An unforgettable farewell in Tallers Street
Discos Revolver, an emblem of Barcelona’ s musical culture, has announced its definitive closure. It began its journey back in December 1991 in Tallers street and has been, for more than 30 years, a sanctuary for music lovers. However, the doors will close this month, leaving the sadly famous “red store” at number 13 as a memory of the past.
The closure was announced on Instagram, where the owners thanked their followers for the continued support. In the meantime, the last chance to take advantage of the liquidation discounts is coming up for all those nostalgic people who want to take a piece of the store with them before the shutter comes down.
The evolution of the music scene in Barcelona
Tallers street, famous for its record stores, has seen how the emblematic premises have been disappearing little by little, replaced by second-hand clothing stores or vapers. The case of Discos Revolver is no different. New trends in music consumption, driven by platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, are changing the rules of the game, even despite the recent boom in vinyl among young people.
Revolver Records, the sister store known as “the green one”, will remain open at number 11 on the same street, defying the circumstances with a strategy more adapted to digital times: online sales. This has been the key to its survival while the “red store” remained in the traditional physical store.
The impact of Discos Revolver on music lovers
In its heyday, Discos Revolver was not just a place to buy vinyl and CDs. It was a meeting point for the community of musicians and buyers of genres as diverse as alternative rock, punk, metal, indie and reggae. These styles, not exactly the most commercial, found refuge on the store’s shelves. It also offered books, T-shirts, concert tickets and a wide range of cultural products.
Going to buy records at Tallers Street became a tradition for Barcelona’s music lovers. It was almost a ritual to go to Revolver and immerse oneself in the wide range of music on offer. The store was a bastion of cultural resistance in times of urban transformation and real estate pressure.
The fall of a giant and the legacy at Tallers
Despite growing real estate pressure in downtown Barcelona, Nubia Arso, who owns the store with her husband, is grateful to have held on for 35 years, even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the online retail boom. However, the mix of economic and personal factors has taken its toll on this resilient establishment.
The most beautiful streets of Barcelona
Many customers, excited and disoriented by the news, have stopped by to say goodbye. Some remember their first visit to the store and share fond memories with Núria. Thus, the store will become an indelible memory in the personal histories of many visitors.
Into the future, with a touch of nostalgia
Although the closing of the “red store” is a significant loss for Tallers Street and the Barcelona music scene, the spirit of Discos Revolver will live on through the memories of those who experienced special moments within its walls. In the meantime, owners and fans cling to the hope that Revolver Records can continue the legacy, keeping at least a part of the dream alive at number 11 on the same historic street.
With stores like Pentagram, Daily Records and Discos Paradiso still operating nearby, there remains a silver lining for music lovers looking for authentic experiences in Barcelona. The story of Discos Revolver is a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural spaces in the urban fabric and the lasting impact they can have on the community.
