Robert Taylor, the esteemed former lead guitarist and backing vocalist for the ARIA Hall of Fame-inducted rock band Dragon, has passed away at the age of 74. The news was confirmed by former Dragon drummer Kerry Jacobson, who paid tribute to Taylor as his mentor, musical comrade, and lifelong friend, calling him "irreplaceable."

Jacobson highlighted Taylor's immense impact on Australian and New Zealand music, noting his songwriting talent, loyalty, and keen wit. He concluded, "I will miss him terribly. My love and condolences to Carol, Lesley and Alex."

Born in Waipukarau, New Zealand, Taylor played a pivotal role in crafting some of the most enduring Australasian songs of his generation. Dragon, originally formed in Auckland, moved to Sydney in the mid-1970s under frontman Marc Hunter. The band’s late-1970s hits included classics like Are You Old Enough?, April Sun In Cuba, and Still In Love With You.

Despite challenges in the 1980s, Dragon staged a remarkable comeback with the 1983 album Body and the Beat, which included hits such as Rain, Cry, and Magic. Taylor was an integral member during both the 1974–1979 and 1982–1985 periods, witnessing the band’s major successes firsthand.

Dragon continued to release chart-toppers through the 1980s, including Speak No Evil, Dreams of Ordinary Men, Young Years, and their cover of Kool & The Gang’s Celebration. Their enduring legacy was cemented in 2008 with induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame, ten years after the passing of Marc Hunter in 1998.

Today, Dragon remains active, touring and recording, with co-founder Todd Hunter (Marc’s brother) and Mark Williams on vocals, ensuring the band’s music continues to reach audiences worldwide.