The history of Record Store Day is a story of passion, resilience, and the transformative power of music to unite people. What began as a small idea among independent record store owners has grown into a global celebration of vinyl, community, and culture—one that Recycled Records Longmont proudly participates in each year.
In the mid-2000s, the music industry was at a crossroads. CD sales were plummeting, and digital downloads were taking over. Independent record stores—the lifeblood of local music communities—were closing across the country.
In 2007, a group of record store owners, including Chris Brown of Bull Moose Music and Eric Levin of Criminal Records, met in Baltimore to brainstorm how to reconnect fans with physical music. Inspired by Free Comic Book Day, they envisioned a celebration where fans, artists, and stores would come together for one shared purpose: keeping the record store culture alive.
The inaugural Record Store Day took place on April 19, 2008. Hundreds of stores across the U.S. joined in, and Metallica kicked things off with a signing event at Rasputin Music in San Francisco.
It was more than a shopping day—it was a community event. Fans lined up early, bands performed live in-store, and collectors chased down the first-ever exclusive RSD releases. It reminded everyone why record stores mattered: they were cultural hubs, not just retailers.
After that first year, Record Store Day exploded into an international phenomenon. Stores in the UK, Japan, Australia, and Europe joined in, and the list of exclusive vinyl releases continued to grow every year.
Fans could now hunt for limited-edition pressings, live recordings, picture discs, and colored vinyl—a thrill that reignited passion for vinyl collecting worldwide. The success of RSD is even credited with fueling the modern vinyl revival, helping small shops like Recycled Records in Longmont, CO, thrive in an age of streaming.
Over time, Record Store Day became more than just an April event. The organizers added Record Store Day Black Friday, a November celebration featuring a second wave of limited releases.
For stores like Recycled Records Longmont, these events are more than sales days—they’re a chance to connect with the community, showcase rare finds, and celebrate the shared love of music that defines independent record culture.
Critics may argue that it has grown commercial, but at its core, Record Store Day remains a tribute to authenticity and artistry. It’s about the joy of holding music in your hands, flipping through bins, and discovering your next favorite album.
From Metallica’s signing in 2008 to today’s long lines of collectors in cities like Longmont, the spirit of RSD endures. It continues to remind us that vinyl—and the stores that keep it alive—still matter.
Sign up for exclusive offers, original stories, events, and more.
