I heard about the passing of “Santa” last night. He flew home to the North Pole on September 13, 2025

Santa’s funny looking little Christmas themed double-wide dive bar became a Nashville staple.

Santa, Denzel Irwin, opened Santa's Pub in Nashville, TN in 2011 to have something to do in retirement. The location has a history of being a local watering hole dating back to the 1960s. I believe it is actually built out of shipping containers and an old train caboose.

I met Santa for the first time in September of 2020 while photographing recording artist Cody Belew for an a new music release. I enjoyed talking with him. He even volunteered to be in a few of the photos.

Santa cultivated a unique atmosphere and entertained patrons with his famous “cigarette tricks” and legendary stories. Artists like Jack White, Kid Rock, Kacey Musgraves, Ed Sheeran and others frequented Santa’s Pub. His karaoke nights were very popular as well. Irwin was very well liked and known for his generosity and kindness.

Irwin always said, “No cussing at Santa’s.” He was also known for his rule stating patrons had to “respect women or they’ll have to find another bar.”

I hope Santa’s Pub continues on without him but it will never be the same.