Friendship with Twilight dreamboat Robert Pattinson has its privileges. Twenty-two-year-old singer-songwriter Bobby Long met the then-struggling actor a while back at the popular London open-mic Up All Night, and the pair quickly became close; since then, the 2008 release of the film soundtrack’s spare, gravelly ballad "Let Me Sign," sung by Pattinson and penned by Long and friend Marcus Foster, has suddenly catapulted Long into a whole new world of Twi-fans and frenzied media attention.
On a visit today to EW’s offices, the lanky, swoopy-haired Brit talked to us about his upcoming American tour dates, and the hazards of ancillary — if still white-hot — fame. "Rob gets it 99 million percent more," Long admits, "but it’s still mad. He and I went to the premiere in London together, and he was just getting molested right and left. For me, it’s clearly not as extreme, but it’s still amazing to watch. And you know," he adds with a laugh, "there was free booze everywhere, so we got quite drunk and I just kept bothering the guy from Superbad, McLovin’. He was very nice about it."
Long — whose stripped-down, acoustic style recalls many of the artists he professes to love, including Elliott Smith, Ryan Adams, and the Felice Brothers, as well as more classic acts like Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan and the Beatles — would prefer to be known strictly for his music, but he admits that a gift horse’s mouth is a tough thing to look into: "Twilight has given me an amazing opportunity, and beggars can’t be choosers. I mean, it’s gotten me to New York for the first time, and I love it here already. Though I have played a few shows where I worry for certain females in the audience. Sometimes they get so shaky, and I’m like, ‘Are you OK? Do you need some water?’"
Stateside fans will get their first chance to see him in person this week in New York, before he travels on to Nashville and Los Angeles for several more showcases and meets with a cadre of eager major-label reps (manager Phil Taylor says nearly every A&R guy in the business has contacted him over the last few weeks, though he has yet to sign with any of them); a longer, multi-city US tour kicks off July 30 in Dallas.
In the meantime, you can stream several songs on his MySpace page ("They’re very homemade," Long admits good-naturedly. "You can even hear traffic sounds from outside my bedroom window on some of them."), or download the popular track "Left to Lie" on iTunes — and tell us, what do you think of Mr. Long? Will you be seeing him on the road this summer, or saving your money for New Moon tickets?
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Comments (1-30) of 32 Add your comment
Bobby Long is great singer/songwriter. I know that we will be seeing much more of him. Best of luck to ya Bobby.
One of the best things about Robert Pattinson’s success is that I am now aware/in love with his friends music. Bobby Long, Marcus Foster, and Sam Bradley are all amazing and I can’t wait for more music.
Bobby’s music is brilliant and I’m glad to see he’s finally being recognized. I have tickets to both Nashville shows next week. Can’t wait!
Bobby’s music is outstanding! I will be attending all 3 shows in LA. The first show is sold out already but there are still tickets available for the other two. April 17 at the Whisky A Go-Go and April 18 at the Hotel Cafe. Grab your friends and get tickets!!!
Bobby is an amazing singer/songwriter. I’ve already got my tickets purchased for this summer’s show. Can’t wait.
I love Bobby!
Thank you so much for featuring him!!
Bobby has a beautiful soul which is clearly showcased thru his music. Great things are ahead for him!
Bobbby is very talented and I really look forward to seeing him perform live in Los Angeles this week and then In Seattle in August!
It’s so nice to see Bobby receiving the coverage he deserves! He’ll step out of the Twilight shadow soon enough, no doubt. I cannot wait to see him in Nashville!!!
I’m so glad to see Bobby get some attention. He truly deserves it as his music is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. I can’t wait to see him this September. I’m sure he’ll have a recording contract in no time. <3
Bobby is one of my favorite current day singer/songwriters! Right on EW for sharing! I will be attending Bobbys Nashville gigs and then the Colorado gigs in August.
Great Interview! I’ts great to see that EW is recognizing the superb talent of Bobby Long. I hope this article gives a chance for old and new fans to get a chance to learn more about Bobby and help take his career to the heights that he deserves. Please go out and see Bobby while on tour this year. I will be attending all 3 L.A. shows April 16 at a sold out Hotel Cafe, April 17 at the Infamous Whisky a go go, ( all ages ) and April 18 and Hotel Cafe.
I hope that others out there join us in welcoming Bobby to the U.S.
