The world-famous Cavern Club will fall silent following the death of a much-loved tour guide and "true legend".
The Cavern Club Facebook page announced on Monday, January 9 that the co-founder of Cavern City Tours Ltd, Ron Jones, has died. A spokesperson from the landmark city centre attraction said he had died in his sleep in Spain, where he had been living for a number of years.
A statement from The Cavern said: "With a heavy heart, I can reveal that I have just discovered Ron, a co-founder of Cavern City Tours ltd, has passed away in his sleep in Spain, where he had lived for many years.
"I cannot even find the words, he was such an instrumental part of who I have become, and he possessed an unrivalled and incredible depth of musical knowledge accompanied by an irreverent sense of humour. Ron was a great guy; it was a privilege to have known him and worked with him for eight years (1984 - 1992). RIP Ron."
The Cavern also announced it would fall silent and hold a brief remembrance while his family simultaneously conducts their service in Spain. All details will be posted once they have been finalised.
Dozens of people commented below the post to leave their fond memories of Ron and pay tribute.
Martin Dodd said: "How very sad he was a lovely bloke. Who I always kept in touch with over the years. A true Cavern Club and Beatles Convention legend. RIP to you my friend Mr Fandabiedozie!!
"I have so many memories from the years Ron was with Cavern City Tours. Just one that springs to mind is, at the end of the closing event at The Beatles Convention Ron always used to say 'I want you to turn and shake hands with the person next to you or behind you, cause you will see them back here again next year'.
"I think it is was just one of the many things in Beatles Convention formative years which helped give it that close community feel, something that still exists to this day among the regulars and now something that’s passed down to the younger generations that attend Beatles Convention/ Beatleweek and Cavern Club."
Caroline Geraghty said: "So sorry to hear about Ron Jones!! What a legend of my time spent at the Cavern Club Liverpool & John Lennon Bar !! Many a fun night there!! Ron was hilarious!! De do Ron Ron!!"
Richie Wynne said: "I'm so sad to hear of the passing of Ron, he was a decent warm kind friendly man, bless his soul, rest in peace mate."
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