Slideshow: Fallout Records

Tim Hayes and Rob Fletcher share their memories of Fallout Records.

Tim Hayes, Owner, 1999-2003

"Fallout Records was a fiercely independent record-skateboard-zine/comic store that supplied the progressive, free-thinking consumer with creative alternative choices they couldn't find elsewhere or had no idea existed.

"Opened in 1984, it eventually helped inspire, provoke, and provide ideas for a generation of musicians, artists, writers, even skateboarders -- most of whom have endless, emotional, and often hilarious stories about the place. Friday, Feb. 8, will be the 10-year anniversary of Fallout closing it doors. I still miss everything about the place!"

Rob Fletcher

“Fallout was more of a hangout or clubhouse than a record store to its regulars. Every time you popped in for a few spare minutes, just to flip through the bins, you'd end up spending most of the night there, talking to others about new finds, the show you went to last night or the crappy band you practiced with that weekend. More often than not, the stories and record talk would carry way past the store's closing hour. You couldn't get that in a chain store. You definitely don't get it on the Internet. Real interaction.

“Fallout was also like home away from home for a lot of touring bands. Bands who couldn't get bigger gigs or needed to find like-minded individuals to eat up time between shows and road food.

“I remember seeing micro-sized in-store performances go down that today, seem like a lie to most when you bring 'em up. White Stripes, Jay Reatard and a slew of others played within its compact walls.

“Fallout closed 10 years ago and Seattle hasn't really had anything like it since. Sure, other small record stores have come and gone since, but the rest never had that sense of community. Or the history.”