Growing up in Fitchburg before moving to Sterling as a child, Rob’s connection to music started early — reaching up to tap the keys of his grandmother’s old Schirmer upright piano at just five years old. Although he didn’t begin formal lessons until adulthood, the fascination with piano and songwriting never left him.

At 23, a chance encounter with a piano restorer at a local diner reignited that childhood spark. Soon after, Rob restored his grandmother’s piano, began taking lessons, and immersed himself in learning to play. Inspired by artists like Billy Joel and Elton John, he spent years teaching himself music theory, practicing relentlessly, and developing a style rooted in the classic rock sounds of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Afraid of Heights grew out of casual jam sessions with guitarist Chris after the two connected through family at a wedding. What started as playing cover songs quickly evolved into writing original music together, beginning with their first song, “Weekee Peekee,” inspired by childhood memories of Sterling. That song eventually sparked the idea for a concept album centered around the people, places, and stories that shaped their hometown roots.

Outside of music, Rob owns a roofing company — making the band name “Afraid of Heights” especially fitting. Originally inspired by Chris and slightly reworked together, the name reflects both their work backgrounds and their sense of humor.

For Rob, the heart of the band has always been the joy of creating something meaningful together. What began as a fun creative outlet has grown into a rewarding musical journey built on storytelling, collaboration, and a shared love of making music that feels real and memorable.

Chris is the guitarist and co-songwriter behind Afraid of Heights, bringing classic rock influences, sharp guitar work, and a lifelong passion for songwriting to the band’s sound. Raised on everything from Queen and Elton John to Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourne, and the hair metal era of MTV, Chris developed a musical style rooted in classic rock energy and melodic guitar-driven songwriting.

Long before owning a real guitar, Chris was building homemade versions out of scrap wood, nails, and fishing line in his dad’s workshop just to experiment with sound. After watching a friend play “Crazy Train” as a kid, he knew he wanted to learn for real. By age 12, he had his first guitar, started taking lessons, and quickly became hooked on writing riffs and creating songs of his own.

Chris attended North Middlesex Regional High School, where he immersed himself in the school’s music program and even spent time teaching guitar to fellow students. The experience strengthened both his musicianship and his love for sharing music with others.

Afraid of Heights began after Rob approached Chris at a family wedding about getting together to jam. What started as a few cover songs soon turned into an original songwriting partnership, beginning with “Weekee Peekee” and expanding into a growing collection of songs inspired by life and memories in Central Massachusetts.

For Chris, the best part of being in the band is the creative process itself — taking a simple idea or chord progression and turning it into something real. Whether writing on the couch, recording new material, or collaborating with bandmates, he continues to approach music the same way he did as a kid: follow the inspiration and enjoy the ride.

Jen Thayer brings warmth, versatility, and emotional depth to Afraid of Heights through her vocals, saxophone, and flute performances. Raised in a deeply musical family, Jen grew up surrounded by creativity. Her mother was a singer and writer, while her father played multiple instruments, creating a home where music was always encouraged and celebrated.

Like many young musicians, Jen began with recorder before moving on to clarinet, flute, piano, and eventually saxophone during high school. Thanks to her father regularly bringing home rented instruments to experiment with, she discovered a natural connection to the saxophone and quickly fell in love with its expressive sound and versatility.

Jen joined Afraid of Heights after meeting Rob and hearing the band perform original music at a multi-band event. Drawn to the storytelling, originality, and collaborative spirit of the group, she was excited by the opportunity to contribute her own voice and instrumentation to the project. What began as a conversation soon developed into a strong creative connection built on mutual respect and a shared appreciation for meaningful music.

For Jen, music is more than performance — it’s uplifting, therapeutic, and deeply personal. Whether singing harmonies, adding expressive saxophone melodies, or watching audiences connect with a song, she finds joy in the emotional exchange that happens through live music.

Beyond the stage, Jen values the collaborative energy of the band and the opportunity to help shape its evolving sound. She considers joining Afraid of Heights an unexpected blessing and is grateful to be part of the journey.