Tributes have been paid to the owner of a Dundee record shop Grouchos following his untimely death.

Alastair Brodie, known as “Breeks”, passed away on Tuesday night, after spending the past week in Ninewells Hospital.

The 65-year-old had previously announced plans to retire for health reasons, but despite the business seemingly set to close, a deal was struck to keep it open with Breeks continuing to run the store he co-founded more than 40 years ago.

Born in Edinburgh in 1953, Breeks moved to Dundee and opened Groucho’s aged 22, in its original premises on Perth Road before moving to its Nethergate location.

His nephew, Dundonian author Chae Strathie, speaking to the Courier, put into perspective his uncle’s importance to the local music scene.

“When you think of all the musicians who would have gathered there over that time… it was a hub for so many different musicians: Michael Marra, the Average White Band right up to Kyle Falconer and The View.”

And journalist Stuart Cosgrove said: “Breeks was one of Tayside’s great influencers. New bands, underground classics and hidden classics; he had a passion for music that resonated in the community.”

A number of celebrities have previously frequented the shop, with former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr describing it as one of the top two shops of its kind in the UK, while other famous customers included comic Lenny Henry and Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green.

Local indie label Make That A Take said: “A constant presence in the Dundee music scene, Breeks will be much missed in the musical community” adding “Rest in power.