Robert Zildjian Dead

[kidkage]

Robert 'RZ' Zildjian Dead -- Cymbal Honcho Dies at 89 | TMZ.com

I had no idea that he was the founder of SABIAN.

When I first read "Robert Zildjian founder of SABIAN cymbals rest in peace" on facebook I thought "wow. what an idiot. Zildjian = Zildjian. Duh."
I'm a Paiste man myself, so I don't know much about Z's, but I do know that they are in the mainstream subconscious. And through his death I've learned the interesting backstory behind him, Sabian, and Zildjian.

I've noticed that Zildjian hasn't even mentioned it. So that's kind of weird...

Either way, he lived a great life and from what I've read was a great guy.
R.I.P.

 

[Greg_L]

Paiste wins again!

 

[KineticSound]

I had no idea that he was the founder of SABIAN.

When I first read "Robert Zildjian founder of SABIAN cymbals rest in peace" on facebook I thought "wow. what an idiot. Zildjian = Zildjian. Duh."

As I recall, SABIAN is a compilation of Bob's kids' names: Sally, Billy, and Andy. He renamed his company (ZilCo cymbals of Canada) after a bit of a disagreement with his brother, Armand, in the early 80's.

I was very sad to hear of Bob's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him many years ago when touring the SABIAN factory, and I have never met anyone as nuts about cymbals. You could tell that he really loved what he did and loved drummers.

RIP, Bob.