The first Tom Robinson Band emerged amid the turmoil of late 70s Britain – in a time of punk rock, political unrest and economic gloom. TRB became known for the hit single 2-4- 6-8 Motorway, their vocal support of Rock Against Racism and for the anthem Sing If You’re Glad To Be Gay, which made the Top Twenty despite a ban by BBC Radio 1.

The original TRB consisted of Robinson on bass and vocals, drummer Dolphin Taylor, keyboardist Mark Ambler and their incendiary guitarist Danny Kustow – who died early in 2019 at the age of 63. They made just two albums – Power In The Darkness and TRB TWO and ended – like the 70s – just as Margaret Thatcher swept to power.

The current Tom Robinson Band will play a 23 date tour in October/November 2024 showcasing those first two albums, in tribute to the original band members. The setlist has been chosen by fans via an online poll, and will include some album tracks from the era that have never previously been performed live.

Alongside Robinson on bass, the band features Faithless drummer Andy Treacey, guitarist Adam Phillips from the Richard Ashcroft Band, keyboard virtuoso Jim Simmons and Northern soul singer Lee Forsyth Griffiths on acoustic guitar.

“45 years on,” says Tom, “some of the original TRB lyrics – about division, injustice and uncertainty – still feel depressingly relevant in a world of Trump, Farage & Suella Braverman. I also owe a huge amount to the musicianship of Mark, Dolphin, and Danny back in the day. We’re hoping to do that early band – and the songs – full justice this autumn.”

VENUE: AUDITORIUM, EXETER PHOENIX

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