Robert Flynn - Lead Vocals, Guitars

Date of birth: July 19, 1967
Born: Oakland, California
Other bands: Forbidden (1985), Vio-lence (1986-1991)

Biography:

The Early Years & Vio-lence
Robb was a key architect of the second wave of Bay Area Thrash. He co-wrote early classics for Forbidden (like "Chalice of Blood") before joining Vio-lence, where he played on the legendary Eternal Nightmare (1988). After a physical altercation with local gang members led to death threats against the band, Robb famously quit Vio-lence to form Machine Head in 1991.

The Machine Head Legacy

The Breakthrough:
He led the band through the 1994 debut Burn My Eyes, which became Roadrunner Records' best-selling debut at the time.

The Renaissance:
After the nu-metal experimentation of the late 90s, Robb steered the band back to prominence with the progressive thrash masterpiece The Blackening (2007), often cited as one of the best metal albums of the 21st century.

The "Evening With" Format
As of 2026, Robb has returned to his preferred touring format: "An Evening With Machine Head." The Concept: No opening bands, just a 3-hour marathon set.

Why He Does It:
Robb has spoken extensively on his No Filter podcast and social media about the "communion" of the live show. He views these long sets as a conversation with the "Head Cases", allowing for deep cuts and improvisational moments that standard 45-minute sets don't allow.

Personal & Trivia
Mental Health Advocate:
Robb is very open about his past struggles with depression, self-harm, and childhood trauma. Songs like "Five" and "Darkness Within" are deeply personal reflections on these themes.

The Podcast:
He hosts the Electric Happy Hour and his own podcast, providing fans with a raw, "behind-the-curtain" look at the music industry.

Producer Extraordinaire:
Robb produces almost all Machine Head records, known for his "perfectionist" approach to vocal layering and guitar tracking.