Founder of Doncaster’s Electro Music dies aged 58

John Wiltchinsky set up Electro Music in 1982 with his brother Mike as a partnership.

Guitarist John, from Epworth, had a history in music retail, while Mike was a qualified electrician with a wealth of experience involving sound and lighting equipment.

The musicians had been around the Northern club scene for many years.

The firm’s website said John was frequently found working in the shop, which employs 26 staff – most of whom have been there for many years.

The brothers set up their first store at 64 Copley Road, Doncaster, in what they described as a tiny shop which was initially a service and repair business – which was why it had its original name Electro Music Services.

The firm’s website states: “It was so small and full of music equipment awaiting repair that you almost had to breathe in to enter the doorway.

“It wasn’t too long before the retail side of the venture gathered pace and we quickly developed a loyal customer base, many of which we are proud to say we still have today.”

One customer from the time said: “I remember asking for a set of Rotosound Bass Strings and John had to order them in. He probably asked for a deposit as well.”

But within three years the business had outgrown the shop and the brothers moved the business a few doors along to 60 Copley Road which offered more floor space and over the next.

Over the next eight years it acquired the adjoining properties between 60 and 64 Copley Road.