Rob Dean
| Rob Dean | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Robert Dean |
| Born | 23 April 1955 |
| Origin | Clapton, Hackney, England |
| Genres | Glam rock, art rock, new wave, synthpop |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, ornithologist |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1975–present |
| Associated acts | Chanchos de Monte Japan Mick Karn Richard Barbieri Steve Jansen Vivabeat Illustrated Man |
| Notable instruments | |
|
Gibson Firebird Music Man guitar |
|
Rob Dean (born 23 April 1955) is a British musician turned professional illustrator, who rose to prominence playing guitar as a member of the British new wave band Japan.
He is from the Clapton district of Hackney, northeast London, England.
Dean joined Japan in 1975 at the age of 20. The band began as an alternative glam rock-style band and became a popular new wave sensation in the early 1980s. Dean left the band in May 1981 following their 'Art of Parties' tour, as his guitar work had become increasingly surplus to requirements as they developed a more electronic sound.
He had previously played on their albums Adolescent Sex (1978), Obscure Alternatives (1978) and Quiet Life (1979). Dean's instruments of choice were a RD artist and a Gibson SG. His last studio contributions were on the Gentlemen Take Polaroids album, released in November 1980. Dean left the band just prior to them achieving mainstream success, which lasted until they finally disbanded in December 1982.
After leaving Japan he worked on some initial ideas for a solo album with keyboardist and composer Roger Mason (keyboard player for Gary Numan amongst others). He also played on Gary Numan's Dance album (1981) as well as Sinéad O'Connor's first album The Lion and the Cobra in 1987 (on which he co-wrote one of the songs). Dean continued to work on projects with Steve Jansen, Richard Barbieri and Mick Karn such as a 1995 compilation album and a number of other works on their Medium Productions label.
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