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Monday, August 6, 2007
Dempsey Mourns the Loss of Rocky Sullivan's
July 31 marked the end of an era for Manhattan Irish pub goers, as the last pint was poured at the famous Irish pub on Lexington, Rocky Sullivan's. The bar is being forced to move to Red Hook by fast rising rent. Over the years, Rocky's served as a haven for many a Celtic musician, including Damien Dempsey during his time living in Queens. The man has cited Rocky Sullivan's as his home away from home. Dempsey commented on the closing down of the pub on Lexington:
"Rocky's was New York for me. No matter where I'd go to eat, drink or play in NY, I'd always end up back there. Always welcomed, sometimes into the middle of an after hours bar long debate about politics, religion or poetry, or if I had my way in the middle of an a cappella sing song where no one was safe from the call."
"I met Mexican friends there, black girls from Harlem, Brooklyn Jews, Glasgow Hillbillies, Irish from the 32 counties, Irish Yanks from all corners of the five boroughs and South Boston, South Chicago and Jersey - many, many colourful characters who'd readily exchange their life story and heart-held views at a whim. I've played to five people there - honing my storytelling and trying out new songs and jammin' with the great Chris Byrne - and I've played to packed out houses there where the whole length of the bar sang my choruses back at me. One time I played support at Radio City Music Hall, and guess where I went straight after my set to do a 2nd gig - Rocky Sullivans 29th and Lex. Much love, Damo."
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