Features
A Life in Music (2022)
In her series, 'A Life in Music', in which she speaks to Pennyblackmusic staff about how music has affected and influenced them, Cila Warncke talks to Nick Dent-Robinson.
Related
Interviews
Interview
Nick Dent-Robinson speaks to Brit Award winning Scottish-raised singer-songwriter Emeli Sande before her performance at the Nocturne Live festival about her love of jazz and charity work.
Interview
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sam Brown talks to Nick Dent-Robinson about her eighth album, ‘Number 8’, which, despite the permanent loss of her former singing voice, was recorded with the aid of new technology.
Interview
Pianist Elio Pace talks to Nick Dent-Robinson about his latest tour in which he interprets and plays the songs of Billy Joel.
Interview
UB40 frontman Ali Campbell talks to Nick Dent-Robinson about their new album 'Unprecedented', love of touring and the death of founder member Astro.
Interview
Sarah Cracknell talks to Nick Dent-Robinson about her thirty plus years of fronting synth-pop outfit St. Etienne, family life and their forthcoming appearance at Glastonbury.
Interview
Dwina Gibb talks to Nick Dent-Robinson about her memories of her late husband, The Bee Gees' Robin Gibb,, and a new exhibition of photographs and family memorabilia to commemorate the tenth anniverrsary of his death.
Interview
Nick Dent-Robinson speaks to Grant Nicholas from bestselling rock act Feeder at a gig in Oxford about their new album ‘Torpedo’.
Interview 2010
In this 2010 archival interview Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band tuba player, tap dancer and occasional percussionist ‘Legs’ Larry Smith speaks to Nick Dent-Robinson about his long career, working with the Beatles and his band’s reformation for a series of 40th Anniversary shows.
Interview 2008
In this 2008 archival interview, which she believes to be definitive,, renowned singer-songwriter Sam Brown chats to Nick Dent-Robinson about some of the highlights of her thirty year career, including working with George Harrison, Jools Holland and Pink Floyd, the massive success of her 80's single 'Stop' and her then recently released fourth album 'Of The Moment'.
Interview
Nick Dent-Robinson speaks tp Chris Jagger, the younger brother of the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger, about his forthcoming memoir 'Talking to Myself' and his own musical career.
Interview
Reissued to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, 'Stage Fright' was the third studio album by legendary Americana outfit The Band. Presented in a new mix with revised running order and accompanying Royal Albert Hall show, Nick Dent-Robinson chats to guitarist/vocalist Robbie Robertson about the disc
Interview
Alice Cooper talks to Nick Dent-Robinson about his new album ‘Detroit Stories,’ which, in homage to the infamous blue-collar city and his home town, includes new and classic covers, and features original band members.
Bob Harris
Interview
BBC legend Bob Harris talks to Nick Dent-Robinson about his new all-star charity project to help musicians affected by the coronavirus.
Bon Jovi
Interview
When you're a rock superstar, who do you turn to for musical advice? Jon Bon Jovi tells Nick Dent-Robinson about this and more.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Interview
Sophie Ellis-Bextor tells Nick Dent-Robinson where her Kitchen Disco inspiration came from and where it's going next.
Lightnin' Willie
Interview
In this archival interview from 2010, Nick Dent-Robinson talks to legendary bluesgrass musician Lightnin' Willie about his band the Poorboys, encounters with Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters and Eric Burdon, and his love of touring and the UK.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Interview
Sophie Ellis-Bextor tells Nick Dent-Robinson why she started doing her superb lockdown kitchen discos, and how she plans to bow out.
Ed O'Brien
Interview
Radiohead guitarist and vocalist Ed O’Brien chats to Nick Dent-Robinson about his warmly praised solo debut LP 'Earth' under the guise EOB,
Doris Brendel
Interview
With 'Mass Hysteria', her fourth album with Lee Dunham, due for release in early September, ex-Violet Hour frontwoman Doris Brendel talks to Nick Dent-Robinson about her unusual upbringing and long musical career.
Bob Geldof
Interview
Bob Geldof talks to Nick Dent-Robinson about the reformation of his band the Boomtown Rats, their first album in 36 years 'Citizens of the Boomtown', Live Aid and his lengthy career.
Profiles
1938-2024
Nick Dent-Robinson pays tribute to influential bassist Herbie Flowers, who died in September.
1933-2024
Nick Dent-Robinson commemorates blues titan John Mayall, who spearheaded a whole movement of musicians.
The Story of Anita Pallenberg
Sympathy for the Pallenberg? Nick Dent-Robinson gives his verdict on the new documentary.
1951-2024
Nick Dent-Robinson pays tribute to Cockney Rebel frontman Steve Harley, who died in March.
The Liverbirds: Our Life in Britain's First Female Rock 'n' Roll Band
Nick Dent-Robinson enjoys Mary McGlory and Sylvia Saunders’ new book about their experiences in The Liverbirds, one of the few UK all-girls 60’s groups.
Profile
Nick Dent-Robinson looks back on the career of Scottish singer Lulu, who has recently announced that her forthcoming 'Champagne for Lulu' tour will be her final tour.
