Robert Wagner has seen it all over the years, with a career spanning over forty years the musician initially entered the industry as the leading frontman and top songwriter for the 80s Pittsburgh rock band known as Little Wretches.
Robert took the band and developed them as a household name on the underground music scene. Gaining significant notoriety across the board. The Little Wretches were originally founded as a folk and punk band by Robert and his brother, Chuckie who also played the violin.
The “classic” Mach 2 era of Little Wretches included Ed Heidel (bass), Chris Bruckhoff (percussion, wind instruments, backing vocals) and Bob Goetz (guitar), rounded out by Dave Mitchell (drums), Mike Michalski (bass) and Ellen Hildebrand (electric guitar.)
Mach 3 began with the addition of David Losi on keys and Mike Madden on drums. When Madden couldn’t tour, drum programmer Gregg Bielski took over. When Ellen switched to bass guitar, this version of The Little Wretches entered the studio. They recorded two albums, with Angelo George playing drums and Jon Paul Leone playing guitar on a third. As expected with bands like this who attain a certain level of success in the industry the national press, attorneys, managers, and publicists came calling but so did life's many obligations, and the Little Wretches disbanded in the late 90s.
Robert however did not give up on his dream performing frequently at coffeehouses and small clubs with intimate performances much to the admiration of close followers.
Also a Master’s Degree holder, Wagner also counsels, neglected, traumetized and court-adjudicated youth. Also the co-founder of The Calliope Acoustic Open Stage, an event that has lasted 15 years. Amazingly in between the range of projects Robert is engaged in, he impressively has released two albums in 2020 entitled "Undesirables and Anarchists and Burning Lantern Dropped In Straw."
Notable singles include the stunning"Poison" which is a wonderful nostalgic step back in time with some solid Rock punk vibes that showcases attitude and depths of acoustic bliss. And then there is "All Of My Friends" another classic more of a ballad given the sense of delivery and collective vocals in the bridge and chorus. The song is a real treat and well worth a listen.
Be sure to listen to Roberts complete collection of works below
https://open.spotify.com/artist/28Ue5Dx2uO60U7MMKJ3waD?si=QuExwCFLQ32ld9GcJ83vvw
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