It's been a tumultuous few months for Niall Walton of Walton's Music.
The managing director of the iconic music shop in Dublin came into the spotlight recently when the news emerged that -- due to rising rents in the city -- Walton's Music would no longer be able to occupy its much-loved spot in Dublin on South Great George's Street. Musicians and music fans posted messages of condolence and sheet music on the shop front, lamenting the changes, which had particular resonance given the long history of the shop: Walton's Music was set up in Dublin by Niall's grandfather back in 1922.
Music has always been a major presence in the Walton family. As Niall told us on the Patrick's weekend programme, music was part and parcel of his early childhood. "We played hide and seek behind the pianos," he recalled. "It's part of your blood."
When Niall took over as managing director, he quickly discovered that -- for all the glitter and glamour attached to the music industry -- owning a music shop is tougher than it looks. "It's a hard business because people perceive it to be very glamorous. But it's not a huge money-making business. Margins are relatively small. Most people in music aren't there for the money, because it's not there."
Still, there are amazing moments to be had -- notably when director John Carney filmed a crucial scene from his 2007 film Once in the shop. When the Once soundtrack song Falling Slowly was nominated for an Oscar, that scene was recreated for a television audience of millions from the stage. Eventually, so many tourists came into the shop to play 'Falling Slowly' on the piano that Walton's employees put up a sign banning the track. "There was a newspaper heading saying, 'Walton's employee bans song in shop,'" Niall laughed.
Listen back to the interview by hitting the play button top right -- and let us know what you think by tweeting @nadineoregan or @songsinthekey.
Niall Walton's Playlist:
1. The Waterboys 'Fisherman's Blues'
2. The Pogues 'Dirty Old Town'
3. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova 'Falling Slowly'
4. Pink Floyd 'Wish You Were Here'
5. Neil Young 'Heart of Gold'
6. Paul Brady 'The Island'
7. Luke Kelly 'Raglan Road'
8. Eric Clapton 'Layla'
9. John Martyn 'Sweet Little Mystery'
10. The Pretenders 'Back in the Chain Gang'
