Pro Perc drum shop forced to close - Manager Eddie Chase says 'overheads simply too high' at Kentish Town store
Published: 10 March 2011
by DAN CARRIER
DRUM roll please, maestro! A Kentish Town shop that has sold drum kits for more than 25 years is set to close its doors.
Pro Perc, in Kentish Town Road, will put its last cymbal up for sale in two weeks’ time.
Manager Eddie Chase has run the shop since 1987 – Pro Perc had previously been in a store opposite the Forum further north in the same street – but now says his lease is ending and business is not strong enough to justify renewal.
“We have had to close due to a number of factors,” said Mr Chase. “Our lease is up for renewal and the levels of trade now mean we can’t really carry on. The overheads are simply too high. For the past few years it has been tricky and now seemed a good time to stop.”
He has sold kits to some of the biggest names in the business. Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, who has a home in Hampstead, has regularly bought kits from Mr Chase, as has Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden, John Moss from Culture Club, and Steve White from The Style Council.
Other famous faces who have Pro Perc instruments include chef Jamie Oliver, who likes to unwind from a hard day over a hot stove by bashing the skins.
Mr Chase said: “Business has been good in the past, but we feel we have outstayed our welcome. Drum kits are a luxury item and we are in difficult times now. We have suffered because of the internet and I feel music shops on high streets are living on borrowed time.”
But as all good rock and rollers do, Mr Chase says he may make a comeback some day. He added: “After I’ve had a sabbatical, we may return – even it’s from a warehouse.”