Phoenix readers share memories of Zia Records over the years

When the late Brad Singer opened the first Zia Records in Phoenix back in 1980, business was good right away. Music lovers and vinyl fiends found the 1,300-square-foot store near 19th Avenue and Indian School Road.

They were the first of many.

Over the next four decades, Zia expanded to more stores in Phoenix and Tucson as countless locals discovered new and used records the iconic Arizona retail chain offered. They also attended the many in-store events Zia held over the years, getting the chance to meet such beloved rock ‘n’ roll heroes as Veruca Salt, Linkin Park and Reel Big Fish.

Last week, we published a collection of photos recounting Zia Records’ origins and glory years on the ‘80s and ‘90s. The nostalgia-tinged retrospective trended on the Phoenix New Times website for several days while multiple Facebook posts about Zia received hundreds of reactions and comments.
Many current and former Phoenix residents had their own stories of scoring music at Zia stores throughout the Valley.

James, for instance, was able to pick up some classic rock vinyl.

I remember Rolling Stone records back in the 70s.

David, another loyal Zia patron, spent all his free time at the Tempe store on Mill Avenue.

I grew up there.

Patrick Sedillo, former Valley resident and member of Tempe band The Piersons, had dreams of being a Zia employee.

Always wanted to work there, they never even thought of hiring me. I would have done anything. In ‘95, Brad signed my band (Piersons) to his Epiphany label. True story

Nicole got her media library through Zia Records.

I have over a thousand used DVDs that I've bought from Zia since 2001. I never had cable so I would have always stop by on my way home and pick up a few DVDs. Uou know, since This was pre Netflix days.

Jim was a fan of the Zia near 19th Avenue and Thunderbird Road.

Sitting in the parking lot as teens drinking beer waiting till midnight to get Motley (Crue) or Ratt or Quiet Riot or Def Leppard’s newest album looking like members of the bands. Oh to be young again.

Bev and her husband visited Zia on the regular.

As newlyweds on a tight budget, we would opt for Carlos O’Brien tacos then head to Zia Records for date night. A lot of our music still has a Zia sticker on it. “Look babe, Riopelle’s Saving Grace album $2.99!”

Nikki’s car somehow found its way to Zia locations.

My friend and used to come home with new music and explain that “my car makes involuntary turns into Zia parking lots. I have no control.”

Zia was Jerry’s source for Beatles tunes.

I used to go there to buy Beatles bootlegs. Quick, furtive glances, then a nervous "Got any Beatle bootlegs in the box?" The kept a cardboard box under the counter where the illicit gold was housed. Great memories.

Meanwhile, Dawn used Zia to help keep a roof over her head.

I used to sell albums to Zia so I could make rent over the summer as a college student at ASU. Rent was $160/month (1981.) So between tips from waitressing and the Zia help, all was good in the world.

William was a major metalhead who found what he craved at the Zia in Tempe.

Going up there (and) searching out metal albums in my teenage years was a golden time for me. Found some gems while hunting. Thank you Zia