After more than four decades behind the counter, Larry Glass has left The Works. The former Eureka city councilman and longtime environmental activist said Wednesday that it was simply “time to move on” from the record store, which has become a North Coast institution.
The good news? It will remain one. Glass left the store in the competent hands of longtime employee Bandon Taylor, seen here in front of the current C St. location in Old Town Eureka:
(Fun trivia: Bandon’s dad, Rich Taylor, was an employee of The Works in the 1970s.)
“It’s been a good run,” said Glass, who began his vinyl jockey career in southern California before coming to Arcata in 1971. When he first started at The Works it was located next to the Minor Theatre, and the landlord at the time didn’t really understand the concept of a record store, Glass recalled.
“He said we couldn’t play music!”
Shortly thereafter the store moved into an old barbershop at 1610 G St., next to what’s now the Wildflower Cafe. (At the time it was Northtown Books, in case you’ve always wondered where that name came from).
In the early days, Glass co-wned The Works with Dave Mulhern. After expanding to Eureka the duo split up, with Mulhern taking the Arcata store and Glass taking Eureka. (Glass later took over both locations, which continued moving to different storefronts over the years.)
Asked about his future plans, Glass said he intends to “enjoy my life more,” which means spending more time with his granddaughter and working for environemental causes. Glass is president of the board of the Northcoast Environmental Center and also involved with the Trinity County-based SAFE (Safe Alternatives for our Forest Environment).
“I feel grateful that I had somebody to turn the store over to instead of having to close it down or sell it to somebody who wouldn’t carry on the traditions,” Glass said. “And I feel fortunate for 40 years of support that this community has given The Works. It’s been awesome. I raised two kids, bought a house, built another one.”
Ultimately, Glass said, owning a record store proved to be his dream job. “It was a good opportunity to do what I really care about — turn people on to music and get paid for it.”
This article appears in Flash Fiction 2012.
Happy retirement, Larry! And congrats, Bandon, lookin’ pretty bad ass!
I spent all of my cash at the Works for the majority of my youth. Good memories.
Err, Larry, since you now have all this time on your hands we could really, really use you back on the Eureka City Council.
I agree. And since you aren’t actually living in Eureka, you don’t have to wait until 2014 – you can move into Ciarabellini’s ward and run against her – this will give us two progressives instead of one. C’mon, you can beat that former cop.
Enjoy your retirement. Please, never forget how consuming politics can be.
Congrats Larry, hope the future gives you all you look for. And congrats on your grandchild, Eli gave me a granddaughter April 7th and Zak and his wife are expecting their first child in Dec. All the best to you, Larry!!!
I worked for Larry back in the 1980’s. I went on to have a great career and work for some great people but Larry Glass is still the best boss I’ve ever had. Many good vibes his way.
Best wishes Larry. You are a good man and this community could use a lot more like you.
Congrats Larry! YAY Bandon!!
I always thought the works employees were the rudest bunch of kids. I never understood how they stayed in business which such crappy customer service.
Geez People, just leave Larry alone,Did you read the article,He wants to spend more time enjoying life with his Family. People out there need to respect that,and stop trying to get him to run for Political office.Instead people need to get a grip and relieze that this country is going to go the tubes,if Romney get elected!!! Overturn The Citizens United Decision that the 9 Black robes in the Supreme Court ruled that Corporations are people and can donate as much money as they want into a Campaign!!!
Oh wow… I worked there back in the eighties, and I remember all the little caches of records and cds all of the employees would stash in the back… the one record I did stash- a white Beatles White album- got snagged by a friend of mine…. I still give him a hard time about it. I remember working with Pat and Bob (that’s him in his younger days in that picture), Mike Patton, Mike Asher, Hal, Beth, Rick, Rick, Dave, Droid, Ali… inventory was always a party with Clyde Mazzotti and his family coming over to help and bringing the great pizzas… getting paid in CDs if you wanted. I was going through a hard divorce, and it was the perfect job for me at the time… being with people who were passionate about music and sound and who all had different tastes. It opened my ears up to so much music and different ideas- stretched my head. I remember all of us standing behind that silvered window making monkey faces while a famous news guy stood in front of it on national tv… don’t even know what that was about… then there was the Mickey Rourke sighting at mazzottis…. God, there are a million memories about that place. Larry, you were a great boss, and I hope you have a great adventure in the next phase of your life!
I worked for Larry, he is a great guy! those were the days for sure (huh Bruce)!
Larry, now you can take it easy and enjoy life!
Maybe you’ll have time to grow a veggi garden like we talked about. Peace and Love!
Larry Glass is without a doubt the ballsiest guy to hit Humboldt County since Bret Harte stood up to the Eureka powers-that-be over a hundred years ago (Google it!). You are a great friend and mentor and I look forward to many more years of you kicking ass and taking names in our sweet, sweet county! Peace!
Many good years of my interesting life were spent @ The Works. I was there so much in Jr High that Larry thought I actually WORKED there. Eventually they hired me. I gave notice on my paper route the next day; after all, I only delivered the Times-Standard to satiate my vinyl habit…
It’s finally official! Congrats to Bandon, and a big hug to Larry for allowing Bandon to keep The Works open! It has been my home away from home for a few decades, my workplace at one time (and yes, Larry is a GREAT boss, and friend), a speakerful of various types of great music, and a source of lasting friendships. Agree with all that Al, Bruce and Ken have to say. Hats off to Larry and to Bandon.
