Punk rock ruined my life: And other stories
May 2026 · Manchester University Press
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About this ebook
The irresistible story of a one-man cultural phenomenon.
Minister for the Counterculture, Mancunian mainstay and alternative national treasure John Robb has lived a life in music. In this book he charts his adventures on the cultural frontline, chronicling the making of a DIY icon.
Robb’s quest began in his hometown of Blackpool – where punk was a battle against the odds – and went international when he toured the world with his band. The first person to interview Nirvana, he also discovered The Stone Roses for weekly newspaper Sounds and did early interviews with The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Manics, before moving on to legends such as Mark E. Smith, Nick Cave and Patti Smith. Along the way, he became an on-screen commentator and author of bestselling books.
Robb’s memoir tells of deep friendships with figures from Poly Styrene to Chris Packham. Packed with riotous stories, it provides an alternative account of British musical and cultural history and a triumphant blueprint for a punk rock life.
Minister for the Counterculture, Mancunian mainstay and alternative national treasure John Robb has lived a life in music. In this book he charts his adventures on the cultural frontline, chronicling the making of a DIY icon.
Robb’s quest began in his hometown of Blackpool – where punk was a battle against the odds – and went international when he toured the world with his band. The first person to interview Nirvana, he also discovered The Stone Roses for weekly newspaper Sounds and did early interviews with The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Manics, before moving on to legends such as Mark E. Smith, Nick Cave and Patti Smith. Along the way, he became an on-screen commentator and author of bestselling books.
Robb’s memoir tells of deep friendships with figures from Poly Styrene to Chris Packham. Packed with riotous stories, it provides an alternative account of British musical and cultural history and a triumphant blueprint for a punk rock life.
The irresistible story of a one-man cultural phenomenon.
Minister for the Counterculture, Mancunian mainstay and alternative national treasure John Robb has lived a life in music. In this book he charts his adventures on the cultural frontline, chronicling the making of a DIY icon.
Robb’s ques...
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About the author
John Robb is a writer and musician. He is the author of numerous books, most recently Live Forever: The Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Oasis (2025) and The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth (2023). He is the founder of the culture site Louder Than War, plays bass with the band The Membranes and contributes a column to Viva!life Magazine, published by the Vegan campaigning charity Viva!
John Robb is a writer and musician. He is the author of numerous books, most recently Live Forever: The Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Oasis (2025) and The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth (2023). He is the founder of the culture site Louder Than War, plays bass with the band The Membranes an...
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