Blues legend, guitar legend, fret master, whatever you refer to the 81-year bionic man, Robin Trower delivered a night of masterfulness, flawless, night at the Royal Oak Music Theatre in downtown Royal Oak Thursday night. The English musician who has sold out countless venues and arenas since the 70’s and still is doing it now speaks volumes. The sold-out crowd left the venue with ear-to-ear smiles with some still playing that famous air guitar on the way out. Trower hit the stage around 9:00 and opened with the classic “Too Rolling Stoned” with his buddy the fender stratocaster doing all work well maybe lending a hand. Trower’s smooth delivery is epic and masterful which can only come from a true showman on display during “Distant Places Of The Heart” — a mysterious, psychedelic blues number from his Seven Moons (2008) collaboration with Jack Bruce.
Trower set had some old and some new mixes like “No Worlds to Conquer” (2022) and “Live Your Time” from his 2026 album “Shine.” The blues-rock legend has that instantly recognizable sound, known by his fans around the world for his artistic individuality is like a bottle of fine wine leaving you wanting more of it. It’s been said along with clearly seeing for yourself Trower has that Jimi Hendrix style that Lights your fire! Everyone was here to watch the 81-year-old deliver a masterclass in how to make a Stratocaster purr leaving the venue in awe staring in amazement nobody left disappointed that’s for sure.
Getting back to the music and the highlight of the evening Trower hit you with the old 1-2 punch with heavy hitters “Day of the Eagle,” and “Bridge of Sigh” both laced with fret rips and goosebumps galore. Trower ended the night with a two-song encore with “A Razors Edge,” and “Birdsong.” The stage was nothing fancy and nobody cared, the night was fantastic and magical and that’s all that mattered to the packed house. Will we be seeing including myself Robin Trower back one more time, only time will tell.
Opening up for Trower Katy Guillen and the Drive the female indie duo from Kansas City turned out to be quite entertaining as this was a first time for me hearing about the indie rock band. There are plenty of tour dates left so get out there and enjoy the blues in a city near you. “Horns up, America! Keep rocking.”
