Lightning Rob: Living the Groove

Meet Lightning Rob (on left), also known as "Robert Balderas," one of the hardest working guitarists on the Texas music scene. When he’s not on stage with fellow band members Evetier Barron on bass (right) and Mike Marsh on drums, he can be found at home loving on his family. Catch the exhilarating Lightning Rob Band at Bubba’s on The Strand, Horny Toads Bar & Grill, and Sharky’s Tavern in Galveston; at Jackie’s Brickhouse and T-Bone Tom’s in Kemah; and other venues. Lightning Rob took the time to share his thoughts on music and life with Humans of Galveston.

Humans of Galveston: Where did the seed get planted for your music?

Lightning Rob: My dad. I was 11 years old and skateboarding all over town with my friend, Kerry. We went over his house and his brother really wanted to play music with him. His brother played bass and Gary played guitar, and I was blown away by them. They were just banging on the guitars playing some punk music. They were jumping around the room playing music, and it was just so damn cool, man. So I went home and told my dad I want to learn to play the guitar, and could we go get a guitar? He said, ‘Well, I actually have an electric guitar.’ And I said, WHAT? It was an incredible guitar and a good one to learn on. My passion for music is vast. I feel like I’m in tune with my environment first. As radio wave frequencies are going through the air sometimes I just capture it and let it flow through me.

Humans of Galveston: Few will argue that you are one of the hardest-working guys in music. You’re always on stage, playing just about everywhere. How do you balance your professional and family life?

Lightning Rob: I make my kids my priority. My little girl is Riley and she’s 4. My little boy is Korben and he’s 2 and will be 3 in July. I wrote a song about them, “Not Thinking of Sorrow.” It’s a really nice song. I’m going through a few things and the song is about how they lift me up. My kids are awesome. I make sure they know that I love them.

Humans of Galveston: So is music your sanctuary?

Lightning Rob: Yes it is and especially live performance. There’s nothing like it. To be able to perform music is just double stellar. I’m really grateful to be able to do it.

Humans of Galveston: How did your guitar flip come about? What’s it called, and please describe it.

Lightning Rob: It’s called the throw. I’m playing my guitar and then I grab it and I basically just chuck it behind me underneath my arm, and it just flies all the way back around – over my head, all the way back around and then back into my hands.

Humans of Galveston: How does it feel when you’re playing to a full house, and then the next venue has a smaller crowd. Is the energy different?

Lightning Rob: Yes. I feel like the house is different but I’m still the same. I’m going to pull every single ounce of energy out of myself. The energy’s not the same but my effort is the same. I have this thing, I’m a musician at home but out here I’m an entertainer. When a crowd is packed and the energy is hot, it’s incredible. It’s hard to miss a note.

Humans of Galveston: What else would you like to share with the world?

Lightning Rob: I love my kids, and you should play music, too. You should pick up a guitar or a keyboard. You learned something in band, whether it’s an oboe, a trumpet or a clarinet. It’s so easy to buy one– just 100 bucks. So, buy an instrument and learn or re-learn how to play it. It’s an incredible thing. It’s so incredible to be able to play an instrument.

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Published by Bobby Stanton