One for the road

As mentioned in a previous post, the Road Records store recently closed its doors at last after struggling for a long time to keep their heads above water in financial situations. Based in a humble little shop on Fade Street, just off of Georges Street in Dublin city centre, owners Dave and Julie and were selling records to the public for the past 11 happy years, up until January this year. But this was not just a record store; it was a family of sorts. Road Records showed an unbelievable amount of support and compassion for local independent artists. These guys were firm believers in looking after our home-grown talent, and had so much to say for those striving musicians they had come to know over the years. The closing of Road Records will definitely be felt by some of the aspiring musicians in our domestic music market, not only in having lost one of the few places to stock independent records, but also in having lost a place for friends.

What is important to note is that Road Records struggled for a long time before finally having to say no, we really can’t do this anymore. As such they incurred a lot of debts in their last months.

Next Saturday the 14^th March there will be a benefit gig on in Andrew’s Lane to celebrate the selflessness and fighting support which Road Records showed over the years and particularly in their final days. Please come along and show your appreciation for their admirable unyielding encouragement.

Acts on the night include; Jape, The Jimmy Cake, Si Schroeder, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, and Road Record DJs and tickets are priced at €20 each, available from Tower Records, www.tickets.ie & WAV box office 1890 200 078. It’s not a huge donation to sacrifice considering their losses. This should be a great night of music and also a very nostalgic heart-felt goodbye to one of Dublin’s legacies.

Words by Laura McGlynn

Image courtesy of iLike.com