El Toro Music

22/01/2025

Dear Friends,

With a heavy heart, I must share the news of the permanent closure of El Toro Music. This decision comes after months of tireless efforts to rebuild following the devastating fire in July that destroyed our building. Despite the incredible generosity of our community and the determination to push forward, I’ve been unable to secure a suitable location to restart the shop. Additionally, the rising costs of maintaining online operations in an increasingly competitive landscape have made it unsustainable to continue.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who stood by me during this challenging journey. To those who contributed to the rebuild fund, supported events, and shared your time and talents: thank you. Your kindness and belief in El Toro Music have meant more to me than words can ever convey.

Running this shop was more than just a livelihood for me—it was a passion and a privilege. Being part of Chippenham’s musical community, fostering talent, and supporting musicians of all ages has been the most rewarding chapter of my life. From sponsoring local fundraisers to witnessing the growth of countless musicians, these experiences have left an indelible mark on my heart.

Though this chapter is ending, I remain hopeful for the future. I’m unsure what lies ahead, but I know the love for music and the community we’ve built will continue to guide me. I am committed to finding ways to contribute to the vibrant music scene we’ve all worked so hard to nurture.

To all the customers, friends, and families who supported El Toro Music since we first opened our doors in 2021: thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your loyalty and encouragement have been the foundation of everything we’ve achieved.

As I move forward, I hope you’ll feel free to reach out if there’s any way I can support you—whether with advice, connections, or just a friendly conversation.

With all my gratitude and warmest wishes for your future,

Henry Ray Herrera

03/12/2024

Don’t forget to grab a great deal from our fire salvaged stock at tomorrow’s auction with Guitar Auctions at Gardiner Houlgate only minor smoke damage but very useable items going very cheap! All proceeds go to help rebuild the shop at a new location!

Also feel free to donate towards the cause, thank you all very much 🙏🏽 🤠

Due to a fire on 2nd July 2024 which… Henry Ray needs your support for Help rebuild a local guitar shop that was destroyed by fire!

29/11/2024

Happy to have this Tanglewood on the bench today for a restring and clean.

When the owner told me he was Gabrielle Aplin’s cousin Matthew and this was her first ever guitar which she gave to him as a gift, I felt compelled to share the story 🤩🫶🏽

26/11/2024

Starting 3rd December all items salvaged from the recent fire will be auctioned at Gardiner Houlgate in Corsham.

There are some guitars, amps, pedals and accessories up for grabs that are smoke damaged but still useable so this is a good chance to get an amazing deal and help us rebuild at a new location.

LIVE AUCTION - The Guitar Auction - Four Day Sale (Sale Date: 3 Dec 24 10:00AM) BID NOW at Gardiner Houlgate.

26/11/2024

GUITAR SETUPS

Just letting you all know I am still doing guitar setups and mods from home while I look for a new shop location, I am also making special orders for Christmas if you need anything please get in touch!

03330 506459

12/11/2024

Hi all, here's the latest update on the efforts to rebuild El Toro Music for the Chippenham community.

First of all, thanks again for the incredible amount of support I've received from local musicians who have gone above and beyond to help with fundraising activities for the shop.

On 13th of September we had a fundraiser at the Kington Club in Kington St. Michael, organised by the lovely James Webb, featuring a live performance from his band The Complainers. A huge thank you to James, the band and the staff at Kington Club as we were able to raise £400 which has helped tremendously.

On 2nd of November we had another fundraiser held at the Old Road Tavern in Chippenham, organised by local singer-songwriter Harmony-Asia Thomas. This event featured some of the best local talent around, including Ben & the Cowboy, Will Lawton, Chris Tucker, Sharpie, M3G, as well as me and my band El Toro. Sound engineered by Tom Mallard. A very special thank you to all musicians who got involved, and big thanks to Harmony, Lauren, and Lindsey for helping to raise £296 in total on the night!

It is an honour and privilege to be a part of such a wonderful, caring community and I am confident that as a community, we can find a way to provide products and services in some capacity moving forward. Please get in touch if there is anything I source for you this Christmas!

Due to a fire on 2nd July 2024 which… Henry Ray needs your support for Help rebuild a local guitar shop that was destroyed by fire!

05/11/2024

A very thanks to all those involved with this special event, my heart is overwhelmed by the incredible support from local musicians and the community 🥹💛❤️

Over to Chippenham for my dose of live music this Saturday. I didn’t see any chips nor ham, there were some pasties passed around a lively and hospitable “proper” pub, and whilst meeting some favou…

31/10/2024

Reminder: This amazing event is happening this Saturday evening, a very special thanks to all those involved! 🥹

More info available here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/rebuild-el-toro-music

Hope to see you there!

Less than a week to go, catch me at the Old Road Tavern on Saturday, sharing the stage with some great musicians, for a good cause.

https://facebook.com/events/s/el-toro-music-fundraiser/898113608428288/

28/08/2024

Hi all, just keeping you up to date.

I want to thank you all for the overwhelming support and encouragement, as well as your generous donations so far. While the donations have allowed me not only to survive while I navigate through this difficult time, they have also provided the necessary tools and supplies to keep going with setups and guitar lessons.

Unfortunately there are still outgoings from the business, and personal living expenses which means I have had to take on full time employment doing business development for an IT company in an effort to make ends meet.

In the meantime, I have been working hard to devise a plan to move forward with the shop in some format, naturally keeping it small but incorporating other products/services which would generate maximum footfall. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Whilst I am still quite far off the fundraising target, there seems plenty of time to come up with a good plan to move forward and hopefully find the right location once I am able to. Therefore, if anyone knows of anyone who may entertain the thought of a partnership that would allow music instruments and accessories to be aligned with their existing business please let me know.

Sincerely,

Henry Ray

Due to a fire on 2nd July 2024 which… Henry Ray needs your support for Help rebuild a local guitar shop that was destroyed by fire!

16/08/2024

So this is what I’ve been up to musically lately..🤷🏽‍♂️

Country Blues Rock Singer Songwriter

15/08/2024

Y’all should come over to Neeld Community & Arts Centre tonight for some great vibes and live music from Henry Ray - Music Page and Kingsley Walker from 7:45pm!

It’s next to Yannis Caribbean at Borough Parade!