After 62 years of being a staple in Montreal’s music scene, Steve’s Music Store is preparing to close its doors for the final time. The remaining inventory from the iconic retailer’s last location will be up for grabs in a two-day online auction on July 22 and 23. Musicians and collectors had the chance to browse through thousands of instruments and equipment one last time on July 21.
More than 2,500 lots of musical instruments, professional audio gear, DJ equipment, and store fixtures are included in the sale. Brass, drums, and percussion items will be auctioned on July 22, while guitars, amplifiers, keyboards, and related gear will be available on July 23.
Founded by Steve Kirman in 1965 and later managed by his son Michael Kirman, the store holds a special place in the hearts of Montrealers. Michael Kirman, reflecting on the closure, shared the sentiment that it feels like losing a childhood home, with the store being a hub for musicians and a community for staff and customers alike.
The auction, overseen by Continental Auctioneers, aims to find new homes for every instrument, hoping to inspire the next generation of musicians. Despite the closure, Kirman expressed gratitude to the loyal customers and staff who have been part of Steve’s Music’s journey over the decades.
For many, the store’s closure symbolizes the end of an era in Montreal’s music history, with customers like Jacob Marcotte and Oswaldo Contramaestre expressing sadness at the loss of such a beloved establishment.
As Alexandre Millaire put it, the closure marks “the end of an era,” but he, like many others, hopes to find a piece of music history to cherish from the store’s final sale.
