Andrew W.K. DJ’s Hits and Misses’ Punk Rock Eviction Party

Hits and Misses, Toronto’s best store for punk and hardcore records, announced its impending eviction giving punk rockers the same notice they received: two weeks. Store owner, Pete Genest shared the news via the store’s blog and asked music fans to come out and support the store posting that, “I am in debt over my head and with no store front to sell stuff out of, so PLEASE if possible in the next week and half, if you can afford to buy anything from the store, it would be greatly appreciated.”

GEEKPR0N’s Misty and Andrew W.K.

Turns out that not only music fans got the call, but local promoter Steve Rock of Good Kids fame pulled some very quick strings and brought in a friend of his who he knows happens to dig two crucial things; records and partying. The friend was none other than Andrew W.K who came out to throw down what he called a “humble” set that ranged from Sid Vicious, to The Police. Andrew, who was in town performing at Riot Fest, stopped by to help out and judging by the size of the crowd, I think it’s safe to say he did. He also brought a party with him, doling out beer and shots of Jäger to everyone who bought records.

Steve Rock, Hits and Misses owner Pete Genest and Andrew W.K.

Fans and friends of the store came out to pick up some new wax and dig Andrew’s selections over drinks for the last minute event that invited folks to BYOB and BUY GODDAMN RECORDS. It almost felt like a scene right out of one of my all time favourite movies, Empire Records where we all wanted to damn the man and save Toronto’s punk rock empire. While it may be too late to save Hits and Misses in its current incarnation, here’s hoping the store is able to make enough cash to carry on in one way or another. There are murmurings of selling the store’s wares online but nothing is set in stone, for now Pete is just gearing up to move out.

If you’re in Toronto kicking yourself because you missed out, you still have until September 15 to pop in and pick up some records before Hits and Misses doors are closed. The full dates and hours are posted on Hits and Misses’ blog, and the store can be found at 799 Queen St. W. in Toronto, Canada.