Forever Now, the highly anticipated new one-day festival celebrating alternative culture, has revealed the lineup for The Echo Chamber, its intimate literary stage featuring conversations with some of the most influential figures in post-punk, gothic rock, and new wave.
Taking place on 22 June 2025 at the iconic National Bowl, Milton Keynes, Forever Now will showcase legendary artists across three stages, paying tribute to the dark, creative spirit of alternative music. Hosted by acclaimed journalist, musician, and author John Robb, The Echo Chamber will delve into the artistry, movement and culture through in-depth discussions with renowned artists, going behind the scenes to reveal their stories.
Armed with their own unique stories, insights and experiences to share, guests will include Rat Scabies, legendary drummer of The Damned; Martha Davis, renowned frontwoman of The Motels; The Chameleons‘ frontman Mark Burgess; American actress and vocalist of Berlin, Terri Nunn; Kirk Brandon and Stan Stammers of British post-punk band Theatre of Hate; and Scottish musician Richard Jobson of The Skids and The Armoury Show.
The Echo Chamber will go beyond run of the mill interviews, offering rare insights into the evolution of punk and post-punk from those who truly lived it – the influence of literature, poetry, and political writing on the scene, the creative process behind the music and the cultural shifts that led to these revolutionary musical genres taking root.
From Kirk Brandon reminiscing on playing The National Bowl fifty years to the day of Forever Now to the legendary anecdotes of Rat Scabies, these pioneering artists will share never before heard personal stories, creative journeys, and reflections on their careers in an intimate setting.
A key figure at the fore of the DIY punk scene of the late ’70s, The Echo Chamber host and curator John Robb is renowned for his work both as a journalist and as bassist and singer of The Membranes. With his signature deep-dive interview style, The Echo Chamber promises to be an unmissable highlight of Forever Now Festival, offering rare, insightful, and unfiltered conversations with some of the most compelling voices in alternative music.
John Robb said: “I’m looking forward to going head to head with some of the key bands at Forever Now to get to the core of who they are and what they do and why they are here at Forever Now!”
John won’t be the only one asking the questions. Fans can also get involved in The Echo Chamber community by submitting their own to be answered. If you want to put yours forward, you can submit it now by messaging the Forever Now Facebook page (Forever Now Festival UK).
Forever Now isn’t just a music festival – it’s a celebration of the countercultural movement that continues to inspire generations. Headline performers include Kraftwerk, Billy Idol, The The, Death Cult, Johnny Marr, The Psychedelic Furs, and The Jesus & Mary Chain among many others.
Tickets for Forever Now are available now via AXS and Ticketmaster, with VIP packages offering exclusive festival experiences. Find out more at forevernowfestival.co.uk.
For further updates, follow Forever Now on:
- Instagram: @forevernow_festival
- Facebook: Forever Now Festival UK
- X (Twitter): forevernowuk
- TikTok: @forevernowfestival
FOREVER NOW 2025 LINE-UP
MUSIC:
Kraftwerk, The The, Billy Idol, Death Cult, Johnny Marr, Peter Murphy, Psychedelic Furs, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Happy Mondays, The Damned, Public Image Ltd, Berlin, Theatre of Hate, She Wants Revenge, Chameleons, The Motels and UK Decay
ECHO CHAMBER LITERARY STAGE:
Martha Davis (The Motels), Mark Burgess (The Chameleons), Rat Scabies (The Damned), Terri Nunn (Berlin), Kirk Brandon and Stan Stammers (Theatre of Hate), Richard Jobson (The Skids / The Armoury Show)
About AEG Presents
Combining the power of the live event with a focus on true artist development, AEG Presents is a world leader in the music and entertainment industries. Operating across five continents, the company has an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Its tentpole festivals and multi-day music events — which include the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside British Summer Time at Hyde Park, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, Rock En Seine and All Points East — continue to set the bar for the live music experience. AEG Presents promotes global tours for artists such as Justin Bieber, Zach Bryan, Sabrina Carpenter, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Celine Dion, Elton John, Carin León, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Tyler, The Creator, in addition to — through its network of clubs, theatres, arenas, stadiums and renowned partner brands such as The Bowery Presents, Cárdenas Marketing Network, Concerts West, Frontier Touring, Goldenvoice, Marshall Arts, Messina Touring Group, PromoWest Productions, and Zero Mile Presents — creating and developing an unmatched infrastructure for artist development and audience reach. More information can be found at https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/.
