John Robb on the History of Goth

We are delighted to welcome musician and journalist John Robb to the bookshop to discuss his book The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth. A firm fixture in the world of punk, John has written books on a wide range of musical subjects, from the Stone Roses to the DIY underground scene of the 80s, as well as articles for The Guardian, The Sunday Times, The Observer and more. It is our pleasure to host John for what is sure to be an illuminating conversation on all things goth.

About the book

The Art of Darkness is a truly comprehensive history of goth music and culture. Across the book, John Robb explores the origins and legacy of this enduring scene, which has its roots in the post-punk era.

Drawing on his own experience as a musician and journalist, Robb covers the style, the music and the clubs that spawned the culture, alongside the political and social conditions that surrounded it. He also reaches back further to key historic events and movements that frame the ideas of goth, from the fall of Rome to Lord Byron and the romantic poets, European folk tales, Gothic art and the occult. Finally, he considers the current mainstream goth of Instagram influencers, film, literature and music.

The Art of Darkness features interviews with Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, The Damned, Nick Cave, Bauhaus, Killing Joke, Lydia Lunch and many more. It offers a first-hand account of being there at the gigs and clubs that made the scene happen.

'John Robb brilliantly illuminates the realm of imagination and dark beauty. Enter the other side of love. The kingdom of goth is within you.'
Johnny Marr

About the author

John Robb was born in Lancashire in 1961. In 1977, he formed the Membranes and immersed himself in the punk and post-punk scene of the 1980s. He runs and writes for Louder than War, a website and monthly music magazine. Since 2014 he has run the Louder than War festival, held in Manchester every November. He is a journalist, musician and spoken word artist.