Tell us a little bit about your store? What's the vibe?

81 Renshaw is a bright and friendly space in which to discover new music or pick up something you already love. We stock both new and second-hand records across a wide range of genres and styles. There's something for everyone, whether you are the most gnarled vinyl junkie or you are relatively new to the hobby. We stock everything from bargain bin fodder to rare releases and collectibles. We have a particular focus on new music and stock all the week's big releases on all the weird and wonderful colour variants we have access to.
Record stores are often perceived as elitist and intimidating places (not a generalisation I agree with btw), but we aim to provide an experience that is the total opposite of that. We're a customer focused store, with our approachable and knowledgeable staff enthusiastic to help you find that perfect piece of vinyl for your turntable. We think buying records should be the highlight of your day, and we do our best to make that so every single time you pop in.

Can you remember the first record you sold in the shop? And the last?

First record sold - The Jesus & Mary Chain - Psychocandy
Last record sold (according to our Chart return log) - Joy Division/New Order – Total

Do you remember the first record shop you went to? And you do you remember the first record you bought?

My older sister owned the house record player, she left home taking the turntable with her when I was just 11. Not before I had discovered her prog collection and played the early Moody Blues LP’s to death. I loved them, still do. It was not till I was 14 in 1977 that we got a music centre. The first LP I bought was ‘Get Stoned’, A Rolling Stones 2LP Compilation. Money was tight so records were a bit of a luxury.
As for the first record shop I visited, it was on St. Mary’s Road in Garston, Liverpool 19 just down the road from where I lived. I can’t remember the name (answers on a postcard please), there was a record shop in every suburb of Liverpool. It was ‘January’ by Pilot and I think it cost 40p. It was a birthday present for my mate Stuart.
I didn’t get to Probe till I was 16 …. Boom - Year Zero!

What is your favourite record shop (apart from your own!) and why?

Concerto in Amsterdam. I love the building, the way it is set out and the shape of the rooms. Wide ranging new and second-hand selection. Good coffee and the staff are helpful.

What’s your most memorable record store experience?

When Elvis Costello walked into 81 Renshaw. It was mid-week and we had just opened for the day. He had a look around and bought a coffee. We had a chat, complimented us on the playlist and then he sent Debbie Harry a photo of the shop. Top man.

What's the best gig you've ever been to?

Probably XTC at Rotter’s Liverpool 1980. It was also the night after John Lennon died, I was 17. It was very emotional.
We have had so many outstanding gigs here at 81 Renshaw; Kelley Stoltz, Spare Snare, Emma Tricca, Avi Buffalo, The Blackheart Orchestra, Ethan Johns were all outstanding.

What's your all-time favourite book?

Like a lot of people, I read more in 2020 than any other year. I prefer autobiographies.
Jeff Tweedie – Lets Go (so we can get back) stands out for me.
I must say though, I am very proud of my sister Karen Boggiano who had her first novel ‘A Bed of Daffodil Sky’ published last year. A great read and available from all good independent book shops.

What's your all-time favourite film?

I would say Burn after reading, it just about beats Fargo. I love anything by the Coen Brothers.

What would make up your desert island discs?

This is difficult. My top 10 could change weekly, as it should!
In no particular order it would be:
Wire – The 15th
Ed Harcourt – Visit from the Dead Dog
Half Man Half Biscuit – We Built this Village on a Trad. Arr Tune
Aldus Harding – The Barrel
Guided By Voices – Echos Myron
The Only Ones – No Peace for the Wicked
Pixies – Debaser
Parquet Courts – Berlin Got Blurry
Trash Can Sinatras – I’ll get them in
Emma Tricca - Salt

Who would form your all-time Festival line-up? (past & present)

I much prefer an intimate gig to a festival, although I would take anything I could get at the moment!
Seeing Hendrix would be a bit special. I’d fill it full of 60s artists, The Byrds, Crosby Stills & Nash…

What's your all-time favourite record?

Again, this can be fluid. I would say Aimee Mann is my favourite artist so; Aimee Mann – Whatever

OTHER RECORD STORES