Music Instrument News is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Tom Robinson of EMD Music, who died Saturday 1st November 2025 following a short illness.
Tom was a beloved and long-standing figure in the global music products community — known for his warmth, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to musicians, colleagues, and friends alike.
Throughout his distinguished career with EMD Music, Tom became a familiar and much-admired presence at trade shows, events, meetings and gatherings around the world — from the NAMM Show to the UK Drum Show and countless industry meet-ups in between. His friendly greeting, ready smile, and trademark bottle of water in hand became a comforting sight for many during the bustle of those long show days.
Tom’s passion for music was rivalled only by his love of life. Conversations with him often drifted seamlessly from business to his other great passions — especially cycling and travel. Friends recall his delight in sharing stories about recent adventures or his latest electric car milestone, proudly noting the time he could drive to Cornwall without needing to stop to recharge.
Those who knew Tom speak of a man whose energy never waned, whose positivity inspired others, and whose genuine care made every interaction memorable. He had the rare ability to make everyone feel like an old friend — whether they were meeting him for the first time or the fiftieth.
As Neil Golding, publisher of Music Instrument News, reflected:
“Tom’s absolute love and enthusiasm poured from his soul every time I met or spoke with him. You’d be forgiven for thinking he’d only just started the job, such was his energy and passion for what he did and loved. He was an absolute force for good in the music industry.”
Tom’s passing leaves an irreplaceable gap in the hearts of those who worked with him and all who had the privilege to know him. He was, in every sense, one of the industry’s great ambassadors — professional, kind, and full of joy.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Mandy, the Robinson family, and all of Tom’s friends and colleagues around the world. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and in the music community he helped to shape.