Music shops are alive and well on the Gold Coast thanks to Stewart Fairhurst.
After news that Allans Billy Hyde was entering administration, Fairhurst, the previous manager of the Southport store, has decided to open up shop again, this time independently as Gold Coast Music, a throwback to the institution that opened in 1984.
Speaking to the Gold Coast Bulletin, Fairhurst said he “was saddened when Gold Coast Music was bought by Billy Hyde, just to not see the (Gold Coast) name there was really sad”.
“Sadly Alan Driscoll [original owner with Colin Barnes] passed away a year ago but I asked his wife Pam and Colin Barnes for their blessing to call it Gold Coast Music and they were more than happy for me to do that.
“There has been plenty of beautiful music made out of the historic Nerang St building, from past and present stars.
Fairhurst then casually name drops another Gold coast icon saying his “good friend Amy Shark comes in to see [him] regularly”.
“Ever since I’ve done music retail I’ve known her and watched her grow into an international star.
“I know Simon Phillips from Toto has been in here.
“Lee Kernaghan comes quite regularly.”
Speaking about the future of the business, Fairhurst said that “It’s got nothing to do with the industry”.
“This shop has been a go-to for nearly 40 years.
“There’s a big hole, but it’s not about going into competition, it’s about bringing back a classic, real, nostalgic Gold Coast music store.”
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