John Robb: Spoken Word and In Conversation

It looks like we have something interesting coming up at Komedia next year. John Robb, the frontman for The Membranes, journalist, and founder of the influential Louder Than War website, is bringing his spoken word show to Brighton on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The event is scheduled for the Komedia Studio, located right in the North Laine at 44-47 Gardner Street.

Robb has a massive history in music and journalism, so the evening promises a deep dive into some key moments in modern music history. He’s the author behind acclaimed books like Live Forever – the Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Oasis and the recent The Art Of Darkness – the History Of Goth. During the presentation, he plans to cover his life in the industry, focusing heavily on his adventures through the punk and post-punk scenes. This is particularly timely, as his upcoming 2026 memoirs covering this period are being published and adapted into a film. Beyond his own band history, he’ll also discuss being the first journalist to interview Nirvana and the story behind him coining the phrase “Britpop.” Robb is also known as an ecological champion, adding another layer to his background.

For those planning to attend this Edge Street Live presentation, the doors open at 7:30 PM, with the show kicking off at 8:00 PM. Seating in the Studio is unreserved, so if you want a specific spot, it’s worth getting there early. Just remember the age restriction: the event is 14+, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.