Description
Join us as we trace the lineage of protest music, from punk and hip hop to contemporary voices, reshaping the political soundscape today.
Rockstars come social commentators, Dave Randall and John Robb, will explore how artists have used music to challenge authority, document lived experience and mobilise audiences, from anti-establishment anthems to deeply personal acts of resistance.
Alongside historic movements, the conversation will look at the resurgence of politically charged music in recent years, including artists such as Paris Paloma and Kneecap, whose work speaks to gender, language, identity and power.
Through discussion and selected audio clips, the event will examine how protest music evolves through generations and why it remains such a vital force in times of social and political upheaval.
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About the Musicians
Dave Randall
Dave Randall is a musician, writer and educator. He has toured the world playing guitar for Faithless, Dido, Sinead O’Connor and many others. He is author of Sound System: The Political Power of Music (Pluto Press 2025) and lectures at BIMM University Bristol.
John Robb
John Robb is a writer and musician. He is the author of numerous books, most recently Live Forever: The Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Oasis (2025) and The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth (2023). He is the founder of the culture site Louder Than War, plays bass with the band The Membranes and contributes a column to Viva!life Magazine, published by the Vegan campaigning charity Viva!
About the Chair
Peg Alexander
Peg Alexander is a Leeds-based, award-winning broadcaster, presenter and journalist working across television, radio, podcasts and live events. A former politician, public policy professional and charity CEO, she is an expert in people-powered change and currently leads a non-profit network supporting people in debt. Her first book, a travel-inspired memoir, is forthcoming.
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