RIP Cecil

I wrote this little ode to you Cecil because you meant the world to me and I tried to do you justice in a few verses. I will miss you so much but in every song I play in the future I know you will be beside me. ❤❤❤

ODE TO CECIL (RIP)

I went to the Grove for nearly four years
I still hear the music ringing in my ears
When the old Grove burnt down I could not go back
For nothing could replace that psychedelic shack

Cecil opened doors that others closed
Gave us a place to be ourselves
The freedom, the music, the fun and the dance
Gave us teenagers our first big chance

Cecil laughed and smiled, was
humble and kind
For thirty years he played the Grove
He had a huge influence on our musical directions
And this is reflected in our record collections

He was a music legend on the stage
Playing vinyl that was all the rage
From rock to pop, goth and punk
He never played any junk

Now the "Music Man" has passed on
To that great gig in the sky he is gone
It's hard not to break down and cry
At the thought of having to say goodbye

I look on the Grove as a family tree
So many friends made that are dear to me
Thank you Cecil for being the best
Your turntable is silent now, it's time to rest.

Well said Brian. See the "Dear Frankie" thread also.

Hi folks,

Lovely words Mel, I couldn't say it better.

As you all know, I came very late to this continuing Grove world. I only discovered this website in 2018, and then everything followed from that. I never knew Cecil well like you guys but he was extremely kind and warm-hearted to me the few times I did meet him - in HBs and out in Howth - since I got involved here. He personally organised the Grove-documentary DVD and also the CD of the film 32A for me. With help from yourself I think Mel (?) and probably others ... Else I'd never have got them I reckon.

Anyway, there's nothing more I can add to what's been said. There'll be a bottle of white wine opened and drank by me this evening and I'll play some tunes and think of Cecil, the Grove, and all us on here...

Until later. We send Cecil back to the beginning, with love

Lovely words Pat, and I echo every one of them ...

You know what I would love.

For us all here and am sure many others to be able to gather in a pub (Sean's the man to book one) and just drink, chat, cry, laugh, tell tales whilst perhaps having Grove music in the background.

If only the coronavirus was not around. I would dig deep into my pockets to fly back for that.

Two bungalows down from me is an Italian lady called Vanessa.

She owns a lovely Italian restaurant close to us.

Well after I heard the sad news I said to Marjie I need a bit of sustenance tonight, as in some red wine.

So keys in hand and heading to the car to go down to our favourite off licence Vanessa was outside on her patio.

So I ventured to ask if she had of her red wine in her house and explained my need and sadness.

No she said but on her motorbike she popped and within 15 minutes two bottles of Italian red wine were planted on my table.

A wonderful woman, great craic and the food in her restaurant is absolutely divine and so reasonable.

So as I write this I salute you all and raise a glass to Cecil. 🍷🍷🍷🍷

Same Joey 🍷🍷🍷

Hope all good with you.

Pat,last year I booked the upstairs in the Beachcomber pub for the Grove radio show birthday party,it turned out to be a great night,with the room to ourselves and Grove tunes playing as background music...we were hoping to do it again this year till covid ruined our plans,but hopefully we can do it again next year,and make it an annual event... long live the Grove.

Well lads, it will probably take more than one meet-up anyway! I will be at them all !!!