Robin Trower

Biography

Robin Leonard Trower, born on March 9, 1945, in Catford, London, England, began his musical career in the mid-1960s with the Southend rhythm and blues band The Paramounts alongside Gary Brooker and B.J. Wilson, focusing on rock and roll and R&B.[2][3][5][6] He gained prominence in 1967 joining Procol Harum, contributing to five albums and extensive tours, though not on their hit 'A Whiter Shade of Pale,' helping define their baroque rock sound during the late 1960s.[1][2][3][4][5] Leaving Procol Harum in 1971, Trower launched a solo career modeled after power trios like Cream, Taste, and Jimi Hendrix Experience, assembling a band with vocalist/bassist James Dewar and drummer Reg Isidore.[1][2][4]

His 1973 debut solo album Twice Removed from Yesterday set the stage, but 1974's Bridge of Sighs propelled him to international fame as a guitar hero, selling a million copies with standout tracks like 'Day of the Eagle,' 'Too Rolling Stoned,' and 'Lady Love,' featuring his atmospheric, effects-laden Fender Stratocaster style often compared to Hendrix but distinctly blues-infused.[1][2][4][5] Trower's career evolved through the 1970s and beyond, exploring blues rock on albums like In City Dreams and Caravan to Midnight, starting his own V12 label in 1994 with 20th Century Blues, and collaborating on projects into the 2000s and 2010s, including Seven Moons with Jack Bruce and Something’s About To Change in 2015, maintaining a vital sound rooted in post-war U.S. blues.[2][4]

Known for his 'heavy strings' style with heavy reverberation, Trower's musical legacy spans over six decades, influencing guitarists while retaining a dedicated U.S. live following despite shifts in popular music; at 76, he continues touring with innovative late-period work using Fender Stratocaster and Marshall amps.[2][4][5]

Fun Facts

• Trower did not play on Procol Harum's mega-hit 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' despite being their guitarist during its era.[2]
• He started his own V12 record label in 1994 to gain creative control, releasing 20th Century Blues and bypassing traditional industry constraints.[2]
• Trower began taking lead vocals in the 1990s to ensure songs matched his original vision, noting, 'When you sing it yourself it tends to come out how you heard it in your head.'[2]
• An ardent Fender Stratocaster user, Trower is known for his 'heavy strings' style with heavy reverberation, favorably compared to Jimi Hendrix.[5]

Associated Acts

• Procol Harum (1967–1971)
• Procol Harum (1991–1991)
• Liquorice John Death

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jimi Hendrix - Primary stylistic influence for power trio format and atmospheric, effects-laden Stratocaster playing (Solo career blueprint modeled after Hendrix Experience) [1960s-1970s]

Key Collaborators

• James Dewar - Vocalist and bassist in Robin Trower Band power trio (Twice Removed from Yesterday (1973), Bridge of Sighs (1974)) [1973-1970s]
• Gary Brooker - Bandmate in early groups and Procol Harum (The Paramounts (1960s), Procol Harum albums (1967-1971)) [1960s-1971]
• B.J. Wilson - Drummer in The Paramounts (The Paramounts recordings (1960s)) [1960s]
• Jack Bruce - Collaborator on joint album after earlier 1980s work (Seven Moons (2008)) [1980s, 2006-2008]
• Bryan Ferry - Guest appearances and tour (Taxi, Mamouna (late 1990s)) [Late 1990s]

Artists Influenced

• Eric Gales - Trower wrote songs inspired by Gales after tour support, forming basis for Trower's album (Living Out of Time (2003)) [Early 2000s]
• Steve Lukather - Influenced by Trower's guitar work (Bridge of Sighs) [1970s onward]
• Opeth - Influenced by Trower's guitar style (Bridge of Sighs) [1970s onward]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #blues, #blues-rock, #classic-pop-and-rock