by Ian Diddams
photos by Ian Diddams
I’ve seen Rob Lear and his band on multiple occasions in the past decade, every one of them a delight, and it has to be said – to echo the words of promoter Malcolm Shipp – he and they get better each time. Rob has a gentle melodic quality, writing philosophically about his life, life in Wales and the people he meets and sees.
He himself hails from somewhere in the valleys not far from Pontypridd, the wettest place in England and Wales he claims! Although a simple internet search suggests virtually everywhere in Wales has the same claim and as a former resident of the principality myself, I can attest to the fact that they are all probably correct!! Aside from Rob’s home, Liz his constant sidekick also hails from that country, but the other two members of the band Terry and Tom hail from as far afield as… Calne itself.
In a three set evening, providing time to refresh drinks and empty bladders in between a closed bar [well done TPB! ] the attentive and appreciative audience were led through a mix of Rob’s numbers from his back catalogue lifted from his discography of “A Million Stars”, “Let it Go”, “Motorcycle Heart” and “Strange Days”… plus, an unrecorded special “Chevy 54” which had the crowd singing along to and is a must for a single release (hint Rob HINT!!)
Rob’s stage show has come on leaps and bounds since I first saw him too… being Welsh he can talk the hind leg off the proverbial pit pony, but his easy, self-deprecatory, and occasionally rambling style is a joy only improved on by his sublime lyrics, melodies and the band’s harmonies performed on guitars, accordion, ukelele, bass, mandolin and fiddle. And the non-surprise addition and performance of Malcolm Shipp on harmonica 🙂
I could take this review through Rob’s set list but that would frankly be rather dull and meaningless especially to anybody not au fait with his output, so the best thing I can offer is this Spotify playlist consisting of the numbers from Tuesday evening.
The Piggy Bank also have this wonderful video for your delectation
A shout out here too for the venue, The Piggy Bank. In the last year or so it’s been hosting comedy club evenings (also highly recommended) and of late gigs too. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to keep abreast of these offerings – music starts up again in October with these musical events already “in the bag”
October 15th Luke Jackson
November 26th Jazz Morley
December 17th Phil Jinder Dewhurst
Meanwhile I can only but urge you to purchase as many of Rob’s CDs as you can 😊
Rob Lear is next appearing at
Sat 10th Aug – Behind The Barn Festival
Fri 23rd Aug – Between The Trees Festival
Sat 12th Oct – Machen Legion
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