Andrew Steven Bown, a virtuosic English musician, burst onto the scene on March 27, 1946, bringing with him a lifetime of dedication to his craft, with a particular emphasis on masterfully handling the intricacies of the keyboards and bass guitar. As a stalwart member of the revered rock band Status Quo, Bown has cemented his status as a true legend of the music world.
Born on March 27, 1946
Bown's remarkable musical odyssey commenced with his initial foray into the music scene, as a member of the esteemed group, The Herd, alongside the renowned Peter Frampton. Following the disbandment of The Herd, Bown embarked on a two-year stint with Judas Jump, a talented ensemble that had the distinction of opening for the prestigious Isle of Wight Festival in 1970.
As his musical journey continued to unfold, Bown then had the privilege of lending his keyboard prowess to Frampton's band during the 1970s. However, his versatility as a musician soon led him to briefly assume the role of bassist when Rick Wills departed the Peter Frampton band in 1975.
Bown's tenure with the renowned musician Peter Frampton was fleeting, and he eventually returned to his native England, where he embarked on a solo artistic journey, releasing a pair of solo albums through Bill Gaff's esteemed GM label and also in the United States via Mercury Records.
Francis Rossi, a renowned musician, has made significant contributions to the legendary British rock band Status Quo, whose discography boasts an impressive array of iconic albums, with his presence being a constant factor since the release of "Rockin' All Over the World" in 1977. As an official member of the band since 1982, Rossi has maintained a steadfast commitment to his role, solidifying his position as a core and integral part of the group's enduring legacy.
Notable solo artist, Bown, embarked on a successful music career in the 1970s, releasing a plethora of singles that, although did not chart, showcased his remarkable talent.
Among his extensive discography, two singles stand out as particularly notable: "New York Satyricon Zany" and "Another Shipwreck", both released in the 1970s.
However, it is his iconic theme tune to the beloved children's series "Ace of Wands", "Tarot", that truly cemented his status as a masterful musician.
Furthermore, Bown has released an impressive five solo albums, with his most recent endeavor, "Unfinished Business", making its debut in 2011, solidifying his enduring presence in the music industry.
The album, meticulously crafted by renowned producer Mike Paxman and expertly recorded by Chris West, boasts a diverse array of musical talents, with Henry Spinetti, Mick Rogers, Trevor Bolder, Brad Lang, Juliet Roberts, and Sylvia Mason-James all lending their unique skills to the project.
This impressive collective of musicians came together at State of the Ark Studios, a renowned recording facility located in the picturesque town of Richmond, Surrey, in the year 2010.
Bown's remarkable professional trajectory is marked by a series of notable achievements that transcend his illustrious tenure with the iconic British rock band Status Quo. Notably, he held the position of bass player within the "Surrogate Band" during Pink Floyd's highly acclaimed "The Wall" tour, which took place from 1980 to 1981. As a result, his distinctive bass lines can be heard on the live album "Is There Anybody Out There? The Wall Live 1980–81", a testament to his versatility and skill as a musician.
Furthermore, Bown's contributions to Pink Floyd's discography extend beyond his work on "The Wall" tour. He was also involved in the creation of the band's 1983 album "The Final Cut", a significant milestone in Pink Floyd's storied career. Additionally, he lent his talents to the final album released by the British folk rock band Jack the Lad, "Jackpot", in 1976, a collaboration that showcases his ability to adapt to a wide range of musical styles.
Throughout his career, Bown has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for creative collaboration, and his work with these influential bands is a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to his craft.
Notably, Bown's multifaceted musical talents were showcased during the creation of Roger Waters' solo album "The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking" in 1984, where he skillfully handled the duties of playing both Hammond organ and 12-string guitar.
Despite not being part of Waters' subsequent concert tours, Bown's musical endeavors continued to flourish, as he remained an integral part of the legendary British rock band Status Quo, consistently contributing his expertise on keyboards, guitar, and harmonica.
Throughout his tenure with Status Quo, Bown's creative partnership with the late Rick Parfitt yielded some of the band's most enduring and iconic hits, including the 1979 chart-topping single "Whatever You Want", a testament to his songwriting prowess and enduring impact on the music world.
