John Swain - Hillsborough, NC Record Show April 5, 1987

[MrMaxxmo]

I bought alot of records from John in the 70's at the Hole.I once brought back a 45 that was cracked and asked for another.He said "Ahhh you broke the(f-ing) damn thing."I just said ok no problem.Then proceded to buy 5 or 6 45's.Then he said "You gonna buy them records after the way i'd talked to ya?"---"Yes sir" John-"Well shit get you another copy no skin off me". After that he always liked me and we were friends.

[jmsmile]

John "Buddy" was my uncle. He looks, in the video, exactly how I remember him - even him blowing his nose in that hankerchief! Used to hang out in his store when I was little and I could pick out whatever I wanted, but he would ask me exactly what I liked about each one and why I wanted it...back then, man just give me my Madonna album! Now I realize he had a love for music he wanted to teach me! He was a brilliant, but troubled man. Many many memories - wow, thanks for posting.

[Knugabug]

This sure beats eBay, I miss all the conventions all over the place, the Austin one is down from 325 tables in '01 to 80 in '10.

[45sGuy]

I was going through several thousand 45's in my collection and noticed that MANY of the old radio station sleeves have "The Record Hole" address and phone number stamped on the front. Many of them also have John's writing as well as his prices.

I miss the days I worked with John. Beginning in 1980 when the first location opened. John knew his music----a walking music encyclopedia!

[nitsnatsmusic]

I spent many Saturdays at the Hole as well. Me and two of my friends would go together. Most of my Zappa collection came from the Hole.

I'd forgotten abou the cough syrup but I do remember the Jolt Cola and the Michelobs.

John taught alot of us about "rekkids". Thanks for posting.

[jamesmgraham]

He played a large part of my formative life.

I spent many hours with the man and I bought tons of great shit from him.

RIP

[Knugabug]

How come all the great record people are dead, broke, or out of it?

[manovinyl]

Wow, this is a treat! John was such a character. I was set up at this show. In the shot where he blows his nose, I'm in the background. Thanks, Fred, for hipping me to this.

[wavebossanova]

Cool! Really makes me miss "Old Raleigh." I didnt know his name, but I vividly remember being educated by him!

[45sGuy]

This is the REAL John Swain! He was always like this!

[45sGuy]

I used to work occasionally at The Record Hole. In fact, I was there when the store first opened. I used to help John by sorting 45's in his first location's basement.

John knew EVERYTHING about records and could find almost anything you were looking for.

When Marty and his then-wife, Debbie had the memorial party at The Brewery after John died, I supplied the photos of John I took of him over the years I worked at Record Hole.

JOHN----you are missed and so is Record Hole.

[tonyvideo2000]

Post your favorite John Swain stories.

I wrote for The Spectator then. A LOT of "album-rock" LPs ended up for "recycling" at The Hole. John would pick through them, offer me cash, or trade or cash+trade. Then he'd say "how about 5 bucks for the rest of the box?" And out the door I went, free of promos I didn't want!

I'll remember the stripper from the Keg who asked John if had ever heard of a song called "Wild Thing."

Or "Nah, don't have it. Sold it yesterday. Come back tomorrow."

[johnedwardswainIII]

@tonyvideo2000 Hi Tony. I lived with John Swain in 1991. One morning, he told me his friend John Beamon had come to him in a dream to say "goodbye". Two days later, we got a call at the Hole from John Beamon's wife telling us John had died 2 days earlier! John Swain was very psychic. I left him not long after this - 5 weeks later, I learned John had died. He taught me all about music history, the horrors of drug abuse, and all things "cool". I still think of him and miss him.

[stillser]

John Swain. What a guy. He taught me so much about record collecting. I remember the old store on Sat afternoon in the winter. No heat. Lot of cough syrup! I used to love to hear him BS stupid customers. I really miss him. Peace. john

[pollution]

I'm so happy to see this. I remember going to the Record Hole when it was where Gumby's Pizza is now and then when he moved it across the street. I could easily listen to him all day rippin' people new assholes or turning people onto great music. Many a paycheck after cashing went right into his pocket, I spent most of it on his records. I can still see him sucking down cough syrup and booze and having a high ol' time behind the counter. He is sadly missed.

[astroboy1960]

I met John selling records at the Greensboro Super Flea, just around the time that the Hillsborough shows started. I probably still own a couple of records I bought from him then. What a character, national poster boy for record hounds. Thanks for sharing this!

[corey3rd]

I was talking about Swain a few weeks ago. Trying to explain the pure joy of the Record Hole - a store you didn't ever visit if you hated browsing.

[Comboland]

Great job Tony!

John was a great guy. Always entertaining! Really knew his music!

[seant666]

The Record Hole , was an experience ..

[r66f]

The one and only. RIP John.