Remo Belli 88, the founder and CEO of Remo Inc., passed away on the afternoon of April 25th at the age of 88.
A pioneer in the industry, Belli developed the first successful drumhead skin from a synthetic material, Mylar. His patented invention was easier and more cost-effective to produce than traditional animal skin-based heads and also was not susceptible to problems caused by humidity. He founded Remo, Inc. in 1957, opening a small store in Los Angeles, later moving to the San Fernando Valley and then Valencia, California.
“It was kind of shocking to everyone. He touched a lot of people all around the world. Phones were ringing off the hook,” company president Broach Kaericher told The Santa Clara Valley Signal.
Late in afternoon of April 26th, Remo, Inc. sent out the following message:
Remo was a visionary. In 1957, he invented the first successful synthetic drumhead which forever changed the sound of music of all genres. He committed himself and his company to providing drummers, the world over, with quality products and programs while striving to expand the acceptance of rhythm and in particular drumming as an integral component of an individual’s wellbeing.
Through his ongoing efforts, the professional, the enthusiast, children, the elderly, those at risk and those faced with both emotional and physical challenges have been brought the joy of drumming.
We mourn his passing and he will be missed by people in all walks of life. His spirit lives on and we will continue to pursue his vision of making drumming available to everyone alive.
We will miss you. Rest in peace, Remo.
Photo: Craigie Zildjian and Remo Belli accepting Vic Firth’s posthumous “Guitar Center RockWalk” induction earlier this year.
