Rockers We’ve Lost in 2013: Robert Zildjian, Cymbal Manufacturer

Robert “RZ” Zildjian, founder of the Sabian Cymbal Company, died on March 27 at the age of 89 after a long battle with cancer.

Zildjian was part of the family whose name has been synonymous with percussion instruments for the better part of 100 years. He and brother Armand had a falling out which led to Robert starting his own company, Sabian, in 1981. Countless drummers have used this brand over the years including Neil Peart of Rush and Phil Collins of Genesis.