Being guitarist and founder member of Trower Power, the Uk’s only tribute to Robin Trower, has heralded an interesting juncture for me, Mike Smith.
September 9th 2010 has become a very special date for me, and the pinnacle of following the music of Robin Trower for the past 35 years.
Through my work with Trower Power over the past few years, I have found myself coming into contact with many interesting people, especially, Steve Shail and Alan Howard, who like me nurture a serious interest in the music of legendary British guitarist Robin Trower.
Steve runs a specialist website dedicated to the work of Robin Trower in Canada, while Alan runs a similar based fan site here in the UK – links to both people can be located on the links page of this web-site.
Through my friendship with Alan over the past couple of years, I was able to make contact with Steve Shail. It was during a lengthy conversation with Steve earlier this year that I happened to mention that I was intending to go to Trower’s 2010 September show at The Robin 2 in Bilston, here in the UK. Knowing my interest in Trower, and the work that the band has done in promoting Robin’s music, Steve took it upon himself to organise the opportunity for both me and my daughter, to attend the band’s sound-check at the venue, and to hopefully meet Robin and the band....................
It’s not every day you get the chance to meet one of the greatest guitarists that has emanated from the shores of Britain, I thought, as I nervously waited for my mobile signal to connect with Laurie, Robin Trower’s Tour Manager and Sound Engineer.
The stage entrance to the Robin 2 suddenly opened, and my daughter and I were greeted by Laurie. Instantly we were both made to feel at ease, the nervousness I had initially felt quickly melted away. We were led into the venue, and told to make ourselves at home. Laurie informed us that the band was not there yet, and that he and Robin’s guitar tech were just getting things ready onstage.
I had to admit that the whole experience had began to feel very surreal to me, particularly as my own Trower tribute band had played at the Robin just a few months earlier.
Laurie asked me a number of questions about my tribute act and went onto to explain how Robin prefers his live sound. He was so helpful, answering so many questions I thought, as I was greeted by Robin’s guitar tech. The two of us instantly immersed ourselves in guitar spiel – this was right up my street.
The conversation was suddenly broken as we were both informed that the band was just a couple of minutes away from the venue. Everyone quickly moved into position. The side doors of the Robin burst open, in walked Glen Letch and Pete Thompson – Robin’s Bass player and Drummer. Next through was Robin. Standing by the stage entrance, I was somewhat surprised to learn just how tall he really was! The band eventually made their way up onto the darkened stage, walking over to their own designated zones, and slowly settled themselves ready for the task at hand.
Having played in countless bands over the years, I had always come to expect that sound-checks tended to be rather tense affairs. Not this bunch of musicians I must add. Robin spent a few moments listening to his onstage sound, and then proceeded to make a series of subtle adjustments to his live sound. Once happy, he closed his eyes and began playing a lovely selection of soul wrenching lines, while getting a feel for the venue and putting his self into the necessary mindset required for playing the show. By this point, Pete had sorted out minor amendments to the position of his cymbals and had finalised his drum monitor mix. Pete began grooving with Robin. Finally, Glen had sorted out his monitoring and was content with his bass sound and the three musicians were ready to sound-check. However, what I did find somewhat strange was that Davey Pattison, Trower’s vocalist was not present for the sound-check.
With the three musicians happy with their onstage sound, they began playing around and developing a bluesy theme that eventually led the band into an interesting rendition of Extermination Blues.
Laurie worked the front of house sound, producing what can only be deemed as a great well balanced Hi Fi mix. All too many times I have been to countless shows and felt let down with the general quality of the mix, but not here – Laurie had crafted a superb live mix, working like the fifth member of the band.
With the sound-check complete, Laurie called over and said “let’s go and see Robin” the nervousness quickly returned. We walked over to the bottom of the steps that led down from the right hand side of the stage. Laurie called over to Robin, drawing his attention, “Robin its Mike Smith” he said, as a puzzled look ran across Robin’s face. Laurie turned to me and said “have you met Robin before?” I quietly answered “no”. Robin smiled. I began by introducing myself as Mike Smith the guy who plays in a UK based tribute band called Trower Power. My nervousness vanished as Robin laughed out as he reached out his hand to shake mine. Robin was aware of the band and told me that he was genuinely flattered by the fact that I had invested the time and energy necessary into putting together a band as a tribute to him.
I went onto to tell him the story of how I got into his music, stating that having walked into a local record store back in the mid 70s, whilst still at school, I was drawn to the cover of ‘Robin Trower Live’ pinned to the rear wall of the shop. I went onto add that the shop assistant kindly put the album on for me and I was totally smitten. We joked at the fact that it was some 35 years ago. Robin went onto add that it couldn’t have been as he was only 32!
Next he turned his attention to my daughter Hollie, who under my influence, has grown up liking Trower’s music. Robin was genuinely fascinated by the fact that as a 19 year old girl, she was introducing her friends both at home and at her university to the extensive catalogue of Trower’s music.
With photos taken and a selection of autographs done, we let Robin carry on with his preparations for the evening show. During our meeting we both found Robin Trower to be an approachable, friendly, caring person who emanated a warmth that really did show that he enjoyed spending the time talking to the likes of my daughter and me....
As Robin began to walk off, I took the opportunity of handing him a 3 track live CD of my own takes on Trower’s music... He turned, smiled and thanked me.... assuring me that he would listen to it!
As a final conclusion to this experience, I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Alan Howard, Laurie Brace, Robin Trower and his band, and last but not least, Steve Shail for making it happen!! Thank You!!
Mike Smith
September 2010