ROB COLLINS - 5 May 2011

Rob Collins completed against 700 other applicants, won the hearts of the guest panel and audience, and emerged as the winner in the Sky Television Show hosted by Garry Bushell.

Rob got his first break in the music industry when he competed against 700 other applicants responding to an advertisement in The Sun newspaper, to appear on a Sky Television Show hosted by Garry Bushell in 1996. He won the show by an overwhelming audience majority vote. The guest panel on the show consisted of Malandra Burrows (Emmerdale), comedian and presenter Bob Mills and former manager of The Pet Shop Boys, East 17 and Bros, Tom Watkins. They raved about his performance, Malandra Burrows “Fabulous choice of song, you’ve sent shivers down my spine. I’ve fallen in love...” Bob Mills “He stepped on the stage and it was like watching a young Elvis! You’re in there son!” Tom Watkins “I think he has one of the finest voices I’ve heard in a long time.” The show led to work at Comfort's Place Studios with famous producer/songwriter Andy Hill (Co-writer of Think Twice by Celine Dion, Heart of Stone by Cher.

In April of 1997 Garry Bushell named Rob as his “Tip For The Top” in his column in The Sun national newspaper. In December of 1997, Rob began working with Josh Phillips (keyboards/Programming for Allisha’s Attic, Big Country, Midge Ure, Leo Sayer) and Mark Brzezicki (Drummer/Writer for Big Country, The Cult, Phill Collins, Prince’s Trust Concerts). Along with Tim Renwick (Guitarist for Pink Floyd and Mike and the Mechanics) they recorded three original tracks at Blaze Music studios, London WC1 In 2000 rob started to work with Ben Copeland (many credits including tracks on Aaron Carter’s US smash album and a runner up entry in the 2002 Euro Song Contest.) This gave Rob the chance to ‘demo’ songs for record companies and has produced three new tracks (one a duet), including one used as a demo for S Club 7. Then, in Summer 2002, it was the US citizens turn to see what rob had to offer, when he performed for the second time at Graceland Crossing, opposite Elvis Presley's home, 'Graceland' in Memphis, TN, USA.

Event Title:     Swing Jazz Thursday

Date:               Every First Thursday of the Month on 7 April, 5 May & 2 June 2011

Time:               730pm -10pm

Venue:             Central Fountain Square, Clarke Quay