Mark Brown

Quick Facts

Summary

Mark Brown is a British trumpet player and composer best known for his work with Robbie Williams and as a founding member of the Atlantic Horns. He is also a core member of The Horne Section, combining musicianship with comedy across live tours, television, radio and studio recordings.

Biography

Early career and musicianship

Brown established himself as a professional trumpet player through session work and live performance in the UK music industry. His versatility as a brass player allowed him to move between pop, soul, jazz and orchestral-influenced material, leading to work across touring, television and recording projects.

Alongside traditional session work, Brown developed a parallel interest in composition and performance that blended musicianship with humour, a combination that would later define much of his public profile.

Work with Robbie Williams

Mark Brown has been a prominent member of Robbie Williams’ live band since the early 2010s, performing trumpet as part of the brass section on arena and stadium tours, festival appearances and televised performances.

His work with Williams includes performances at major venues such as Wembley Stadium and Hyde Park, as well as appearances on television specials and broadcast concerts. Within the live arrangements, Brown’s trumpet playing contributes to the bold, high-energy brass sound that has become a defining feature of Williams’ modern touring productions.

In addition to instrumental performance, Brown has frequently taken on on-stage character roles during live shows, particularly during themed or cabaret-style sections. These moments reflect his ability to combine musical precision with performance and comedic timing.

The Atlantic Horns

Brown is a founding member of the Atlantic Horns, a UK-based brass section formed with fellow trumpet player Ben Edwards and trombonist Mike Kearsey. The group was created to provide a tight, dedicated horn unit capable of supporting large-scale live shows and studio sessions.

As the Atlantic Horns, Brown and his colleagues have toured extensively with Robbie Williams and have also worked with artists including Amy Winehouse, Paolo Nutini, Mark Ronson, Groove Armada, Basement Jaxx, Madness and John Newman.

The Atlantic Horns are known for their punchy arrangements, precise ensemble playing and ability to adapt to different musical styles, making them one of the most in-demand horn sections in UK live music.

The Horne Section

Alongside his work in mainstream pop touring, Mark Brown is a member of The Horne Section, a comedy band led by Alex Horne. The group combines high-level musicianship with humour, performing original material that blends parody, satire and technical musical skill.

The Horne Section has appeared regularly on radio and television, including BBC programming, and has toured live across the UK. Brown’s role within the group highlights a different aspect of his career, where comedic performance and musical accuracy are equally central.

Through this work, Brown has become widely recognised beyond traditional session circles, reaching audiences through comedy as well as music.

Television, radio and studio work

Brown’s career includes extensive television and radio appearances, both as a session musician and as part of ensemble performances. His credits span entertainment shows, comedy programmes and live broadcast events.

As a studio musician, he has recorded brass parts for albums, singles and soundtracks, working in major studios and contributing to chart-topping releases. His ability to read, arrange and deliver reliable performances has made him a regular choice for producers requiring brass instrumentation.

Performance style and reputation

Mark Brown is known for combining technical trumpet playing with strong stage presence. Whether performing in front of tens of thousands of people or in smaller theatrical settings, he brings a sense of character and engagement to live performance.

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