Soul story of a Platterman
Biography of legendary singer, Rob Strong, the 'Godfather of Irish Soul'
The legendary Blues and Soul singer, Rob Strong, may be 73 years old, but as the title of a new biography suggests, the Derry native is 'Still Going Strong'!
Written by his manager, Kells resident and Dunshaughlin teacher, Paul Holland, it features Rob’s fascinating account of his life story from humble beginnings in Springtown Camp, Derry. Friends, family and musicians recall Rob’s early days and his first bands as a teenager. Rob looks back at the Showband era when he moved to Omagh and played with The Polka Dots and fronted the iconic Plattermen, two of the biggest bands in Ireland. Rob also performed with Johnny Logan in The Giants as well as The Las Vegas Showband, The Rockets, The Commitments band and The Rob Strong Band in a career that has spanned almost six decades.The foreword is written by Barry Devlin from Horslips, who were great friends of The Plattermen.
The man known as 'The Godfather of Irish Soul' once turned the opportunity to join Deep Purple, and Chad Smith, the legendary American drummer from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, played on four tracks of Rob’s album, entitled 'Hurricane Room' in 1992.
Many of Ireland’s top musicians and singers who played with Rob or who knew him personally are featured in extensive interviews in a fascinating insight into the music scene in Ireland. Included are household names such as Phil Coulter, Barry Devlin, Johnny Logan, Colm Wilkinson, Thin Lizzy original guitarist Eric Bell, Paul Brady, Don Baker, Paddy Cole, Brush Shiels, Mary Coughlan, Kelley, Frankie McBride, Pat Shortt, DJs Dave Fanning, Fiachna Ó Braonáin and Smiley Bolger, Fr Brian D’Arcy, George Jones, Liam Ó Maonlaí, and Richie Malone from Status Quo. An extensive interview with the late Brian Coll, from July 2020, forms a central part of the book. Rob’s son, Andrew Strong (who starred as Deco Cuffe) gives an exclusive interview into the making of the smash hit movie The Commitments in 1991 and performing alongside Prince, The Rolling Stones, Elton John and Bryan Adams.
Rob and his wife Noreen, have one son, Andrew, and two daughters, Niamh and Alex, all of whom are interviewed about Rob and their own involvement in music. Rob is celebrating a remarkable 55 years on the road, even if two lockdowns have limited his busy schedule this year. The biography is available to pre-order only from www.robstrong.ie and for €19.99 you get book and a free Rob Strong CD, both signed by Rob, and free delivery.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, launch gigs planned in Derry, Omagh and Dublin are not now possible. For more updates, see The Rob Strong Band Live Facebook page or www.robstrong.ie, or contact Paul Holland on (087) 963 0375.