“Punks Listen” Book Announced In Support Of The Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal

Punks Listen is the third in a series of ‘benefit books’ from the Hope Collective, Dublin’s DIY punk group that is raising funds for the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal appeal. Inspired by the punk community, in 2017 the Hope Collective released a book to raise money for the Syrian refugees. Thanks to the people who wrote for the book, and the people who bought it, they were able to present €5,000 to the Red Cross Syrian Refugee appeal. This was followed up in 2020 by a book to assist the NHS workers and patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. Again, thanks to the writers and the buyers, they were able to donate €10,000 to the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 appeal. The new book is a collection of pieces of writing from musicians, writers, actors and music fans. They were asked to write about a record (or a gig) that was significant to them. Punks Listen includes over 200 contributions from people including Amanda Palmer (The Dresden Dolls), Suggs (Madness), Gaye Black (The Adverts), Henry Rollins (Black Flag), Andy Cairns (Therapy?), Mike Watt (Minutemen), Josephine Wiggs (The Breeders) and Manda Rin (Bis).

“It’s been a really difficult and stressful few years for just about everybody. Sometimes we felt like it was all too much. What could people like us do to make a difference? What could we do to help the Ukrainian refugees? We did a small thing – we contacted some of our favourite authors, musicians and music people. They did something that really mattered to us – they took time and wrote really moving pieces about their favourite records and gigs. When you put all of them together it’s a really meaningful collection. It proves that you can find help in surprising places when you reach out.”