Robert France was an English drummer, record producer, arranger, journalist, music educator, and broadcaster.
19 Facts About Robbie France
1.
2.
Robbie France was born in Sheffield, and emigrated to Australia in March 1972.
3.
Robbie France studied at the National Academy of Rudimentary Drummers of Australia until 1974, under tutor Harry Lebler.
4.
Robbie France worked with Stevie Wright of the Easybeats, Marty Rhone and Tim Gaze.
5.
Robbie France has over 1,000 television, radio, and advertising credits, including eight documentaries and four film scores, including Band on the Run.
6.
Robbie France left Australia in 1982 to return to England, where he joined Diamond Head the following year.
7.
Robbie France had started writing for magazines in Australia, at the age of fifteen.
8.
Robbie France then joined Anxious Records' band, Pleasure, touring as support act to the Eurythmics.
9.
In 1991, after working with Simon Ellis and others, on the set pieces for his drum clinics, Robbie France returned to Australia to form a solo jazz project, The Gab.
10.
Robbie France co-wrote the hit track "Weak", which has since been covered by Rod Stewart.
11.
Robbie France recorded the B-side, "Army of Me", with Bjork.
12.
Robbie France left Skunk Anansie in 1995, joining the German group Alphaville the next day.
13.
Robbie France toured and recorded with Alphaville until an accident in which he severed his Achilles tendon.
14.
Robbie France lived in Poland for over two years, hosting his own radio programme, and appearing on various television shows.
15.
Robbie France was running Pulpo Negro Records, Pulpo Negro Publishing, Pulpo Negro Studios, GCBC Productions, with his partner, Tim Oldfield up until 2004.
16.
Robbie France produced the Spanish bands Second, Renochild, and Blue Aliens Temple, as well as Screw Coco.
17.
Robbie France produced, wrote, and arranged for London-based artist Keke.
18.
Robbie France's most recent preoccupation was a return to radio broadcasting for both Real Radio 95.6 FM in Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca and One Radio Spain on the Costa Calida, providing simulcasts between the two Costas.
19.
Robbie France died on 14 January 2012 in Spain after reportedly suffering a ruptured aorta.