Tim Hosmeister of Center City said the music immediately brought him back to the broadcaster who first shaped his love of rock. Good day in the morning. And just be a good citizen," Hosmeister said, recalling the voice he grew up with. "He is Philadelphia. He's a legend. He brings so many people together."
Robert, a celebrated WMMR DJ for more than four decades, died last October. After his death, Lisa Schaffer, the owner of Vinyl Chickie, was offered the opportunity to purchase his private collection of about 300 LPs and 250 CDs.
Rhiannon Punzo, an organizer involved with the effort, said the decision about what to do with the collection was immediate and emotional. "When she got offered the chance to look at his private collection at this house, she got off the phone and was shaking, and the first thing she said was, ' If I get this, I want to do the right thing with it," Punzo said.
For Schaffer and others involved, the "right thing" meant honoring Robert on Record Store Day and opening the collection to the public. "What do you think he would want to do with this collection? Everybody said he would want it in as many hands as possible," Punzo said.
By Friday night, it was clear the idea resonated. The first person arrived at 11 p.m., and the line quickly stretched hundreds deep by the next morning.
Stacey Brensinger, who traveled from Hamburg, Pennsylvania, said she was eager just to be part of the moment. "We got like 81 in line, so I'm just happy to get something," she said.
Former colleagues also stopped by to connect with fans waiting outside. Jason Fehon, a former producer for Robert, said the bond listeners felt was authentic. "He had the voice obviously, the connection with the artists and the musical knowledge, but he was so genuine on the air, it felt like you were listening to your best friend," Fehon said.
Not everyone in line was guaranteed a record or CD. At one point, the crowd grew larger than the remaining inventory. Even so, attendees said the experience itself mattered.
"I need a piece of Pierre to keep with me," Brensinger said. "He was a legend that I grew up with, and he's been with me my whole life."
As the day unfolded, fans shared memories, music, and gratitude for a broadcaster who connected generations through rock and roll.
"God bless Pierre Robert," said Ryan Shuttleworth, from WMMR, echoing a refrain repeated throughout the crowd. Fehon added, "God bless Pierre Robert." Brensinger offered her own farewell: "God bless Pierre Robert, and God bless the Grateful Dead."