Born Robert Allen in Basildon, Essex, he was a key member of the legendary Basildon set. He started off in 1977 playing guitar in The Vandals with Alison Moyet, then became a member of The Plan featuring Vince Clarke on guitar. He and Vince were also in French Look with Martin L. Gore. In 1982, he recorded The Face of Dorian Gray, as Robert Marlow. However, his four singles received little attention and his album was shelved and not released until 1999, when he returned to the music scene as one half of Marlow.

Born October 21st, 1961, Robert passed away September 22nd 2022 after a short unexpected illness.