ON THIS DAY IN 2008, THE FIRST ANNUAL RECORD STORE DAY WAS HELD

Record Store Day was created to celebrate the importance of independent record stores around the world, and to boost their sales in an overwhelmingly digital world, and each store organises their own events and parties, further highlighting their individuality. A number of special releases are organised each year from a number of acclaimed artists, rereleases, boxsets and unreleased recordings are a common theme.

The first Record Store Day was supported by Metallica, and was an unprecedented success. Over 300 stores throughout the US took part and ensured the event was a success and would be repeated throughout other countries. By the second year, Record Store Day had participants in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan, Canada and Italy.

Today, the event is celebrated by an unknown number of stores around the world, and is eagerly awaited by vinyl aficionados each year. This year’s Record Store Day takes place on Saturday, April 21st and will feature over 500 vinyl releases, including Boz Scaggs, Brian Eno, The Cure, Cypress Hill, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac and many more.