BOOK REVIEW: PUNK ROCK RUINED MY LIFE by John Robb

BOOK REVIEW: PUNK ROCK RUINED MY LIFE by John Robb
Manchester University Press – June 2026
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
84%

You may not know who John Robb is unless you’re steeped in underground rock n’ roll culture, but reading this relentless memoir will not fail to open your eyes up.

He’s been the leader of underground punk/postpunk bands The Membranes and Goldblade, author of a bunch of books, a renowned rock n’ roll journalist who also writes about veganism and activism, and – in fascinating detail – lived a punk lifestyle for decades, trawling through squats and sleazy dens, touring the world, sleeping on a thousand floors and sofas, going on psychedelic adventures before becoming a teetotal exercise junkie… and so much more.

Robb has had a wildly adventurous life, giving few fucks and taking little – if any – shit along the way, and his unique world view and burning need to write about his experiences and passions have touched many and even changed some lives.

He was there when Stone Roses and Oasis started, he was touring Europe and America in true punk rock style years and years ago, he saw – and wrote about – some of the most amazing gigs in his lifetime, and frankly, he makes the rest of us look like tourists.

He also possesses a rare perception, not only about music. In one small chapter towards the end of the book he makes the point that the COVID pandemic escalated the online troll culture worldwide, people being locked down at home becoming nastier and more bitter, ruder and less thoughtful online. It’s a valid point which resonated deeply with me and says much about human nature.

Fascinating and insightful, PUNK ROCK RUINED MY LIFE may tell many of the secrets of John Robb’s life, but it is – more importantly – about the times we’ve all lived through, and on that level it’s essential.

 

Category: Book Reviews