Cassell's Music, a longtime San Fernando fixture and a filming location for the 1992 comedy Wayne's World, is shutting its doors after nearly 80 years. Owner Ed Intagliata, now 71, is retiring, leaving behind decades spent helping budding musicians, per the Los Angeles Times.
- Origins: Founded in 1948, Cassell's played a role in the local music scene, even selling Ritchie Valens his first guitar in 1958. "I still have a receipt," Intagliata says of that sale, per the San Fernando Sun. Intagliata's family took over the store in 1978, and each sibling helped out—teaching lessons, repairing instruments, or handling marketing. Intagliata himself joined fresh out of Cal State Fullerton, taking the shop through economic ups and downs for nearly 50 years.
- Movie fame: The store became internationally known after it appeared in Wayne's World, with tourists stopping by to see the famous white Fender Stratocaster from the film, signed by stars Mike Myers and Dana Carvey. Posters referencing the iconic "No Stairway to Heaven" joke lined the walls.
- Movie fame II: Cassell's was also featured in last year's TV series Paris & Nicole: The Encore, starring Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. The two reality stars visit the shop to learn about instruments used in an opera. "I got my 15 minutes of fame with Paris and Nicole," Intagliata jokes to the Sun.
- Local love: Regulars describe Cassell's, which was recognized twice as one of the top 100 music stores in the world by the National Association of Music Merchants, as more than a shop—it was a hangout where kids could jam for hours. "If we ever did that in Guitar Center, we would be kicked out," a 29-year-old local tells the Times of his teen jam sessions there. "But Ed would pop his head in, listen, and get back to work. He made everyone feel welcomed and invited."
- Future plans: As for Intagliata, after the store's last day on July 21, he plans to travel, with his sights set on Italy's Amalfi Coast. The shop will be screening Wayne's World as a final goodbye on July 10.
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