Pioneering punk label makes return

Terri Hooley with his letter from former President Bill Clinton

In 1977 in the middle of the Troubles a hippy called Terri Hooley opened a record store in a derelict building in Belfast and the seeds of a legend were planted.

It was not an auspicious time to start a new business, but the punk scene was taking off in London and was soon to make an impact in Northern Ireland.

Terri's shop, Good Vibrations, became a hub for local grown punk-rockers and soon Terri began to release singles on his own label with the home-grown bands.

One EP was by a young group from the streets of Londonderry called the Undertones. It was called Teenage Kicks and was picked up by John Peel, the rest, as they say, is history.

However, while music was Terri's passion, business was not and Good Vibrations closed its doors in 1992 - until this week that is.

"The old shop on Great Victoria Street was a popular meeting place for all sorts of people who were interested in music, art and politics - in a good way - and I hope the new store will perform a similar role," he said.

"We plan to open a Good Vibes museum on the first floor and hopefully a cafe area where people can still debate the issues of the day over a cup of tea or coffee - a luxury we didn't enjoy in those days."

Local band The Minnows are releasing an album on Good Vibrations in September, ending the 17 year absence of the label.

It has been a remarkable year for Terri, he revived his record label, saw work begin on a film of his life and received a letter from Bill Clinton.

In February, he also received the Legend Award at the Fate Magazine Awards, presented by Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody.

The new store, in the city's Winetavern Street, will be officially opened on Saturday by Them guitarist Billy Harrison.