Rob Vincent was our close friend and a founding member of the band. Rob played lead and rhythm guitar and mandolin. It was always great to be around Rob and a pleasure to perform with him. Music was his passion. His musical talent was exceeded only by his compassion, kindness and humility. Since birth, Rob fought a life-long battle with hemophilia. With his condition known only to his family and close friends, Rob always tried to live a normal, unrestricted life. He was diagnosed with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome in the late 1980’s due to a blood transfusion he received in the treatment of his hemophilia. Rob was hospitalized as the disease manifested itself in the form of an acute bout of pneumonia. He returned to the stage to perform for a brief time but his condition worsened. Although Rob’s technical ability on the guitar and his determination never faltered, he found himself no longer physically able to perform. Rob succumbed to his illness and passed away on July 29, 1996 at the age of 37. We will always regard Rob as our friend and brother, and a very talented musician. In tribute to Rob, a guitar stand attired with bow tie and Cleveland Indians cap continues to accompany the band at every performance since his brave journey ended. We miss you Rob.