I am seeing him Friday, and looking forward to it immensely. I love how self-depracating he is about his whole vicariously-experiencing-through-Rob thing. If only Rob would figure out that we don’t fault him for being a good singer, and a star in Twilight. Can’t wait to see Bobby. His music is beautiful.
Bobby Long is a very talented singer/songwriter/musician! I wish I could see one of his April shows, but I’m going this summer! Thanks for the awesome article! I love his music.
I downloaded “Left to Lie” a few weeks ago and I think it’s an amazing song. I love his voice – and his are the sort of songs that make me excited about music. It’s what I want to hear is what I am trying to say. I am totally going to see him when he comes to Detroit in Aug. Can’t wait!
I really enjoy his music and I will be attending all 3 show in L.A
So happy for Bobby! Wish I could see him, but can’t get to the big city tomorrow…looking forward to hearing good reviews of his gigs. At least I have “Left to Lie” on my iPod to keep the warm-fuzzies happening for me!
(Enjoy the wild ride, Bobby! and I WILL be in NYC for your next tour)
Bobby is great! Twilight is just a springboard for his career. I was indecisive about going to Twi-Con this summer until I heard that he and Marcus Foster were both playing. Can’t wait!!!!
I love him and already plan to catch him in August when he plays a show in Austin!
I’m so glad to see Bobby getting some media exposure. I do wish people would stop constantly talking to him about Robert Pattinson and Twilight, but I’m glad that it’s at least getting people out there to be aware of how talented this guy is. He’s definitely going places!
you are absolutly awesome and i mean
it.
I agree with some of the statements that it sucks that he is associated with Twilight. I’m going to his show in Toronto, and I pray to the guitar gods, that his show is 19+ show… cause there is no way I’m going back to the middle 90’s with concerts of Backstreet Boys and Nsync and millions of screaming girls.
I love his music, it’s soulful and his lyrics are passionate. I wish Bobby all the best in the upcoming future, because this boy has serious talent!!
As much as it is kind of annoying to have him always be attached to Twilight and Pattinson, it is a connection that brought him some great exposure. Alot of people (including myself) probably never would have stumbled upon his music otherwise! Wish I could get to a concert, but the closet one is 6 hours away…and I will be 9 months pregnant…not a great combo. I’ll have to make due with my one itunes download for now
Of course it sometimes is annoying that he got his break from Twilight, because let’s face it, “teenage female fans” has a negative connotation to most ears – it hurts me to say- because I am one. However, I am also very thankful, because otherwise I probably would never have had the chance and pleasure to hear his fabulous music. Seriously, his music is like music for my soul, and I am so very thankful that he is now getting the attention that he deserves. While i wish him enormous success and all the best, I hope things won’t get TOO crazy for him. He doesn’t strike me as one for the insane spotlight.
I cannot wait to get to see his show in Montréal this September.
xx
I travelled to NY to see Bobby perform this past week and it was a better experience than i could have imagined. His voice live on stage is incomparable and he is also very charming and sweet. I can’t wait to see his career take off in a major way.
A measure of the man is his friends – Rob seems to have some really nice, decent friends – Bobby Long for one – and they all seem to be similar in personality – I am glad that his friends are sharing in some of his succes. I for one would love to hear a Rob CD or Rob & Bobby CD – homemade or not – in fact I think that would be preferable. Please rob??
Bobby has a unique voice, and I’m glad he’s getting his big shot. From what I hear he’s a pretty good entertainer, and I’m looking forward to seeing his show in San Francisco this summer. Lets help get the word out on this guy that he’s worth supporting!
Just saw Bobby and Sam Bradly in Nashville last night and it was awesome. The music was great and they are both sweethearts.
This group of guys are the most musically talented group of friends ever!! I love all of their music and I can’t wait to get more and more of it! I purchased Bobby Longs song, Left To Lie and Jonny Flynn’s album, A Larum. I of course have Rob’s song also:-) Waiting to purchase some from Sam and Marcus.
Keep them coming boys! You are all awesome! Some Minnesota tour stops would be appreciated!!
Regardless of the fact that Twilight pushed Bobby into the spotlight…his obvious talent proves that he is staying in that spotlight on his own merit. AMAZING singer/songwriter….his voice… that mellow raspy sound…washes over the listener and it draws you in…deep in…into the story…the lyrics…REALLY…so much talent here. I got my tickets to see him in Philly in July…I am glad I am going to have a chance to see him now in a small venue…because before too long this guy will be playing sold out stadiums!