Bringing the Beat of Hope
At 82, Dave Robinson is a name synonymous with music legend. As one of the co-founders of Stiff Records, he's navigated the tumultuous waters of the music industry since the swinging sixties. From journeying across the United States with Jimi Hendrix to capturing the essence of The Beatles on film, Robinson's life has been a rich tapestry woven with the strings of countless melodies.
Today, he finds himself not just reminiscing but actively participating in the sounds of resilience in Ukraine, a nation ravaged by war yet fueled by the spirit of its people and the power of music.
The Call of Duty
Robinson recently embarked on his second tour of Ukraine, this time with the Carlisle band Hardwicke Circus. Starting from Lviv, the tour continued through Kyiv to Ternopil, showcasing live music amidst the echoes of war.
"People in the UK may or may not need the music, but Ukraine needs the music. So we'll go," Robinson stated, emphasizing the profound role that live performances play in lifting spirits in desperate times. In a country where the air is still thick with uncertainty, concerts become a beacon of hope, drawing in audiences starved for connection and joy.
"It seemed to me we would leave a town and the town would be bombed the following day... but that was the way it seemed."
The Spirit of Performance
For Robinson, touring embodies the very essence of being a musician. He observes, "All the bands that were part of Stiff Records were encouraged to keep playing live — the ones still touring obviously hooked onto the idea." He contextualizes the grueling labor behind touring, citing that it includes multiple hours of commuting, setting up, sound checks, and then the performance itself. It's no easy feat, yet Robinson frames this strenuous process as integral to the art of making music.
From The Cavern to Conflict Zones
His roots trace back to the early 1960s when Robinson, originally from Ireland, became a photographer and later a band manager. His early days included snapping photos at Liverpool's famed Cavern Club, capturing the vibrant energy of bands including The Beatles. His perspective on their evolution through constant performance has forever shaped his belief in the power of live music.
Robinson believes that the Beatles' success was significantly influenced by their early experiences in Hamburg. After years of performing night after night, they transformed into the legendary act we cherish. As he reflects, "Touring makes the band. Making it interesting for the public coming to see it... all of that I've specialized in with Stiff Records."
A Life Dedicated to Music
Looking back at the tours with Jimi Hendrix, Robinson shares tales thick with nostalgia and challenges. He recalls a time when he had to manage logistics with only cash, packing immense sums of money needed for touring back in the day. The hurdles were perilous, meaning one often had to navigate both financial and even physical threats.
Music as Medicine
Throughout his travels in Ukraine, Robinson's mission has transcended mere performances; it is a healing process. Following aerial bombings, he noted, "The crowds were composed of young people, primarily girls, with many local men fighting on the front line." His experiences showed that music serves as a crucial release, an outlet for the joy and agony interwoven in a nation in turmoil.
Despite suffering from pneumonia on the tour, Robinson remains undeterred. His lifelong commitment to music drives him onward as he declares, "I like touring. I like logistically planning it. The music is what it's about; it's the music that is very important."
Why It Matters
In the backdrop of bombed-out cities and echoes of sirens, the significance of each performance increases tenfold. Robinson's tours aren't merely entertainment; they symbolize hope—a reminder that life exists beyond the war. His refusal to let age or illness impede his passion reflects a universal sentiment that resonates deeply within the psyche of artists all around the world: the show must go on.
Thus, as Robinson continues to strive to bring music where it's needed most, it raises an important question for us all—how does music shape our experiences in times of crisis? Can it truly heal? With each note played in Ukraine, Robinson affirms the answer must be a resounding yes.
Source reference: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyvgjm93zrzo
