Liverpool's The Musical Box: A Blue Plaque for a Record Shop Legacy
The Musical Box, one of the UK's oldest record shops in Liverpool, is being honored with a blue plaque. This recognizes its significant contribution to the city's musical heritage and its long-standing history. The shop, located in Tuebrook, has been a beloved institution for 78 years, run by four generations of the same family.
A Family Affair and Musical History
Owned by Tony and Paula Quinn, The Musical Box has a rich history. Paula Quinn said the family were "deeply honoured" with the tribute. The shop was recently renovated by her son Craig, ensuring it maintains its original charm. The shop’s long history has seen it be a favourite haunt of musical icons and local fans alike. Former Beatles drummer Pete Best said he and John Lennon were frequent visitors before their rise to fame. Liverpool FC manager Bill Shankly also visited in 1972.
The Blue Plaque Unveiling
The blue plaque will be unveiled by Antiques Roadshow expert Wayne Colqhoun. He previously suggested that the Quinns convert the upstairs floor into a museum to showcase their extensive collection of musical memorabilia. It was on a visit that he helped unearth sales logbooks that proved John Lennon and Pete Best had been customers. The idea for the plaque came from a collaboration between Liverpool City Council's heritage team and the UNESCO City of Music team.
A Community Staple
According to Paula Quinn, the unveiling will be a special moment for her, Tony, Craig, and Tony's mother Diane, who took over the business from her mother Dorothy. “It’s also a lovely thing for the community of Tuebrook because they’ve always been so supportive of us." She added. The recognition highlights not only the shop's history but also the community's deep connection to this musical landmark.
"The Musical Box holds the title of the oldest independent record shop in England and we’re also the oldest in the whole of the UK to have the same family and same building," - Paula Quinn.
UNESCO City of Music's Perspective
Kevin McManus, of UNESCO City of Music, emphasized the shop's significance. He described The Musical Box as "another small element of what makes Liverpool a special music city." He fondly remembered buying a limited-edition vinyl there, illustrating the shop's enduring appeal to music enthusiasts.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shop Name | The Musical Box |
| Location | Tuebrook, Liverpool |
| Plaque Unveiling Date | September 27th |
| Unveiling Time | 1 PM |