Bob Cassidy

Bob Cassidy

1949 – 2017

This has been one of the more difficult profiles to write as not much is known of Bob’s personal life outside his circle of friends.

I did email some of his known friends asking for more information so I can write a detailed profile but the general consensus was that Bob’s profile would be better served if I were to write about his amazing career as a mentalist.

Early life:

Born Robert Cassidy on June 23rd 1949. He discovered magic and mentalism early in life, he wasn’t drawn to flashy illusions or sleight of hand and card tricks. Instead he quickly gravitated toward mindreading and mental feats, he was captivated by the power of ideas, suggestion, and psychology.

Bob’s early performances in the 1960s and ’70s were bold, some would say  radical. He didn’t want to be another fancy magician in a tuxedo, he wanted to blow people’s minds and leave them questioning what was real.

His foundation was built on classic principles and a deep understanding of human behaviour. 

PEA:

One of his most enduring contributions came in 1978, when he co founded the Psychic Entertainers Association (PEA) on May 26th 1978, along with fellow mentalists/entertainers Tony Raven, Scott Gordon, Mary A. Lynn and Dian Buehlmeier. The PEA became a hub for professional mentalists and psychic entertainers, it was a way for serious performers to share ideas, ethics and advances in the artform without dilution or exposure.

Bob Cassidy’s leadership within the PEA helped elevate mentalism to a new level of respectability. The organisation attracted some of the brightest minds in the field. Bob was never one to shy away from spirited debate and this often saw him at the centre of both innovation and controversy.

Revolutionary:

Bob wasn’t just a performer, he was a prolific writer and his literary contributions to mentalism are legendary.

Arguably his most famous work is: The Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy.

This is considered a must read for any mentalist, it blends his original effects with essays on theory and presentation.

It’s a book that doesn’t just tell you how to do mentalism, it challenges you to think about why you do it.

Other notable works include:

The Principia Mentalia, a deep dive into the philosophy and structure of mentalism.

Theories and Methods for the Practical Psychic,  practical techniques grounded in real world performance.

Fundamentals, also considered essential reading, this manuscript examines Bob’s core principles.

Bob Cassidy’s writing is direct, unapologetic, and laced with humour.

But beneath the attitude lies a genuine love for mentalism and a deep understanding of its subtleties.

Persona:

Bob’s on stage persona was iconic, he was sharp tongued and he had the uncanny ability to make audiences feel like they were in on something forbidden. He broke the fourth wall constantly winking, having fun and revealing just enough to keep you off balance.

He didn’t pose as a psychic, he was always clear that his methods were based on psychology, suggestion, and theatrical technique. Yet his performances were so strong that audiences walked away uncertain, intrigued and entertained.

His legendary Q&A routines were masterclasses in pacing, drama and authenticity. Bob made it look effortless, and in doing so he inspired a generation to reimagine what mentalism could be.

Innovator:

Bob Cassidy had a knack for taking classic effects and breathing new life into them. His ability to embed psychological subtlety into his routines without relying on gimmicks or electronic aids was extraordinary.

He had a clear disdain for over complicating, often arguing that the strongest effects were built on simple methods, strong scripting and confident presentations.

One of his most famous principles was the Three Phase Routine, a structure that many mentalists now use as a blueprint for building acts.

The idea was to start strong, build surprise and end on an emotional or intellectual climax. This structure combined with Bob’s belief in treating mentalism as a conversation rather than a demonstration, became a cornerstone of modern performance philosophy.

Death:

Bob Cassidy passed away on February 24th 2017, but his influence is alive today more than ever. His writings continue to sell, his theories are discussed in lectures worldwide and his performances, many of which can be seen on video, are dissected by students of mentalism.

 Bob was fiercely protective of mentalism’s secrets and integrity. He criticised sloppy performance, lazy thinking and lack of theatrical understanding. For him, mentalism was not a hobby, it was a calling.

His commitment to authenticity and refusal to compromise artistic vision have become guiding principles for performers all over the world.

Legacy:

In an age of digital magic and viral illusions, you might wonder what a  mentalist from the 70s can offer todays performer.

The answer to that is simple: EVERYTHING!

Bob’s emphasis on structure, psychology, audience connection and intelligent scripting remains more relevant than ever. He wasn’t chasing trends, he was building timeless mentalism that hits hard, every time. Whether you’re using billet peeks or phone apps, his core teachings remain foundational.

More importantly, his work reminds us that mentalism isn’t about the tricks we do, it’s about people and making an audience feel seen, heard and amazed by the power of their own minds.

Bob Cassidy didn’t just perform mentalism, he lived it. His work was more than entertainment, it was a philosophy wrapped in mystery.

He challenged us to think harder, perform smarter and never settle for mediocre reactions when genuine astonishment was within reach.

We should all tip our hat to Bob Cassidy. We’re not just walking in his footsteps, we’re following the path he carved for all of us.

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