Sean Murphy Obituary-Death News; Sean Murphy, Beloved Drummer and Bartender at Richmond Tavern Dies
The city of London, Ontario is grieving the loss of one of its most cherished cultural figures. Sean Murphy, a beloved bartender at the Richmond Tavern and a drummer in the punk rock band The Nervousmen, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 49, following complications from a stomach illness he had been battling since last year.
To many, Sean was more than just a familiar face behind the bar—he was the heartbeat of the downtown nightlife, a connector of musicians, and a steadfast friend to all who crossed his path.
His loss has sent shockwaves through the local music and service communities, leaving behind a void that will be hard to fill. As the regular Friday and Saturday night bartender at the Richmond Tavern, London’s oldest live music venue, Sean not only poured drinks but also poured his heart into every show.
He was instrumental in booking bands, supporting new talent, and creating an environment where artists felt welcome and respected. Richmond Tavern owner Mark Dencev, who had known Sean since their teenage years working in a call center, described him as “the perfect dive bar bartender”—warm, charismatic, and a natural people person.
“He was comfortable and welcoming, he loved to sling the pints, and he was friends with everybody,” Dencev recalled. “Sean was the guy I could depend on to take care of things there. He was a staple at the Rich, and I miss him greatly. It’s been really devastating.”
Sean’s dedication to the community was most evident last year when he experienced a life-threatening medical episode that forced him to step away from work.
The outpouring of love was immediate and overwhelming. Bands and fans came together for a packed fundraiser concert at the Richmond Tavern, a night that Dencev said marked the most moving show of solidarity he’s ever witnessed.
Murphy’s legacy stretches beyond the bar. As the drummer for The Nervousmen, a punk band he helped found seven years ago, he was an artist with deep roots in London’s music scene.
His passion for rhythm and raw sound began in the mid-90s, when he first picked up drumsticks as a student at H.B. Beal Secondary School. Over the decades, he became a recognizable and respected figure in the local music community, known for his energy, talent, and humility.
His best friend and bandmate, Steve Bennett, remembered him as “a guy everybody liked,” noting that Sean’s openness and outgoing nature made him an easy person to connect with.
“He really became a fixture in the London music scene… everybody is sharing photos and videos, and it’s been comforting for his family to see all the appreciation.”
Gary Pullin, another longtime friend from high school, said Sean’s appeal came from his sincerity. “He wasn’t starving to be popular. It was about the music. Everyone who knows Sean has a story. He was always real, always steady.”
Tributes have flooded social media. One heartfelt message came from The Holy Diver, another downtown bar, which wrote: “A steady hand, a sharp wit, and a heart that made room for everyone. From pour to performance, Sean helped shape the soul of London’s after-dark scene.”
On Monday night, they’ll honour his memory with a special tribute, leaving an empty barstool bearing his name and spinning his favourite tracks. The Richmond Tavern will also host a memorial concert on July 27, celebrating Sean’s life with the music and community he loved so dearly.
Sean Murphy was more than a bartender and drummer. He was a cornerstone of London’s creative heartbeat, a generous soul, and a local legend. He leaves behind a legacy of connection, kindness, and rhythm that will echo through the city’s music halls and barrooms for years to come. Rest in peace, Sean—you will be deeply missed.
