The Tom Robinson Band (aka TRB) are a British rock band, established in 1976 by singer, songwriter and bassist Tom Robinson. The band's debut single "2-4-6-8 Motorway" was a popular anthem and top five hit on the UK Singles Chart in 1977, and their third single, "Up Against the Wall", is one of the great singles of the period.
They released their debut album, 'Power in the Darkness' in 1978, a gain a classic album of the period.
The band began gigging in London in 1976 with Robinson on vocals and Bass, guitarist Danny Kustow, drummer Brian "Dolphin" Taylor and keyboards Mark Ambler.
The band hit the club scene right in the middle of London's punk explosion. TRB made leaflets and fliers about their political views and sent them to everyone who attended their gigs. They gave away badges and made up T-shirts emblazoned with the band's logo and they appeared regularly at Rock Against Racism concerts. They were joined at these gigs by the likes of The Clash, Steel Pulse and X-Ray Spex.
Another arly release was a four-song EP called Rising Free, which was recorded live at London's Lyceum Theatre in November 1977. It included the songs "Don't Take No for an Answer", "Martin", "(Sing if You're) Glad to Be Gay".
After this time the band splintered and the members went their own ways. Again another band that I saw live in reading whilst at Uni, a great live set and very entertaining.