VINTAGE ROLLING STONES PHOTO: BILL WYMAN ATTENDS BOOK SIGNING AT BORDERS ONE WEEK BEFORE WORLD TRADE TOWERS ATTACKED (9/4/01)
On Tuesday, September 4, Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones attended a book signing event at Borders book store in Center City. Exactly one week later, the 9/11 attacks occurred. Wyman was promoting his new book “Blues Odyssey.” Last week, Borders, which moved to Broad & Chestnut Streets, went out of business and closed shop, while the “Fat Lady” browsed her last aisle. © ROGER BARONE 2001
BILL WYMAN/ROLLING STONES: BORDERS BOOK STORE (September 4, 2001)
In tribute to the closing of the Philadelphia Borders Bookstore, I present this photo of former Rolling Stones’ bass player, Bill Wyman’s visit to the popular store at 17th & Walnut Street (it’s original location).
Many of the world’s most popular authors and celebrities appeared there including David McCullough, Calvin Trillin, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Wyman, Hillary Clinton and Ozzie. In the early days, Borders was one of the city’s hidden treasures that few people knew about. I was a regular and bought lots of great books from the overstock bargain bins.
As the years passed, the crowds grew bigger, the lines longer and it became a less personal experience to shop and attend events there. Eventually, a decision was made to move to a larger location at Broad and Chestnut Streets. Borders was never the same.
Earlier this year, 2011, Borders declared bankruptcy, hoping to restructure the management. It failed; Borders is gone.
Rolling Stones Photos & Stories From Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Love 