 18 May 2008. Check them out here!

Phoenix now in black and white

Many thanks to Andy who has sent through some stunning black and white images from the recent show at the Phoenix in Exeter. These photographs are now online here! [Please note the online versions of these photos were improved and republished on 27 May 2008.]

Glasgow fan photos now online

Some great shots, just in, from Ray Martin of Friday night’s magical show underneath the arches at Glasgow Central Station. Click here.

My review of the show, previously published on Steve Shail’s world fansite, is also avaliable online here too as are my reviews from the Brighton, Exeter and Bilston shows.

Newcastle fan photos now online

Thanks to John Hall for sending in some great shots of the show at the Academy in Newcastle! The photos are now online here!

Goldsbrough on Holmfirth
Once again, it is a great honour to receive some outstanding photographs from Derbyshire’s finest, Matthew Goldsbrough. His lens work from the band’s shows has been an absolute joy these last three years, capturing the vibe in his own inimitable way.

Hot off the press, enjoy his adventures in a Yorkshire landscape at the Holmfirth show. Visiting his online slide show here!

More fan photos now online

Thanks to John Waters [Brighton] and Karen and John Wilson [Bilston] for their recent contributions. John has also kindly sent me a whole set of pictures of Aynsley Lister and his band. Coming soon, promise!

Paint it blue for soul

Waiting for the flight home from Glasgow, I discovered some fabulous photos of the band’s performance at the Blues Garage on 3 May 2008 via Wikipedia. See for yourself by following this link!
 

Fan Photos Now Online
A BIG thank you to Steve Davidson, David Blue Jay and Steven Meek for sending through their pictures.

David’s shots are from the Brighton gig, Steve Davidson’s from the Exeter show and Steven Meek’s from the show afloat, on board the Thekla in Bristol. That’s three out of four shows! If you have photos from Bliston, Nottingham or Newcastle, why not share them with fellow fans via this site. Just email them here!

Welcome Home Welcome!
I was lucky enough to catch the first three shows on this latest UK tour and can tell you Pete, Glenn, Davey and Robin are on top top form.

If you are going to any of the forthcoming shows, you are in for a real treat. It is absolutely fantastic to see these four great musicians back in action on home soil.

Full details here soon. In the meantime, catch the reviews on Steve Shail’s world fan site for Brighton, Exeter and Bilston.

New EMI ‘Best of Robin Trower’ CD on Sale!
Available now from Alan on the tour merchandising stall at the UK shows [and elsewhere], this latest 17-track compilation includes a rare B-side track ‘Take a Fast Train’, never previously released on CD.

All the tracks have been digitally remastered including three tracks from last year’s ‘Bridge of Sighs’ re-issue. To see details of that release visit Steve Shail’s world fan site here.

You will find information on Robin’s last three UK tours (all within the last three years) by visiting these pages on my site: Spring 2005 : Autumn 2005 ; Spring 2006.

Other pages on this Trower site: The Songs ; The Albums (vintage press reviews) ; What the fans say ; Fans’ photo gallery.

If you have any info or comments please get in touch by e-mail.

This site, first realised in March 2005, is a howardtowers production published by Alan Howard in the UK.