Rough Trade founder Geoff Travis to receive AIM 'Pioneer Award'

Rough Trade boss Geoff Travis will be handed the ‘Pioneer Award’ at this year’s AIM Independent Music Awards ceremony.

Travis will be the third recipient of the accolade, following of from Domino Records’ Lawrence Bell and Daniel Miller of Mute. AIM’s CEO, Alison Wenham explained the decision: “Geoff is an icon not just amongst independents but across the whole industry. He shows the way, he inspires, he is and always has been true to his beliefs”.

Travis opened the first Rough Trade store in 1976, with the label following later. Rough Trade Records went on the sign the likes of The Smiths, The Fall and The Libertines. Rough Trade opened a second shop on Brick Lane a few years back and will launch one in New York shortly. Travis said of the news: “There is not much that betters having respect from your peers. So thank you AIM!”

The Independent Music Awards ceremony will be held this year at The Brewery in Clerkenwell on 3 September.