12th September, 2024

The Australian musical instrument industry lost a prominent member when Robert Bramley passed away on 19th August, 2024.

Robert Bramley

Originally from New Zealand, Robert was a gifted guitarist that played in local bands around the Auckland area from the early to mid 1970s. This included playing in Chuck Berry’s backing band for the New Zealand leg of the latter’s 1975 world Tour.

Robert entered the retail side of the music industry when he joined Auckland’s Big City Music before moving to Australia in 1979 to work for Roland Corp. In 1981 Robert, with his business partner, formed Sydney’s iconic retail store Venue Music. With their now legendary catalogues, rock and roll themed stores and cutting-edge inventory, Venue Music shook up Australian music retail.

After the closure of Venue Music in 2009, Robert opened The Guitar Lounge in Sydney. This latest venture allowed Robert to indulge his passion for guitars in a more relaxed and low-key environment. The Guitar Lounge continues to trade at 259 Clarence Street Sydney 2000.

Robert was always the consummate gentleman and those that knew him will remember his amiable nature, sharp sense of humour and quick wit not to mention his incredible abilities as a guitarist.

Robert is survived by his wife Linda and sons Daniel and Julian He will be sorely missed by those that knew and loved him.

Leo Fender and Robert Bramley (1983)