VALE MICHAEL ROBINSON
Another sad day for the ad industry, with news that legendary advertising creative Michael Robinson died yesterday of throat cancer.
Only in his mid 60s, Michael was a real one off character with his trademark handlebar moustache and quick wit. A fine writer, he was loved by all of his generation, and was a stalwart of the Caxtons since it started in the mid 70s. He ran his own shop, Harris Robinson & Associates, later Harris Robinson Courtenay (with Bryce Courtenay, Phil Harris and Vincent Tesoriero) for many years, which eventually folded into Clemenger in the early 90s.
Says friend Ray Black: “These pages are from a book I illustrated for a radio network. My cartoon of Robbo reflects several things about his character: Slightly manic, a gifted writer, his ‘Guards’ moustache and his love of motorcycles. He founded an exclusive motorcycle club with each member sporting a spiffy green blazer with a monogrammed pocket emblazoned with their crest, ‘The Crash and Burners’. His club nickname was ‘Red Ott’. Their motto, “We eat our dead”. Enough said.
“In his pre advertising life Robbo was in the Scots Guards, which encouraged his meticulous attention to detail. In later life he became a superb wood craftsman.
“Robbo could always be relied upon to be outrageous at Caxton. Who could forget him as the water spurting centrepiece of the Buzby Berkley water ballet in the pool at Noosa? A Talent Quest winner of course.”
A decade ago Robinson retired to Byron.
Friend Richard Osborn says Robinson requested no priest, no service, no funeral, just family at his cremation: “Above is a classic pic of Michael (please credit Michael Andrews as photographer]. Quite dashing and distinguished I think and much in the way Michael should be remembered. The best comment I have heard that would sum up Michael is… I quote: ‘I have never met anybody less afraid of having a good time’. There will be a big party in Sydney so will keep you posted.”
26 Comments
He helped to make advertising fun to work in and made his mark creatively.
Another advertising great rides into the sunset.
Farewell Robbo. A huge character, great craftsman, and true gentleman.
He loved life and went way too soon.
Patsy P
Never met Michael (never met him actually) but it certainly sounds like while he died too soon, he sure lived one hell of a life. Vale.
Advertising must’ve been heaps of fun back then. Even if only half the stories you hear are true.
I’ve never heard of him but he seems like a fantastic character who led a full and varied life. RIP.
RIP Michael. I didn’t know you at all, but you sound like you were a decent bloke. One that deserves more than three comments on this blog.
When I left Mojo for a life of freelance, I had the pleasure of doing my very first job (Woman’s Day) for Michael Robinson. As many would remember, he was a sensational creative, a truly unforgettable character and a hell of a great guy. He had the best polished shoes in town- ALWAYS! Michael, rest in peace and ‘thank you’ for your industry contributions. ‘Reg’
Vale Michael.
Will always remember the nights in the bar at HRA when John Adams, another good man who left too early, Robbo and Jimmy Scaysbrook traded stories, one liners etc. Great times. Robyn, Ghita and family thinking of you. Richard and Annie G.
Since seeing this post and not having heard of Michael Robinson, I decided I should find out more about a man cool enough to wear a Homburg and ride a Hesketh.
Someone here at the agency who knew him regaled me with a couple of stories about his lust for life, and Ieft me wishing we still had characters like him in the industry. Looks like he would have been fascinating company over a few schooners. Condolences to his family and friends.
Robbo gave a great speech at the Caxtons in the late 70’s/early 80’s.
He told the story of a presentation to a motor-bike client selling ag-bikes to sheep farmers. He presented a print ad with the headline ‘Click go the gears.’
The client really liked it, but then added that he’d like a version for dairy farmers, and asked Robbo if the agency could adapt the headline, suggesting a re-write: ‘Moo go the gears’.
So you see, there have always been idiot clients in advertising. They didn’t just come along last Tuesday.
Michael Robinson was and will alwys be remembered as one of the funniest, nicest and most talented personalities that graced the Australian advertising scene.
Even though he put shit on my poor game of darts (“arrows” in Michael speak), he always made me feel good about being a loser.
He mentored many a future talent in keeping a stiff upper lip at all costs, he was a champion of pride.
Rest in peace Michael, you deserve a good sleep after your big contribution to life.
I did have the pleasure of knowing the adorable Michael Robinson. What a privilege. He was one of my father’s contemporaries and dear friend. The stories are true; he was every bit as amazing as you will read. He was effortlessly funny, he adored women, openly cherished his male friendships and doted on us as kids… We just couldn’t get enough of him. His enthusiasm was intoxicating. And, as if that wasn’t enough, he had the Lego account.
