Punk rock ruined my life

‘A searcher and a true believer in the magic and power of music. Part of the Manchester music skyline and I’ll fight anyone who tells me I’m wrong. If you know, you know…’
Noel Gallagher, musician

‘John Robb writes about music and culture with the insight of someone who loves it from the outside and lives it from the inside.’
Johnny Marr, musician

‘Punk rock may have ruined John Robb's life, but his writings have been like oxygen to me ever since he started. A case of his pain, our gain – and I'm forever grateful. This is a treasure trove of bands found and lost, wracked geniuses, greasy gigs, rumbles and fumbles and moments of bliss. Punk may have ruined one of John's lives, but he has lived many. All power to him!’
Ian Rankin, novelist

‘John Robb. OG.’
Mary Anne Hobbs, DJ and journalist

‘Clever, witty, eloquent and so weird – he's like the brother I never had.’
Chris Packham, broadcaster

‘John Robb puts into words how transformative punk rock can be for entire generations of small-town artists and outsiders. Thank God it ruined all our lives. Behold the Gospel according to John Robb, who intentionally sacrificed his life at the altar of punk rock.’
Holly Ross, musician

‘John Robb is beyond a Punk Potpourri. Musician, journalist, spoken wordsmith – like as sharp as a northern steely sword! This book is an essential read for anyone that punk touched… and fifty years later, John, the real truth is it made yr life!’
Gavin Friday, musician

‘John Robb has been a witness to some of the greatest cultural moments of our time. This book is filled with touching humanity, sharp humour and jaw-dropping episodes from a turbulent, tartan-braided life of art, music and pop culture.’
Aideen Barry, artist

'If you want to feel like a filthy fly on the filthy flyposted wall of dark, deafening basement bars and inhale the most pungent, most hilarious descriptions of alternative Blackpool and beyond, then bounce your eyeballs around on this beauty. John’s intense and often philosophical journey from punk’s birth to the present day is outstanding.'
David Thewlis, actor and filmmaker

'The hard-knock life of a struggling '80s indie band touring the world on a shoestring while crashing on fellow fanzine editors' floors is recounted with gusto, as are early encounters with future legends'
Mark Cooper, MOJO

'Vividly told, with a keen eye for period detail, this is a fantastic read.'
Duncan Seaman, Yorkshire Post