Scot Henderson (Theo’s grandson). After 53 years of operation, Theo’s Music is closing down.
Camera IconScot Henderson (Theo’s grandson). After 53 years of operation, Theo’s Music is closing down. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie d483614

Theo’s Music in West Leederville closes after 53 years

Julian WrightEastern Reporter

VIDEO killed the radio star and now the internet is responsible for the demise of Theo’s Music.

After 53 years of operation and run by three generations of the musically-inclined Henderson family, the iconic store in West Leederville will closed its doors for good on June 30.

Jazz musician Theo Henderson, who also enjoyed golf, sailing and flying, opened the on Stirling Street in Northbridge in 1965.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Mr Henderson died in July, 2017.

His son Miles took the reins throughout the years, working with his brother Reid, and Miles’ son Scot also clocked up about 10 years working there.

Scot said it had become too hard for the store to keep up with online competition and had to close.

“The online market has pretty much killed us, we just can’t compete,” he said.

“There’s only so long you can keep running at a loss.

“We’ve got suppliers that deal straight to the customers now because you can go on their website and buy directly from them.”

He thanked customers for their ongoing support and said customers that shopped with them decades ago bought their children’s first musical instruments from them.

Miles said several customers had expressed how upset they were about the news of the shop closing.

Scot said famous and respected musicians had also shopped there throughout the years.

“Lindsay Wells is a local guy who has been shopping here for decades and played with Eric Clapton and James Morrison shopped here,” he said.

Miles will look at retiring once the doors close for the last time and Scot may change careers, but will continue to play instruments.

“I’m studying my Cert IV in health and fitness and form that a diploma in nutrition,” Scot said.

“I’m not sure that’s the path I will go down forever, but it is something to keep my brain working.

“I play guitar and piano, I’ll keep playing.”

MORE: Teen charged after car crashes through Heathridge property

MORE: US fashion designer Kate Spade found dead in New York

MORE: Police charge man over alleged diving hood armed robbery