‘China Crisis’ and ‘The Blow Monkeys’ perform at Sala Moon together on October 8th billed as the Sophisticated Pop Tour. Celebrating their 40th Anniversary, fans can expect to enjoy a night of 80s new wave and  synth-pop to dance the night away.

EXCLUSIVE ‘24/7 VALENCIA’ INTERVIEW WITH DR. ROBERT OF ‘THE BLOW MONKEYS’

24/7 VALENCIA: Could you tell us some more about your  album, ‘Journey to You’?

DR. ROBERT OF ‘THE BLOW MONKEYS’: It was recorded during ‘lockdown’. I wanted to try something quintessentially Blow Monkeys with lush arrangements and funky grooves and edgy lyrics. ‘Time Storm’ is probably one of the best things we’ve ever done and its really pleasing that we can play a lot of these songs live now and people seem to like and know them. We aren’t some kinda nostalgia act – that never interested us. The key was always to keep creating and moving forward. We have a new album out now in 2024, called  ‘Together/ Alone.’

How does living in Spain compared to Britain?

Right now it feels like we dodged a bullet! I love the Spanish people and their way of life. I will always love the UK too but successive governments have impoverished the people and the culture with lies and propaganda. Brexit is an example. They have stolen our kids’ future. That said, I have faith in the younger generation – they are less ideological but more switched on. We have handed them a ‘hospital pass’.

What are your memories of ‘Red Wedge’?

All good memories. It was a great feeling to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We made some lifelong friendships there and the concerts were memorable nights. People say you can’t mix politics and music, but that’s bullshit. I was politicised by music and I think Red Wedge turned a lot of kids onto something politically. It was never just about supporting the Labour Party. It was much wider than that.

Is  Brexit a step back for Britain?

See above. A total scam and a disaster for all. The media were complicit too, giving disproportionate airtime to scoundrels like Farage with his nasty false, incendiary message about ‘immigration’ and his misleading offensive posters.  A person that has never won an election in his life. 

Do you have a favourite guitar and amp for live and recording work?

I’m not really much of a ‘gear’ freak. Right now I favour the Epiphone ‘Lucille” and the Boss GT 100 pedal board, which I can just plug into any amp and off I go.

Describe working with Paul Weller…

Intense. Attention to detail. Never gives up on a song. A pleasure and an honour.

What can we expect of ‘The Blow Monkeys’ show in Valencia?

Lots of energy and a mix of old and new all presented in our unique fashion.  There are only the four of us up there but we make a good noise!

Interview by Will McCarthy

Preview by Phillip Solomonson

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’