1940-2024
Nick Dent-Robinson pays tribute to Annie Nightingale, who was the first female DJ on Radio One,
Film
Nick Dent-Robinson finds Sofia Coppola’s new film ‘Priscilla’ about the relationship and marriage of Priscilla and Elvis Presley uncomfortable viewing.
Murder Without a Trial
Nick Dent-Robinson assesses a new three-part documentary from Apple TV+ about the murder of John Lennon.
Now and Then
Nick Dent-Robinson reflects upon the Beatles' much anticipated new single, 'Now and Then'.
1943-2023
Nick Dent-Robinson reflects on the career of Band frontman, film composer and solo artist Robbie Robertson who died aged 80 on the 9th August.
Film
Nick Dent-Robinson watches a new documentary about pioneering design company Hipgnosis, which was responsible for many iconic album covers from the late 1960s until the early 1980s.
Pigs Might Fly
Nick Dent-Robinson previews Doris Brendel and Lee Dunham's forthcoming new album, 'Pigs Might Fly', which will be released in September.
1939-2023
A true legend, Tina Turner who has died at the age of 83 emerged in the 1960s rhythm and blues era and following her mid-1980s re-emergence was hailed the Queen of Rock N’ Roll. Nick Dent-Robinson pays tribute.
1932-2023
Nick Dent-Robinson pays tribute to pioneering music and show business reporter Don Short, who has died aged 90.
1927-2023
Nick Dent-Robinson reflects on the career of singer, actor and civil rights campaigner Harry Belafonte, who died in April at the age of 96.
Profile
Nick Dent-Robinson previews this year’s Faiport’s Cropredy Convention, which, as well as Fairport Convention, will also include sets from Chic, 10CC, Toyah, Kiki Dee and the final ever UK performance by The Strawbs.
1928-2023
Nick Dent-Robinson pays tribute to composer, songwriter, record producer and pianist Burt Bacharach who died this month.
1944-2023
Nick Dent-Robinson pays tribute to guitar legend Jeff Beck, who died in January at the age of 78.
Profile
Nick Dent-Robinson previews Blur star Alex James’ annual family festival The Big Feastival, which will include sets from Sigrid, Tom Grennan, Blossoms, Mel C and The Vaccines.
Live
New Theatre, Oxford, 20/3/2024
Nick Dent-Robinson watches an electrifying set from seminal electro act Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark to promote their new 'Bauhaus Staircase' album.
New Theatre, Oxford, 10/12/2023
Nick Dent-Robinson watches Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes play an impressive homecoming performance at the New Theatre in Oxford.
Cropredy, Oxfordshire, 10/8/2023....12/8/2023
Nick Dent-Robinson enjoys this year’s three day Fairport’s Cropredy Convention, which as well as Fairport Convention also featured excellent sets from Robert Fripp and Toyah and Nile Rodgers.
O2 Academy, Oxford, 3/5/2023
Nick Dent-Robinson watches Peter Doherty play an intimate and introspective set at the O2 Academy in Oxford.
Palladium, London, 19/10/2022
Nick Dent-Robinson finds Bob Dylan on fine form at an intimate show at the London Palladium on the opening night of his ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’ tour.
Temple Island Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, 19th...21st August
Nick Dent-Robinson attends exuberant 80's festival Rewind South, which included set from Holly Johnson The Human League, Midge Ure, Belinda Carlisle, Blancmange and The Selecter.
Cornbury Park, Charlesworth, Oxfordshire. 4th....7th August 2022
Nick Dent-Robinson is impressed by this year's highly unusual Wilderness Festival, which as well as sets from Underworld, Years and Years and Sophie Ellis Bextor, included a lecture from evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, celebrity cooking and a streakers' game of cricket.
Steventon, Oxfordshire, 22/7/2022....24/7/2022
Nick Dent-Robinson enjoys this year's Truck Music Festival, which included performances from Kasabian, Piney Gir and The Ocford Symphony Orchestra.
Great Tew Park, Oxfordshire, 8/7/2022...10/7/2022 -The Final Goodbye
Nick Dent-Robinson attends the last ever Cornbury Festival in Oxfordshire, which included sets from Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Bryan Adams. The Waterboys and The Darkness.
Lyric Theatre, :London
Despite soft pedalling over his biographical details and infidelities, Nick Dent-Robinson finds much to enjoy in a new stage show about Bob Marley.
O2 Academy, Oxford, 29/9/2021
Nick Dent-Robinson enjoys a rare, intimate show from stadium-filling act London Grammar at the O2 Academy in Oxford.
Supergrass
Alexaandra Palace, London, 6/3/2020
Nick Dent-Robinson watches Supergrass back after a decade away play a set of classic anthems to an enthusiastic crowd at the Alexandra Palace in London.
Lulu
New Theatre, Oxford, 22/9/20!9
Nick Dent-Robinson watches Scottish entertainer Lulu play to a packed house in Oxford with remarkable energy in celebration of her 55-year career.
Purdy
Corn Exchange, Wallingford, 21/9/2019
NIck Dent-Robinson watches vocalist Rebecca Poole AKA Purdy, accompanied by a stellar ensemble, returns to her native Oxfordshire to perform originals and cover tunes.
