CQAF 2026 / words / Punk Rock Ruined My Life: And Other Stories – John Robb

Punk Rock Ruined My Life: And Other Stories – John Robb

CQAF In association with Strange Victory

Punk Rock Ruined My Life: And Other Stories – John Robb

The Sunflower

Sunday 3 May, 7.30pm

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved seating

£10.00

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Join John Robb, talking about his new memoir.

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.

Tickets also available from:
Visit Belfast | 028 90 246 609
9 Donegall Square North - Open 7 days a Week

CQAF 2026 Words

Louis Theroux In Conversation

Louis Theroux In Conversation

Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, 2-10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast, BT1 6DW

Thursday 30th April, 8.00pm

Bad Bridget, with Leanne McCormick and Elaine Farrell

Bad Bridget, with Leanne McCormick and Elaine Farrell

The Black Box

Thursday 30 April, 1.00pm

Derek Mahon – A Celebration with Stephen Rea, Katy Mahon and Stephen Sexton

In association with the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen's

Derek Mahon – A Celebration with Stephen Rea, Katy Mahon and Stephen Sexton

Carlisle Memorial Church

Saturday 2 May, 6.00pm 

Rob Newman: ‘Intelligence ‘ Book Talk and In Conversation

Rob Newman: ‘Intelligence ‘ Book Talk and In Conversation

The Black Box

Sunday 3 May, 2.00pm

Punk Rock Ruined My Life: And Other Stories – John Robb

CQAF In association with Strange Victory

Punk Rock Ruined My Life: And Other Stories – John Robb

The Sunflower

Sunday 3 May, 7.30pm

Philip Hoare – William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love

Presented by Ulster Presents and CQAF

Philip Hoare – William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love

Ulster University - Lecture Theatre 2

Tuesday 5 May, 7.00pm

Colin Graham: ‘Sensation’ and ‘I am the Border, so I am’

Colin Graham: ‘Sensation’ and ‘I am the Border, so I am’

Seamus Heaney Centre, QUB

Wednesday 6 May, 6.00pm

Earth to Alice: Escape Artist (Alice McCullough Work in Progress)

Earth to Alice: Escape Artist (Alice McCullough Work in Progress)

The Dark Horse

Sunday 10 May, 2.00pm, 5.00pm, 8.00pm

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The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival and Out To Lunch are annual festivals of music, comedy, theatre, art and literature which take place in January and May in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

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