Robin George

The style of U.K.-born guitarist/producer Robin George, despite his geographical origins, was pure U.S. AOR. George began his career with his band Life, who released one single, "Too Late." The lineup also included Dave Holland (later of <a href="spotify:artist:2tRsMl4eGxwoNabM08Dm4I">Judas Priest</a>) and Mark Stanway (later of <a href="spotify:artist:3Nu9hoMBT4SkDcaNvmK4G1">Magnum</a>). He then played guitar in the Byron Band, fronted by one-time <a href="spotify:artist:45O9BwPMyywM755SYUK0sP">Uriah Heep</a> vocalist <a href="spotify:artist:6Voii2IyAHosS3MRn8MgFY">David Byron</a>. His fine guitar work can be heard to good effect on their debut album, On the Rocks (Creole Records), in 1981, though after a year with them he left to pursue a solo career.

George first signed to <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Arista+Records%22">Arista Records</a> in 1983, cementing the relationship with the release of a single, "Go Down Fighting," the melodic guitar work of which quickly brought attention and a reputation as the U.K.'s answer to <a href="spotify:artist:3Fz2GbraVXhcpXnoi2Oe1r">Billy Squier</a>. Despite this, <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Arista%22">Arista</a> dropped him, and he went on to work in a production capacity with <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Heavy+Metal+Records%22">Heavy Metal Records</a>, helping various acts including <a href="spotify:artist:6x6yZxAa1JfPSIrUzGNuIY">Wrathchild</a> (U.K.). In 1984 <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Bronze+Records%22">Bronze Records</a> signed him, and the release of "Heartline" preceded George's first full album, Dangerous Music -- both releases were noted for their pristine production and the bass work of <a href="spotify:artist:5vjTuHApbJQOo9L3Ro2KM8">Pino Palladino</a> (<a href="spotify:artist:6rqU9HQ57NYGBnBzbrY3a4">Paul Young Band</a>). Despite the good auspices, "Heartline" remained his only real success and was reissued in 1985, again selling well. He remained in production until 1990, when he formed a partnership with ex-<a href="spotify:artist:3z3KnhKZObj216IgfHYGVf">Diamond Head</a> vocalist Sean Harris in <a href="spotify:artist:24FryrwrbjmT9eFYQ7GtKL">Notorious</a>. This was an ill-fated project that advanced neither of their careers, and they soon parted. Robin George died on April 26, 2024, at the age of 68. ~ TiVo Staff, Rovi