Richmond Tavern bartender remembered as a 'fixture' in London's music scene
Musicians and loved ones are mourning the death of a beloved drummer and downtown London bartender, who they say was a backbone of the city's nightlife and music scene.
Sean Murphy was a popular bartender at the Richmond Tavern, responsible for booking numerous bands at the city's oldest live music venue. He died in hospital on Sunday following complications from an stomach illness he'd been battling since last year. He was 49.
"Sean was our regular Friday and Saturday night bartender so he was always there for the busy shows. He got to know the musicians better every time, and he was your perfect dive bar bartender," said Richmond Tavern owner Mark Dencev, who was also a close friend of Murphy's.
"He was comfortable and welcoming, he loved to sling the pints, and he was friends with everybody."
Dencev first met Murphy more than three decades ago when the two were teenagers working at a call centre. Years later, it turned into a long awaited reunion when Murphy started working at the bar.
A nearly fatal medical episode last summer forced Murphy to take time off work to recover and prompted several bands he worked with to organize a fundraiser concert at the Richmond, which Dencev said was the most impactful outpouring of support he'd ever seen.
"We had numerous bands that all volunteered. I could not believe it. We were at capacity the entire event, and it just showed how many people had a connection to Sean and how many people really wanted to support him in this community," he said.
Murphy was also a drummer in his punk rock band, the Nervousmen which he started with a group of friends about seven years ago. But his passion for music and drumming dates back to his high school days in the mid 90s, said his best friend and bandmate Steve Bennett.
"He really became a fixture in the London music scene and he was just a guy that everybody liked. He was outgoing and he could talk to anybody," he said.
"Everybody is sharing photos and videos with him, and it's been really comforting for his family as well to see all the love and appreciation for him online and all the wonderful things everyone is saying."
A local legend for London's nightlife
Gary Pullin met Murphy when they were in high school at H.B. Beal Secondary School and said Murphy was a reliable friend and his humble personality is what made him unique. Pullin wishes he got to see Murphy drum one more time, he said.
"He wasn't starving to be popular, I think it was more about the music and he just loved playing. Everyone that knows Sean has a story, he was really positive and all about music," said Pullin. "He was a straight shooter and just one of those guys that you could always count on."
Others who knew Murphy described him as a local legend who was part of the backbone of the city's nightlife.
"A steady hand, a sharp wit, and a heart that made room for everyone. From pour to performance, Sean helped shape the soul of London's after-dark scene," The Holy Diver, another downtown bar, wrote in a tribute post on Facebook.
The bar will raise a glass to Murphy on Monday night, along with an empty barstool with his name on it while playing Murphy's favourite tunes.
Richmond Tavern is also planning a memorial concert in his honour on July 27 and Dencev said more updates will become available on their website.
"Sean was the guy I could depend on to take care of things there, and he was the staple bartender that was always there at the Rich, so I miss him greatly," he said. "It's been really devastating."
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