Tributes have been paid to the owner of an iconic Dundee record store and a much-loved figure in the city.
Alastair Brodie, known affectionately by the nickname “Breeks”, passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 65.
He owned Groucho’s on the city’s Nethergate, selling vinyl records for over 40 years.
Mr Brodie had been suffering from various health issues for some time and had been in Ninewells Hospital for the past week.
A joint statement from Mr Brodie’s family and colleagues was issued by Groucho’s following his death.
It read: “Alastair (Breeks) Brodie, 1953-2019. It is with a very heavy heart and much sadness that we have to announce the passing of Alastair or Breeks as many will know him.
“As the co-founder then sole proprietor of Groucho’s Record Store since 1976, he has been a mainstay of both the independent retailers of Dundee and more importantly the music scene in the city.
© Kris Miller / DCT Media“There are few people who can say they have never been in to Groucho’s, nevertheless there are generations of Dundonians, fans and musicians who have enjoyed a real music retail experience in one of Dundee’s best loved shops all thanks to the genuine love of music with which Breeks filled the shop.
“He passed away on Tuesday, July 30 following a short stay in hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family and took with him the love of many more friends, relatives and well-wishers.
“Funeral arrangements to follows, but the family would like to thank the excellent care and attention Alastair received from Wards Seven, Nine and 20 during his stay at Ninewells as well as support staff.”
The post ends with quote from Jimi Hendrix, one of Mr Brodie’s favourite musicians.
It reads: “The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye, the story of love is hello and goodbye…until we meet again.”
Mr Brodie, who was born in Edinburgh, opened Groucho’s at the age of 22 having moved to Tayside to study at Dundee University.
His nephew, Dundee author and former Sunday Post writer Chae Strathie, is among those paying tribute to his “coolest uncle”.
“Everyone thought he’d pull through,” he told The Courier.
“Things deteriorated suddenly on Monday night and he went downhill quite rapidly and the family were called in yesterday.
“You couldn’t meet a more passionate Dundonian. He loved the city and he really loved its people. There will be people who’ve been coming to Groucho’s for 40 years.”
We are sad to hear of the passing of passionate Arab Alastair (Breeks) Brodie after illness. Breeks, 65, was a well known and popular face around Tannadice having supported the Club for many years and established the Tangerine Trading Post shops. He will be sadly missed. pic.twitter.com/9NAKXk4Poa
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) July 31, 2019
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