Rest in Peace Bob Rodman

1/31/2025

Every local music scene should have a Bob Rodman. He was this amazing grandfatherly (or seasonally Santa Claus) looking fella, that later in life found an incredible connection to the local music scene here in Orange County. Here he was in his mid to late 70s, and Bob could be found out at shows 4 or 5 nights a week until the wee hours of the morning, lugging around his trusty (and fancy) camera around with him so he could take photos of the bands while they played and then ask where he could send them to be used however they wanted, no charge of course. He would also catch those awesome candid moments that might happen out in the crowd or backstage. He would walk up to you and show you the photo he got of you in your most honest moment, either talking to one of your close friends or perhaps it was of you being completely blown away by the music happening that night. A day or two later you would get a text or an email with the relevant photos attached and you would smile at the memory he captured.

For a number of years in the early 2010's, I had the pleasure of booking bi-weekly events at an outdoor retail space called The Lab in Costa Mesa on behalf of Sweet Relief. We probably did 75-100 shows during that time and if Bob missed 5 of them total I would be shocked. He would always ask me what he could do to support Sweet Relief. He would talk to anyone who would listen about who we were and about our mission, and of course, he would send us dozens of photos to use for our social media and website after every show. Again, no charge.

But lets forget the photography for just a minute and focus on how truly supportive Bob was to ALL of the bands in the "scene". Sure, he had his favorites, but that man would show up for any of us if he thought that by his being there, it would make even the slightest difference to you. Bob showed up, for everyone, all of the time, week in and week out. We loved Bob for the person he was, the photography was just a bonus!

You will be missed by so many of us Bob, please know that. And we will forever be grateful to you for the memories you captured on film for us. You were a one of one and I hope that wherever you are, there are bunch of bands playing shows for you to see because they may not know it yet, but every local music scene should have a Bob Rodman.

1 Comment

Jennifer Argenti link

2/4/2025 10:34:30 am

My heart aches over this news. I have such fond memories of seeing Bob and his camera in the crowd, side stage, backstage - anywhere he could be of support to us musicians as well as connecting with the audience. Thank you Sweet Relief for this beautiful heart-felt tribute. Bob will forever be remembered!

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