Richard Boon

Biography

James Richard Boon, born on July 6, 1953, is renowned for his influential role as the manager of the iconic punk band Buzzcocks and as the founder of the independent record label New Hormones. A former student of Leeds Grammar School, Boon became involved with Buzzcocks by organizing concerts for the band, eventually stepping into the managerial position. He also contributed to the band's songwriting under the pseudonym Alan Dial.

In collaboration with Howard Devoto and Pete Shelley, Boon established New Hormones, which released the groundbreaking Spiral Scratch EP in January 1977. The label became a vital platform for emerging artists in the late 1970s and early 1980s, helping to launch the careers of groups like Biting Tongues, Diagram Brothers, Dislocation Dance, Ludus, and Eric Random.

Following his time with New Hormones, Boon joined Rough Trade Records and later transitioned to a quieter life as a librarian at Stoke Newington Library in Hackney, London, where he initiated a monthly reading group. A memorable moment in his life occurred on his birthday in 1983 when The Smiths performed at The Haçienda, with Morrissey dedicating "I Don't Owe You Anything" to him.

Boon has also contributed to the Stoke Newington community through a regular column in the local magazine N16 and participation in the Stoke Newington Literary Festival. He is married to Deborah Cohen MBE, a former BBC Radio Science Editor, and they have two children: Rachel, a museum curator, and Adam, a chef.