Band Biographies: Brian Robertson

Brian ‘Robbo’ Robertson was born on 12th February 1956 in Glasgow, Scotland. After his early classical training in piano and cello, he turned to rock ‘n’ roll and took up the guitar, bass guitar, drums and keyboards. His early career saw him playing with his elder bother Glen for different local outfits which included ‘Dream Police’ who later became ‘The Average White Band’. In 1974, aged 17, Brian set off for London in the hope of getting a drumming job.

Meanwhile Thin Lizzy were looking for a replacement for guitarist Gary Moore and on the suggestion of their roadie ‘Big Charlie’ from Glasgow, they had Brian Robertson try out and signed him up on the spot.

Following moderate success he was approached by ‘Motorhead’ to replace ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke and went on to perform with them at Harpo’s in Detroit. He was part of the line up for King Biscuit Flower Hour and recorded the album ‘Another Perfect Day’ in 1983.

After his next band ‘Statetrooper’ split, Robbo embarked on a successful partnership with his old friend Frankie Miller from Glasgow – recording the ‘Dancing in the Rain’ album and touring the US, Europe and the UK.

The next period of his career saw him working with various people including Shane MacGowan from The Pogues, and Joe Strummer from The Clash.

Robbo and his manager Sören Lindberg started their own production company ‘Yodal International’ in 1997 and continues to work on new material.

Robbo went on to play with Lizzy for four years, forming one half of the famous twin-guitar harmony with Scott Gorham. He played on the albums ‘Jailbreak’ and ‘Live and Dangerous’ among others. Following the UK tour for Live and Dangerous, he left the band to form ‘Wild Horses’ with ex-Rainbow bass player, Jimmy Bain.