At 82, Jimi Hendrix’s tour manager embraces live music despite war, touring Ukraine to support new bands

Dave Robinson, co-founder of Stiff Records and a veteran tour manager, remains deeply committed to live music well into his eighties. Recently touring Ukraine with the Carlisle band Hardwicke Circus, he travels close to conflict zones, describing his mission as essential for Ukrainian audiences who he believes deeply need music amid devastation. Robinson’s career began in the 1960s after moving from Ireland to the UK as a photographer; a pivotal moment came when he photographed The Beatles at the Cavern Club, shaping his philosophy that touring strengthens bands. He eventually managed Eire Apparent on a U.S. tour with Soft Machine and Jimi Hendrix in 1968, stepping in when the lead tour manager fell ill. He recalls the challenges of that era, including securing cash without credit cards and carrying money in a briefcase with a Beretta for protection. In Ukraine, he notes that crowds are mostly young people, especially girls, with many men fighting nearby. His teams run workshops in schools and hospitals, sometimes performing in underground venues to stay safe. Robinson emphasizes that touring is not punishment but a means to bring music to those who need it most, even amid bombardments and sirens. Despite illness with pneumonia, he remains determined to return to the road to continue supporting musicians in difficult environments.