He is one of the most important figures in British – and Irish – music over the past 30 years. And Music Ireland was lucky enough to get him to come and talk to us.
Geoff Travis gives a public interview at 4pm on Sunday October 7 in the Red room.
A genuine legend of the music business, Geoff Travis opened the Rough Trade Shop in London in 1976 where it became a focal point of the punk scene. Patrons included iconic musicians such as Billy Idol, Patti Smith, David Bowie and Sex Pistols’ guitarist Steve Jones, while the store hosted performances by The Ramones and Talking Heads.
Rough Trade Records began as an offshoot, and the label became a major player with the signing of The Smiths, releasing all of the group’s landmark albums. Travis next signed Scottish noiseniks The Jesus and Mary Chain to Blanco y Negro, the label he ran with Warner Bros. His enviable knack for signing outstanding artists has continued with the likes of The Strokes, Antony and The Johnsons and Arcade Fire.
Travis was also responsible for first unleashing Pete Doherty on us, signing The Libertines after visiting a rehearsal.
Geoff joins many other industry legends at Music Ireland. Confirmed so far are Smiths producer Stephen Street, who takes part in a discussion entitled 'Are Producers The Real Superstars?' (4pm, Red room, Sunday); infamous Westlife manager and X-Factor judge Louis Walsh who'll speak on radio playlists (3pm, Red room, Sunday); band manager and record exec Ann Marie Shields, who will join the debate 'Are Managers The Vampires Of Rock 'N' Roll?' (2pm, Red room, Saturday); and Phantom FM’s Edel Coffey, who'll air her views in 'From A&R To Airplay' (2pm, Red room, Sunday).