The Blow Monkeys

The Blow Monkeys formed in London in 1981, Dr Robert (Bruce Robert Howard) developing a sound that drew on soul, pop, and jazz in ways that felt completely contemporary. They signed to RCA Records and released their debut album 'Limping for a Generation' (1984). The band's politically engaged pop — Dr Robert was openly gay and politically active — was unusual in the mid-80s mainstream.

'Digging Your Scene' (1986) was the breakthrough — a song about AIDS that was one of the first mainstream British pop songs to address the epidemic directly. 'It Doesn't Have to Be This Way' (1987) reached number five. 'She Was Only a Grocer's Daughter' (1987) was a strong album. Dr Robert's voice — warm, soulful, and emotionally direct — was the defining element.

The Blow Monkeys split in 1990 but reformed in 2008 and have continued to record and tour. Dr Robert has also had a successful solo career. Their back catalogue has been reassessed positively in recent years.