Van Morrison
New Theatre, Oxford, 27/10/2019
Nick Dent-Robinson enjoys a diverse, career-spanning set of blues/rock from Van Morrison at the New Theatre in Oxford.
Fairport's Cropredy Convention
Cropredy, Oxfordshire, 8/8/2019...10/8/2019
Despite torrential rain, Nick Dent-RObinson finnds plenty to enjoy at this year's Fairport's Cropredy Convention, which as well as a three-hour set from Faiport Convention, included performances from Richard Thompson, Gogol Bordello and the Waterboys.
Francis Rossi (Status Quo)
Hexagon Theatre, Reading, 8/5/2019
Nick Dent-Robinson enjoys a spoken word gig at Hexagon in Reading by Status Quo guitarist and frontman Francis Rossi to promote his new autobiography, ‘I Talk Too Much’.
Zoots
Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury, 23/5/2019
Nick Dent-Robinson finds infectious the enthusiasm and energy of 60’s covers band the Zoots at the Arlington Arts Centre in Newbury.
Jacqui Dankworth and Charlie Wood
Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames, 2/3/2019
Nick Dent-Robinson at the Kenton Theatre in Henley-on-Thames watches Jacqui Dankworth, accompanied by her husband and Memphis-born pianist Charlie Wood, play a superb and versatile set that extends far beyond her jazz origins.
Purdy
Corn Exchange, Wallingford, 10/11/2018
Nick Dent-Robinson watches Purdy, the new name for Oxfordshire singer-songwriter Rebecca Poole, play a stunning set of jazz classics and her own material in a homecoming gig at the Corn Exchange in Wallingford.
Albums
Red 1962-1966 and Blue 1967-1970
Nick Dent-Robinson looks at The Beatles’ classic greatest hits Red and Blue albums which have just been reissued for their 50th Anniversary in expanded and remastered deluxe editions.
The Dark Side of the Moon
Nick Dent-Robinson reflects on the extraordinary impact of Pink Floyd’s 1973 album ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon’ which the fourth best-selling album of all time, is being released both in a box set and a live album for its 50th anniversary.
Honky Château’
Nick Dent-Robinson listens to the reissue of ’Honky Château’, the 1972 album that sent Elton John’s career into the stratosphere.
Live and Dangerous
In our 'Re: View' section, in which our writers look back at albums from the past, Nick Dent-Robinson finds that Thin Lizzy’s re-release of ‘Live And Dangerous’ captures the Phil Lynott-led band at their prime.
Against the Odds 1974-1982
Nick Dent-Robinson examines a new box set from Blondie, which, as well as containing their first six albums, also includes many unreleased tracks.
Revolver
Nick Dent-Robinson examines The Beatles' influential 1966 album 'Revolver', which has recently been re-released in a newly mixed version.
Main Offender
Nick Dent-Robinson reflects on Keith Richards' 1992 debut solo a;bum 'Main Offender', which has just been re-released in a thirtieth anniversary edition.
Toy
In our Re:View section, in which we look back at albums from the past, Nick Dent-Robinson is excited that David Bowie’s ‘Toy,’ previously soldas part of a box set format will be released in its own right.
All Things Must Pass
In the first of two articles Nick Dent-Robinson commemorates the 50th anniversary of the late George Harrison’s seminal album,’ All Things Must Pass'.
Blue
In our 'Re:View' section, in which we look at albums from the past, Nick Dent-Robinson examines Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell’s classic 1971 album, ‘Blue’, which is being released in various 50th Anniversary editions, which include demos and out-takes.
Deja Vu
Nick Dent-Robinson profiles a new 50th anniversary deluxe version of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's 1971 hit album, 'Deja Vu'.
Amy Winehouse
The Collection
Nick Dent-Robinson reflects on 'The Collection', a new five CD box set from the late Amy Winehouse.
Paul McCartney
Flaming Pie
In our Re:View section, in which our writers look back albums from the past, nick dent-Robinson, reflects on Paul McCartney's 1997 album 'Flaming Pie', which has just been-released in an updated edition.
Features
Comment
Nick Dent-Robinson reflects upon the meteoric rise of former One Direction star Harry Styles.
A Life in Music
Over the last two years Cila Warncke in her 'A Life in Music' column has talked to her fellow contributors at Penny Black about their musical tastes, background and aspirations. Now in what is the last one in the series Nick Dent-Robinson talks to Cila about her 'Life in Music'.
Comment
Nick Dent-Robinson examines why in the current musical landscape bands have become something of the past.
Don Short
The Beatles And Beyond
In 'Raging Pages' guest writer Nick Dent-Robinson finds fascinating 60's and 70's show business reporter and journalist Don Short's new memoir, 'The Beatles and Beyond'.
Beatles Vs The Stones
Comment
Nick Dent-Robinson sheds a contemporary light on a continued and much-debated controversy, namely, Which band is better, the Beatles or the Stones?
Comment
Interviewing Rock Bands and Stars
Nick Dent-Robinson reflects on interviewing major rock stars and bands and how that has in recent times changed.