Roads to Freedom

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your groovy Zoo Crew spinning the wax at THE ZOO, and we’re diving deep into the soulful vibes of "Roads to Freedom" from Robin Trower’s 1980 album Victims of the Fury. This track is a slow-burning, bluesy gem that showcases Trower’s signature wah-soaked guitar weaving around James Dewar’s heart-wrenching vocals. One juicy tidbit about this song is its collaboration with Trower’s former Procol Harum bandmate, lyricist Keith Reid, marking their first joint effort in nine years. Reid’s poetic lyrics paint a vivid picture of loss and longing, with lines like “A gypsy sings, of birds with broken wings,” evoking a sense of stolen paradise. Fans on Facebook groups dedicated to Trower often rave about how this track’s spacious arrangement gives Dewar’s vocal depth and Trower’s rolling solos room to breathe, making it a standout on the album. Legend has it, according to a fan post on X, that Trower recorded this at Air Studios in London with Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick, whose production let the song’s raw emotion shine through.

Now, let’s talk about how Robin Trower got his start, Zoo Freaks. Born on March 9, 1945, in Catford, London, Trower grew up in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, where his love for music took root. By 1962, at just 17, he formed a band called the Paramounts with schoolmate Gary Brooker, laying down R&B and blues covers that got the local scene buzzing. The Paramounts split in 1966, and Trower briefly fronted a three-piece called the Jam—not to be confused with Paul Weller’s later outfit. His big break came in 1967 when he joined Procol Harum, fresh off their hit “A Whiter Shade of Pale.” Trower’s guitar work graced their first five albums, but by 1971, he was itching to forge his own path. After a short stint with the band Jude alongside Frankie Miller and James Dewar, Trower launched the Robin Trower Band in 1973 with Dewar on vocals and bass, and drummer Reg Isidore. Their debut, Twice Removed from Yesterday, drew comparisons to Jimi Hendrix for its fiery, blues-drenched sound, and by 1974, Bridge of Sighs cemented Trower as a guitar god in his own right.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to keep up with Robin Trower, check out his official website at robintrower.com for tour dates, new releases like the 50th Anniversary Edition of For Earth Below, and more. He’s active on socials, so follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and behind-the-scenes goodies. Fans are keeping the love alive too—join the Robin Trower Fans group on Facebook or visit fan-driven sites like The Grooveman’s Collection for album reviews and vinyl nerd talk. There’s even a fan account on X sharing rare clips and tour memories. So, crank up “Roads to Freedom,” vibe with us at THE ZOO, and keep rockin’ with Trower’s timeless sound!