Too Rolling Stones

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the psychedelic blues-rock classic "Too Rolling Stoned" from Robin Trower's iconic 1974 album Bridge of Sighs. This track is a fan favorite, and its creation has some cool stories behind it. In a 2024 interview tied to the album’s 50th anniversary, Trower shared that the song’s infectious riff was born from his signature Fender Stratocaster and Marshall amp setup, with a blast of wah-wah guitar setting its bold tone. He told Guitar World that the song’s vibe came from a desire to capture a raw, unfiltered rock 'n' roll energy, reflecting the era’s free-spirited attitude. The track’s galloping bass intro, laid down by the soulful James Dewar, was a spontaneous studio moment that Trower said "just clicked" during recording at AIR Studios in London. Fun fact: "Too Rolling Stoned" has been covered by artists like Drivin N Cryin with Warren Haynes in 1995 and UFO in 2017, proving its timeless appeal. Fans on Trower’s Facebook page often rave about the song’s live performances, with one post from a 2024 UK tour calling it "a mind-blowing jam that never gets old."

Another tidbit comes from the album’s producer, Matthew Fisher, who revealed in a 2024 interview for the Bridge of Sighs 50th Anniversary Edition that "Too Rolling Stoned" was one of the fastest tracks to come together in the studio, recorded in just a couple of takes. The song’s lyrics, penned by Trower, hint at a wild, hedonistic lifestyle, which some fans on Trower’s X account speculate were inspired by the rock scene of the early '70s. A post on X from @AlbumOTDay in April 2025 highlighted the track as a standout, sparking replies from fans sharing memories of blasting it on vinyl. The song’s extended guitar solos, showcasing Trower’s Hendrix-inspired style, were a deliberate nod to his love for improvisation, as he mentioned in a 2016 Guitar World interview, where he said he wanted the song to feel like "a journey that keeps unfolding."

Now, let’s rewind to how Robin Trower got his start. Born on March 9, 1945, in Catford, London, Trower grew up in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, where music was his escape. By age 17, he formed his first band, The Paramounts, in 1962, alongside Gary Brooker, who later became a key figure in Procol Harum. The Paramounts played rhythm and blues, gigging in local clubs and covering artists like James Brown, whom Trower has called his "big hero" for blending blues with rock. After The Paramounts disbanded in 1966, Trower briefly formed a trio called The Jam (not the Paul Weller band) before joining Procol Harum in 1967, just as their hit "A Whiter Shade of Pale" took off. His five years with the band, contributing to their first five albums, honed his guitar skills and songwriting, but he felt creatively constrained. In 1971, he left to pursue his own vision, briefly forming the short-lived Jude with Frankie Miller, James Dewar, and Clive Bunker before launching the Robin Trower Band in 1973 with Dewar on bass and vocals and Reg Isidore on drums.

Trower’s big break came with Bridge of Sighs, which hit the U.S. Top 10 and went gold, cementing his status as a guitar legend. His style, often compared to Jimi Hendrix, blends blues, rock, and psychedelia, with a distinctive tone from his detuned Stratocaster (he uses heavy-gauge strings and tunes down to DGCFAD live). You can keep up with Trower’s latest news on his official website, where he recently announced a new single, "A Little Bit of Freedom," from his 2025 album Come And Find Me. Follow him on Facebook, where he has over 297,000 fans, or Instagram for tour photos and updates. His X account is active with posts about his 2025 UK and U.S. tours, including a June show in Atlantic City. Fans also gather at sites like Trower’s Fan Trivia Page, which collects stories and rare photos, and the Robin Trower Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can join over 2,000 members sharing concert memories and vinyl finds.