Robin McAuley

Standing On The Edge

FRONTIERS MSG singer goes solo.

Back in the 80s, Bono wasn’t the only Irishman with a big voice and a big mullet. Robin McAuley, singer with Grand Prix, the Far Corporation and the McAuley Schenker Group, had a coiffure so enormous he had difficulty manoeuvring through doorways. Now, at 68, his hairstyle is more conservative. What hasn’t changed is that voice, which is still as powerful as it ever was.

McAuley has been a busy of late, starring in the Michael Schenker Fest and also fronting 80s-veterans supergroup Black Swan, whose debut album was among the best from last year. This new solo record is patchier, with a few formulaic songs, including bland power ballad Late December. But with the right material, the voice flies. And in three fine-tuned rock anthems – Do You Remember,

Say Goodbye and Supposed To Do Now, the latter featuring ex-Heart guitarist Howard Leese – McAuley proves he’s still one of the best in the business. ■■■■■■■■■■