A Lifelong Passion for Vinyl: One Collector’s Journey
For Willi Buß of Großheide, Germany, a love of music sparked in the mid-1960s has blossomed into a collection of 6,500 records and around 4,000 CDs. His story is a testament to the enduring appeal of physical music formats and the personal connection they foster.
From Beat Music to a Growing Collection
Buß’s musical journey began with the rise of American bands like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Doors, a welcome change from the “hits and brass music” favored by his parents. Despite his parents’ disapproval – they reportedly told him to “turn off the Negro music!” – he passionately followed bands like Jethro Tull and Deep Purple, recording favorite songs from radio shows.
A Hospital Stay and a New Resolve
A period of hospitalization proved pivotal in solidifying his collecting habit. Concerned that cherished songs might disappear from the airwaves, Buß began investing in records, a practice he has continued to this day.
A Diverse and Growing Archive
Today, Buß’s record collection fills a wall-high shelf in his living room. While not meticulously organized – “That’s no use,” he laughs – the records represent a diverse range of artists and genres. He often rediscovers hidden gems while searching for specific albums.
Memories Embedded in Vinyl
Among his treasures is a copy of “Daughter Of Time” by Colosseum, accompanied by a ticket stub from a 1970 concert in Oldenburg, which cost eight marks at the time. He acquired many records from Rehbock, a local record store where customers could listen to albums before purchasing them.
A Hobby That Endures
Buß began seriously collecting in 1975, acquiring approximately 2,000 records. While financial constraints arose after marriage, his passion never waned. He describes collecting as “like an addiction.”
Vinyl vs. CD: A Matter of the Heart
While he also owns around 4,000 CDs, Buß’s heart clearly lies with vinyl. He proudly displays records by the Rolling Stones from Russia and the debut album by the German progressive rock band Eloy, though he prefers to purchase newer editions of rare albums rather than paying inflated prices for originals.
Musical Tastes and Tolerances
Buß’s tastes lean towards classic bands like Black Sabbath and Frumpy. While he acknowledges the quality of modern music, he finds many contemporary artists unappealing, stating, “Ed Sheeran is not my music.” He does, although, enjoy the latest album by the Rolling Stones, “Hackney Diamonds.” He is more tolerant of his children’s musical preferences than his parents were of his.
Concerts and Community
Buß attends concerts less frequently now, having enjoyed performances at venues like Peter’s restaurant in Esens and Meta in Norddeich. He recently saw BAP in Wiesmoor and Dick Taylor, a co-founder of the Rolling Stones, perform in Aurich. He prefers smaller venues to large festivals like Wacken or Rock am Ring.
A Continuing Investment
Buß continues to add to his collection, spending around 80 euros per month on records, often shopping in Holland, online, and at flea markets. He plays records twice a week, enjoying the music with headphones while his wife may or may not join in.