Larry Rubin, a public relations wizard during the old Spectrum’s glory years who organized and promoted performances of numerous rock stars, sports teams, and five-star entertainers, died on April 28 at his Wynnewood home aged 81, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Rubin, who previously lived in Narberth, started his career as a reporter in the 1960s for The Evening Bulletin. He later served as a public relations representative for the Flyers, among countless other organizations.

Most recently, he owned his own brand-building advisory business, Rubin Public Relations.

His reputation as a promotional giant, however, comes from years as a public relations director at the Spectrum, a position he held from 1976 to 1986. At that time, he organized promotions and media campaigns that heralded the arrival of some of the biggest music and sports stars to the arena, including Bruce Springsteen and the Harlem Globetrotters. He then oversaw their intricate productions.

“Blending his creativity with his unique sense of humor is what sets Larry apart from other PR professionals,” said Ike Richman, president of Ike Richman Communications and Rubin’s protégé. “I often find myself asking: ‘What would Larry do?’ And I will continue to be inspired by his imaginative approaches, his creativity, and his sense of humor.”

Read more about Larry Rubin in The Philadelphia Inquirer.