Istanbul Record Shop Closes After Attack at 2016 Radiohead Event

In June 2016, Radiohead celebrated the release of their latest album, A Moon Shaped Pool, with a streaming event that took place at record shops across the world. At Velvet IndieGround—one of the participating stores, located in Istanbul—a group of men attacked patrons because they were angry that the event featured alcohol drinking during Ramadan. Following the incident, owner Lee Seok-woo closed the shop temporarily before reopening. Lee has now shut down Velvet IndieGround permanently, The Korea Bizwire reports (via The Vinyl Factory). In the aftermath, Lee reportedly lost customers, and had difficulties overcoming the traumatic experience.

Following the attack, Radiohead released a statement: “Our hearts go out to those attacked tonight at Velvet IndieGround in Istanbul. We hope that someday we will be able to look back on such acts of violent intolerance as things of the ancient past. For now, we can only offer our fans in Istanbul our love and support.”

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