reads a statement on the store\u2019s website<\/u><\/a>. <\/p>\n\u201cUnfortunately, due to several factors, including the post-Covid world and the changing economy, we made the difficult decision to close and restructure the business.\u201d <\/p>\n
Founded by Steve Kirman, the Montreal location opened in 1965, selling instruments and other music paraphernalia. As Steve’s continued to expand over the years, the business operated five locations, including its flagship location, two more in Quebec, one in Ottawa and the iconic Queen Street West location in Toronto. <\/p>\n
While Kirman passed away in 2012, his son Michael Kirman took over the business. Last year, Steve\u2019s Music Store celebrated its 60th anniversary in Montreal. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t just sell guitars, drums, keyboards, or sheet music. We witnessed dreams\u2019 beginning,\u201d the online statement reads.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe decision to close comes with a heavy heart, but also with overwhelming gratitude. Thank you for trusting us with your musical journeys. Thank you for letting our store be a place where creativity lived, where inspiration struck, and where community thrived.\u201d <\/p>\n
In the coming days, the store will provide details about its final sales, outstanding special orders, repairs and rentals, with plans to \u201cmake this transition as smooth as possible for everyone.\u201d <\/p>\n
While the Montreal location was the jumping-off point for the store chain\u2019s success, its Toronto location was a staple of the city\u2019s music scene. <\/p>\n
Canadian comedian Mike Myers was reportedly inspired to write a punchline for 1992\u2019s Wayne\u2019s World <\/em><\/em>after he saw a sign in the Toronto store that jokingly banned anyone from playing Led Zeppelin\u2019s hit \u201cStairway to Heaven.\u201d <\/p>\n <\/p>\n