40 years ago, the iconic record label/shop Rough Trade was born. Founded by Geoff Travis in 1971, the label and shop’s four decade history has had a profound impact on British music. From managing The Smiths, The Libertines, and The Fall, to contemporaries such as Warpaint and Sufjan Stevens, Rough Trade has yet to show signs of slowing down it’s impressive reign on the industry.

Rough Trade have fittingly continued their ethic of collaboration and co-operation for their 40th anniversary celebrations, and are seemingly dedicated to cultivating innovation in music and artistry. They’ve planned a pretty packed itinerary of different events, all ready to be showcased across classic London venues. For music buffs and casual fans alike, this isn’t one to be missed.

Opening the events on the 22nd of October at the Barbican Hall are pop-up and spoken word performances, coinciding with a Rough Trade shop and a night full of collaborations. Expect partnerships from post-punk bands The Pop Group and Protomartyr, British band Scritti Politti and Hot Chip frontman Alexis Taylor, American musician John Grant and the newly-formed Wrangler (feat. Stephen Mallinder).

On the 3rd of the November, the celebrations continue in the iconic Islington Assembly Hall, where legendary band The Raincoats take on a collaboration with folk singer Angel Olsen (BIG). The Raincoats have been a long time member of the Rough Trade family, and are excited to showcase their duet with the “remarkable […] breath-taking” Angel Olsen for the 40th anniversary special.

And as keeping up with a 40-year tradition, Rough Trade have dedicated themselves to debuting the most exciting new bands on the London scene. With an event spanning two-nights and two-days, Rough Trade will showcase the likes of Bombay Bicycle Club’s Ed Nash in his new project Toothless,  as well as Ten Fe, Aldous RH, Baba Naga, Fish, and many, many more. Expect to find these performances across usual east London haunts such as Rough Trade East, Shacklewell Arms, and The Moth Club.

This series takes place as part of Punk London, a year of events to mark 40 years of subversive culture.  Tickets available for all shows are on sale now: dice.fm/RT40