Punk’s not dead says John Robb of the Membranes

As the Membranes play Clonakilty Guitar Festival this week, John Robb tells Eoghan O’Sullivan why they’re more keen on science than rock’n’roll clichés

WHETHER it’s discussing the ever-changing nature of punk, the internet bringing together fans from the Balkans to Brazil, vegetarian restaurants in Cork, his band The Membranes, space and whether it has edges or not, or the lack of money in the music industry nowadays, John Robb is never less than passionate.

Robb discusses all this and more ahead of a date with the reformed The Membranes at Clonakilty International Guitar Festival on Friday. The post-punk band released a number of albums across the 1980s, including one recorded by Steve Albini, though never gained more than cult status, breaking up in 1989.