Take No Prisoners: The Desert Storm Sound System Story
By Keith Robinson
Published by Velocity Press

The untold life story of a free party pioneer, activist, and relentless force of nature.

Take No Prisoners is the long-awaited autobiography of Keith “Keef” Robinson, the founder and driving force behind the Desert Storm Sound System—one of the most fearless and socially conscious crews in UK and European rave history.

From organising the first free parties in Glasgow and standing at the frontlines of the 1994 Criminal Justice Act protests, to joining Reclaim The Streets demonstrations in Trafalgar Square and driving into war-torn Bosnia to bring music and aid, Keef lived a life defined by activism, adventure, and unrelenting energy. Later, in one of his most unexpected turns, he served in Afghanistan, underscoring his lifelong sense of duty and compassion.

Drawing on Keef’s own unfinished manuscript, Take No Prisoners has been completed with the help of friends, collaborators, and archives—offering a first-hand account of:

• The rise of the free party movement in the UK and Europe

• The political and cultural battles of the 1990s rave scene

• Desert Storm’s legendary teknivals and street-level activism

• Life on the road, from Glasgow warehouses to Bosnian frontlines

Featuring photographs from Keef’s life, a foreword by Matthew Collin (Dream Machines, Rave On, Altered State), and an epilogue by Ray Philp (Red Bull Music Academy), the book captures the story of a man who burned brightly, inspired thousands, and changed the face of underground dance culture.

“Keith fearlessly brought the healing energy of music to where it was most needed… across borders into war-torn Bosnia, or through police roadblocks to fill the empty spaces in Britain’s soul.” — Mark Angelo Harrison, Spiral Tribe

Product Details

Paperback | 12.7 × 20.32 cm | 304 pages

Publisher: Velocity Press

Publication Date: July 4, 2025

ISBN: 978-1913231910

Language: English