Bob Moog, RIP

And now for something completely different. Music synthesis pioneer Robert A. Moog (bio) went to the great gig in the sky on August 21:

Bob Moog, the great pioneer of musical synthesizers, died this week but leaves behind a strong legacy and spirit:
Bob was diagnosed with brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme or GBM) in late April 2005. He had received both radiation treatment and chemotherapy to help combat the disease. He is survived by his wife, Ileana, his five children, Laura Moog Lanier, Matthew Moog, Michelle Moog-Koussa, Renee Moog, and Miranda Richmond; and the mother of his children, Shirleigh Moog. 
 Bob was warm and outgoing. He enjoyed meeting people from all over the world. He especially appreciated what Ileana referred to as "the magical connection" between music-makers and their instruments. 
 A public Memorial Celebration is planned for The Orange Peel for noon, Wednesday, August 24th. Fans and friends can also direct their sympathies or remembrances to Caring Bridge 
 Bob's family has established The Bob Moog Memorial Fund dedicated to the Advancement of Electronic Music in his memory. Many of his longtime collaborators including musicians, engineers and educators have agreed to sit on its executive board including David Borden, Wendy Carlos, Joel Chadabe, John Eaton, David Mash, and Rick Wakeman. For more information about the foundation, contact Matthew Moog. 
 [New Scientist has a recent interview with Bob. -MacInTouch]

Bob's body left us: the electronic music revolution which he started lives on. There is hardly a genre of contemporary music where synthesizers of some sort don't play a role --- be it the analog machines Moog invented, the next generation digital synthesizers, or digital samplers. Rest in peace, dear Bob. I'm sure there is a special seat of honor for you at the Great Gig.