Tributes have been paid to an Irish musician and businessman who started the famous Charlie’s Bar in Lanzarote.
Charlie Chapman died aged 66 in Manchester although his daughter has already said he will be laid to rest in Dublin.
He was described as a Lanzarote legend by well-wishers on social media, with Tias Town Hall which covers the resort of Puerto del Carmen where Charlie started his bar also paying tribute to him.
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Guest stars over the years at Charlie’s Bar included Sharon Shannon, Finbar Furey, Damien Dempsey and Jon Kenny.
Donegal musician Rory Gallagher performed with the band ‘Rory and the Island' in the live music bar when he had a song called ‘Jimmy’s winning matches.’
Charlie was also heavily involved in charitable works across the island including LanzAid, a once-a-year charity event held in Puerto del Carmen which was launched in 2005 to help the victims of the Tsunami that desolated the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
Daughter Fauve Chapman said in an emotional Facebook post of her father, who passed away unexpectedly last Friday: “There’s only one Fauve in this entire world, that’s how special you are” is what he would tell me when I felt low.
“Well dad, there was definitely only one Charlie Chapman and from what I can see all over social media you were definitely the most special one.
“Everyone loved you so much.”
She added: “You were my hero, my best friend, my first love. We will miss you forever.”
In a separate message she told well-wishers: “Thank you to everyone for so many beautiful messages and stories about our special dad.
“I’m sure there are questions with regards to funeral arrangements.
“Unfortunately because he passed unexpectedly while in the UK it will take another couple of weeks to bring him home. What we do know is that he will be brought home to Dublin for his send off.”
Lanzarote-based friend and singer-songwriter Michael Bennett, originally from Dublin, wrote: “Thirty-one years ago I became friends with Charlie Chapman, my first and only friend when I got here, it was very different than today, very ‘wild west’.
“He helped me with anything I asked of him, doctors, dentists...a roof over my head sometimes. He genuinely wanted the best for everyone around him.
“As a guy that wasn't blessed with children of my own, I was always in awe of his love for all his children.....I was the guy he had coffee with and his girls and his boy were ALL he talked about.
“He never did a bad deed to anyone. I spent a lot of time with him over the last year, he was the happiest I've ever seen him.”
Dubliner Helen Faughnan said: “So shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Charlie Chapman. Charlie, you were truly a legend of Lanzarote, bringing great music & enjoyment to so many over so many decades. You always had a great welcome and a kind word for everyone….with a bit of mischief thrown in. My deepest sympathy to all your family and your countless friends. May your gentle soul Rest in Peace.”
And in a touching tribute it posted on its official Twitter feed, Tias Town Hall wrote: “We would like to express our condolences to the family of friends of Charlie Chapman, an Irish businessman based in the municipality for more than 30 years and the driving force behind Puerto del Carmen as the best tourist destination for Irish nationals.”
Describing his role as “legendary” it added: “We remember his kindness and passion for music.”
Charlie opened up his famous bar in Centro Atlantico shortly after arriving in Lanzarote in 1986.
He went on to open another Irish bar called Craic n Ceol in the old town of Puerto del Carmen now managed by his son Ryan.
He has also been described as the first person to organise St Patrick’s Day events in Lanzarote.
Ryan posted a tribute from a friend on his own Facebook which described his dad as a “trailblazer who burned brightly.”
The tribute added: “Your friendship, mentorship, selflessness and boundless talent meant more to me than you'll ever know.”
Anna Walsh, one of the many Irish holidaymakers who were entertained at Charlie’s Bar, added of the Irish expat’s death: “So sad. Have wonderful memories of our time there.”
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