Robert Wagner

Robert Wagner is one of those Austin lifers who has earned his stripes the old-fashioned way—gig by gig, song by song and late night by late night. Born near Detroit and raised in Texas, he started playing clubs in San Antonio before moving to Austin in 1995 to chase music full-time.

He also comes from serious rock-and-roll bloodlines. His father, legendary guitarist and songwriter Dick Wagner, worked with artists including Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Meat Loaf, Rod Stewart and Kiss. Robert grew up around that world, but built his own lane through years of road work, songwriting and relentless live performance.

His sound moves between melodic rock, Americana, acoustic pop and classic singer-songwriter territory, with a strong ear for hooks and the relaxed confidence of someone who has played thousands of shows. Since joining Austin party-rock institution SUEDE in 2006, Wagner has performed across the country and beyond, including Radio City Music Hall.

His solo sets strip things back to voice, guitar and a deep songbook. Wagner is polished without feeling slick, seasoned without sounding tired and still clearly addicted to the charge of a live room.