R.I.P. Pam Robbins 1941-2011 | SongLink NewsLink

R.I.P. PAM ROBBINS 1941-2011

Pam Robbins

Pam Robbins, co-founder of one of London's most respected songwriter showcases, sadly died on March 27th at the age of 69, after a short illness. The Original Songwriters (TOS) was started up in 1991 by Pam and Lisa Boni, being based for many years at The Orange in North End Road, west London, before moving a few years ago to east London's Fym Fyg Bar (formerly the Backyard Club), until late 2009.

SongLink editor David Stark said, "The UK music industry has lost one of its most passionate and unheralded angels - Pam was a saint to many new artists and writers for an amazing 20 years, but sadly never got the recognition she deserved for all her hard work - although in truth she often said that seeing artists progress from performing at her shows was the only recognition she needed. I know how proud she was to have helped kick-start the careers of so many now-famous artists.

"These include Leona Lewis, Gabrielle, Billie Myers, Jody Lei and Imogen Heap, while others who played TOS showcases over the years include Tori Amos, Peter Cunnah of D'Ream, Chaka Khan, Caron Wheeler, Midge Ure, The Feeling, Sandie Shaw, Angie Brown, Lewis Taylor and Howard Jones... the list goes on and on. The format of the showcases, with a fantastic house band and backing vocalists comprising the cream of London's musicians and singers, was also unique and virtually unmatched. I remember some incredible shows over the years, and even played drums on a couple of occasions myself, including the 10th anniversary show. As her Facebook page already proves, Pam will be much missed by many artists, writers and friends."