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Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash - Band Member Profiles
Rob Hewins
Drums/Harmony Vocals
Rob Hewins began playing drums at the age of twelve. His first experience of performing came through touring the pub/club circuit with various bands. Rob spent most of the 1980’s playing with two original bands, attempting to secure recording contracts. One of these bands eventually signed a publishing deal with Warner-Chappell, for whom Rob co-wrote and produced around ten songs (mainly for debut album artists on A&M Records).
Frustrated somewhat by the recording business, Rob concentrated on live work, joining Alvin Stardust’s touring band for an active six-year period of live and recording work. As a sideline, Rob played on various studio sessions for a Birmingham recording studio, the most successful being an album for vocalist Dave Saylor which went platinum in South America and Spain. During this time, various world-class artists sought Rob’s talents (including Shakin’ Stevens and Ultravox), although Rob eventually accepted an offer from Edwin Starr.
In addition to his skills as a drummer, Rob is also an accomplished guitarist and it is this role that he played in Jean Genie, a respected David Bowie tribute band during the late 1990’s. This period also saw Rob developing a tribute show to the music of the 1980’s, which he is still involved in. Recent times have seen Rob drumming for ex-Edwin Starr band member Rob Derbyshire as well as setting up his own recording studio.
Like guitarist Ray Hatfield, Rob was introduced to Martin Turner by mutual friend Keith Buck, who had played with Rob on several previous projects. The early Wishbone Ash, and in particular original Wishbone drummer Steve Upton, had been a major influence on Rob during his formative years and he therefore feels highly honoured to be given the opportunity to perform many of the much loved classic from that era alongside one of the key creative forces behind the music in Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash.
Rob plays: 22" Remo bass drum; 8",10",12"&14" Pearl toms; 1970's Ludwig snare; Sabian, Paiste & Zildjian cymbals; Roland V-drums.
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