Popular music shop closes after 50 years as fans say it will be ‘sorely missed’

A POPULAR music shop is set to close after 50 years – with fans saying they will be “sorely missed”.

Goodwins Music Shop on Capel Street in Dublin announced the shock news on social media.

The family-run music shop has provided “invaluable service” to Irish musicians, and will close its doors as announced by managing director Liam Carroll.

In a post on Facebook, the business described their heartache over the news.

The statement read: “Our valued customers,

“Goodwins Music – Retiring and Closing the Shop.

“With both gratitude and sadness we announce that we are closing our store and retiring from business after a long history of Goodwins Music at 134 Capel St.”

The owners continued to thank their customers, while announcing a sale.

They added: “As we prepare to say goodbye, we want to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has walked through our doors over the years.

“We invite you to join us for a celebratory clearance sale over the coming weeks, with lots of great deals on all guitars, equipment and accessories both in-store and online.

“It’s our way of expressing our thanks for your loyal custom down the years.

“Do pop in to say hello, and to help us make these final weeks as memorable as the last 50 years.

“Warm regards,

“Liam and the Goodwins Music Team.”

The music shop racked up a great reputation across Dublin for selling and servicing acoustic, electric and bass guitars, along with amplifiers, FX pedals, keyboards, accessories and more.

Fans of the shop flooded the statement’s comment section with tributes and memories of the business.

Singer-songwriter Declan O’Rourke commented: “Sad day! 

“Got my first amp in Goodwins many moons ago, a 15 watt vantage amp.

“It was demoed in the shop for me by a sales rep who played Sultans of Swing left handed on a right hand strat (simply turned upside down by him).

“He was flawless and the sound was amazing. I still can’t play as well as he could but the memory is great. One of a million stories I’m sure. 

“Best of luck to you guys, and thanks for decades of invaluable service to Irish musicians.”

Another customer commented: “Very sad to hear this news Liam Brian and Ken and everyone else who have worked in this wonderful institution, my favourite guitar shop in Dublin or anywhere.

“I bought my first electric guitar (an Encore Strat) here in 1991 and recently my son’s first guitar and many packets of flat wound strings in between.

“There was always a lovely atmosphere of courtesy and love for guitars and music in Liam’s shop and it will be impossible to replace.

“My best wishes to you Liam in your well deserved retirement. You are an absolute gentlemen sir, one of the kindest people in the game.”

Someone else said: “My first guitar, my first fiddle, all my bits and bobs, good chats and advice, and great interaction with the lads there over the years.

“A big part of Dublin that we’ll sorely miss, but remember fondly. Thanks and good luck with the retirement.”