Bob Spencer

Robert F. Spencer (born 5 September 1957) is an Australian rock guitarist. He was a latter day member of Skyhooks (1974–1983) and the Angels (1986–1992). Spencer joined Rose Tattoo in 2017. As a songwriter he co-wrote tracks for the Angels, including sole writer for their single "Finger on the Trigger" (1988), which reached the ARIA Singles Chart top 40.

Early life

Robert F. Spencer,<ref name="APRA Finger">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }} Note: For additional work user may have to select 'Search again' and then 'Enter a title:' &/or 'Performer:'</ref> grew up in Sydney's Eastern suburb, Maroubra and attended Our Lady of Annunciation Primary School, at Pagewood, New South Wales from 1963 to 1965 and Marist Brothers, at Daceyville from 1966 to 1969.Template:Cn In 1970, he started secondary education at Marist Brothers Pagewood (later named Marist College, and then called Champagnat Catholic College Pagewood).Template:Cn

Career

Spencer was a founding member of the rock band Finch in 1973<ref name="mcfarlane">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=rockbook>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Holmgren F">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> while attending Marist Brothers Pagewood, where he completed his Higher School Certificate in 1975.

He left Finch in 1977 to replace Red Symons on guitar in Skyhooks.<ref name="mcfarlane"/><ref>"Mushroom: 25 Years of Oz Rock", by Christie Eliezer, Sunday Herald Sun, 8 November 1998.</ref><ref name="Holmgren S">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He left that group in 1980.<ref name="Holmgren S"/> In 1986 he joined the Angels on guitar to replace John Brewster.<ref name="Holmgren A">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He remained with the band until 1992.<ref name="rockbook" /><ref name="Holmgren A"/> While a member of the Angels, he was also a co-songwriter of their material including sole writer for their single, "Finger on the Trigger" (1988).<ref name="APRA Finger"/> It peaked in the ARIA Singles Chart top 40.<ref name="AUS charts">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Other bands in which he played were Mystery Band (1980–82), Fandango (1981), Honeymoon, Young Lions (both in 1984), Black Cat Moan (1982–90), the Puppy Bashers (1981) (the band were animal lovers and this poor taste joke rightly raised the ire of the RSPCA), the Temple Gods (1992–93) and, very briefly, the Choirboys (1996).<ref name="rockbook" /><ref name="Holmgren tC">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

He lived in Melbourne and was active in the band Raw Brit playing covers from the 1960s and 1970s, originally made famous by English rock bands, Cream, Free, Deep Purple and Slade. He is also a coach for professional bands and helps mature amateurs as part of the Weekend Warriors program.<ref>Herald Sun, 22 September 2006, "Fretting over middle age" by Holly Ife</ref> He continues to coach bands, and welcomes those who would like professional and experienced guidance.

In August 2013, Spencer revealed on his Facebook page that he had been diagnosed with cancer, but confirmed that it was not life-threatening. He continues life with one very healthy kidney.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Bob Spencer was a guitarist in the hard rock band, Rose Tattoo, with which he has absolutely no political allegiance, from 2017 until he retired from the band in September 2022 for personal and political reasons, after a final European tour<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Bob's time is now mostly occupied with teaching, coaching and writing music, mostly evocative and instrumental, but also something which might be considered in the vein of dark blues and heavy funk.

In June 2025, Bob was featured in a video with the Filthy Aninals<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> performing a Status Quo song.

External links

• Website
• Bob Spencer Fan Group - Facebook