Andy Ross (music executive)

He originated from south London, attending Dulwich College. He studied Economic and Social History from 1975-78 at the University of Leicester, gaining a BA degree. At university he formed a band.

He started working in record shops. He worked for the Inland Revenue for two years to get a mortgage. Through a friend he became a part-time music journalist. He left the Inland Revenue around 1986 to head Food Records in central Camden, whilst still a part-time journalist for Sounds. Food Records had been formed in the mid-1980s by David Balfe.

He saw Blur at the Islington Powerhaus in November 1989; of live music in pubs he has said it's essential for any artist to play in front of a live audience for interaction.[2] Blur also played at the Bull and Gate in Kentish Town. He signed Blur on 7 March 1990; the band were given a small advance and a celebration was held at a pizza house on Beak Street[3]

He claims that the Reading Festival in August 1993 (where they headlined the Melody Maker stage on Saturday) was the turning point of Blur's career. EMI bought out Food Records in early 1994. He often went to the Good Mixer pub in north London, an Irish bar on Inverness Street, which had been developed by Bal Croce of The Sting-Rays; Morrissey was one of the regulars, with Pulp and Menswear.

With Albarn he decided to bring forward the release of the 1995 single Country House.[4] 13 was the last Blur album associated with Food Records. He also signed The Supernaturals from Glasgow. He worked with the Bluetones.

• John Robb
• Saul Galpern of Nude Records, who signed Suede
• Live Forever: The Rise and Fall of Brit Pop, 2003 film
• Mike Smith also signed Blur for publishing

• NME
• BBC 6 Music April 2014

One Better Day - 6 Music February 2020