Rohan’s, the Record Store, an advert by Rand Holmes in the Georgia Straight, April 6, 1972. Rohan’s was located at 2865 West 4th Ave, Vancouver, a building which remarkably still exists today, now occupied by The House Gallery Boutique, which today specializes in some very fancy handmade gowns and dresses. But back in the 1970s, Rohan’s was a musical destination. By 1973 however, Rohan the Record Store had closed down, and in its place the musical venue Rohan’s Rockpile opened up just down the street at 2723 West 4th Avenue. BCBusinessOnline described the venue with the following caption recently: “In the 1970s, Fred Xavier’s club hosted eclectic hometown bands who performed for love instead of money. And then there was the night The Who came to play after an arena show.”

Some further reminiscing appears on the tribute page for Rohan’s Rockpile over at PNWBands.com.

The fact that this modest storefront home at 2865 West 4th Avenue still stands is fairly significant when you look at the encroaching development all around it. Be sure to take note of the building the next time you pass by 4th Ave West, and much like you should when you pass by the Smilin Buddha, pay your respects to Vancouver’s musical roots.

Cross-posted to VancouverisAwesome.com