Petition launched to save Cork's beloved 'Pavilion'

An online petition, ‘Save the Pav’, is gathering momentum to reopen one of Cork’s best-known night entertainment venues after yesterday’s shock announcement that The Pavilion had closed its doors.

Sadly we are closed as of now. We did our very best. Thanks again

— The Good Room (@TheGoodRoomCork) July 21, 2014

Affectionately known as ‘The Pav’, it has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry since it opened in 1921. Four years ago, hip-hop superstar Kanye West — who recently honeymooned with Kim Kardashian in Co Limerick — played an impromptu DJ set there after performing at The Marquee.

Over the years, the Carey’s Lane club also boasted performances from Franz Ferdinand, Gary Numan, and Waterboys lead singer Mike Scott. It was also the IMRO Munster Live Music Venue in 2012.

Early yesterday, @ThePavilion tweeted: “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. Sadly we are closed as of now. We did our very best. Thanks again.” It remained unclear last night why the club had closed. The owners were uncontactable.

The shutters were down on the iconic green building which is in the heart of the city’s trendy Huguenot quarter.

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

The online petition, meanwhile, was started by James McGovern. “This is one of the few venues in Cork that played host to good music,” he said. “One of the very few clubs with a good eclectic mix that catered to all music tastes and simply cannot close down. Please sign and share this petition in the hopes they will realise how much it means to Corkonians and music lovers.”

Robert Kennedy, who was one of the first to sign the petition, said it was the best club in Cork “hands down”.

Kate Murphy, who also signed, described The Pav “as one of the most beautiful venues in Cork”, while James Murray said the club had backed local artistes and “brought in great names that other venues couldn’t or wouldn’t”.