Free Press Houston
Today we learned about the passing of legendary Houston nightclub owner Robert H. Burtenshaw, who is lovingly known to many as “Robot.” Burtenshaw is the owner of Numbers Nightclub, which opened in the late ’70s.
Numbers was revolutionary to the Houston nightlife scene, and has been a staple for Friday nights for as long as anyone can remember. If you like dancing, chances are you’ve been to Numbers for their spectacular ’80s dance night. A release issued by Numbers stated that, “Robot changed the landscape of Houston nightlife forever back in the ’80s and influenced us all to this day whether you realize it or not. To say he will be sorely missed is an understatement and to continue operating Numbers without him will be tough, but this is our intention and his wishes, so that is what we aim to do.”
“There will be a private ceremony for close friends and family, and further details about a public memorial and celebration of Robot’s life will be announced soon. Robot had lost many friends to AIDS so in lieu of flowers, he would have wanted you to make donations to AMFAR, AIDS Foundation Houston, or your favorite AIDS organization. Finally, if you know somebody with depression, please try to reassure them that things will get better.”
Numbers has been one of the longest standing and most successful clubs in Houston, and all of that success is a dedication to the hard work of Burtenshaw and his crew. We will miss him deeply, but his influence over the Montrose community and Houston will continue to thrive as Numbers opens up a new chapter in its long and enduring life.
To find out more, visit Numbers’ Facebook page here.
Numbers was actually opened in the late 70s. RIP, Robot.