Robert McComb | |
---|---|
Birth name | Robert Harold McComb |
Born | Perth, Western Australia, Australia |
Genres | Rock, alternative rock, folk rock, country |
Occupation(s) | Musician, teacher |
Instrument(s) | Violins, guitar, keyboards, percussion, vocals |
Years active | 1979–1989 |
Robert Harold McComb is an Australian musician who played guitar, violin,[1] organ, and other instruments with Perth-based rock group The Triffids,[2] from 1979 to 1989.[3] He is the older brother of the band's founder and lead singer-songwriter, David McComb (1962–1999). Both were also members of Lawson Square Infirmary and The Red Ponies.
Subsequently, McComb was a teacher[3] of geography in Melbourne. On 1 July 2008 The Triffids, with McComb and other surviving members, were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.[3]
Robert Harold McComb was born in Perth, Western Australia as one of four sons. His parents were both doctors, his father, Dr. Harold Keith McComb (born 1924, Brisbane),[4] being a plastic surgeon[5][6] and his mother, Dr. Kathleen Athel Hockey (AO) (1923–2011), a medical geneticist.[6][7][8] Harold was the only son of A. R. McComb of Montreal, Canada and Athel was the youngest daughter of P. R. Hockey of Toorak, Victoria.[9] In 1947 both completed their medical degrees at University of Melbourne and were engaged in July.[6] In 1955 the McCombs moved to Perth,[4] and raised their family in a historical residence, The Cliffe in McNeil Street, Peppermint Grove.[10] All four boys attended Christ Church Grammar School in Claremont. The eldest son, Peter McComb, is also a doctor – in obstetrics and gynaecology – and an associate professor in Vancouver.[4]
In 1979 McComb joined his youngest brother, David Richard McComb in the rock band The Triffids, initially as a guitarist, replacing founder Phil Kakulas.[11][12][13] Aside from guitar, McComb also provided violin, keyboards, percussion and backing vocals for The Triffids from 1979 to their disbandment in 1989.[11][14] From 1990-1991, McComb toured internationally and recorded as a guest guitarist/violinist for Tall Tales and True. In June 1993, three former members of The Triffids: McComb, David and Graham Lee; as well as Charlie Owen and Chris Wilson guested on Acuff's Rose's debut studio album, Never Comin' Down.[15] On 2 February 1999 David McComb died.[11] From 2006, The Triffids, with McComb, have reformed for various performances with different guest lead vocalists. On 1 July 2008 The Triffids, with McComb and other surviving members, were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.[16]
Outside his music career, McComb has been a secondary school teacher of geography in Melbourne and has written advice for Victorian Certificate of Education students.[3][17] In October 2009, McComb was a guest panellist on Australian Broadcasting Corporation TV pop music quiz show, Spicks and Specks.[18]