Robert Taylor attended Central Hawke’s Bay College from 1965 to 1969. Born in Waipukurau, where his father worked in the Peter Pan Icecream factory. Robert began his journey into music aged 11 when he began guitar lessons which continued at college when he joined the school folk band. Robert was to continue his music career through numerous bands and solo efforts and continues today through his teaching of guitar in Australia.

Robert won a scholarship to Victoria University in Wellington and majored in English. However, he continued to explore his love of music and while still at university he began performing on campus and in local bars. He joined a band called Mammal with friends from university, they recorded one of Roberts songs “Wait”, and recorded an LP of Sam Hunt Poetry.

In 1974 he joined, what was to be, the iconic New Zealand band Dragon as lead guitarist and contributed several songs including a release of a song called “Education”. Dragon toured New Zealand and in 1975 Dragon moved to Australia. During his time with Dragon the band released five albums, each containing compositions from Robert. Each LP (Long Play Record) went Gold with over 500,000 in sales or Platinum with over a million in sales.  At this time the classic Dragon line-up produced a string of hits including “April Sun in Cuba”, “Are You Old Enough” and “Rain”.

The final album Robert worked on was “Body and the Beat” which went Gold in the first week it was released. In 1985 Robert left the band and continued to work with other bands in Sydney, including his own band “The Diving Ducks”. He has since taught guitar to hundreds of students including Gin Wigmore.

Robert was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2008 and the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame in 2011 as a member of Dragon. Roberts contribution to music in New Zealand and Australia has left an indelible mark for others to follow.

Article added: Wednesday 12 November 2025