Rob Strong

Rob Strong

Rob Strong is a Dublin-based Irish singer and bassist whose career begins in the 1960s and continues through the showband and blues-rock scenes. He is also known as the father of Andrew Strong, and comes from a musical family: his father is a musician, and his daughter Niamh also pursues music.

Early career and showbands

Strong starts out in the Irish showband circuit as the bass player with The Polka Dots. In the 1960s he becomes a key member of The Plattermen, a showband that builds a reputation as one of the strongest in Ireland. He later performs with the Plattermen’s brass-heavy line-up, which is associated with some of the funkiest sounds heard in an Associated Ballroom.

Rock, blues and live work

By the early 1970s, Strong is identified with raw rock and blues energy and is described as one of the most distinctive voices of that period in Ireland. His career extends into blues-tinged rock, and he maintains a long-running live performing career. He has a fan base in Europe, where he regularly works in countries including Sweden and Germany, and he also performs in the United States.

Other work and career turns

At one point he misses the chance to join Deep Purple because of management decisions. When music work is less steady, he takes day jobs to support himself, including building-site work. For nearly ten years he also works as a teacher in Mountjoy prison, where he teaches guitar. He later returns to music full-time.

Family

Strong’s son Andrew becomes known through The Commitments and has success in Europe, including a number-one hit in Denmark. His daughter Niamh also begins attracting attention from a major music company.