The Blow Monkeys & The Christians announce co-headline tour

The Blow Monkeys and The Christians have announced a co-headline UK tour for October 2025.

The Blow Monkeys’ new album Birdsong will be released ahead of the October dates, while 2025 marks 35 years since The Christians’ UK chart-topping Colour.

Fronted by Robert Howard (aka Dr. Robert), The Blow Monkeys epitomised the glamour of mid-80s pop. Robert said: “Really looking forward to this tour. The live thing is still the best part of it all for us… the connection we feed on. Live is where we come alive. We’ve played with The Christians quite a few times over the years. Great band and kindred spirits. Together, I think we can create some memorable nights.”

Garry Christian, lead singer for The Christians, added: “It’s always an absolute pleasure to find ourselves on a bill alongside The Blow Monkeys. They’re all accomplished musicians who deliver a huge back catalogue effortlessly – a real class act! Dr. Robert is a man after my own heart… why talk when you can sing and get people listening to every word?! I think The Christians fans will love the pairing… we can’t wait to get on the road in October.”

Kindred Spirits

While clearly frontman Dr. Robert’s band, the Blow Monkeys were also gifted three immensely talented musicians in bassist Mick Anker, saxophonist Neville Henry and drummer Tony Kiley.

Their debut, 1984’s Limping For A Generation landed in 1984, followed by Forbidden Fruit. However, it was the Animal Magic LP in 1986 which was their breakthrough, courtesy of Digging Your Scene which delivered success on both sides of the Atlantic, and remains their calling card.

The next record, She Was Only A Grocer’s Daughter, included It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way, their biggest UK hit.

There followed more success, and innovation, before the band split around 1990 having enjoyed years touring the world, and creating five remarkable albums.

For nearly two decades, the band was put on ice… though Robert began a truly productive solo career. Since reforming in 2008, The Blow Monkeys have continued to release albums and have played hundreds of concerts.

Now, in 2025, comes a sparkling new album Birdsong on Alan McGee’s Creation Youth label. Still featuring the full original line-up, bar Crispin Taylor from Galliano who joined  on drums in 2016, these Monkeys continue to evolve.

Perfect Pairing

Often described as “The Temptations in ripped jeans”, The Christians’ self-titled album was released in 1987 and remains the highest-selling Island Records debut.

The critically acclaimed album featured their first five hit singles, and adorned the CD shelves of most UK households. Tracks such as Forgotten Town, Hooverville, When The Fingers Point, Ideal World and Born  Again remain evergreen fan favourites.

Their second album Colour included the single Words, and went to No.1 in 1990. Third LP, Happy In Hell, followed this success with hits including What’s In A Word.

Recent studio albums have included Speed Of Life, We and Sings & Strings. After nearly four decades of making music, Garry Christian still fronts the band with his current line up who are relative newcomers with ‘only’ 20 years in the band.

October Tour Dates

11 Sat – Gateshead The Glasshouse International Centre For Music
13 Mon – Glasgow Clyde Rooms
14 Tue – Edinburgh The Queen’s Hall
16 Thur – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
18 Sat – Manchester Rncm Theatre
19 Sun – Wolverhampton The University Of Wolverhampton At The Wulfrun Hall
21 Tue – Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion
22 Wed – Watford Colosseum
23 Thur – London O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
24 Fri – Fareham Live

To book tickets, which  go on sale at 10am on Friday 28 March,  click here

Read More: Popscene – Sophisti-pop