Ear X-Tacy Closing

Louisville music store Ear X-Tacy is closing.Founder and owner John Timmons posted the news to the store's Facebook page Monday evening. The announcement comes after the store was closed without explanation for three days.The store was founded in 1985 and came close to shutting down twice recently. Last year, Timmons said his business model was not sustainable, and he needed to adapt. He urged fans to support the shop while he figured out a new plan. That plan ended up spurring a move to a smaller storefront in the Douglass Loop, several blocks south of the previous location.Months after moving, Timmons again made a plea for Louisvillians to support his store. But troubles continued for the shop. In January, the service Ear X-Tacy and several other record stores used to sell music downloads shut down.Last Saturday, Ear X-Tacy did not open, fueling rampant speculation in the city's music community.The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support on Facebook. No further details about a potential liquidation are available.The full statement: Dear Louisville, and all who have shopped, supported, and loved ear X-tacy over the years, It has been a dream come true...actually, a dream exceeded, to be part of your musical lives here in Louisville for the last 26 years. My life was changed forever, and guided by the power of music since I can remember. Music has been the soul, the heart, the passion of my life for my entire 56 years. The record store experience has been the only child in my life. Now, it's time for me to let it fly. Thank YOU...for allowing me to be part of your musical universe. Louisville, you made me feel like I was truly HOME when I moved here in 1976. It's been a great ride, but as George Harrison knowingly said, "All Things Must Pass." It's with sadness, but also with great pride I say to you now... ear X-tacy is no more Long live ear X-tacy! Please keep the music alive. Support the incredible music scene and independent businesses we have here! Until you leave this great city, you cannot realize what a unique treasure we have here. Embrace it, celebrate it, and promote it. Love it. Thank you all for making my dreams come true. Thank you for making ear X-tacy the wonderful place that it was. I thank all of the staff that made this store THE hub for music in Louisville for the past 26 years. Please take pride in knowing that YOU have been the heart and soul of what this store became. Thank you for sharing my dream and exceeding all of my expectations! To all of the musicians who have graced our store and stage, I cannot tell you what a thrill it's been. From the local newbies to the incredibly huge national artists...THANK YOU for gracing our store and sharing you incredible musical talents with us all...that's what I like to call: "earX-tacy". Love, peace, music and ear X-tacy to you all, John D. Timmons President, ear X-tacy, Inc.