One of the punk/new wave’s heroes made a return to the wonderful Acapela Studios and another sellout evening on a chilly Thursday evening.
Robinson is a real unsung icon of his generation and a devoted and very vocal opponent of everything wrong in this spiralling world. A pioneer for gay rights and a critic of the abuses of power, Robinson’s songs have been inspirational to many.
Whether it be with a full band in tow or like this evening, close and personal with just his guitar and keyboard to accompany himself, he never fails to entertain or inform in what can be extremely passionate performances of some of his era defining songs.
All Images Copyright KCL
It’s not that he’s rested on his laurels and still writes poignant songs that hit the nerve, sometimes uncomfortably so, but also with humour and occasional sadness. His last song of the evening, a newer song and a personal favourite of his, written for his children and about living in the moment called “Only The Now” demonstrates that at 73, he still has the musical chops and and still touch the heart of his listeners.
Just as his Radio Six presenting career will testify, Robinson is a good raconteur and during the performance tells candidly about his career, the ups and some depressingly downs, woven effortlessly through his songs.
Songs like “Too Good To Be True” a favourite of his band’s talented and sadly now passed away guitarist Danny Kurstow proved a lovely tribute whilst his ‘comeback’ song, the hit “War Baby” written after fleeing to Hamburg, Germany after the breakup of his band and heavily in dept allowed Robinson to return from what was undoubtedly a very tough period in his life.
Sadly it was over too quickly and Robinson left the stage to rapturous applause acknowledging the crowd and his love for the venue. Always a supporter and promoter of new music Robinson’s support for the evening was local Splott singer/songwrier Adjua who delighted the audience, and Tom Robinson, to some soulful and well-crafted songs and certainly one to watch for in the future. Well done Tom !
Tony Woolway