End of the Road: iconic music store closes

MUSIC FANS and well-known musicians yesterday expressed sadness at the decision of Road Records, an independent Dublin music shop, to close after 11 years in business.

Owners Dave and Julie Kennedy told customers they were “sad to say” they had to close. They cited illegal downloads, online CD sales and declining footfall as among the reasons it had been losing money.

Successful Irish acts such as The Frames sold their early music in the shop, which is well known as an outlet for independent musicians. Acclaimed Idaho singer-songwriter Josh Ritter said it was the first place in the world to sell his debut album. He told The Irish Times that he would not be where he was today if it were not for the shop’s support.

“It is a tragedy they are closing down. There is nowhere else like it. It is like a combination of a pub, a record store and a therapist,” he said. “Road Records is like a symbol; their philosophy is too good to keep like a light under the bushel. I hope it’s not over yet and something else happens for them,” he said.

Singer-songwriter David Kitt, whose first single was released in Road Records, said it was more than a shop but “a centre to congregate, exchange ideas and put stuff out”.

The store on Fade Street was busy before the weekend and regulars leaving with vinyl-filled bags spoke sadly but fondly of it.

Lorina Rush said she was “heartbroken” as the shop had introduced her to so much new music. “It’s a really sad day and a huge loss to bands,” she said. “You feel like you are coming into someone’s sitting room and they are just short of giving you a cup of tea.”

Jamie Farrell, who has a small vinyl-only record label, said it was one of his main sellers. “It’s a community space for people to go in and chat about what’s going on,” he said.

“It’s a social experience, it’s unquantifiable,” said regular Glen O’Brien.

Dave Kennedy said he was “blown away” by the “amazing reaction” to the closure decision.

“We have always tried to be as supportive to local music as possible, mainly because people in this country make music as good if not better than anywhere else,” Mr Kennedy said. “Now local music scene bands are scared there will be no outlet for them.”

He appealed to people to support the city’s remaining independent music shops. “It’s only when they are all gone that you will then miss them,” he said.


This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times