Musicians Honor Iconic JG Windows Store Following Closure

Musicians from across the North East have shared their recollections of an “iconic” music establishment after it permanently ceased operations. JG Windows, located in Newcastle’s Central Arcade, closed its doors on Friday, with directors citing an inability to compete with online retailers. Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys, who grew up in Newcastle, described the news of the closure as “very sad” and stated that the store would be “much missed”. North East indie band Maximo Park also joined those paying tribute, with singer Paul Smith recalling he had spent “many an hour rummaging through the CD and vinyl sale selection”. Smith, originally from Billingham, called it “terrible news for the city centre”. He added, “I’ll miss walking through the arcade, looking at the instruments in the window, or popping in to get some guitar strings.” Since the announcement of its closure, the store has received a significant outpouring of support. David Brewis of Field Music, from Sunderland, characterized JG Windows as an “essential part of the music community in the North East”. Brewis mentioned it was a place where individuals could find band members, as people would post advertisements on the wall at the bottom of the stairs. Newcastle musician Rob Tickell stated that the store was a destination for North East performers “from cradle to grave”. He explained, “It went from the instruments you would use at school, right through to the much, much cooler rock instruments.” He also commended the staff, saying, “They were incredibly tolerant of young boys going and staring for hours at guitars on the wall and finally plucking up the courage to ask to try one.” Tickell further noted, “They never seemed to show it to me, anyway, if they were frustrated.” Karen Mavin from Northumberland recounted purchasing her son Nadeem’s first trumpet there 20 years ago, and observing people “camping out” for sales. She remarked, “The staff were so helpful.” Ms Mavin added that her son now composes and releases music after “realising his passion”. Terence Anthony from County Durham shared that he bought his sons’ initial guitars at JG Windows. He described the service as “so good, helpful and nurturing” and asserted that “Windows staff were exactly what music shop people should be”. JG Windows is scheduled to enter liquidation on 12 December. The Northumberland and Newcastle Society confirmed that the building’s future is secure, owing to its protective listing and its location within the central conservation area. Chairman John Matthews stated that it had been a “beloved fixture of the town’s music scene since opening in 1908”.