Record stores, for any music lover, are like a second home. You could hang out with your friends, some of whom were employees, and talk music all night. After Tower Records closed it's doors, and many independently run shops did the same thereafter, it seemed all hope was lost. Yet Looney Tunes - a West Babylon, Long Island independent music store - stood strong and outlasted everyone. Yes, there was still a place you can buy used CD's. Yes, there was still a place that loved music as much as you, and had the memorabilia to prove it. Sadly, in the early morning hours of August 30th, an electrical fire turned 95% of Looney Tunes into smoke and ash.
For those of you who aren't from the area, think about that place in your hometown that you knew you could always rely on, for whatever it is in life that drives you. To many here on Long Island, that's what Looney Tunes was. Where else could you go and see guitars hanging on the walls, signed by some of the most legendary rock stars of all time? What other record store hosted a rooftop concert that attracted 7500 fans? Looney Tunes did, with the band Staind, at the height of their popularity. Try asking an employee at another record store about a certain song or album, and see if they can help you find it as quickly as Looney Tunes owners Karl and Jamie Groeger.
While the store is currently boarded up, a message remains clear, as it was spray-painted in huge letters on the front: "WE WILL REBUILD!" However, it will undoubtedly be a long and difficult process, and it is time that we as music lovers give a little bit back to a landmark store. To help the rebuilding process, Looney Tunes is accepting donations, including memorabilia. If you are reading this, and have anything you can give in support, please don't hesitate!
Send contributions care of:
Don Van Cleave
Coalition of Independent Music Stores,
3738 4th Terrace North, Birmingham, Ala., 35222.
You can also go to www.looneytunescds.com and click on the "contact us" tab.
Help bring the music back to Long Island! We all can lend a hand!
Message and comment your favorite bands on Myspace, and let them know of the situation and how their help is needed! If you know anyone in the music industry, get them on board! Now is the time, that with everyone's help, we can make Looney Tunes better than ever - and restore a Long Island landmark to glory.
For those of you who aren't from the area, think about that place in your hometown that you knew you could always rely on, for whatever it is in life that drives you. To many here on Long Island, that's what Looney Tunes was. Where else could you go and see guitars hanging on the walls, signed by some of the most legendary rock stars of all time? What other record store hosted a rooftop concert that attracted 7500 fans? Looney Tunes did, with the band Staind, at the height of their popularity. Try asking an employee at another record store about a certain song or album, and see if they can help you find it as quickly as Looney Tunes owners Karl and Jamie Groeger.
While the store is currently boarded up, a message remains clear, as it was spray-painted in huge letters on the front: "WE WILL REBUILD!" However, it will undoubtedly be a long and difficult process, and it is time that we as music lovers give a little bit back to a landmark store. To help the rebuilding process, Looney Tunes is accepting donations, including memorabilia. If you are reading this, and have anything you can give in support, please don't hesitate!
Send contributions care of:
Don Van Cleave
Coalition of Independent Music Stores,
3738 4th Terrace North, Birmingham, Ala., 35222.
You can also go to www.looneytunescds.com and click on the "contact us" tab.
Help bring the music back to Long Island! We all can lend a hand!
Message and comment your favorite bands on Myspace, and let them know of the situation and how their help is needed! If you know anyone in the music industry, get them on board! Now is the time, that with everyone's help, we can make Looney Tunes better than ever - and restore a Long Island landmark to glory.
