Huddersfield based eccentric record collector and stroke survivor Steve Goldman, 55, has had a whirlwind few weeks. He recently ran an exhibition in Huddersfield’s Piazza shopping centre between Saturday 6th– Sunday 14th November. His aim was to share his bizarre collection of 200 awful LP covers in “The Worst Record Covers in the World ”.
Steve, who survived a stroke 18 months ago, held the exhibition in aid of Different Strokes, something we are incredibly grateful for. The exhibition was a roaring success, so much so that the story of his exhibition was picked up in The Guardian, The Yorkshire Post and The BBC. Steve has been on radio shows and was even mentioned on Have I Got News For You!
Inspired by searching for record he had owned 40 years ago called Roadstar Peter Rabbit that he was compelled to buy for it’s weird artwork. Steve has spent five years rummaging in charity shops, car boot sales and the internet looking for records for his unique collection, spending between 5 p and £50 on treasured pieces.
“To get in my collection the album covers have to be unintentionally funny. I want records where the designers have tried to do something that’s gone horribly wrong. It can’t just be a performer in bad clothes or with an ugly face- though there are a couple that have got in that were irresistible. And it all has to be good clean family fun- I don’t collect any album covers that are gory, violent, sexist, homophobic or racist. “
We asked Steve a few questions about his whirlwind experience.
It’s gone better than I could have hoped for! On the final Saturday, at any given time, there were at least ten people visiting the shop, and sometimes twenty. It was a bit much for me- but my family helped, and every day a different friend sat with me.
I had a stroke nearly 18 months ago, aged 54. The first time my family rang me in hospital, I was only capable of saying “Yes”. Not only was I in a wheelchair, but I had to use an upright trolley to get me into it. Different Strokes gave me hope, and the workouts (which I still do) were one of the practical ways it helped. Obviously I’m much better now- I can walk without a stick and my language is a lot better, even though it’s not what it was- but you might never really recover from a stroke. And I thought strokes were something affecting just the elderly- I had no idea how young you could be.
Weird – a stranger called Richard from got in touch a few days before saying he was setting up a PR company (Diversity PR) and would I like some free publicity, to which I said I would. Next thing I know Radio Leeds and the Guardian want interviews, and I’m on the BBC News website! The week ended with me being included on Have I Got News For You, which was completely surreal.
Getting another gig! An art gallery in Stoke on Trent wants the exhibition in 2022. That and simply the amount of laughing. I lost count of the times when people said they’ve not laughed so much in ages.
The results are in…
In 3rd place was Gerhard Polt; and in 2nd place was Carlos, but the winner, by some margin, was Peter Rabbitt.
Different Strokes Fundraising Manager, Jo Aurora said:
“The way that Steve has used his hobby to bring smiles and laughter to so many, whilst at the same time raise awareness and money for Different Strokes is absolutely fantastic.
I’m sure Steve wasn’t expecting his exhibition to attract quite so much attention in the media, and we were delighted for him when he went viral!
As well raising awareness of younger stroke and the impact it has, Steve has raised a fabulous £620.96 from his page and in person donations at the exhibition. – Thank you Steve!”
There’s still time to donate to Steve’s fundraising page which you find by clicking HERE
We look forward to seeing any new additions on forthcoming exhibition tours.
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