Ruff Trade: The Reggae Buskers Manchester Loves

Ruff Trade are an explosion of Roots, Rock, Reggae born in 2016 on the streets of Manchester, UK.

Fronted by Mancunian brothers Ryan and Chris O’Neill, Ruff Trade quickly gained local popularity and they soon hit the studio recording their debut EP Urban Jungle in 2017, which was mastered at the Abbey Road Studios, London.

Since 2017 Ruff Trade have gigged extensively across the UK performing at many live music venues & festivals hitting the main stages at renown reggae venues including Hootananny Brixton, One Love Festival, Party In The Pines and Positive Vibration, to name a few.

Ruff Trade have also backed legendary reggae artists such as Prince Hammer, Dennis Bovell and Keith Poppin amongst others on festivals and mini-tours across the UK. All of whom have praised the band highly and recognise Ruff Trade as an exciting fresh emerging British reggae talent.

On May 1st 2022 Ruff Trade were scouted by Terence F Clark, drummer for international country artist Keith Urban, explaining to Urban that Ruff Trade are quote, “The Real Deal”. Keith Urban came to Manchester city centre to watch the band busk and invited the band to perform during his set on the Manchester leg of his sell out tour “The Speed Of Now Tour 2022".

Two days later saw Ruff Trade perform to a sell -out Manchester O2 Apollo audience playing 2 tracks, finishing off with a cover of UB40 classic “Red, Red Wine” for which Keith Urban joined the band on backing vocals.

October 2022 welcomed the highly anticipated release of Ruff Trade’s debut album “Mancunian Way”.

Ruff Trade debut album has eight brand new tracks from the reggae band, inspired by the sounds of Jamaica and stories of growing up Northern England.

Includes four remixes by Al Breadwinner (The Bakery Studios, Hyde)

Tracks from the album have been picked up by BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio Manchester and other stations across the world.

For all booking enquiries email: rufftradereggaeuk@gmail.com