Rough Trade has revealed its 50th anniversary plans for 2026 with a year-long programme of releases and events.
Founded in West London in 1976, Rough Trade is a globally recognised independent music brand and community space.
The anniversary coincides with new figures on vinyl sales from ERA and the BPI showing continued growth for the format.
Central to the 50th anniversary celebrations is a curated series of 50 essential albums spanning five decades, from 1976 to 2025, featuring era-defining albums by artists including Patti Smith, Aphex Twin, Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds, Björk, The xx, Rina Sawayama, Pulp and many more.
Rough Trade West
The albums will be released as Rough Trade exclusive vinyl editions in five drops of 10 titles starting next month, each representing a decade. Each Rough Trade title in the series will be available to purchase individually, with an additional option to subscribe to Rough Trade Club: Essential, a new year-long vinyl subscription tied to the 50th anniversary celebrations.
The subscription comprises 12 exclusive vinyl releases selected from the anniversary curation, with members receiving one hand-picked album every month. They are pressed on Rough Trade exclusive vinyl and feature an insert including liner note contributions from the artists or key figures.
While the 50th anniversary vinyl editions will also be available outside of the subscription, Rough Trade Club: Essential is limited to 500 subscribers. Membership also includes all existing Rough Trade Club benefits, such as free online shipping, in-store discounts and priority access to events, alongside exclusive anniversary merchandise. The subscription is priced at £395 (€495/$595).
Rough Trade East
Alongside the vinyl releases, Rough Trade has partnered with concert promoters Bird On The Wire to host a number of special events in 2026.
The first events to be announced include a rare live appearance from Jim O’Rourke together with Eiko Ishibashi at Union Chapel on April 13.
Later in the year, Glaswegian art-rock band Life Without Buildings will play an exclusive reformation show at Koko on November 20.
FKA Twigs signing at Rough Trade
Further 50th birthday events will be unveiled throughout the year.
The anniversary follows the first ever global Rough Trade Albums Of The Year list.
The music retailer has continued to expand its international footprint, operating seven stores across the UK, one in Berlin and two in New York.
Across its venues and event spaces, Rough Trade hosted more than 1,500 live events worldwide in the past year, ranging from in-store performances to large-scale album launches and tours. Vinyl sales increased by more than 20% year-on-year, including another successful edition of Record Store Day.
Since 1976, we have always been about more than just selling records; it’s been a community space built on passion and a shared love of discovery
Lawrence Montgomery
“Reaching this 50th anniversary is a proud moment for everyone involved with Rough Trade,” Lawrence Montgomery, managing director, Rough Trade. “Since 1976, we have always been about more than just selling records; it’s been a community space built on passion and a shared love of discovery. Our 50th anniversary programme – from the essential vinyl reissues to the events – is designed to honour that history while celebrating the artists and fans who continue to make Rough Trade what it is today.”
“Rough Trade’s longevity comes from resisting the urge to over-design,” said Stephen Godfroy, co-owner & director. “By staying close to artists and audiences, the company evolved organically into a trusted conduit between creation and discovery. That trust, built quietly over decades, is its most enduring achievement.”
Wet Leg playing a Rough Trade show
“One of the most special things about Rough Trade enduring 50 years is that it’s a brand that genuinely means something to people,” added Emily Waller, global head of brand and content. “For half a century, we’ve stood as a community stronghold and a place where generations of music fans come together. Being a gateway to new music isn’t only a joy, it’s a responsibility, and we’re really proud to support emerging artists and help bring their work to new fans. At the same time, our story is part of the wider celebration of the record store as an institution that keeps evolving and that remains a vital part of culture.”
Rough Trade veteran Nigel House said: “I started working at Rough Trade at 202 Kensington Park Road in 1981 – for someone obsessed with music it was a dream job. Since then the world of music retail has changed so much – from vinyl to CDs to downloads to streaming and then back to vinyl! And from one shop in West London to 10, with branches in America and Berlin. One thing has stayed constant though – the constant discovery of amazing new bands (some old too) and artists and seeing them flourish alongside the growth of Rough Trade. And it still is my dream job."
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