The Vibe Is Back

Famous Belfast record store reopens

A renowned Northern Irish record store is back in business after an absence of more than 15 years. Having made its name in the late Seventies as both a record store and an independent recording label, Good Vibrations once again opened its doors to the public this week. The reopening is the latest chapter in a remarkable year for the store’s celebrated owner Terri Hooley, with the past 12 months seeing him restore his record label, receive a letter from Bill Clinton and become the subject of a forthcoming biopic.

The revived ‘Good Vibes’ is situated in a three-story building in Belfast’s Winetavern Street. Of the reopening, a clearly excited Hooley had this to say, “I’m not often lost for something to say but words cannot describe how thrilled I am to be going back to my roots and relaunching Good Vibes.”

The original store started life in 1977, operating out of a derelict building in Great Victoria Street. The shop soon became a focal point for musicians and artists looking for an escape from the Troubles. Acclaimed acts such as The Undertones, Rudi, The Outcasts and Protex were all fostered by the Good Vibrations label.

The restoration of the record label will be marked in fine style with September’s release of a new album by The Minnows, the first album on the label in some 17 years.

The official opening of the new Good Vibes record shop will be marked by an invite-only event at the store on Saturday July 26, followed by a launch party, which is open to the public, at the Spring and Airbrake. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the store or the venue for £5, or at the door on the night for £7.

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