Rob Harper

Guitar / Vocals / Piano

Rob has been a professional performing musician for over 10 years and has gigged regularly with The Deltatones since forming the duo with Steve in 2011. Previously a member of Pete Wylie’s band The Mighty Wah, Rob has performed at venues all over the UK and Europe including a performance in front of 30,000 Liverpool FC fans at the Attaturk stadium in Istanbul for the memorable 2005 European cup final.

Whilst performing with The Mighty Wah, Rob also recorded tracks for a Warner Brothers Liverpool FC movie featuring performances from Pete Wylie and Peter Hooton (The Farm).

Throughout his musical career he has shared stages with legends such as Paul McCartney, Gerry Marsden, Ian McCulloch, Steve Harley, Ralph McTell and many more….

Rob has also worked as a session musician playing guitar, piano and bass guitar for both live and recorded sessions.

In 2006, Rob featured on Alun Parry’s debut album “Corridors of Stone” and played Bass guitar, piano and vocals.

Rob has also performed live on BBC Radio 2 on the Janice long show and also on BBC Radio Scotland.

When he’s not performing, Rob enjoys spending time with his wife Tracy and daughter, Isla.

Equipment

Gibson SG – 2014
Gibson Les Paul – 1998
Gibson 335
Korg Digital Piano
Yamaha Digital Piano
Takamine Acoustic Guitar
Warwick Bass Guitar
Boss GT-100 Effects

About Rob

When and why did you start playing?

I always had an interest in playing music from a young age. I used to play around on my Grandad’s piano, just picking out the melodies to some of my favourite songs. I always was a piano/keyboard player first and only really started playing the guitar in bands in my mid-twenties. I can’t say i’ve got a favourite instrument as I love playing both. I mainly play the guitar in The Deltatones, but if we are booked for an acoustic set I will tend to roll out the piano and play a few classics on the ivories.

Who are your musical influences?

I’ve always been into 60’s/70’s music. I grew up listening to The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Doors and these are the main bands who inspired me to actually learn to play. From Ray Manzarek’s amazing keyboard skills to Keith Richards’ foot-stomping guitar riffs, It was songs like “Light my fire” and “Brown Sugar” that led me to learning both the Keyboard and the Guitar.

I’m also a big fan of Motown. It was hearing songs like “Think” by Aretha Franklin and “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder that led me to first picking up the Bass guitar. A combination of the distinctive bass lines, tambourines, strong vocals, horn and string sections ticked all the boxes for me and is why Motown is still one of my biggest influences today.

Which song do you love performing live with The Deltatones?

I genuinley enjoy playing them all. I always find songs like Sweet Child of Mine and Don’t Stop believing go down a treat with the guests, but probably the most energetic and enjoyable to perform is our version of Proud Mary. It’s guaranteed to get all the girls up dancing and by the time it really kicks in you can be sure the dancefloor will be alive!