Robin George

Despite hailing from the U.K., guitarist and producer Robin George embodied quintessential American album-oriented rock. He launched his recording career in the band Life, whose lone single, "Too Late," featured Dave Holland (later of Judas Priest) and Mark Stanway (later of Magnum). George next contributed guitar to the Byron Band, the outfit fronted by former Uriah Heep singer David Byron; his playing is showcased on their 1981 Creole Records debut, On the Rocks, yet he exited after one year to focus on solo work. Arista Records signed him in 1983, and the single "Go Down Fighting" generated early notice, earning him a reputation as the U.K.'s answer to Billy Squier. The label soon dropped him, after which he handled production for Heavy Metal Records, assisting acts that included Wrathchild (U.K.). Bronze Records secured his services in 1984; "Heartline" appeared first, followed by the album Dangerous Music, both praised for their immaculate production and the bass lines of Pino Palladino (Paul Young Band). "Heartline" remained his sole genuine hit and was reissued in 1985, again achieving solid sales. He stayed active as a producer until 1990, when he joined forces with ex-Diamond Head vocalist Sean Harris in the short-lived project Notorious, which failed to advance either participant’s career and quickly ended. Robin George died on April 26, 2024, at the age of 68.