As our NY based customers know, Barry Greenspan closed his Drummers World store on Wednesday Dec 28th after more than 32 years in business. In a world where big box and online retailing have come to dominate the retail landscape, Barry kept the torch lit for 32 years as a value-added, service-oriented, niche based provider of products and services for drummers and percussionists. Barry's shop was a mainstay in the NYC area and was a gathering place for drummers to meet, talk, and exchange ideas. That sense of community can't be developed sitting in front of a laptop or a PDA.

When I opened my shops one of my primary goals was to emulate people whose shops I admired. Frank Ippolito (NY), Maurie Lishon (Chicago) and Barry all had shops where the player came first. You could get service, excellent products, meet other players and network among your fellow drummers. That's a rare and wonderful combination that doesn't exist in the world of cyber-space and big box stores. I modeled my shops after what I learned from each of these people. And, Barry outlasted them all, and he should be proud of that. Most of the niche-based pro drum shops are gone now, but Barry lasted 32 years, and I tip my hat to him.

Barry's closing of Drummers World saddens me. It means that another classic venue will no longer be there for people to enjoy. I will do my best to keep the torch lit a couple of blocks down the street.

Thanks for 32 great years Barry! Enjoy the next phase of life!

Steve