Advertising needs more and more eccentric and inspiring characters. I did not know Michael Robinson, but when I first arrived in Australia as a very junior, nervous and jet-lagged media planner, I wanted to meet agency creatives to find out more about what they did. In trying to make an appointment with Harris Robinson Courtenay, it was Michael who got me a lengthy session with Bryce Courtenay and one of the most enlightening chats and advice for my future that I was ever likely to get! It was just an unheard of opportunity to listen and learn. So I wish I could have thanked Mr Robinson, later in life, just for that. God bless him.
Never will a large fire by the woolshed be the same
I remember a number of things about Michael when dropping into HRC to talk about the next Castrol 6 Hour race with Vincent Tesoriero.
1. His charming and patient wife Robyn, who heard words from Michael I’m sure she’d never otherwise heard. Like his shoes, they were always impreccably polished – which is a great way of getting away with a lot!
2. His love and amazing knowledge of classical music. He would probably have got on well with Paul Keating, partially for his knowledge of slightly obscure composers and works.
3. That it was his thin white bum that enthusiastically followed the rest of his lanky frame as it headed into the surf in the film Stone. So he will live in perpetuity – and, appropriately, notoriety.
4. That he loved motor bikes and life, as well as Robyn – a just about perfect set of priorities. . .
Well done, Michael and bad luck. And best wishes to Robyn
We’ll all miss him dearly, so we’re sending him off with a few schooners under his belt this Friday arvo (1st August) at the north Sydney Pub, the one opposite NorthSydney Oval at 4pm onwards.
Anyone who knew him and wants to join us is welcome.
I hope the crash&burners attending the booze-up at the North Sydney pub will turn up on their bikes, drink to excess and then wobble off at full pelt like we all did in the good old days before booze buses, speed cameras and commonsense became the norm.
They broke the mould after they made dear Michael. The world was indeed a better place for having him here and I feel very fortunate to have known him many long years ago.
A lovely man with a great heart.
I remember fondly the wonderful discussions that took place in his shed.
Robyn, Ghita – my condolences.
I was shocked and sadden to only just hear of Michael’s Death, we shared many good times as friends back in the 70’s, his talent and creativity was truly a gift.
I will never forget running into him and Vincent at Stanley Markets in H.K. with his trademark different coloured shoes 😎 He was always there for me in troubled times back then and will long be remembered as a long lost dear friend.
Our dear Michael, you are fondly remembered today, a year after you left us for that undiscovered Crash and Burn from whose bourn no traveller returns. We love you so.
A great mate to play squash with, breaking all the Guards’ social conventions at Elizabeth Barracks…a splendid labourers and carpenters assistant for Wandsworth Council (which allowed him plenty of time to create his ‘stories’ since the job description read: “must stand or sit at the top or bottom of stairways to safeguard access….”) and still a great mate in Sydney, many years later. Few have the raw humanity with which he was blessed. See ya later. IHS
Mike Robinson was someone you could never forget.
An amazing, exceptionally talented and outrageous guy.
Three images I have of him
– as a client I pushed and challenged him to get a brilliant
TV commercial out of him. He was so pissed off with me.
I remember him coming into the Agency after a long boozy
Lunch. With self control gone he let fly with all his considerable
Talent with words, to let me know what a piss arse, miserable,
Unreasonable and demanding client I was. Phil Harris stood by
In terror lest the account was about to be lost. I wish I had
Recorded the outburst. – It was literally “stunning”.
By the way – he produced a top, award winning TV commercial.
– second image. At the office Xmas party. Mike, boozed with two
Good looking chicks at his side and with his two hands fondling
Their bums as if it was the most natural thing to do at a party.
– third image – a key meeting at the Agency with Mike presenting to client and
Clients key customer. In the middle of his spiel Mike asks the
Key customer if he has heard some joke. The punch line is
Delivered through cupped hands around the customers ear
In a mega loud yell. There is a brief pregnant pause while Agency
And client fear the sudden end of a key customer relationship.
Then the customer bursts out laughing.
It is hard to believe that he survived and enjoyed being in the Coldstream Guards
Or that for a period of time he had a job cycling around central London
Inspecting Public Toilets.
He was a great character, a real talent and a good friend.
“God Bless you Mike”
Just read this. Michael was a good friend in the early 70s hanging with Dean Thomas, Griove Myers and Roger Kennedy. Roger shared a house with him at Wooloomooloo. I have an original first book manuscript of Micheals. He was such fun. Nights at the Newcastle Hotel in the Rocks. Weekends in Picton. Wonderful memories. Thank you ❤️❤️
He was my dad. I was not invited to the funeral. He treated me like shit for most of my life and left me nothing in his Will to show me how much he loathed me. Good riddens to an evil prick.
Wow Didn’t realise he had become such an arsehole Ben He was always riding you Giving you big lists of jobs in the school holidays Did he give anything to Victoria He just seemed to abandon both of his children from his first marriage
Hope you’re doing well Ben
David Booth
Hi David,
Long time no see.
Can you send me your number or email?
brob2457@gmail.com
0419383493
Ben