Collectors with a love of art help spin vinyl revival

As music lovers prepare to descend on record shops across Yorkshire tomorrow (Saturday) for Record Store Day, a survey suggests that some buyers may not actually be playing their purchases.

Research by ICM Unlimited revealed that 34 per cent of buyers either don’t own or don’t use a turntable and 40 per cent described themselves simply as “collectors”.

Record stores believe some buyers may be buying vinyl just for the artwork or as an investment.

The poll revealed that 18-24 year olds are still driving the revival.

Seven per cent of those questioned bought vinyl in the last month, up two per cent from 2013.

One fifth of 18-24 year olds bought vinyl in the last month, up 14 per cent.

Overall UK sales of new vinyl records have risen more than 60 in 12 months, according industry figures.

Figures from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) show vinyl sales in 2014 worth £21 million, up from £13.2 million in 12 months.

Sales of traditional singles and albums have been so strong that an official vinyl chart has just been launched.

The UK is the third biggest market in the world for vinyl, behind the United States and Germany.

IFPI chief executive Frances Moore said: “Critics thought vinyl would disappear as a format, but many music fans around the world seem to be falling in love with it again. With the accompanying artwork and liner notes, vinyl records really can be a work of art and a collector’s delight.”

Record shops across Yorkshire are expecting a busy day on Saturday as limited edition vinyl records are released to mark Record Store Day.

Many shops are hosting performances by local bands.

Alan Nutton, 34, of Wah Wah Records in Wakefield, said some younger buyers were definitely buying vinyl for the artwork, while older ones wanted to replace records they had previously got rid of.

John-Paul Craven, 34, of Huddersfield shop Vinyl Tap, said the store was hosting several acts, with the doors opening at 7am.

He said buyers were snapping up new vinyl from bands such as Sheffield’s Artic Monkeys, with The Beatles ever popular in the used vinyl section.

The charity PDSA, which cares for sick pets, is toasting the surge in popularity of vinyl, with shop sales up to £50,000 a year.

The charity’s Broomhill store in Sheffield sold the most records a year - 1,205.

Philip Klette, head of retail at PDSA, said: “It’s great news for pets that vinyl is making a comeback, as PDSA charity shops are a treasure trove for music lovers.

“Saturday April 18 is Record Store Day in the UK and all vinyl lovers should be aware that there are many bargains to be had at our PDSA charity shops.”

* WHAT was your first purchase on vinyl?

We asked readers what made them part with their pocket money back in the day.

On Twitter, Wendy Michallat, from Bradford, said: “Mine was ‘Up the Junction’ by Squeeze on purple vinyl. 1979!”

Lucy Ashton, of Sheffield, said: “Mine was Billy Joel, Uptown Girl. Then Walkmans came along and really blew my mind.”

John Diver, a photographer, said: “First single (gulp) The Odmonds’ Crazy Horses.”

Dave Breen said: “Telegram Sam by T Rex, still a great song!”

Lindsay Pantry tweeted: “My mum bought every no1 on my birthday. George Michael, Careless Whisper was no1 when I was born.”