Tributes paid to Cannock nightlife legend who 'lived life to the full'
Tributes have been paid to ‘one of life’s characters’ and the founder of a popular nightclub, who has died aged 70.
Alan Murray, who opened Snoopy’s in Cannock in 1972, died in hospital on Friday following a battle with terminal cancer.
Now called Silks, the venue is thought to be the longest running independent nightclub in the UK.
In its early days it welcomed stars including the Bay City Rollers, and in the 1970s and 80s was the go-to place for Wolves players Andy Gray, Emlyn Hughes, Phil Parkes and Willie Carr.
Some of Cannock’s most famous faces, including Stan Collymore and town rocker Glenn Hughes, were also visitors.
In later years Alan saw his sons Martin and Scott follow in his footsteps – Martin taking on Silks and Scott starting his own mecca to sporting royalty, Bar Sport and its Premier Suite Lounge.
Ten years ago Alan bought his own boat and went sailing around the world with his wife Mary.
Scott said: “He was one of life’s characters. He was full of life. He told people how it was and what he thought of them and would often upset them but he was a stand-up guy.
“He lived life to the full in every which way possible.”
Scott added: “He created a nightclub that has been going almost five decades, which is incredible in the nightclub business.
“It is officially the longest running independent nightclub in the UK, owned by one person and never been moved.
“He was very much an entrepreneur. He opened Silks in 1972 and at the time he had all the major acts such as The Bay City Rollers and a lot of the big names in the 70s.
“All of the Wolves players used to drink in Silks, it was famous for it.
“He was good friends with Andy Gray. My dad was Scottish, like Andy, and was very proud of it.
“He was also very good friends with Glenn Hughes, who used to perform there.
“I got my inspiration from my dad.
“When I was a kid I grew up in the nightclub businesses and learned how to run the business.
“I went into sports but it gave me the inspiration to open up Bar Sport and to do what we do.”
Scott revealed that Martin is planning a tribute night at Silks in memory of their father.
A post on the club’s Facebook profile on Friday said: “It is with great sadness that we are to say Alan Murray passed away this morning peacefully in his sleep – 1947-2018”
