Robin Trower will release his new studio album, Shine, on 25 September 2026 through Provogue / Artone Label Group, continuing a remarkably prolific period for the veteran British guitarist.
The announcement arrives alongside new single ‘Live Your Time’, a track built around a soul-funk guitar riff that Trower ranks among his finest recent ideas.
Now 81, Trower remains firmly focused on new music rather than looking back. His career stretches from the clubs of 1960s London and his years with Procol Harum through to the landmark Bridge Of Sighs in 1974 and an extensive solo catalogue that has continued well into the 21st century.
“I think you’ve either got to keep pushing or give up,” he says of his continuing creative drive.
That attitude sits at the heart of Shine. The album was recorded initially at Studio 91 in Newbury before work moved to engineer Sam Winfield’s facility, The Pines. Trower produced the record himself and once again handled both guitar and bass, joined by drummer Chris Taggart and long-standing vocalist Richard Watts.
Despite drawing inspiration from uncertain times, Trower says he had no interest in making an entirely dark record.
“I agree with people that it’s a very dark time. But I don’t want to make gloomy music. I think that most of these songs are positive.”
‘Live Your Time’ sets the tone
First single ‘Live Your Time’ gives an early indication of that balance, pairing a powerful guitar sound with a message about making the most of life.
“The opening riff of ‘Live Your Time’ is one of the best things I’ve ever come up with,” says Trower.
The guitarist recorded at serious volume through his Marshall setup, an approach that remains central to achieving the tone he wants in the studio.
“That’s another song where I’m saying, ‘Calm down, it’s all going to work out. Just get the most out of your life.’”
The track also highlights the relationship between Trower and vocalist Richard Watts, for whom much of the guitarist’s recent material has been written.
“The strength of his vocals, the beauty of his vocal tone, he’s so musical,” says Trower. “I usually write with Richard in mind. I can hear it all in my head.”
Robin Trower keeps moving forward
Shine follows 2025 album Come And Find Me and adds another chapter to a catalogue now approaching 30 releases, alongside collaborations with artists including Jack Bruce, Bryan Ferry and Maxi Priest.
The pace of Trower’s later career has been striking, with eight studio albums released across the past decade.
Rather than slowing down, he still approaches songwriting by picking up his Stratocaster and searching for the musical idea that can develop into another song.
“I think, over the past few years, I have set quite a high standard,” he says. “Now I’m determined to keep that going. To still have the energy to work, that is a real blessing.”
For Trower, that steady flow of ideas remains the driving force.
“Really, if I have a gift, it’s probably that I come up with ideas. Ideas for songs, ideas for lead work. Certainly, that’s what keeps me going.”
Robin Trower UK tour
Before the album arrives, Trower will return to the road for a UK tour beginning at The Fire Station in Sunderland on 31 August.
The run will also visit Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh, Manchester Academy 2 and Cambridge Junction before finishing at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in September.
British guitarist Jack J. Hutchinson will open the shows.
The supplied press release does not give the exact date of the final London concert, so I have not added one.
‘Shine’ track listing
- The Missing Piece
- Shine
- Love By Any Other Name
- Live Your Time
- Faith
- Driving Through
- Truth
- The Race
- Without You
- It’s Not Time
Shine will be released on 25 September 2026 through Provogue / Artone Label Group. ‘Live Your Time’ is available now.
