Bobby Tench
Robert Tench (21 September 1944 – 19 February 2024) was a British vocalist, guitarist, sideman, songwriter and arranger.
Bobby Tench | |
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Tench performing in 2009 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Robert Tench |
| Also known as | Bob Tench, Bobby Gass |
| Born | 21 September 1944 |
| Origin | London, England |
| Died | 19 February 2024 (aged 79) |
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| Years active | 1960s–2024 |
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Tench was best known for his work with Freddie King and Van Morrison, as well as being a member of The Jeff Beck Group, Humble Pie, Streetwalkers and Van Morrison band. He was also a founder member of Hummingbird and Gass.
At the start of his career he performed and recorded with The Gass and also appeared with Gonzalez, before joining the Jeff Beck Group. He recorded with Ginger Baker before touring with Beck, Bogert & Appice as vocalist and recording sessions with Linda Lewis. Associations with Wailer Junior Marvin and blues guitarist Freddie King followed.
Tench signed to A&M Records and formed Hummingbird, later joining Roger Chapman and Charlie Whitney in Streetwalkers. During this period he had brief associations with Boxer and Widowmaker, recording album tracks with each before working with Van Morrison. When his commitments with Morrison came to an end he moved on to work and record with Eric Burdon also Axis Point, before Steve Marriott included him as an official band member in a new lineup of Humble Pie. Tench continued to make live appearances until his death in February 2024, at the age of 79.