Rough Trade’s New York City shop doesn’t need to explain their art to anyone. Not Warren, not you, and certainly not us. But color us giddy to learn that the Brooklyn space will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of ’90s cult classic film Empire Records by turning Rough Trade into, well, an actual Empire Records.
We’ll give you a moment to collect yourself.
You good? Ok, moving along now.
In partnership with BBQ Films, the high-concept event dubbed simply “Rex Manning Day” will go down on April 8, and tickets to the event go on sale this Friday (pre-sale is sold out). There will be an Empire Records screening, some killer surprises, and you can even shave your head just like Robin Tunney.
The full event description, via Brooklyn Vegan and the BBQ Film site, is fairly mind-blowing. So as to not fuck it up or leave out your favorite part, you can read through it in full, below.
Twenty years – to the day! – since the original Rex Manning Day, BBQ Films invites you to “Say No More, Mon Amour,” damn the man, and save The Empire. For one night only, Williamsburg’s Rough Trade is transformed into the legendary Empire Records, with all the staff and characters you’ve come to love (and hate).
On April 8, 2015, join Lucas and his couch cushion, boss Joe (but don’t touch his drums!), Gina and her “Sugar High,” and, of course, Corey and her crush, Rex Manning… Immerse yourself in the world of Empire Records with a screening of the film, live music, a Rex Manning autograph, and, if you’re brave enough, a chance to shave your head for Debra’s funeral. Music-veto power available, pending Mark’s approval.
Tickets include:
• 1 free drink and free BBQ Films gourmet popcorn
• A Rex Manning autograph
• 1 custom button at the DIY Button Station
• A fabulous Rex Manning Photobooth
• Screening of Empire Records (1995)
• A live set from the Empire house band, and potential additional sets TBA
• A head shaving station (first five folks who shave their heads drink free)
• A limited-edition event poster by Todd Ian Goldstein
• …and all the theatrical immersion BBQ Films guests have come to expect…
Limited edition! For brave souls, special secret experiences will be auctioned off the night of. Think: A Warren shopping spree. A Gina Sugar High. An Oh Rexy You’re So Sexy one-on-one with Rex himself… Come with a few extra bucks if you’re game!
That’s one hell of a party. Reminisce below, and call your local talent buyer to get this shit to Boston, stat.