(Image: Michele Siedner)
British pop-soul group The Blow Monkeys will arrive in the North East on Wednesday evening in support of the band's 13th studio album ‘Birdsong’.
The album was released by Creation Youth, the British independent record label launched by Alan McGee - the Creation Records founder who famously signed artists like Oasis, Primal Scream and My Bloody Valentine – and producer and Killing Joke bassist Martin “Youth” Glover.
The Blow Monkeys’ lead singer Robert Howard (aka Dr Robert) currently resides in warmer climes.
Blow Monkeys (Image: Michele Siedner)
“I'm living in southern Spain,” he says.
Whilst awaiting their tour, the artist has been working on the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 13th album.
“We haven't had an awful lot of gigs or anything like that.
So, I've had my head down writing because we're doing that.
We're going to record a new Blow Monkeys album.”
Whilst the number 13 is perhaps unlucky for some, considering the success of their latest offering, the Blow Monkeys frontman thinks otherwise.
“Historically, I know people say it's unlucky, but I think it's been very lucky for us, actually.
I think it's gone over quite well,” he says.
“We put it out last year, and we toured then, and it's got legs.
That's why we're touring it again.
Quite a few of the songs have kind of entered into our setlist, which after all these years is quite nice.”
He adds: “You never know when it's going to happen like that.”
After making their debut over 40 years ago, the band don’t want to be labelled a nostalgia act.
“I couldn't do it if it was just a nostalgia act.
That's why we got back together when we did, because I said to them the only way I can do this is if we carry on making records.
And we've made it,” reflects Robert.
“I think since we got back together, we've probably done about eight or something.
So, that's what keeps it alive and fresh for me.
And I might see the whites of their eyes when you say this is a new song.”
With their latest album in hand, the Blow Monkeys are looking forward to hitting the road.
“I love it.
I mean, the whole experience of playing live now is different to what it used to be,” he says.
“The things that used to annoy me, horrible dressing rooms, endless sound checks, long journeys, don't anymore.
I want to be there and absorb it all.
And of course, we're not drinking like we used to be and all that sort of stuff.
So, we get in the tour bus and do a crossword in the morning.”
The Blow Monkeys will arrive at the Glasshouse in Gateshead on Wednesday evening, but does the band enjoy performing in the North East?
“Yeah, it's one of the best,” he says.
“I don't know how many guitar shops I’ve visited, but I used to love trawling the music shops in Newcastle because you'd always find some special bits and pieces.
It's just one of those towns that's got music in the blood, isn't it?”
The Blow Monkeys will perform at the Glasshouse in Gateshead on Wednesday October 7.
For ticket information and further details, please visit: www.theblowmonkeys.com