By the mid-1980s, rock was splitting into two distinct worlds. In the U.S., glam metal was king—big hair, big hooks, and bigger egos dominated MTV. Across the Atlantic, hard rock and heavy metal still had a grittier, more technical edge, with bands doubling down on musicianship and melody. Somewhere in between stood Robin McAuley, a powerhouse vocalist who had the talent to thrive in both scenes.
From his early days with Grand Prix to Far Corporation’s unexpected hit with Stairway to Heaven, McAuley’s career has been a journey of reinvention. He broke into the U.S. with MSG, weathered the ‘90s industry downturn, and stepped away from the spotlight. But he didn’t just return—he redefined himself, proving his best work was still ahead.
Soulbound, his most recent solo album, is a testament to that journey. Initially, McAuley wasn’t even sure he wanted to record another solo record, but as he worked through the songs, he found himself pushing his sound further. Soulbound leans into a heavier, more emotionally charged style, blending soaring melodies with a darker, more symphonic edge. Unlike a nostalgia-driven record, this album reflects an artist evolving, proving that his best work is happening now, not decades ago.
Early Years and European Success
Grand Prix, his early ‘80s band, had carved out a space in the UK’s melodic hard rock scene, but McAuley’s voice was too big to stay boxed in. Enter Far Corporation, the unexpected supergroup that turned heads with their bombastic, arena-sized take on Stairway to Heaven—a move that pissed off a few purists but shot the band into the UK Top 10.
“We had no idea how big it would get. One day, we were recording our take on ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ and the next, it was a charting single. Suddenly, people were recognizing my voice from the radio.”
While the single made waves, McAuley was destined for something bigger. Michael Schenker was looking for a singer to help MSG finally crack America, and McAuley was the missing piece. His arrival in 1987 kicked off a new era for the band—one aimed squarely at breaking into the U.S. mainstream.
Breaking America with MSG
For fans who first heard McAuley’s voice on Perfect Timing (1987), his mix of grit and melody became the band’s calling card. But breaking into America was no easy feat. Schenker had already built a legacy with UFO and Scorpions, but mainstream success in the U.S. remained elusive. McAuley’s polished yet powerful vocals provided the final ingredient needed for radio-friendly anthems.
“I got a huge amount of criticism. The hardcore Michael Schenker fans were like, ‘What the hell has this guy done to Schenker?’ But then there’s the other side that says, ‘This is the best it’s ever been.’ You can’t win for losing.”
Their bet paid off. Anytime became MSG’s biggest U.S. hit, and suddenly, they were sharing stages with arena giants. But with success came criticism. Some longtime MSG fans weren’t thrilled with the slicker, radio-friendly sound.
Stepping Back: Graphic Design and Session Work
Even after MSG’s run, McAuley never truly left music. However, by the mid-to-late ‘90s, he made a significant career pivot. With the rise of grunge and alternative rock pushing classic hard rock off the charts, McAuley stepped away from full-time touring. At the same time, his personal life was shifting—he and his wife welcomed twin boys in 1999, and missing key moments while on the road convinced him to prioritize family.
Looking for stability, he explored a new creative path, enrolling in college to study graphic arts. His knack for design soon led to opportunities in production, and he took a job with Sebastian Hair Products as a graphic production artist, a role he unexpectedly held for 16 years.
Despite stepping away from the touring life, McAuley remained connected to music, recording numerous tribute albums and session projects. This allowed him to keep his vocal skills sharp while staying home with his young family. Though he had temporarily left the stage, his passion for music never faded, setting the stage for his eventual return.
But the real turning point came when he joined Schenker Fest, a tour celebrating the various vocalists from Michael Schenker’s career. Stepping onto that stage in front of a massive festival crowd, McAuley had an epiphany.
“I just had so much fun with the big live audience and the festivals. And I went, ‘Ah, this is where I belong.’ And that was just the turning point for me.”
That moment reignited his passion for performing, pushing him back into full-time music.
The Creative Resurgence of Robin McAuley
By 2019, McAuley was ready to step back into the creative arena. Initially skeptical about joining another supergroup, McAuley soon realized that Black Swan—featuring Reb Beach, Jeff Pilson, and Matt Starr—was something different. The chemistry was real, the songwriting clicked, and suddenly, he was fronting one of the most exciting hard rock bands of the last decade.
Beyond Black Swan, McAuley has been relentless, dropping three solo albums in four years. With Soulbound, he’s not just revisiting the past—he’s pushing into heavier, more urgent territory while keeping his signature melodic sensibility intact. Unlike some of his ‘80s contemporaries who settle for nostalgia tours, McAuley is proving that he’s still got something to say.
A Voice That Won’t Quit
It’s no secret that age isn’t kind to rock vocalists. Plenty of ‘80s frontmen are limping through their old setlists, dodging high notes and letting the crowd fill in the blanks. McAuley? He’s defying the odds. At 72, he’s still delivering the goods, a feat he credits to discipline.
“The road is not kind to singers. Bus air is not good. Sleeping in bunks overnight? Not good. I carry a vocal mist. I drink gallons of water. I don’t drink alcohol when I’m working.”
That dedication has kept him in fighting shape, whether he’s tearing through Black Swan’s heavier tracks or revisiting the MSG catalog with the same fire he had in the ‘80s.
With Black Swan’s third album and more solo material in the works, McAuley isn’t interested in coasting. His commitment to pushing forward is evident in Soulbound, which showcases his ability to evolve while delivering some of his most dynamic vocal performances yet.
Some voices fade. Some legacies shrink. But McAuley? He’s proving that, with the right fire and discipline, some legends only get louder with time.
To hear more about Robin McAuley’s journey, insights on his career, and his latest projects, check out the full conversation in the Dig Me Out podcast.
Songs in this Episode
Intro - Gimme Your Love
9:51 - Love Is Not a Game
1:05:27 - Soulbound (from Robin's new album)
Outro - Anytime
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