Millers Music Shop
Main photo: the curved window allowed a view down to the record department Inset: the popular listening booths at Millers Music Shop Photo:Alan WillisPhoto: Viv ‘Twig’ Brans
Millers Music Shop was on Sidney Street, opposite Boots the Chemists.Looking across the road, it would have been to the right of what is now Marks & Spencers. The ground floor of the shop sold televisions and radiograms, the first floor sold musical instruments and the basement was for listening to - and buying - records. Warren says: “On Saturday morning, everyone would meet downstairs as the first stop of the weekend. We would crowd into open standing booths to hear the latest pop records. occasionally even buying one!” John ‘Pole’ Taylor remembers winning a ‘Twist’ competition in a room above the shop. Having beaten
Syd Barrett into second place, he chose a Miles Davis record, Bags’ Groove for his prize. Those interested in jazz by the likes of Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and Thelonius Monk which was mostly sold in LP format were allowed to listen in enclosed booths with seating. Millers also had a second record shop, where we sometimes went. This was in King Street, opposite Malcom Street and the Corner House restaurant. Millers today, although nearby, is at an altogether different location,” says Warren. Millers was established in 1856 and is still in the original family ownership. Barry Robinson, the present owner,first started working at the shop in 1956, at the age of 13 (part-time, of course).
Millers Music Shop
Photo: Mick Brown
Above: Mods regularly met outside Boots the Chemists opposite Millers Music Shop
Article from 60's music tours of Cambridge
Millers Music Shop was on Sidney Street, opposite Boots the Chemists.Looking across the road, it would have been to the right of what is now Marks & Spencers. The ground floor of the shop sold televisions and radiograms, the first floor sold musical instruments and the basement was for listening to - and buying - records. Warren says: “On Saturday morning, everyone would meet downstairs as the first stop of the weekend. We would crowd into open standing booths to hear the latest pop records. occasionally even buying one!” John ‘Pole’ Taylor remembers winning a ‘Twist’ competition in a room above the shop. Having beaten
Syd Barrett into second place, he chose a Miles Davis record, Bags’ Groove for his prize. Those interested in jazz by the likes of Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and Thelonius Monk which was mostly sold in LP format were allowed to listen in enclosed booths with seating. Millers also had a second record shop, where we sometimes went. This was in King Street, opposite Malcom Street and the Corner House restaurant. Millers today, although nearby, is at an altogether different location,” says Warren. Millers was established in 1856 and is still in the original family ownership. Barry Robinson, the present owner,first started working at the shop in 1956, at the age of 13 (part-time, of course).
Millers Music Shop
Photo: Mick Brown
Above: Mods regularly met outside Boots the Chemists opposite Millers Music Shop
Article from 60's music tours of Cambridge
A new Beatles record would come out for example we'd rush down to Millers music store get together on one of the little booths used have one of the stand up ones where you fit on three people listening to a single. They also had bigger room booths by 5 to 6 ft you could get in 4-5 people you could listen to the whole LP we would listen to a brand new Beatle LP be would writing the words down and making notes of the cords and stuff We would try to get play again if the serving girl where in a good mood or we smiled at them nicely they might play it a second time. And then While setting up for a gig that night you'd rehearsed one or two of the ones that seemed easiest you got to know well. Then you could announce you know over your pa this is a song called such and such from the new Beatles album which is out today was you know massively exciting to play a really bad rendition with all the wrong words and cords all you pick up in one or maybe two listens. David Gilmour Pink Floyd (November 15, 2015)
Rob Webb @100Covers @MillersMusic @BRSArchive bought my first records at Millers!
Rob Webb @100Covers @MillersMusic @BRSArchive bought my first records at Millers!
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Gramophone 1958 donation Action Records Preston