A Former Friend

A Former Friend’s sound was born in Arizona and raised in Kentucky. He has toured extensively all over the world with regular stops at venues and festivals throughout the lower 48 states. Outside of the U.S. A Former Friend has played in Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, China, Australia, and New Zealand. He uses a modern take on the grand tradition of American songwriting to create dialogue and explore truth through storytelling. His extensive catalog of original music challenges genre boundaries while providing thoughtful commentary on current affairs and speaking to the new sensibilities of the modern age.Robert Tobias moved to New England from the Nashville area in late 2018 when his partner and long-time collaborator, writer Amanda J. Crawford ("Sweet Jane"), accepted a professorship at the University of Connecticut. After years of touring internationally in the band Former Friends of Young Americans, Tobias launched A Former Friend, the solo act he had long been cultivating. He was about to hit the road for a multi-week East Coast tour in spring/summer of 2020 when the pandemic scuttled his plans. Venues were forced to close, travel shut down, and the reality of a global pandemic set in. Never in his adult life had the consummate troubadour gone even a few weeks without performing live. He turned his focus to recording his expansive catalogue of songs in his home studio and writing new music that speaks to the modern zeitgeist.One year later, the culmination of his efforts is being presented in live form with the addition of Multi-instrumentalist and collaborator Steve Benson. Steve is a true musical chameleon bridging atmospheres with precision playing. He has years of experience playing in recording studios, festivals, theaters, clubs, bars, house concerts, radio and TV showcases, concert series, and much more. He has provided direct support for Billy Gibbons (of ZZ Top), The Spin Doctors, Gin Blossoms, Little Feat, and The Revivalists. Pedal and Lap Steel Dobro, mandolins, keyboards, sitar and much more.A Former Friend’s debut vinyl release includes his self-titled debut ep "Just A Former Friend" on side A and 2021's "This Television Will NOT Be Revolutionized" on side B. All of his recordings are available for free streaming on his website. His music can also be found on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, and other major services.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Porch Southern Fare & Juke Joint, 175 Rivers Edge Drive, Medford, United States