Gig review: The Blow Monkeys (with Pete Williams in support)
Huntingdon Hall, Worcester – 12th Oct ‘26
I’ll be honest, I didn’t give a damn about seeing the Blow Monkeys on the night in question.
My loyalty on the evening was nailed to the “sticking-place” for the Bard of Overbury: Pete Wiliams Esquire. This was not Williams first rodeo and his comfortable stage presence – with Andy Wellings on electric guitar – ensured he was embraced by the Hall faithful. The opening shouts of approbation let Williams know he was amongst friends. With three albums of closely observed songs, lazer-etched lyrics and the warm voice of a seasoned-troubadour, the first, impressive 45 minutes were as comforting as a fireside in your favourite boozer. Of course, the evening was complemented by a few words with the man himself in the interval; when the soundman comes out to have a word with you about your gig you know you have impressed.
From my unreliable memory the Blow Monkeys were the fey band – from the 80s – with sophisti-pop sensibilities and mildly amusing videos to accompany their half-remembered hits. How very wrong I was…
On the night, a soul revue band with a gang-mentality plugged in and the result was a band which could have graced the Stax and Atlantic labels. The band is musically tighter than Berry Gordy’s vice-like grip on the Motown empire.
When lead singer & guitarist Dr. Robert declared, after the first three songs without uttering another word: “We are the Blow Monkeys and we are brilliant!” You had to concur. As he then went on to insist…“Now, is not a time for false modesty.” Indeed.
“Celebrate (the day after you)” lyrically resonated with the now; even though the song was written some 40 years ago. Lest we forget the original was complemented with one Curtis Mayfield.
The Sax of Neville Hunt gave up-lifting & judicial sermons throughout the night.
The contemporary songs “Birdsong,” “Wild River” & “Long Lost Child” were well known to the loyal audience, however, it was the 80s hits – “Digging the scene” & “Doesn’t have to be this way” – which galvanised the spontaneous dancers who were determine to enjoy the make-shift dancefloor.
Bassist Mick Anker looked as if he was being held hostage by his over-size instrument. Although, in reality the bassist was joined by an umbilical cord to Crispin Taylor’s reliable drum-kit and the rhythm section were conjoined to produce the band’s pulse. The togetherness of the band was further exposed when the Dr. instructed “Micky to take it away”, for his solo and he did just that.
Please don’t be gullible, like I was, into believing the Blow Monkeys are just another heritage band. The impressive musicianship alone should educate you. The political commentary and social awareness captured in their lyrics reflects a higher level of astuteness. Thatcher may have proclaimed there is “no such thing as society,” but clearly The Blow Monkeys believe in unity.
They promised to return next year to Huntingdon Hall and I, for one, will be there, as the Blow Monkeys are a damn fine band.
By: Swilgate Scuttler