Bob Rice, Video Game Music Pioneer, dies at 79
Bob Rice was the first agent to represent video game composers, and he helped to raise the profile of video game music as a creative and commercial art form.
In 1982, he partnered with the band Journey for the Atari 2600 video game entitled Journey Escape, which used excerpts from the band's hit single "Don't Stop Believing" in the opening sequence. The inclusion of popular music into a video game became a seminal moment for both industries, which is now a billion-dollar enterprise.
In 1992, Bob founded Four Bars Intertainment which represented the award-winning A-list composers of music for video games. Among the composers he worked with over the years were Inon Zur (Fallout), Tom Salta (Ghost Recon), Steve Ouimette (Guitar Hero), Cris Velasco (God of War), Sascha Dikiciyan (Borderlands), and Jack Wall (Mass Effect). Bob was known throughout the industry as a trailblazing agent for championing video game music as both a creative and commercial art form. His mantra was always to provide his game studio clients ‘Great music delivered on time and within budget.’
Tributes poured in from people in the industry, including some from the APM family:
“Bob was the one who, along with Rob Cairns, had the vision to bring us into the video game world and helped launch our Endgame library and much more. He was a wonderful and generous guy, and his impact will be felt for years to come. He will be missed. My heart goes out to his family and all the video game composers whom he mentored and guided for decades.” – Adam Taylor, President/CEO, APM Music
“Bob was one of the very first people I met at my first GDC in 2003. Like many others, I admired his passion, determination, willingness to provide insight and his sense of humor which was completely unique to his character. He always had countless stories, jokes, and advice to share and was one of the best in the business. I definitely learned from him, enjoyed partnering with him on various projects and appreciate those good times. RIP, Bob and thank you for your friendship.” – Rob Cairns, APM Music’s Director of Business Development and New Media, APM Music
“Bob was one of a kind and the last of an era. Not only did he help launch my video game career, but he also introduced me to many people in this business that have become great friends and partners over the years. He was personable, funny, witty, and always made you feel he was on your team. Because he was.” – Steve Ouimette, Composer/Producer/Artist
"I'm grateful to Bob for taking me on as an agent for games early in my career and giving me an entry into the Video Game world. Through him, I met Inon Zur and Chris Velasco (both of whom became good friends and brought me on for several cool game projects) - and I owe it to Bob for the connections." – Robert Navarro, Custom Music Creative Director, APM Music
"Bob Rice was such a powerful force in my life and career. He went well beyond the role of an agent. He was a dear friend, mentor, advisor, and one who gave me strength in the most challenging times of my career. I will deeply cherish the many years we shared together and the many pearls of wisdom he imparted to me. Rest in peace my friend." – Tom Salta, Composer/Producer/Artist
“Bob Rice was a courageous visionary in the video games world and relentless power in the music industry who had the deepest understanding of what it means to be a composer, and what it takes to be a real human being. Bob never stopped hustling, and never gave up hope. His life lessons were always priceless, and his teaching elevated whoever was open and ready to learn. It was enough just to hear his deep voice and you knew there was a real power behind you. Every conversation we had during these 25 years of friendship and partnership always turned into a mentoring session. And I was always thirsty to hear more, to learn more, to be worthy of his belief in me. The heartaches and the soul are crushed, but I DO know that his being will live with us forever. His legacy will never be forgotten. His huge belief and contribution to music for games was what built our current world. Bob WAS and always will be the very essence of music for games. He envisioned this world and made it real. We will always be in his debt. I love you my friend, may you rest in peace.” – Inon Zur, Composer
Rice died in Santa Clara, California on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. He is survived by his daughter Lisa Rice.
