Legendary independent label Rough Trade has reached the grand old age of 30, and to celebrate a package tour featuring none other than Jarvis Cocker is set to party around the country.
Rough Trade was formed by Geoff Travis and a loose circle of friends in the aftermath of punk. Already the proud owner of a record shop that stocked singles by early punk indies, Travis decided to take the plunge and formed his own label. Through stunning releases by the likes of Young Marble Giants, The Fall and The Smiths, as well as thier Rough Trade Distribution wing, the label became one of the most important voices in British music until its collapse in 1991.
The loss of Rough Trade almost single-handedly crippled the indie scene, and its no coincidence that the 90s were dominated by Major owned ‘indies’. Relaunched in the year 2000, Rough Trade has gone on to reclaim its position as a pre-eminent voice in British music bringing you releases by the likes of The Strokes and The Libertines.
Now at the grand old age of thirty, label owners Geoff Travis and Jeanette Lee are pleased to bring you an anniversary tour featuring Jarvis Cocker and a rolling support of Rough Trade acts.
Jarvis had the following to say about the events:
“Strangely enough, this is also the 30th anniversary of my first involvement with making music (the first incarnation of Pulp was formed during an Economics lesson towards the end of October 1978). How could I have known then that our two destinies would become so intertwined? I’m proud to be part of these birthday celebrations – I know there’s an awful lot of Anniversary Culture out there but this is one that’s actually worth celebrating: Rough Trade has always been about discovering the new, exploring the unknown & giving a voice to those who would otherwise remain unheard. And they’re still doing it 30 years on. This is no dewy-eyed nostalgia trip – it’s an on-going revolution. Stand up & be counted! (Actually, comfortable seating IS available in most of the venues – should you require it).”
November 25th – Sheffield, Academy
November 26th – London, Shepherd’s Bush Empire
November 28th – Edinburgh, Picture House
November 30th – Manchester, Academy
December 2nd – Birmingham, Academy
