Dean joined Japan in 1975 at the age of 20. The band began as an alternative glam rock-style band and became a popular new wave sensation in the early 1980s. Dean left the band in May 1981 following their 'Art of Parties' tour, as his guitar work had become increasingly surplus to requirements as they developed a more electronic sound. He had previously played on their albums Adolescent Sex, Obscure Alternatives and Quiet Life. His last studio contributions were on the Gentlemen Take Polaroids album, released in November 1980. Dean left the band just prior to them achieving mainstream success, which lasted until they finally disbanded in December 1982.
Collaborations
After leaving Japan he worked on some initial ideas for a solo album with keyboardist and composer Roger Mason. He also played on Gary Numan'sDance album in 1981 and was the main guitarist on Numan's 1982 tour. He played on Sinéad O'Connor's first album The Lion and the Cobra in 1987. Dean continued to work on projects with Steve Jansen, Richard Barbieri and Mick Karn such as a 1995 compilation album and a number of other works on their Medium Productions label. His work with other artists includes the following:
Vivabeat
Vivabeat combined the influences of '70s British art-rock with the kind of lush technopop performed by David Bowie, Roxy Music and Sparks. The band had a worldwide hit with the track 'Man From China' from their debut album Party in the War Zone. Dean played on the follow-up single, 'The House is Burning '. The 'House is Burning' song and video appeared in Brian DePalma's movie Body Double. In 2001 a 'best of' Vivabeat album The Good Life was released, with Dean's work on several tracks.
Dean formed Illustrated Man with Hugo Burnham, Roger Mason and Australian singer/bassist Philip Foxman but their commercial success was limited.
The Slow Club's ''World of Wonders''
Rob Dean contributed to this Australian band
Jansen, Barbieri, Karn
Beginning to Melt''' This 1993 album features Rob Dean and ex-members of Japan. Little has been heard of Rob Dean as a musician since. The occasional demo tapes from the eighties have surfaced for a range of projects where Dean experimented with electronica, his trademark guitar sounds and even acoustic tracks with vocals.
Present day
Dean's principal activity now is as a professional ornithology writer and artist on the birds of Central America. He lives in Monteverde, Costa Rica, and, now known as Robert Dean, has established a reputation as an expert on the region's birdlife. In 2007 Dean collaborated as illustrator on a field guide, entitled The Birds of Costa Rica: A Field Guide, and in 2010 on The Birds of Panama: A Field Guide. He has been reported as occasionally playing guitar with local bands including Monteverde's rock band Chanchos de Monte, fronted by Alan Masters. More recently Robert has formed a group named 'Light Of Day' with Isaac Moraga and their debut album "Dimensions" was completed in 2019 with UK/Europe/Latin America release expected in 2020. In addition, a Spanish language e.p. featuring alternate versions of several album tracks is also being prepared for release in Costa Rica in 2020.
