I knew Robbie when he lived in Brisbane, Australia, back in the very early eighties. He was probably the best drummer in town at the time, and I studied with him briefly. He was then known as Robbie France- Shaw. He was certainly a talent on the drums. We were a similar age, but he was light years ahead of me technically.

I caught up with him again in Sydney when he returned from England, around 1991. I think it was a Tony Buck performance. He said he was back to stay, but before long he had disappeared again, back to the UK. I always thought that Australia didn't offer him the opportunities he was seeking. I was probably right. That was the last time I saw him.

All the best to his friends and family.

Jon Ferguson