Photo: Press/Facebook
Central London record store BM Soho - formerly Black Market - has closed down, though it promises to return "bigger and stronger than ever very soon in central London."
The shock closure of the shop, specialising in house, drum 'n' bass and dubstep, was discovered by techno producer Truss who tweeted a picture of the storefront.
BM Soho has closed down?? Very sad news if true :( pic.twitter.com/LsPT6lCgHk
— Truss (@Truss_101) February 27, 2015
The shop posted a statement online shortly after to confirm the news, stating: "Unfortunately due to contractual dispute over the building that has been home of BM Soho for the past 25 years we have been forced to temporarily close. Our landlord has been certain that our address will join the massive gentrification of Soho and regrettably we could no longer afford to fight the legal battle to stop that happening anymore.
"Unlike many businesses that have closed recently, BM Soho BeatControl was performing well, so it is a massive shame to end this way. Fear not though we plan to be back bigger and stronger than ever very soon in central London. Until then we remain open for equipment in Edgware North London and online at bm-soho.com. Thanks to all our loyal customers and friends, cheers for all the support over the years. We will keep you updated here as soon as we have news!"
Here are some of the reactions on Twitter so far:
Blackmarket records. JBL's ruining my ears, my first proper record purchase in pennywise, days spent with Nicky, Ray and Clarky. Sad day.
— NSD (@NSDDrumandBass) February 28, 2015
Woah. Reports that Blackmarket Records (later BM Soho) has closed its doors. Seminal shopping for me 1997-2002. pic.twitter.com/avVPkfRBlX
— Ben Watt (@ben_watt) February 27, 2015
Rip black market records . End of an era .
— django django (@thedjangos) February 27, 2015
Never forget the first time I went into black market . 94 or 95 looking for a masters at work record that was out . What a buzz it was ..
— django django (@thedjangos) February 27, 2015
so sad about @bmsoho closing its doors.i spent hundreds of hours and bought thousands of tunes from there.Thank you for everything @bmsoho
— dj script (@scriptdj) February 27, 2015
Sad to see BM Soho close. We opened Black Market Records in 1988, those walls have housed vinyl ever since. A special place, a special time.
— Black Market Records (@BlackMarketUK) February 27, 2015
BM Soho originally opened as Black Market Records in 1988 and is a legendary name to many fans, as well as being a key part in Soho's Record Store Day celebrations. Dub/reggae store Dub Vendor was also operating out of the BM basement and will remain open until March 1.
