MUSIC lovers and artists gathered to celebrate the launch of a new independent record shop.

The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band, Ute and Dreaming Spires took to the stage at the new Truck Store in Cowley Road, East Oxford, last night to mark the opening of the business at the former Videosyncratic video shop.

Scores of band fans turned out to browse the range of CDs and vinyl at the shop, which specialises in independent and alternative releases, comics, and concert and festival tickets.

The shop is run by the team from the Rapture music store, in Witney, with marketing help from the people behind the annual Truck festival, which takes place near Steventon every summer.

The shop is the only independent retailer to sell new records in Oxford. It is also selling Truck merchandise – and, for now, is the only place to buy tickets for this year’s Truck festival, which runs from July 22-24, at Hill Farm.

Truck organiser Robin Bennett, who plays with the band Dreaming Spires, said: “The shop has a fantastic feel and a very special atmosphere. It’s spacious and designed for live performances. “Hopefully it will also help the local music scene.”

Robin is pictured with Store Manager, Carl Smithson, left. Inset, Ute entertain shoppers at last night’s opening party.