ITP V.013 ONLY ONE PER COFFIN: R.I.P. ROBERT ZILDJIAN (ZILDJIAN/SAMBIAN CYMBALS FOUNDER)

ROBERT ZILDIAN, the creator and founder of ZILDIAN (SABIAN) cymbals sadly passed away at 89 from cancer as his death was announced Thursday.
ROBERT ZILDIAN and his brother ARMAND (SERBIA) are legendary as they popularized the ZILDIAN brand of cymbals.

In 1979, ROBERT and ARMAND went into a legal battle over the inheritance of the family business as ROBERT founded SABIAN cymbals in 1981.

SABIAN cymbals rose to a powerhouse in product second only to the family business ZILDIAN.


FROM SABIAN CYMBALS:

“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.
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“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.”

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FROM ZILDIAN CYMBALS:


“This is a very personal and emotional time for our family.
The passing of my uncle, who lived to be almost 90 years old,  represents the last of a generation of Zildjians.

Much will be written about my uncle’s accomplishments and  the company he built, but in the end it’s about family.

My thoughts and prayers go out to my Aunt Willi and  my cousins Andy, Bill and Sally in their time of grief.--Craigie Zildjian

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-