Brad Robinson
Bradford Leigh Robinson (28 January 1958 – 13 October 1996) was a notable Australian rock musician, celebrated for his role as a lead and rhythm guitarist with the influential 1980s band, Australian Crawl. His contributions to the music industry, alongside his bandmates, left a lasting impact on the Australian rock scene.
Brad Robinson was born into a family with a strong legal and cultural background. His father, James Robinson, was a Federal Arbitration Court Justice, highlighting the blend of academia and creativity within the Robinson household. This environment perhaps fostered Brad Robinson's eventual foray into music and the arts.
Australian Crawl, co-founded by James Reyne, was pivotal in shaping the sound of Australian rock music during the 1980s. The band included talents such as Paul Williams, Simon Binks, and Brad Robinson, who contributed significantly as a rhythm guitarist. Australian Crawl's debut album, "The Boys Light Up," achieved commercial success and cemented the band's place in the annals of rock history. Robinson's prowess on the guitar was evident in the signature sounds that defined the band's music.
Brad Robinson's personal life was interwoven with his professional endeavors. He was married to actress Kerry Armstrong, a union that brought together two prominent figures from the Australian arts scene. Their collaboration extended beyond personal ties, with Armstrong making appearances related to the band's work and music.
Additionally, Robinson's creativity was not confined to performance alone. He was involved in songwriting, contributing to tracks such as "Things Don't Seem" on the band's album "Sirocco." His ability to coalesce music and lyricism further demonstrated his diverse talents within the music industry.
Brad Robinson's influence stretched beyond his life, as he continued to inspire generations of musicians. His untimely death in 1996 marked the end of an era for Australian rock, but his legacy lives on through the timeless music of Australian Crawl and the many lives he touched both personally and professionally.