Many there were who mourned the passing of Robin George just over a year ago. That his star should have shined that little bit brighter while he was alive, something to be reflected upon, despite which the musical polymath had a lifelong creative career within his chosen choice of industry.
For those who unaware of Robin George’s work, or who know of him only by name association, and even for those fans who thought they knew it all, Heartline: The Authorised Biography Of Robin George shines a spotlight on a British rock icon lost too soon.
Out now, and written with full cooperation from George himself up until his passing in 2024, this compelling biography by established music writer Martin Tracey reveals the trials, triumphs, and tenacity of an exceptional guitar prodigy whose promise never faded.
The book tells the powerful story of one of British rock’s most overlooked yet extraordinary talents; from his 1985 breakthrough hit single ‘Heartline’ (Radio One’s Rock Record of the Year) to unforgettable collaborations with legends like Phil Lynott, Robert Plant, Glenn Hughes, Roy Wood, and John Wetton, George effortlessly blended rock and pop.
With striking looks and world-class flair as a guitarist, producer, and songwriter, he seemed destined for superstardom. Yet cruel twists of fate – studio thefts, industry collapses, and the tragic loss of key collaborators – all conspired to keep true global fame agonisingly just out of reach.
“Knowing that this biography was being written meant the world to him… And the fact that he’d be remembered for his music was so important,” said Geroge’s wife, Debbie.
Covering his musical roots to his initial rise in fame, this section of Heartline will be a must for anyone interested in the West Midlands and Black Country music scene. While discussion of his key collaborations and the stories behind them are likely to be devoured by those seeking more internationally celebrated names – Among those, you’ll learn of lost recordings with Led Zeppelin rock god Robert Plant and Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott, about missed opportunities such as being courted by Duran Duran while salivating journalists camped out in his garden.
There are also glories to be regaled, when hailed as the “axe of tomorrow” and appearing on the cover of Kerrang back when that magazine sold by the truckload. Onto his charitable LovePower and Peace project featuring over sixty artists including former Diamond Head vocalist Sean Harris and celebrated soul singer Ruby Turner MBE. Those two individuals being just two of many who have contributed their thoughts and comments throughout the book.
“Once hailed as the ‘axe of tomorrow’, his Dangerous Music album and its infectious single ‘Heartline’ attracted an army of loyal fans for decades to come, but it should have catapulted Robin George to being a household name. So why didn’t it?” asks author Martin Tracey. After all, Robin George had all the necessary ingredients to head straight to the top.
“Robin experienced the most extraordinary bad luck; but also, intrusions such as robberies, the deaths of superstars and the collapsing of record companies, all of which conspired to spoil the feast,” Tracey notes succinctly of the back stories he unfolds in this book where he also warns: “Some of these collaborations are as agonising as they are impressive.”
Heartline: The Authorised Biography Of Robin George tells the story of a musical workaholic who despite the unprecedented knockbacks he encountered never stopped believing in himself and his music.
Featuring a cover design by Roy Cooke, the book includes rare photos, exclusive interviews, With a foreword from Fuzzbox vocalist Vix Perks, an afterword from Robin’s aforementioned wife, Debbie; a tribute from Uriah Heep and Trapeze front man Peter Goalby, similarly from Magnum keyboard player Mark Stanway, alongside contributions from friends, family, fans, musicians, and crucially Robin George himself. As Martin Tracey who penned the book states: “This is the definitive biography of a bloke from Wolverhampton who when life gave him lemons, he made lemonade!”
Heartline: The Authorised Biography Of Robin George is currently available via Amazon (Worldwide), in the UK here, in Spain here, at Robin George’s official website and author Martin Tracey’s website.
There is also an online launch event for the book taking place on 14th May.
