Alan Robert has spent over three decades as the bassist and primary songwriter for the iconic hard rock band Life of Agony, but his creativity stretches far beyond music. Known for their powerful sound and emotional depth, Life of Agony’s debut album, River Runs Red, earned a place in Rolling Stone’s list of “One of the Greatest Metal Albums of All Time” (and I still consider it one of the best debuts). The band, which recently released the single “The Crow (In Memory of B.L.),” a tribute to The Crow’s Brandon Lee, continues to evolve and push the boundaries of rock music.
In this conversation, Alan shares some fascinating stories from his life, both on stage and off. As the band navigated the highs and lows of touring the world and building a dedicated fanbase, Alan developed a deep passion for the bass. His playing, influenced by bands like Metallica and Pink Floyd, has always been about more than just technique. Alan describes his approach to bass as serving the song, making sure it resonates emotionally with the listener.
Reflecting on the early days of Life of Agony, Alan talked about the excitement — and challenges — of being a young band on the road. The rough living conditions, the thrill of performing live, and the bond shared among bandmates all contributed to their unique chemistry. This chemistry helped the band create music that continues to connect deeply with fans, even decades later.
River Runs Red remains a fan favorite, and the band’s 2019 release The Sound of Scars (their sixth release!) received critical praise, reminding everyone that Life of Agony still has plenty to say.
But Alan’s creativity doesn’t stop with music. Outside of the band, he’s built a thriving career as a comic book artist and writer (and the man behind he Bettlejuice and Universal Monsters coloring books!). Alan’s work in comics has gained widespread acclaim. He reflected on the challenges of breaking into the comics industry as a musician, but his love for horror — fueled by classic films and a passion for storytelling — drove him to push forward. Balancing both careers hasn’t been easy, but Alan seems to thrive in that juggling act. He credits his ability to switch between music and art with keeping him creatively energized. He also hinted at some exciting new projects in the works, including potential adaptations of his comics into films and television shows.
For fans of both Life of Agony and Alan’s comic work, it’s clear that his drive to create is unstoppable. Whether on stage or at the drawing board, Alan Robert continues to inspire with his relentless passion for both music and art.
Enjoy this inspiring conversation… stream here: https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2024/10/05/groove-episode-118-alan-robert/
