There are those who collect coins, antiques or magnets from the different places they have visited, and even records and vinyls. With the irruption of the Internet and digital music platforms, it seemed that albums and radios were doomed to disappear. However, in recent times, the analog format seems to have been revitalized thanks to those music lovers who vindicate the quality of the experience offered by listening to songs and melodies on a turntable. Music collecting lovers gather this weekend, from May 2 to 4, at the Estación del Norte with the 38th edition of the Barcelona International Record Fair.
Thousands of copies, from out-of-print vinyls or collector's items to limited editions, including CDs or cassettes, will be present at the fair, where even bargain records can be found for one or two euros. This year, the fair will feature a total of 74 vendors spread across 164 exhibitors. The exhibitors bring together vendors from all over the world, coming from the United States, Holland, Germany, Venezuela or Italy, as well as vendors from all over Spain, who bring together copies from independent discographies, as well as international distributors and specialized stores.
The event has been held since the early 80s in the Catalan capital, and this year celebrates its thirty-eighth edition, consolidating itself as one of the most prominent fairs in southern Europe for collecting lovers. "The experience of the International Record Fair shows us that the passion for the physical format has not diminished. The event brings together veteran collectors and new fans, a fact that shows that the physical format enjoys excellent health today," says the event director, Pere Terrassa.
In addition to records and vinyls of all genres, the fair also offers the possibility of collecting merchandise from great groups in music history, from t-shirts to posters or even books. Apart from rummaging through the exhibitors to find authentic bargains and collector's items, visitors can also enjoy the complementary activities organized by the event, which include live sessions by local DJs, conferences or book presentations.
Among the musical performances, the tribute to John Lennon performed by Argentine musician Javier Godoy stands out, who has more than fifteen years of experience in the music industry, and who arrives at the International Record Fair on Saturday at seven in the evening. On Sunday at four, Acid Sierra will bring the musical touch to the fair with their first album, an unpredictable and danceable musical journey.
In addition, the event will also feature book presentations related to the music industry, such as Harto de todo. Memoria oral del punk en Barcelona, 1979-1987; BC400, Cutter, Cola y Fotocopias, memora gráfica de B-Core 1989-2007; or Las canciones de culto del pop-rock, by music specialized journalist Jordi Novell.
The highlight of the event will arrive on Saturday afternoon, with the live interview with George DuBose, the photographer who immortalized the punk band The Ramones. With more than four decades of experience behind the lens, DuBose is not only a privileged witness to the rise of New York punk, but is an active part of its history. The photographer is responsible for capturing the essence of the band on memorable covers such as End of the Century or Too Tough to Die, and this weekend he will be strolling through the fair in the Catalan capital.
The event will remain open on Friday from 3 PM to 8:30 PM, on Saturday from 10 AM to 8:30 PM, and on Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM. To enter the venue, a ticket for one of the fair days is required, priced at 6 euros ---or 5 euros with the Carnet Jove--- or a pass for the three fair days, which costs 12 euros, although children under 12 can enter for free.