Music / News
Much-loved record store is back – in mystery location
A record store’s announcement that it will reopen in a new location after a two year hiatus is being celebrated by Bristol’s music-loving community.
Idle Hands, which closed its doors in 2022 after more than a decade on City Road in St Paul’s, took to social media to announce its return.
Its new location remains a mystery, though on closing the last shop in 2022 founder Chris Farrell dropped a clue, saying he believed the future of Idle Hands lay in “more centrally located premises”.
is needed now More than ever
Vinyl fans will have to stay tuned to Instagram, where Farrell will announce where they can find the new shop when he opens its doors on Wednesday.
“Times have changed since I first opened in 2011,” he told Bristol24/7. “Back then, things were looking quite bleak in this city for places to buy physical music.
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“Today, Bristol is well served by record shops, each carving out its own niche while co-existing harmoniously. Idle Hands has always had electronic music at its heart, alongside dub, disco, and experimental sounds. That won’t change going forward.
“As we prepare for this new chapter, we’ll be opening with a carefully curated selection of new and second-hand records. I’m eager to hear from customers about what they’re looking for and will shape the stock accordingly. A record shop is always a work in progress, evolving with its community.
“I’ll be revealing the new location and our opening hours this Wednesday, so be sure to follow us on Instagram for updates. DJ Skillis – who will be working alongside me – and I look forward to welcoming customers old and new.”
Farrell is putting on a party at The Redchurch to celebrate the shop reopening – photo: The Redchurch
To celebrate the reopening, Idle Hands are hosting an event at The Redchurch in St George on November 29, with Farrell DJ’ing back to back with swu.fm resident Milly on Air, and featuring special guest Marion Hawkes from Sound Advice in Belfast, “a kindred spirit whose record shop has been an inspiration” said Farrell.
“DJing at her store last year reignited my passion for running a record shop after several false starts. We’ve shared many conversations about the highs and lows of running shops, so I’m excited to have her join us, share her energy on the decks, and experience our city and Idle Hands.”
Main image: Khali Ackford
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