‘Beatle Bob’ Wagstaff founded Pier Music
Robert Gene Wagstaff, owner of Pier Music in Hermosa Beach, and popularly known as “Beatle Bob,” passed away on February 12 from natural causes.
Wagstaff opened Pier Music, at 127 Pier Avenue in 1979, and sold and repaired guitars.
He was a gifted luthier and technician who repaired countless guitars and vintage amplifiers for South Bay professional and amateur musicians.
Pier music was also home to acclaimed instructors Mark Fitchett and Mark Shark, who introduced many locals to the joy of playing guitar. “Fitch” also ran a recording studio from a back room at Pier Music called Open Door Sound.
Pier Music quickly became a place where local musicians gathered to hang out, play guitar, and talk shop. It was a convenient stop to get a pack of strings or to hang a flier for upcoming gigs at The Lighthouse and Pier 52 and reopened his shop as Rhythm & Notes on Pacific Coast Highway, just east of Palos Verdes Boulevard in Rivera Village, Redondo Beach.
Robert “Beatle Bob” Wagstaff at Pier Music in Hermosa Beach in the early 1980s. Photo courtesy of Jim McGivern
Rhythm & Notes carried on the traditions of Pier Music minus the recording studio until 2018.
Wagstaff continued to sell instruments on E-bay after closing up shop. He also continued to repair guitars and amplifiers for friends and his extensive clientele from his home in Torrance right up until he entered the hospital in January 2024.
Wagstaff was born December 2, 1952.
He attended Seaside Elementary School and Calle Mayor Middle School. He graduated from South High School in 1969 and then attended El Camino College.
He played popular and original music as a guitarist.. His friends called him “Beatle Bob” because he could play any Beatles song you could name.
Wagstaff held a few odd jobs, including being an electrician before settling into a life devoted solely to guitar and music.
He is survived by his brother Alan and his sister in-law Imelda, his nephews Ryan and Keith and his niece Amanda.
A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, May 19 at 717 Valley Drive, in Hermosa Beach, from 12 noon until 5pm.
There will be an open jam and live music. Friends will be encouraged to share stories. There will also be an open taco stand.
For more information visit Jim McGivern mcgivern@sbcglobal.net ER