The Blow Monkeys & The Christians

Unforgettable hits from the 80s and beyond.

The Christians

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.

The Blow Monkeys

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.

Presented by AEG Presents.