Note: this Christmas, Rocks Off is remembering some prominent members of Houston's music community we lost this year.
Walters Downtown owner Pam Robinson, a fan and champion of Houston musicians for decades, passed away following a long battle with cancer the afternoon of October 22. Her family released this statement the next day on Walters' Facebook page:
Yesterday afternoon we lost our beloved owner, Pam Robinson, to her battle with cancer. She was a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, an aunt and a Gaga. She was feisty, loving, badass, smart, passionate and a very understanding person.We all loved her and what she did for the Houston music community, and through Pamland, she started to help shape many musicians and bands into who they are today. She gave to so many people without asking anything in return, and as Willow, from Hatetank Productions, put it, she was the "Godmother of the Houston Music Scene".
REWIND: Walters Owner Pam Robinson Hangs Tough Walters Heir Zack Palmer Counts His Blessings
The family and Walters want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and condolences that have been sent. Pam's memory will live on in all of our hearts, inside the walls of Walters Downtown and in the Houston music scene forever.Rest In Peace Pam, and know that we will always remember the good you did and the smile you wore every day. We love you.
Willow Villarreal, the punk/hardcore promoter behind Hatetank Productions, which has held countless shows at Walters, posted the following message on Facebook:
My heart is heavy today. Pam Robinson (Walters owner) is no longer in pain. I will miss her so much. She gave me a chance when so many others wouldn't. She cared so much about the Houston music scene. She was so sweet and kind but didn't take any shit from anybody.I loved how her and [husband] JR loved Pride Kills and would actually come out to watch the chaos when they played. Then give them the chance to apologize just to do something wrong again. She knew what they were doing and she liked it. The Houston music community has lost it's mother figure and she will forever be missed. I love you. Now you can rest.
Rocks Off was proud to induct Robinson into the Houston Music Hall of Fame this year as our first-ever non-musician. "Pam reminds me a lot of my own mom, who is only three days older," Kat Keeter, Walters assistant manager told us at the time.
A lot of people felt that way. Robinson, who was 55, is survived by her husband, two children -- including son Zack Palmer, who took over the reins of Walters in November -- two grandchildren and hundreds of local musicians and music fans who respected and admired her. As you can see below, the local music scene took the news pretty hard.
Our sincerest sympathies to Pam Robinson's family, @WaltersDowntown, & to the #Houston music scene on her passing. May she rest in peace.
— cactus_music (@cactus_music) October 23, 2014
Terrible news today. Thank you for all you've done for local music. Our thoughts are with your family. http://t.co/6oRJ84VrBl @hprocksoff
— Punk Rock Project (@PunkRockProject) October 23, 2014
@hprocksoff @WaltersDowntown Pam always made me smile when I saw her. Her incredible spirit means more to Houston music than we'll ever know
— Jackson Gorman (@dublemeat) October 23, 2014
Houston's lost a good one: Walters Downtown Owner Pam Robinson Passes Away http://t.co/N1v6iKjQic via @hprocksoff
— Max Power (@Writer_Anna) October 23, 2014
@hprocksoff My first gigs after moving back from LA in 1998 were at Walters. She booked acts nobody else would book. She was a saint.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertGtr) October 23, 2014
RIP Pam Robinson. You were one of the biggest supporters of the local scene, and a truly wonderful human being.... http://t.co/l5tcKoCH3v
— Wild Moccasins (@wildmoccasins) October 23, 2014
If you went to shows at Mary Jane's Fat Cat, Walters on Washington, or the current spot, those were all hers. Brought many great bands here.
— Craig Hlavaty (@CraigHlavaty) October 23, 2014
Rest in peace Pam Robinson. Thank you for giving all of us a chance.
— Kam Franklin (@KamFranklin) October 23, 2014
Houston has lost a legend in every since of the word. I'm very sad to share that Pam Robinson has... http://t.co/smRREoOiRq
— Mark C. Austin (@mcaphoto) October 23, 2014
@hprocksoff Pam gave my high school ska band, Dumbarton, many opportunities to play in front of a crowd. That alone meant the world to us.
— Michael McAfee (@m_mcafee) October 23, 2014
Ah, no. Just saw the news that Pam Robinson, longtime owner of Walter's (and Mary Jane's and Silky's) and... http://t.co/aJxI0AqPiz
— space city rock (@spacecityrock) October 23, 2014
@hprocksoff Pam was an amazing Htown legend & it was an absolute honor to work w/ her @WaltersDowntown. RIP Pam you'll be missed greatly!
— Gritsy Houston (@GritsyHouston) October 23, 2014
I'm just one of the many music fans who frequented her venue & shows...but they have been some of my favorite. Thanks for the music, Pam.
— Miranda (@thegoodgroupie) October 23, 2014
We will miss you Pam. http://t.co/WXYMHKDzRp
— Featherface (@featherfaceband) October 23, 2014Like what you read? Or think you can do better? We'd love for you to join our team.
