I found an advert in the ‘Hayes & Harlington Gazette’ dated 24th April 1986: “LIGHTNING RECORDS require staff for their shop in Ruislip. Suitable candidates 18-25. Keenness and a genuine interest in music a must. Salary neg. Please write or phone to Manager, Lightning Records, 108 High Street, Ruislip, Middx. HA4 8LS. Tel. Ruislip 35507.”
Ian Shepherd
13 Oct 2025 at 11:48
Lightning was a cash and carry wholesaler based at 839-841 Harrow Road. It was the sister company of jukebox record wholesaler Laren For Music. Ray Laren was MD of both companies.
The cash & carry shop opened in 1977 in the building next door to Laren For Music. Lightning also started up its own record label, initially releasing Joe Gibbs-produced reggae singles distributed by Trojan Records. It then widened its repertoire to include new wave singles and switched distribution to WEA, hitting big with "Uptown Top Ranking" by Althea and Donna and "Money In My Pocket" by Dennis Brown.
Then, possibly as something to support the jukebox industry as well as to tap into unsatisfied consumer demand, Lightning started the Old Gold record label, which burst on the scene initially with 10 re-issues, many of which charted IIRC. Many of the other records shops mentioned on this website also purchased stock from Lightning, and I personally met many of the owners and staff. Eventually, Lightning was bought out, but during the late 1970s it was a massive force in the industry.
“LIGHTNING RECORDS require staff for their shop in Ruislip. Suitable candidates 18-25. Keenness and a genuine interest in music a must. Salary neg. Please write or phone to Manager, Lightning Records, 108 High Street, Ruislip, Middx. HA4 8LS. Tel. Ruislip 35507.”
The cash & carry shop opened in 1977 in the building next door to Laren For Music.
Lightning also started up its own record label, initially releasing Joe Gibbs-produced reggae singles distributed by Trojan Records. It then widened its repertoire to include new wave singles and switched distribution to WEA, hitting big with "Uptown Top Ranking" by Althea and Donna and "Money In My Pocket" by Dennis Brown.
Then, possibly as something to support the jukebox industry as well as to tap into unsatisfied consumer demand, Lightning started the Old Gold record label, which burst on the scene initially with 10 re-issues, many of which charted IIRC.
Many of the other records shops mentioned on this website also purchased stock from Lightning, and I personally met many of the owners and staff.
Eventually, Lightning was bought out, but during the late 1970s it was a massive force in the industry.