Comments
Name: Bill Brewster
Comment: Blackmail opened in the early 1980s and was primarily a mail order business, but it did open two or three days a week. I think they specialised in metal and heavy rock, but it sold cut-outs and had many really great soul and funk albums for sale at very cheap prices. I remember buying stuff like Curtis Mayfield's Honesty and also Something To Believe In and also Gil Scott Heron & Brian Jackson's From South Africa To South Carolina. I don't think it really lasted too long, unfortunately. But while it was there, it was possibly the only really good store we ever had in Grimsby.
Name: Mike Garrett
Comment: When we did the A-level Politics course at Grimsby College, I remember Nicky Potts giving everyone an update on what new records her dad had in stock. From Blackmail I bought Anthrax Among the Living and the Metallica Master of Puppets albums. Still have them. Great Days.
“Blackmail Records 170 HAINTON AVENUE, GRIMSBY. JUST ARRIVED - ANOTHER HUGE SHIPMENT OF LOW-PRICED RECORDS. Our racks are bulging with JAZZ, COUNTRY, BLUES, HEAVY ROCK, SOUL, ETC. Something for everyone. All brand new LP’s from 95p each. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10 am-5 pm.”
... and this piece in the 25th January 1991 edition:
“A BIG hello to cheery Steve Potts at Blackmail Records, Hainton Avenue. Now Steve and I meet from time to time for a good old natter about the history of rock'n'roll and the merits or otherwise of music. If there is a category on Mastermind for 'Do Wop Music' then this would sweep the board!”
... and this piece in the 11th October 1991 edition:
“Blackmail Records supremo, Steve “Doo-Wop” Potts, feels there will continue to be a demand from the collector for vinyl product for many years to come.”
... and this in the 27th September 1994 edition:
“BLACKMAIL RECORDS, 170 HAINTON AVENUE, GRIMSBY. CLOSING DOWN 1st OCTOBER. From Wednesday 28th Sept. all stock reduced to half price. 10,000 LPs, CDs, Picture Discs and Collectors Items must be sold.”