EXHIBITION
Step into the Rockstore Legend:
35 Years of Montpellier’s Iconic Nights in Images
18 february 2025
Since opening in 1986 with a sold-out Level 42 gig, Rockstore has become more than a music venue—it’s a cultural icon at the heart of Montpellier’s nightlife. For 35 years, it has hosted legendary acts like Radiohead, PJ Harvey, and Lenny Kravitz, alongside French icons and rising local talent.
To celebrate its anniversary, an exclusive exhibition invites you to relive the energy of Rockstore through Laurent Vilarem’s raw, powerful photography and DJ Jérôme Garfld’s dynamic sets. Experience the nights that made Rockstore a legend.
About the Rockstore
A cornerstone of Montpellier’s cultural life, Rockstore celebrates its 35th anniversary in autumn 2024. Over the past three and a half decades, with more than 4,500 concerts and events, this legendary venue has become a must-visit destination for generations of music lovers. From international icons like Radiohead, Lenny Kravitz, PJ Harvey, Pulp, Placebo, The Kills, and Cat Power to French legends such as Mano Negra, Alain Bashung, Phoenix, NTM, and IAM, Rockstore has hosted an impressive lineup that shaped its cult status.
But Rockstore is more than a stage for global stars. It plays a vital role in nurturing the local music scene, supporting emerging acts like OTH, Les Sheriff, Rinôçérôse, and Dimoné, while spotlighting national and international indie talents. More than a club, Rockstore is a symbol of Montpellier’s heritage. Its building—once a convent, Protestant temple, print shop, garage, cinema, and nightclub—is now instantly recognizable, thanks to the iconic red Cadillac perched on its facade, making it one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.
A Visual Retrospective to Discover in Our Montpellier Store
If the night is a sanctuary, Rockstore is its faithful tavern. For generations, music lovers have gathered here—eyes captivated by ethereal post-punk performances, bodies unleashed to frenetic techno beats. The club remains a witness to the endless party that defines Montpellier’s nightlife.
Laurent Vilarem, who began his photography journey capturing moments in concert halls and nightlife venues, naturally gravitated to Rockstore. With his raw, intense shots, Vilarem offers an unfiltered look into the club’s hedonistic nights. This visual collection tells the story of exultation, freedom, and auditory bliss—a tribute to the eternal spirit of Rockstore.
Laurent Vilarem and Jérôme Garfld: Two Icons, One Rockstore Legacy
As the official photographer of Rockstore, Laurent Vilarem has spent decades capturing the raw energy of Montpellier’s legendary nightlife. A fixture in the local cultural scene since moving to the city at 17, Vilarem is renowned for his striking concert photography. In 2008, he founded K-Live in Sète, a pioneering event that helped shape the rise of urban art. With his intense, unfiltered images, Vilarem offers a unique glimpse into the passion and vibrancy that have defined Rockstore for over three decades.
Joining him is Jérôme Garfld, a DJ legend and a cornerstone of Rockstore’s sound since 2000. With more than 30 years behind the decks, Garfld blends the raw energy of rock with the power of dub, the freedom of jazz, and the pulse of disco. His love for underground music and club culture led him away from conventional paths to fully embrace his art—spinning internationally and curating major events like Freshly Cut, Soundklash, and the Worldwide Festival.
Together, Vilarem and Garfld represent the heartbeat of Rockstore—where sound and image collide to tell the story of a club that’s become a cultural legend.
