A Chat with Dr. Robert of The Blow Monkeys (31.08.25)
Interview with Karen Beishuizen (guest contributor)
Dr. Robert Howard is the lead singer for the British band The Blow Monkeys. They had a huge hit in 1986 around the world with ‘Digging Your Scene’. We talk to Dr. Robert about the hit song, The Blow Monkeys, their new album Birdsong, and more.
Did you always want to be in the music scene growing up?
Dr. Robert: Not really. I wanted to be a cricketer!
I read that Dr. Robert comes from a Beatles song?
Dr. Robert: It doesn’t come from that. I have two elder sisters who bought all the Beatles singles in the sixties, but I didnt know their albums until later. I just chose the name because I thought a singer had to have a catchy name.
The Blow Monkeys were formed in 1981. What inspired you to give the band that name? Where does it come from?
Dr. Robert: It came from our original drummer, Angus Hines, who was tripping one night. I liked it because it had elements of jazz and pop.
‘Digging Your Scene’ is about the hatred for people with Aids and HIV. What inspired you to write a song like that?
Dr. Robert: I wanted to write something in support of the gay scene back in the mid-80s when they were being attacked and vilified. I knew friends who contracted AIDS. It was a scary time, and the Thatcher government just made things worse with their doom-laden adverts.
How do you explain that the song is still so beloved after almost 40 years? Were you expecting this?
Dr. Robert: I have no idea. It’s a very lucky song for us.
Are there any artists out there you would love to collaborate with or wish you had?
Dr. Robert: I always wanted to sing with Linda Womack.
The Blow Monkeys recently released a new album, Birdsong. How did the process go, and who is on it? I love the title track!
Dr. Robert: I met Alan McGee and he asked me to make a new album for him. We recorded it at my old friend Paul Weller’s Black Barn studio. All the band are on it, plus special guests such as singer Gina Foster, Mick Talbot, Steve Sidelnyk, and string arranging genius Nigel Hopkins.
New album out means touring? Where can people see you live? Are you coming to Holland?
Dr. Robert: We would love to come to Holland. Just waiting to be invited! We will tour all of next year to support the album, and we are going out this October with our friends The Christians on a double header tour. Its going to be fun!
Thanks to Dr. Robert for speaking with us. Find out more about The Blow Monkeys on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify
