My first record shop was The Gramophone Shop - just opposite the City Hall - beside the Linenhall Library. I bought my first single there - I'm A Boy by The Who - at the ripe old age of 12. It was especially notable for the listening booths. We would drop in after school to regularly listen to the latest sounds. It was there I decided between Harvest and A Nod's As Good As A Wink. I chose the Faces. I also remember first hearing Led Zeppelin there (Led Zeppelin II)and Rory Gallagher with Taste - On The Boards. Aah nostalgia, it ain't like it used to be.
Name: Gerry McGarry.
Comment: I worked there in the 1970s. This was my first job after leaving school and I loved it. Went to see Bowie in London 1975 with Wesley Graham who also worked there. Happy times.
Name: Keith M.
Comment: Great shop. Bought Madness and Specials after school in 1981 & 1982 there. Loved listening on headphones. Etched in memory.
(22 April 2016)
Name: Stephen Killen
Comment: I bought my first LP in The Gramophone Shop in the 1970s. It was our first stop when we got into town on a Saturday. An LP, a Wimpy burger and milkshake and bus home, £3. With the words "Don't be gettin bloo up!" shouted by your mum on the way out the door. I sound like my granda now!
Name: Bill Adair
Comment: I used to kill time in The Gramophone Shop... listening to LPs in one of the little booths at the back. I was a school kid so I rarely bought one... didn't half get to sample some crackers though.
Name: Roberta Seenan
Comment: My first job after school was at The Gramophone Shop (in 1970). The manager then was called Solomon; and it did have an upstairs where they had the stereos etc as I had to dust them. It was where I met my husband - it was the place where all the cool guys went on Saturdays to listen to music!
Name: CK Watt
Comment: I would go into The Gramophone Shop with my father. He would buy different records of all styles to introduce our family to Culture with a capital C. Irish tenors, South American pan pipes, you name it, he bought it. Through that I discovered Tubular Bells and The Beatles double red and blue. Then I decided to become a drummer. Thanks Dad!
