Geoff Travis calls Johnny Marr
Marr & Rourke blagged their way in get The Smiths signed
Location: Blenheim Crescent, , W11
Description: As the founder of Rough Trade records and its empire of independent labels, shops and merchandise, Geoff Travis once holed up on this road with the rest of the RT team.
In December 1980, Rough Trade moved to new premises in Blenheim Crescent. This move coincided with the beginning of what has been called a golden period for the label, where Rough Trade welcomed The Fall, Pere Ubu, Young Marble Giants and Robert Wyatt to the roster, and by 1989 the company had a turnover of 22 million.
Indeed it was here on Friday 4th March 1983, one Johnny Marr & Andy Rourke made a pilgrimage to the offices with a cassette containing the newly recorded and self-funded 'Hand In Glove' and the live recording of 'Handsome Devil'.
After blagging their way in they cornered Travis in the kitchen over a mug of coffee - 'Listen to this' said Marr, 'It's not just another tape'!
Impressed by their gall, he did just that over the weekend, and on Monday 7th March 1983, he called Johnny Marr with the offer to release 'Hand In Glove' as a seven-inch single.
And so began the career of 'The Smiths'.
But can you tell Shady what number the office was located?
Tours: Moz & The Smiths
Themes: Music
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Marr & Rourke blagged their way in get The Smiths signed |
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Credits: http://www.businesswings.co.uk/printArticle?objectID=1380
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