Remembering Dave Roberts: A Tribute to a Brighton Legend of Pinball and Music
As we move into early 2026, many in the Brighton community and beyond are reflecting on the profound loss of Dave Roberts, who passed away in late October 2025. Dave was a cornerstone of the south coast’s enthusiast circles—a man whose "cheeky smile" was as much a trademark as his immense technical expertise.
A Multifaceted Legacy
Dave’s impact stretched across two distinct but deeply connected worlds: the hum of the arcade and the crackle of a vinyl record.
The Pinball Technician: To the gaming community, Dave was a master of his craft. As a long-time technician for venues like Aladdins on the Brighton seafront, he was responsible for keeping some of the UK’s most iconic pinball tables in top-tier condition. His deep mechanical and electrical knowledge wasn't just a job; it was a passion. He was a regular contributor to Pinball News, where his reviews and technical guides helped maintain Brighton’s reputation as a premier destination for high-quality, playable machines.
The Music Historian: Beyond the arcade, Dave was a legendary figure in the independent music scene. A long-time associate of Skeleton Records, he was described by those who knew him as the "smartest dressed person" in the local scene since the late 1970s. His encyclopedic knowledge of music history made him a "man of letters" in the record-collecting world and a "genuinely gentle and lovely man" to all who walked through the shop doors.
A Final Farewell
Formal news of Dave's passing began to circulate around October 21, 2025, sparking a wave of tributes from Birkenhead to Brighton.
A funeral service to honor his life was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Landican South Chapel. In a touch that perfectly captured Dave’s quirky sense of humor and his deep musical roots, attendees were lightheartedly invited to bring along their "least favorite Mike Oldfield LP."
Following the service, friends, family, and colleagues gathered at the Rose and Crown to share stories of his technical brilliance, his wit, and the kindness he showed to everyone he met.
How to Honor Dave’s Memory
While there is no official memorial fund, Dave’s legacy lives on through the machines he fixed and the music he loved. If you would like to share a memory, photo, or message of condolence, the following spaces remain active:
Skeleton Records (Facebook): The official tribute post has become a beautiful digital guestbook for the music community.
Pinball Enthusiast Groups: If you were one of Dave’s customers or a fellow enthusiast, you can share your thoughts on the Pinball Info UK forums or in the comments of the Pinball News Brighton Guide.
Dave Roberts was more than a technician; he was a vital part of the cultural fabric of Brighton. He will be deeply missed by the customers who relied on his skills and the friends who were lucky enough to know the man behind the machines.