To the Editor:

An era passes. Say it ain’t so.

I first started doing business with Alex and Wally in the late 1960s when they worked at Bronen’s Music (a far flung outpost of a New York store) located in a house off of Main Street. It was the heyday of explosive musical energy. Bands were everywhere. As the legend goes, Alex and Wally became unhappy with Bronen and opened their own store near the Roxy on Main Street.

That store became a hub and meeting place for musicians of every stripe, with encouragement and dedication beyond expectation (Alex actually co-signed a loan for us) and of course great gear. It’s not a stretch to say that without Northern Music so many musicians and bands would not have realized the degree of success that they did.

I don't think the band that formed at St. Lawrence in 1978 and that I’m still playing with would even still exist without the support we had from the Northern Music family.

Of course the stories and anecdotes abound and provide lasting memories...rock and roll emergencies...looking for players...hi, I’m Jeff Corigliano, Wally said you were looking for me...$300 lunch break...Bill's booming voice from the tech bench...Alex: I know a guy who might want to do sound for you...his name is Brian Zolner...

I was in the store a couple of Saturdays ago: the same atmosphere, the same great service, yet another piece of gear at a good price. It is sad to know that after more than 40 years that was my last visit.

Thanks Alex, Wally, Rob, Bill and so many others, from all of us that still are and ever were part of the Flying Wedge.

Scott Brown