The Blow Monkeys & The Christians

Presale tickets available from 10am on Thurs 27 March

Tickets on general sale from 10am on Fri 28 March

British Pop royalty, 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 these October dates, whilst 2025 will mark 35 years since The Christians’ UK chart-topping ‘Colour’

The Blow Monkeys epitomised the glamour of mid-80s pop. Frontman Robert Howard (aka Dr. Robert), was charismatic, camera-friendly and clever. While quite clearly 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’. ‘Animal Magic’ in 1986 was the breakthrough, courtesy of ‘Digging Your Scene’ which delivered success both sides of the Atlantic, and remains their calling card. The next album ‘She Was Only a Grocer’s Daughter’, included ‘It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way’, their biggest-ever 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 released nine albums and played hundreds of concerts. And 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.

Often described as “The Temptations in ripped jeans”, The Christians’ self-titled album was released 38 years ago in 1987 and remains the highest-selling Island Records debut. The critically acclaimed album featured their first 5 hit singles, and adorned the brand new CD shelves of most UK households. ‘Forgotten Town, ‘Hooverville’, When the Fingers Point’, Ideal World’ and ‘Born Again’ remain evergreen fan favourites. Garry Christian is instantly recognisable as the tall, Ray-banned smooth headed lead singer. The name ‘The Christians’ came simply from the surname of Garry and his two brothers who initially founded the band; there is no connection to religion. The Christians’ second album ‘Colour’ included the single ‘Words’, and went to number one in 1990 knocking Phil Collins’ ‘… But Seriously’ off the top spot. The third album ‘Happy in Hell’ followed this success with hits including ‘What’s In A Word’. Garry’s distinctive vocals also graced the charity single ‘Ferry Across the Mersey’, where he sang main vocals with Paul McCartney, Holly Johnson and Gerry Marsden. Recent Studio albums have included ‘Speed of Life’, ‘We’ (which includes the popular Hillsborough tribute ‘Big Red Sky’) and ‘Sings & Strings’. After nearly four decades of making music, Garry still fronts the band with his current line up who are relative newcomers with ‘only’ 20 years in the band! The Christians have always loved live performance and have toured the world, these October dates are a chance to catch a great band, delivering hit after hit from an incredible catalogue.

Dr. Robert
“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
“It’s always an absolute pleasure to find ourselves on a bill alongside The Blow Monkeys – 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.”