ROBERTHOLMES

My parents bought me a ukulele when I was 7, a guitar at 10 and my first electric at 12. I joined my first band at 14 and played with them for 10 years starting as a cover band and eventually writing and recording our own songs. In 1983 I became a founding member of ’til tuesday signing to Epic records within the year. Aimee Mann was the singer and chief songwriter in that band. I was a co writer on the first two records, both of which went gold, including the top 10 hit Voices Carry. As a member of ’til tuesday I toured all over the U.S., Canada, Europe and Japan. We opened for acts like Hall and Oates, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The Moody Blues, Rick Springfield and Cheap Trick. We did a few headline tours as well. The group won an MTV music award for best new artist in a video. Three singles went into the top 40. We were written about in various publications like Rolling Stone, People Magazine, Spin, Interview, etc. We made three records for Epic before parting ways in 1988.

I played on Cindi Laupers True Colors record and have done many more sessions for other people you probably haven't heard of. I fronted my own power trio for 6 years and I sang with an acapella doo wop group, Street Magic for a few years in the early 90's. I disappeared in the late 90's and early 2000's writing and recording many jingles, starting a function band and doing the odd session, either producing or playing. Now I'm a Velveteen Playboy.

When it comes to music, I am a lifer.

Birthplace: Hampton, England

Influences: Beatles, Queen, Bowie, Deep Purple, Hendrix, ACDC...... too many to name.

Favorite drink: Lately, Bloody Mary

Favorite place to play music: Anywhere that is a nice sounding room....or outdoors.

Favorite article of clothing: A particular pair of Giorgio Brutini shoes, no wait a silvery grey pin stripe suit.... it's too hard to choose, I have so many.

Last book read: Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks

Passion: Playing music