Today is a sad day for the the drummers of the world! Mr. Robert Zildjian, the founder of Sabian Cymbals, has passed away at the age of 89. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone at Sabian and Zildjian cymbals. Here is a message from the staff over at Sabian cymbals regarding the passing of Mr. Zildjian:
"It is with deep, deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert "RZ" Zildjian, our beloved founder and leader. A tireless and dynamic force within the drum industry, he inspired each one of us in the Sabian family to work harder, to reach farther, to make a difference - and he led us by example.
"His professional story is well known. Having been dealt a major career setback at an age where most men would have opted for retirement, RZ instead chose to re-invent the cymbal business with his own hand-crafted brand, a brand that would forever change the face and sound of popular music. With his bare hands he shaped the Sabian cymbal brand into his life's story - and by extension we became his family.
"We mourn his passing, and he will be forever in our hearts. But we are better people for having known RZ, and we are richer for having worked alongside him. We draw comfort from the knowledge that his spirit will live on in the music made by drummers the world over.
"Rest in peace, RZ."
Mr. Zildjian belonged to the Zildjian family, which brought the technology of cymbal making from their ancestral homeland in capital city of modern Turkey to the United States by Avedis Zildjian and then was passed on to future generations of the family members.
The company was founded in 1981 in Meductic, New Brunswick, Canada by Robert Zildjian, son of Avedis Zildjian III, the head of the Avedis Zildjian Company. Family tradition had it that the head of the company would only pass its secrets down to the oldest son, but Avedis III gave the information to both his sons, Armand and Robert. A family feud resulted in Robert leaving Zildjian to form the rival Sabian Cymbals company. The companies continue to be rivals, and are both among the world's most popular cymbal brands. Sabian cymbals have been used by many famous drummers in the world. The company's name is a combination of his three children, Sally, Bill, and Andy.
If you are a drummer, please remember Mr. Zildjian as you bash your cymbals! Rock In Peace Mr. Zildjian, you will be missed!
Related links:
Sabian Cymbals
Zildjian Cymbals
Ever since I began drumming, Sabian Cymbals were the first company that caught my eyes and ears, mostly for being the brand that many of my favorite drummers played, and still do so to this day. It's really sad to read about Bob's passing, but rest assured, his legacy will live on. Rest In Peace, Bob! Thank you for them beautiful and fantastic sounding pies!!
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