In the first half of the evening, John Robb will discuss his acclaimed new memoir, Punk Rock Ruined My Life. A vivid and deeply personal account of a life shaped by music, the book traces Robb’s journey through the punk movement and beyond, featuring stories of friendship, creativity and rebellion alongside figures ranging from Poly Styrene to Chris Packham. Packed with insight, humour and unforgettable anecdotes, it offers an alternative history of British music and culture, as well as a celebration of living life on your own terms.
In the second half, John will be joined by special guest Gaye Black (formerly of The Adverts) for an in-depth conversation about punk, art and creative life. The evening will conclude with an audience Q&A.
About John Robb
John Robb is a bestselling author, musician, journalist and broadcaster whose influence on British music culture spans more than four decades. As founder and editor of the music website Louder Than War, he remains one of the UK’s most distinctive cultural commentators.
Robb first emerged as one of the country’s leading post-punk fanzine writers through Rox before joining Sounds magazine in the 1980s. He was the first journalist to interview Nirvana, coined the term “Britpop”, and played a key role in documenting the Madchester scene. Alongside his writing and broadcasting work, he is the vocalist for influential post-punk band The Membranes.
About Gaye Black
Gaye Black studied graphic design before becoming bassist with influential punk band The Adverts. Alongside her musical career, she has built a respected practice as a visual artist, exhibiting regularly and curating exhibitions.
Her design work includes record sleeves for artists such as Public Image Ltd. and Alvin Gibbs, while her artwork has been featured in publications including The Truth of Revolution, Growing Up With Punk and Cash is King. Drawing on her experiences within punk culture, Black’s work explores tensions between attraction and unease, control and chaos, and the interplay of the rough and the refined. Influenced by surrealism, she works primarily with collage, acrylic paint and digitally layered photography.