John Robb’s New Festival Announcement
John Robb is set to conduct a series of questions and answers with notable figures in post-punk, Gothic rock, and new wave at the Forever Now 2025 festival.
- Read more: John Robb on his new book by Goth: “It’s simple: no Bowie, no scene”
Event Details
The new festival is scheduled to take place in just one day and will be part of the “Cruel World” festival in the USA. The first event will occur on June 22 at the National Bowl in Milton Keynes, showcasing alternative music, fashion, and literature. Visit tickets here.
Following the teaser release, which hinted at exploring the “darker dungeon of creativity, from new wave to post-punk, psychedelia, and alt-rock,” the lineup was confirmed in December, including names like Kraffim and Johnny Marr.
What to Expect
The festival has provided more details about the Echo stage, confirming that there will be conversations with some of the most influential figures in post-punk, Gothic rock, and new wave.
John Robb will organize the event, which aims to “enter artistry, movement, and culture through deep discussions with renowned artists, revealing their stories beyond the curtains.”
Notable guests will include Rat Scabies, the legendary drummer of The Damned; Marta Davies, the well-known frontwoman of The Motels; Hameleon frontman Mark Burgess; and American actress and vocalist Berlin.
Other featured names are Terry Hall, Kirk Brandon, and Stan Istanmers from the British post-punk band Theatre of Hate, as well as Scottish musician Richard Jobson from Skids and The Armory Show.
“The Echo stage goes beyond the scope of interviews, offering rare insights into the evolution of punk and post-punk through the eyes of those who truly lived it. It will highlight the implications of literature, poetry, and political writing on stage, the creative processes behind the music, and the cultural shifts that birthed this revolutionary musical genre,” reads a recent description.
Robb expressed his excitement about the festival, stating: “I look forward to the opportunity to engage with some of the key figures in Forever, uncovering who they are, what they do, and why their legacy endures!”
Fans can participate by submitting questions to the FACEBOOK festival page.
Last year, Steve Homer, CEO of AEG Presents, stated: “We are thrilled to present a festival that reflects the rich heritage of artists in the alternative music scene.”
Robb’s interest in the genre was further expanded during an interview with NME, where he discussed his book detailing the origins and rise of Goth in 2023. “I read extensively about the post-punk era, and Goth has always fascinated me,” remarked Robb. “It frustrates me that groups like Bauhaus or Killing Joke are often overlooked, despite being among the best rock bands this country has ever produced.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/john-robb-to-host-qas-with-post-punk-gothic-rock-and-new-wave-icons-on-intimate-literary-stage-3847492?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=john-robb-to-host-qas-with-post-punk-gothic-rock-and-new-wave-icons-on-intimate-literary-stage
