Robert Grey (musician)

Robert Grey (born 21 April 1951) is an English musician best known as the drummer for Wire.[1] He is sometimes credited as Robert Gotobed.

Robert Grey
Grey in 2013
Grey in 2013
Background information
Also known asRobert Gotobed
Born (1951-04-21) 21 April 1951 (age 73)
Marefield, Leicestershire, England
OriginLondon, England
GenresPunk rock, art punk, post-punk, experimental rock
InstrumentDrums
Years active1973–present
Member ofWire
Websitepinkflag.com

Career

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In 1973, Grey joined his first band, an R&B group called the Snakes, as vocalist. The Snakes released one single, "Teenage Head". After the group folded, Grey began teaching himself to drum.[2]

He has been Wire's regular drummer since their start in 1976; at first he used the stage name 'Robert Gotobed'.[3] Grey left the band in 1990, after the release of the album Manscape, because of Wire's increasing use of sequencers, computers, and drum machines.[4] He began to feel uncomfortable as the band moved further into a computer-based environment. After his departure, the band dropped one letter from its name, becoming "Wir". Grey began to explore African drumming and devoted his time to organic agriculture, running a small farm in the Midlands.[2]

He rejoined Wire in 2000, dropping his Robert Gotobed alias and using his birthname Robert Grey. He has recorded and toured with the band since.

References

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  1. ^ Perry, Jonathan (5 April 2011). "Wire is still electric". The Boston Globe.
  2. ^ a b "Pinkflag.com (the official Wire website) - Us - Robert Grey". Pinkflag.com.
  3. ^ Strong, Martin C. (2000). The Great Rock Discography (5th ed.). Edinburgh: Mojo Books. pp. 1075–1076. ISBN 1-84195-017-3.
  4. ^ "Robert Gotobed in interview". Stereosociety.com.