Robert Brunning (29 June 1943 – 18 October 2011), commonly known as Bob Brunning, was the first bass guitarist to work with Fleetwood Mac. He played on their first single I Believe My Time Ain't Long b/w Rambling Pony (1967) and at their early gigs from July to September 1967 when originally intended bassist John McVie suddenly became available. Brunning stepped aside but his playing also featured on the song Long Grey Mare on the band's first album in 1968.
Despite his short spell in the band, Brunning continued his connection. After a short stint with Savoy Brown, he played along with both Mick Fleetwood and Danny Kirwan in Tramp, an occasional collaboration of British blues musicians and also went on to form his own Sunflower Brunning Blues Band.
For most of his life, Brunning pursued a career as a teacher, ultimately becoming a headmaster at three different schools in South London. He also worked as an author on the British blues scene and reinforced his connection with Fleetwood Mac when he wrote their first official biography Behind the Masks in 1990. This was later updated and reissued as Fleetwood Mac: The First 30 Years, and The Fleetwood Mac Story: Rumours and Lies.
Bob Brunning died suddenly from a heart attack on October 18th 2011.
Fleetwood Mac colleagues[]
External collaborations[]
Danny Kirwan (in Tramp)