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’.

‘Trower Power’ is, to my knowledge, the UK’s only tribute act to The Robin Trower Band. Based in the West Midlands, the band played its debut gig on New Year’s Eve.

The four-piece band is led by guitar teacher Mike Smith and features bass teacher Kerry Smith, Simon Bennet on drums and Rich Spalding on vocals. Mike posted an introduction to the band on this site at the beginning of 2009. Click here for details.

I managed to make the trip down to vibrant Worcester on the evening of 23 January 2009 to catch their second ‘live’ show at the City’s Marrs Bar ‘live’ music venue supporting Larry Miller and his band. I am so pleased I did. ‘Trower Power’ rocked.

I have never ever heard 'About to Begin' played live so hearing that one added to the magic of the evening. Brilliant. The set, which featured classic tunes such as 'Too Rolling Stoned' and 'Alethea', concentrated on 1973-75 era Trower.

Vocals by Rich Spalding added a new dimension to the material, superb singing, loud and clear. Kerry White told me she has only been listening to Trower’s music for a few months. However, the way she turned and twisted her bass, made it sound like she had been playing these tunes forever. Mike Smith has clearly studied our hero over many years presenting his own particular interpretations of the material using a gorgeous overdriven, fluid blues sound. Drummer Simon Bennet told me he is working on Bill Lordan’s sticks and cymbals solo on 'Alethea', missing on the night. He clearly has wild Bill's power, energy and even the headgear to match!

The set, the sound, the solos, everything was perfect albeit the band served up every number in their own inimitable style. I loved the way the band didn't hold back the tempo on numbers like 'Bridge of Sighs' and 'I Can't Wait Much Longer'. These were both highlights for me.

‘Trower Power’ live at The Marrs Bar, Worcester, 23 January 2009

Set List:
Day of the Eagle
Bridge of Sighs
Gonna be more Suspicious
Lady Love
Too Rolling Stoned
Daydream
About to Begin
I Can’t Wait Much Longer
Alethea