From kicking off the year with a Green Day performance to hosting our third annual iNDIEPLAZA festival plus a Brat signing with Charli XCX in the summer, 2024 was packed with exciting events. Hear from our staff below about some of their favorites!
Green Day
Where else would you ever get the opportunity to see Green Day in this intimate of a space if not at Rough Trade? Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect this chance! - Kristi
To be able to book an event for a band I've listened to since as long as I've listened to music was absolute bucket list. 12 song Green Day set in the shop? Still have a hard time comprehending this happened. - Wesley
iNDIEPLAZA 2024
An incredible, celebratory day, combining Record Store Day with an open air iNDIEPLAZA stage in Rockefeller Plaza, a dozen artists/bands performing throughout the day, all ages, free to attend; such an iconic location, so much joy and appreciation of great music, right in the heart of Manhattan. - Stephen
We had Green Day play an intimate set at our little Rockefeller shop, but Indieplaza was incredible. Record Store Day, beautiful weather, and a free eclectic music festival around the Rockefeller Center rink, what more can you ask for? - Eric
Charli XCX
We were privileged enough to host a Charli XCX signing during the week of the Brat release and it was one of the most fun signings we've ever done! The vibes were at an all time high. - Wesley
GEL
Amazing band, amazing energy. - Merit
The Bug Club
When the event happened it was the first time I had heard of the band. I was blown away by their performance and loved every track they did. Every song was so catchy and made me lose track of time. They made a new fan out of me! - Tyreke
This event was my introduction to the band and I found their music as charming as they were personally. They pushed through a quick set of fun punk bangers that showcased their humor and tight knit playing. - Brendon
Juggaknots
One of New York City's most overlooked hip-hop records ever, Clear Blue Skies, was re-released this year, and our store was lucky to host an in-store in support of the release. I was able to see Breeze Brewin, one of, in my opinion, the best emcees ever, do several of his classic verses. - William
De La Soul
It was amazing to host Pos and Mase of De La Soul as they celebrated the reissue of their hip hop classic Three Feet High and Rising. Despite being hip hop legends, they were incredibly down to earth guys that were truly grateful to meet their fans. - George
Soccer Mommy
Soccer Mommy played a solo, acoustic set at Rough Trade on September 27th in anticipation of her new album Evergreen. She played old songs as well new ones including Abigail from Evergreen, which she told the audience she wrote for her wife in the video game Stardew Valley. - Emily
Better Lovers
It was absurd to be witnessing these guys screaming and playing as loud as they were (and having a great time) in the middle of MIDTOWN- I was kind of in shock. And it was for me the most memorable event of the year. So much fun, great energy, and the fans (and band) were all very nice. - Evan
Bodega
These guys ripped! They played the store in support of one the best albums i'd heard this year. They were unknown to me before I saw them. I'll be keeping an ear out what comes next from the East Coast natives. - Ellis
Nada Surf
I discovered Nada Surf as a teenager when I watched "The O.C.", and that show in general helped re-spawn my love of indie music. It was the first event I got to work at Rough Trade, which made it kind of full circle for me, and I thought Matthew's performance was just wonderful. - Lucie
Robyn Hitchcock, Moderated by David Fricke
Robyn surprisingly shows up with his guitar performing songs from his upcoming album after the Q&A and becomes the thing that wouldn't leave, but me as well as the rest of the fans were not complaining. - Dennis