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ROBIN TROWER
Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
05 September 2026
I made my way back to Shepherd’s Bush Station with a completely different perspective than when I arrived. Focus on what inspires you and ignore what doesn’t.
Tonight’s assignment was to photograph and review Robin Trower at one of my favourite venues, the Shepherd’s Bush Empire. On previous visits the staff have always been friendly and accommodating. Unlike some venues, they allow the photographers to shoot from the crowd after the mandatory three songs in the pit; thankfully, tonight was no exception.
This evening’s entertainment began with Jack J. Hutchinson. I’ve seen him perform at various festivals and always found him to be very approachable and down-to-earth. Something that makes a considerable difference when you’re taking someone’s photograph, as it’s extremely counterintuitive to make someone you don’t like look good.
I’ve seen him perform at various festivals and always found him to be very approachable and down-to-earth
Previously whenever I’ve seen Jack perform, he’s always been part of a three-piece, but tonight it was just his good self, accompanied by Greg Smith on bass. Armed with an Epiphone semi-acoustic, he took to the stage with calm confidence. He’s a very engaging performer who communicates well with the audience, who warmed to him immediately. I would describe his music as Dirty Blues; it sounds raw and authentic. He gained more momentum as each song passed. You could put him in any bar on the planet, and he would know how to emotionally connect with an audience, which is a gift that few humans possess. He closed his thirty-minute set with his latest single, ‘Soul Believer’, which, in my opinion, is his strongest song. The audience eagerly showed their appreciation as he left the stage. Job done.
Even though I have seen the name Robin Trower written in music magazines my entire life, until tonight I can’t recall ever hearing a single note of his music. This is an astonishing admission considering I’ve been actively listening to guitar players for over forty years. After a little research on my way to the venue, I discovered that Robin Trower is 81 years of age and has released over 30 albums. A mind-blowing achievement in itself. I was also totally unaware that he was once a member of Procul Harum.
A mind-blowing achievement in itself. I was also totally unaware that he was once a member of Procul Harum.
The stage was minimalist, two vintage Marshall heads on a couple of 4x12s, a drum kit without a riser, and a bass stack. Looking out at the audience, it had a purist vibe about it. They could easily have been mistaken for connoisseurs at a wine tasting gathering. It was time for the headline act, and with a spring in his step, Robin Trower made his way across the stage, making a beeline for his white Fender Stratocaster. He respectfully waved to the audience and had a big smile across his face, but you could sense that until he was holding his guitar he wouldn’t feel completely comfortable.
From the very first note, man and instrument became one. Age had no bearing, and his playing was timeless. He was joined onstage by Richard Watts on bass and vocals and Chris Taggart on drums. Both are wonderfully gifted musicians. It would be easy to go online and find the set list to give you some song titles, but as someone who was listening to the music for the first time, that wasn’t what the gig was about for me. I was listening to three supremely talented human beings who were playing music in its purest form. They found the groove within the very first bar and were locked in throughout the entire set.
Trower’s playing was spectacular. His sublime virtuosity allows him to communicate a vast spectrum of emotions.
Trower’s playing was spectacular. His sublime virtuosity allows him to communicate a vast spectrum of emotions. He can be tender, ferocious and soulful all within one piece of music. Towards the end of the set I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I knew one of his songs. I wasn’t the only one to recognise the opening notes of ‘Bridge Of Sighs’, and it was one of the highlights of a perfectly structured set. It was a joy to hear Robin Trower play guitar, and I feel privileged that I got to see him play at least once in my lifetime. In an age where backing tracks and autotune are commonplace, it was refreshing to hear musicians just plug in and play.
I left the venue feeling uplifted. Seeing a man in his eighties play with the energy of a teenager and living his best life was an inspiring thing to witness.
I left the venue feeling uplifted. Seeing a man in his eighties play with the energy of a teenager and living his best life was an inspiring thing to witness. I think all musicians want to create art that has longevity, and there is absolutely no doubt that Robin Trower’s legacy will live on through eternity. I may be extremely late getting to the party, but I’m glad I got there before it finished. I made my way back to Shepherd’s Bush Station with a completely different perspective than when I arrived. Focus on what inspires you and ignore what doesn’t.
Photo Gallery (courtesy of Myke Gray)
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Review & Photos: Myke Gray
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