Tom Robinson – Songwriter, Broadcaster & Activist – on Paul Weller, The Jam, Red Wedge and More

On this episode, I’m join by Tom Robinson – one of British music’s most vital and fearless voices.
Tom rose to fame in the late 1970s with the Tom Robinson Band, whose Top 5 hit ‘2-4-6-8 Motorway’ became a punk-era anthem. Openly advocating for LGBT equality and aligning with pivotal causes like Rock Against Racism and Amnesty International, Tom made his name as much for activism as for music. He later scored solo hits with ‘War Baby’ and ‘Atmospherics: Listen to the Radio’ (co-written with Peter Gabriel), and became a well-loved broadcaster for BBC Radio, championing new talent and winning Sony Radio Academy Awards.

In this episode:

• Tom reflects on coming up at the same time as The Jam, his impressions of Paul Weller as both a musician and a person, and the genuine camaraderie and DIY spirit that defined the late-70s punk and post-punk scenes.
• He gives a first-hand account of the Red Wedge tour in the mid-’80s, where musicians including Paul Weller, Billy Bragg and Tom himself joined forces to campaign for political change. Tom describes how Red Wedge was both a musical and political movement, with Paul Weller at the centre – not only as a headliner, but as a figure whose lack of ego and professionalism left a lasting impression.
• Tom explains why he thinks music’s real power isn’t necessarily to change minds on the spot, but to give communities the courage and energy to keep fighting for what matters.

Weller Connections:
Tom didn’t just cross paths with Paul Weller on stage – he witnessed first-hand the unique atmosphere around The Style Council and the way Paul engaged with crew, fans, and fellow musicians alike. There’s talk of shared gigs, the professionalism of Paul’s team, and the legendary Red Wedge line-ups (including a surprise Smiths set in Newcastle).

As Tom tells it, Paul Weller stood apart for his humanity, humility, and refusal to embrace the egotism that often comes with fame.

Episode highlights include:

• The punk parallel lives of The Jam and the Tom Robinson Band.
• Stories from the Red Wedge tour, including backstage camaraderie, activism in action, and musical rebellion.
• Reflections on how standing up for your beliefs in music really works – and the limits and possibilities of politically-driven art.

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Dancing Through the Fire

Tom Robinson is one of over 250 contributors to my Sunday Times Bestselling book, Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire, which is available now.
Click on the image below to grab your copy now…