November 10th, 1999: "Radiate" Complete, Demos Begun  
"Radiate" has been finished at last, and Robert has now begun to record demos in his new home studio. So far he has recorded "Smile At Me" and "Walk To The Lake". He intends to demo the songs quickly as he is very enthusiastic about this batch of new songs. He will probably work backwards and then begin recording songs from "Secret". He is recording these demos without Johnny Lappin, who has more or less left the group.

September 20th, 1999: First Lotus Fan Site  
There is a new Lotus site on the web, made by a devoted fan! This is a very good page giving detailed descriptions of each album and up to the minute news, plus a full song list. The page can be accessed by clicking here.  

August 31, 1999: Fifth Album On The Way  
Robert has begun writing the fifth Lotus album of songs, which he is calling "Radiate" as a working title. He has so far written five songs, which he describes as a return to the rock style of the first two albums.  

July 21, 1999: Lotus Back In Studio?  
Robert & Johnny are planning to go into the studio sometime during the month of August to do some recording. They still haven't got a bass player to replace Lillis so Robert will play bass in the studio. The plan may be to record another 6 song demo like the previous CD, but of newer songs. Also Johnny didn't drum on the last CD, so he is eager to get something down.  

April 20, 1999: Robert Records Again  
Robert Crosbie was in the studio recently, recording a new song "Why Don't You Say Something". The session marked a departure for Robert, as he recorded in the new Binn Eadair studio, with a different producer, Paul Meehan. His technique differed too: Robert used loops and a sampler as well as his usual guitar and bass. The song is still unfinished but sounds promising. Rob says "It's a great song, based on 3 chords, with a great riff and a great chorus. I see it becoming a big 60s-style jam with bongos and maracas and loads going on". Johnny wasn't at the recording but should record his overdubs at a later date.  

April 4, 1999: Lotus Seek Bassplayer!  
A lot has happened to the band in recent times. Most importantly of all, Mark Lillis has left the group, due to musical differences, and differences in opinion of how the group should continue. As a result, Lotus have had to pull out of a planned appearance in the regional final of the Hot Press Unplugged Band of the Year competition. Watch this space for further details on what Robert and Johnny will be up to next.  

March 15, 1999: A Lotus "Secret"
Robert has finished writing his fourth album, which he calls "Secret". It features 14 songs, and Robert describes them as being "a little more developed and less catchy than before. I wrote a lot with different beats - shuffles and off beats. Its also very varied - lots of extremes. I have the most country-influenced song I've written followed by the hardest rock song I've written. It's great though!" The full tracklisting can be found on the Albums page. 

February 9, 1999: Mark Lillis Quits Group!
Lotus again regrouped for another session, during which they rehearsed Rob's new song "Not A Second Time", which he says was influenced by David Gray. At the end of the session Mark Lillis announced he was quitting the group. Although disappointed, Robert and Johnny agreed it was the best thing to do, as Mark was unhappy for some time.  

January 20, 1999: Rehearsals Begin Again
Lotus regrouped last night for their first session of the New Year. They had a quick run through of most of their set, but also played an impromptu song made up on the spot, with improvised lyrics. Luckily this magic moment was captured on tape!