Punk era pioneer Tom Robinson is showing he’s glad to be grey by heading out on an 18-date UK tour to celebrate his 70th birthday.
Emerging in 1977 as a musician, LGBT activist and anti-racist campaigner with the Tom Robinson Band (TRB), his debut release 2-4-6-8 Motorway became one of the landmark singles of the punk era.
This May, Robinson will take the latest version of his band back out on the road to celebrate his 70th birthday on the Never Too Late tour.
Audiences can look forward to songs and stories spanning four decades, from 1978’s rip-roaring TRB album Power In The Darkness to Tom’s acclaimed solo comeback Only The Now in 2015.
Expect classics such as Up Against The Wall, War Baby, Glad To Be Gay, Atmospherics: Listen to the Radio, Too Good To Be True, Martin, Grey Cortina, and, of course, the traditional surprise encore 2-4-6-8 Motorway.
Tom’s band features guitarist Adam Phillips (Richard Ashcroft Band), Faithless drummer Andy Treacey and keyboard virtuoso Jim Simmons. Special guest Lee Forsyth Griffiths will be opening at all shows and also joins the band on backing vocals and second guitar.
Best known today as a radio presenter and new music advocate on BBC Radio 6 Music, Robinson’s decision to tour live again at the age of 69 was given urgency by the sudden death of TRB guitarist Danny Kustow in March 2019 after a short illness.
He says “Losing Danny brought home the importance for all of us of living in the moment – and seizing our chances while we have them. Of course old age brings its problems. But while I’m still fit enough to strap on a Fender bass, this is my chance to go out and pay tribute to the past – and speak out for the future – in the here and now.”
A new live album titled Power In The Now is also planned for May 2020 via State51 – which will include Danny Kustow’s last recorded performance at London’s 100 Club in October 2017.
TOM ROBINSON WILL PLAY THE FOLLOWING NEVER TOO LATE SHOWS
6 MAY LYTHAM ST ANNES: Lowther Pavilion
7 MAY STROUD: Subscription Rooms
8 MAY CARDIFF: Acapela Studio, Pentyrch
9 MAY CARDIFF: Acapela Studio, Pentyrch
12 MAY NORWICH: Arts Centre
13 MAY BIRMINGHAM: Hare & Hounds, King’s Heath
14 MAY NOTTINGHAM: Metronome
15 MAY CAMBRIDGE: Storey’s Field Centre
19 MAY LIVERPOOL: Philharmonic Music Room
20 MAY MANCHESTER: Band On The Wall
21 MAY LEEDS: Brudenell Social Club
22 MAY GLASGOW: King Tut’s
23 MAY NEWCASTLE: The Cluny
26 MAY MILTON KEYNES: The Stables
27 MAY BRISTOL: The Fleece
28 MAY SOUTHAMPTON: The 1865
29 MAY BRIGHTON: Concorde
30 MAY LONDON: O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
Tickets are on sale now, available from: https://tomrobinson.com/gigs/
