Cork music fans lament as The Pav announces closure
The Cork music scene was dealt a significant blow this morning as city centre venue The Pavilion announced that it is closing its doors with immediate effect.
The news was first announced via the venue’s official Twitter account at 11.08am, stating: “Sadly we are closed as of now. We did our very best. Thanks again”.
Thanks for all the good times. To our brilliant staff, all the bands, djs and of course you. We know you loved the place as much as we did!
— The Good Room (@TheGoodRoomCork) July 21, 2014
Sadly we are closed as of now. We did our very best. Thanks again
— The Good Room (@TheGoodRoomCork) July 21, 2014
The news was greeted with a mixture of sadness and disbelief, with many suggesting that the account may have been hacked, or that it could be part of a publicity campaign.
Was out in the Pav on Saturday and last night. Really don't know what I'm going to do without it...
— The Point Of Everything (@TPOEblog) July 21, 2014
Shouts to the crew from The Pav. @ThePavilion There is no sounder group of people. Another big loss for Cork music community.
— Ray Wingnut (@WingNutGalway) July 21, 2014
However, these hopes were quashed soon afterwards when Cork DJ Steven Grainger (aka Stevie G), who was heavily involved in the running of the venue, confirmed the news, along with resident DJ and Cork music scene stalwart Jim ‘X’ Comet.
Long-time friends and musical collaborators, Cork producers Fish Go Deep, who have been resident at the club since its inception, expressed their sentiments on their official Facebook page.
“In case you haven't heard the news this morning, The Pavilion Theatre announced that they would be closing their doors as of today,” the statement read.
“This is very sad tidings for many music lovers in Cork. The Pav has been home to our Go Deep parties for the last six years and we've lost count of the number of great nights we've had there. We'd like to thank Joe, Stevie, Pat and all the staff for consistently supporting new music and providing an alternative to the mainstream of city nightlife.
“It wasn't the easiest path to take but all the effort was much appreciated and will be remembered. Best of luck to all involved in the future.”
@thepavilion Thanks for all the great nights and for consistently supporting new music in Cork over the years.
— Fish Go Deep (@fishgodeep) July 21, 2014
Artists who had played at the venue were also quick to offer their sympathy to the staff.
Really sorry to hear @ThePavilion has to close down. Some really great times in there. Best of luck to all the staff in the future X
— Fight Like Apes (@fightlikeapes) July 21, 2014
Ugh. Utterly miserable at hearing @ThePavilion has had to shut it's doors. The place blew our minds every time. A truly special venue :-(
— LE GALAXIE (@LeGalaxie) July 21, 2014
Thank you to Joe Kelly and @StevieGrainger who were beyond inspirations to us. We would not be where we are today without @ThePavilion
— Brendan Canty (@feelgoodlost) July 21, 2014
@ThePavilion Many thanks for all the good times and for taking a chance ..best of luck in the future lads.
— Brian Deady (@Briandeady) July 21, 2014
The intimate venue hosted many emerging underground acts and club nights during its tenure, leading many to question what the future now holds for the city’s emerging musical talent.
The venue also hosted some fondly-remembered gigs from more established names such as Beardyman, Franz Ferdinand and Gary Numan, and established Chicago brass band Hypnotic Brass Ensemble as local favourites.
It will also be remembered for a surprise appearance from hip-hop superstar Kanye West in 2009.
A sad day indeed.
