Published 23/8/05
Synthesizer pioneer remembered worldwide
On Sunday the 21st of August, legendary synth designer Dr Robert Moog passed away, four months after being diagnosed with brain cancer. He was 71.
Bob Moog built his first electronic instrument, a theremin, at the age of 14 and went on the design the Moog Modular synth in 1963. But it was the Minimoog, first released in 1970, that confirmed his place in history, making synthesis accessible and affordable and kick-starting the synth revolution.
More recently, Dr Moog's company Big Briar regained the rights to the Moog Music name in 2002 and produced the Minimoog Voyager, an updated and expanded Minimoog, with great success, along with other products including the innovative Piano Bar and the Etherwave Pro theremin.
Moog, a documentary feature film by Hans Fjellestad, was released in 2004 and provided a fascinating portrait of the man himself, his ideas and his mark on the musical landscape. Two Moogfest festivals in 2004 and 2005 further served to highlight the continuing popularity and relevance Moog synths.
Messages of sympathy and condolence can be left at CaringBridge. Bob Moog's family have established The Bob Moog Memorial Fund, which is dedicated to the Advancement of Electronic Music, in his memory.
