Austin's Vinyl Revival: Waterloo Records Spins Back to Life with Grand Re-Opening

Picture a sunny day in Austin, Texas, where the air hums with excitement and the sweet sound of records crackling. That's the scene at Waterloo Records, the beloved vinyl shop that's been a heartbeat of the city's music scene since 1982.

 

On August 31, 2025, after a big remodel, Waterloo threw open its doors for a grand re-opening bash that had fans lining up around the block. John Kunz, the store's founder and owner, grinned from ear to ear as he welcomed everyone back to what feels like a fresh chapter in Austin's rock 'n' roll story.

 

Waterloo isn't just any record store. It's a legend, known for its huge collection of vinyl, CDs, and merch from local bands to global stars. Over the years, big names like Willie Nelson and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have popped in for surprise shows. But time and trends called for a change.

 

The remodel added cool new features like a bigger listening area, comfy spots to chill, and even a stage for live gigs. "We’ve been working on this for a long time... It’s exciting to see it come to fruition," John said in an interview.

 

The re-opening kicked off with free coffee, donuts, and tunes spinning all day. Crowds flipped through bins of classic albums, from Beatles records to fresh indie releases.

 

Local musicians played sets, turning the store into a mini festival. Longtime shoppers shared stories of discovering their favorite bands here. "This place is like home," one fan told reporters. "It's where Austin's music spirit lives."

 

As the day wrapped up, John thanked the community for sticking with them through ups and downs, including tough times during the pandemic. Waterloo's comeback shows that in a world of streaming, nothing beats the thrill of holding a real record.

 

If you're in Austin, swing by at 600A North Lamar Boulevard. Who knows? You might catch the next big star browsing the aisles. Music is alive and spinning stronger than ever!