Before, during, and after my stint at The Works, that store always did their best to help customers with their needs. I never experienced anything else. That is what makes The Works such a special place.
Congratulations Larry, family is a wonderful thing. I have to say though, through all of the years of my teens and young adult years, I spent quite a bit of money there, and I can’t ever recall an employee asking me if I need any help. They ignored me until I was ready to check out. I don’t know if I wasn’t “hippy” enough or what….hopefully that isn’t the case now.
I had a Blues show on commercial radio, and Larry helped make it possible by advertising on the program, from Q-92 (now Big Red) to Star 104 (now KHUM) to ten years on KXGO. Now the Blues is not the most commercially viable entity, but Larry helped keep the niche jumpin’ and I’ll never forget. And good for Bandon, another standup guy. Viva!
I remember playing pool every day in the northtown Record Works in the mid 70s. The guys from Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band played pool there whenever they were in town, and we had some fine times.
Larry, have a good time, you deserve the best of everything.
I spent too much money on records at the Works throughout the 1980s. Plus they were the only place I could find needles for my 1960s era record player. I should have saved all that money and bought stock in Microsoft.
Congratulations Larry on your retirement. I wanted to express my gratitude to all the loyal customers of the Works on behalf of my children, Rose and Willie. Our family benefited so much from the support of the community. The kids learned so many important life lessons behind, under and around the Works counter. We wish Bandon the best of luck and are happy he is keeping the Works alive. Sincerely, Renee
Wow Lawrence, it’s been a long time buddy. What a photo in the start. Right around the time and place where I found out what dread locks were all about. We’ve come a long way my Ole Good Friend and the changes have been the good, the bad and the ugly. The point is I would not change anythingon the history of my life and one of the key times was around the works and on Redmond road and my Goodness; what a run. As I write I’m getting more blown away at the reality of who I am today comes from these times. Thanks Brother Lawrence and hope to see you around in your future endeavors. I’m playing golf in Tucson and getting darker than be-damned. Love, Herman
Whhhhaaa……he pushed me and I’m telling Mommie ! Boo Hoo ho .
He Hee He…I’m just kidding .
You tried and best of everything to you, Pal !
Re : 8;56 comment by, Daniel:
I had every intention to vote for Obama but now i won’t . His stance against medical marijuna and the fact that he has lied and turned against the people and what the people chose for our great nation of California will have me not voting for this liar & as far as, Mr. Glass goes, c’mon, who really cares ? Is the World going to change for this crybaby ? I noticed, Heraldo a.k.a. Tra and all the other fake names he uses has deleted all the unfavorable comments about Mr. Glass . His typical way on deleting posts so you’ll see only what he wants to see & not exposing the truth .
As far as the veggie garden mentioned that, Larry wants to grow, I’m sure he’s already been growing but it’s not veggies he’s growing if you get my drift .Half the time he showed up at the Council meetings he looked half baked .
It was great to work for Larry while I attended college and I have always enjoyed buying my music from Larry and now Bandon at the Works. Larry, thanks for making Humboldt County a better place to live and work. Maximum Respect!
A Humboldt county tradition! I bought my first album there in the fall of 1977 (“Fotheringay” – I still have it!), and many other records, tapes, CD’s and DVD’s throughout the years. I’ve always appreciated having such a great store over the years, so thank you for perservering Larry!
It’s great news that Bandon will carry on, in a time when owning a record store is almost certainly some kind of economic suicide. At this point in time, any owner has to be smart and savvy about what sells and what doesn’t, and I wish Bandon the best of luck moving forward.
In general, the Works has suffered in recent years, mostly due to lack of knowledge by many of the folks working there. The internet has seemed more important to the clerks than any customer that they might service! I’ve been constantly frustrated that they almost never have had any of the new or recent releases that I came in to buy, and not very accomodating in ordering those items when I asked about them. Can’t survive very long with those sort of business practices. I hope that the future employees will endeavour to be better at all of those things.
Long live The Works, and all record stores!
I was one of those kids who worked there part time in the 80’s. It was a great group of people and I enjoyed being a part of it. When the season slowed down in the Winter, I was let go and they kept the girl who thought Charley Pride should go in the Soul section. That always makes me laugh!! No hard feelings… I was busy with school. All the best to you, Larry. Keep fighting the good fight for the environment. Peace!
I worked for Pat for a few months in the early 1980s – at the 408 F location when there was also a stereo section of the Works. I made friends there who are still my friends 30 years later. Over the years I’ve known so many of the people who worked there – fun to see so many of them mentioned (and to see some of them post here). So glad to learn that Bandon will continue with the store. Congratulations, Larry. And Bandon, I wish you the best!
Oops – that was the late 70s when I worked for Pat….
Just stumbled across this article while trying to find out about an old 78 rpm of Bozo Under the Sea and following some interesting threads by Ted Alvy, remembering the days of KFMI (esp closing nite!), Redmond Road
4th of July rooftop Jimi StarSpangling, Herman, Billy Harkleroad, Zack Zenore, Bill Cody’s all-nite poker parties…wow!
Congratulations on lasting all this time, Larry, and have a great life for many years to come. That’s not me in that picture, though ;-))
And Hiya Herms and Renee!