The Blow Monkeys + The Christians

British pop royalty, The Blow Monkeys and The Christians have announced a co-headline UK tour.

Both bands continue to create great new music and are live acts to be reckoned with. 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 début, 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.

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 début. 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.

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.

The Blow Monkeys and The Christians are both important and hugely entertaining bands who combine stellar chart success with an incredible live show. This UK co-headline tour is not to be missed.