Born on May 2: Dr. Robert, the Blow Monkeys' illustrious practitioner

Bruce Howard was born in 1961 in Haddington, Scotland and belongs to the 'blue-eyed soul' movement, artists from the north influenced by soul as much as by new wave.

After spending five years wandering around Australia, near Darwin, with his family, Howard (who had not yet assumed the role of Dr. Robert) returned to the Highlands where, stimulated by the emerging new wave, he decided to make the best use of his multiple talents. A distinguished singer and composer, but also an excellent guitarist and pianist in his spare time, he realised that the best mixer for all these quality ingredients could only be a band. Thus, the Blow Monkeys, with the omnipresent saxophone of Neville Henry and undeniably soul-filled generous orchestrations, made their appearance somewhere in 1984 in the English capital.

Somewhat hastily placed in the wake of Simply Red, the quartet quietly laid the first stones of their career with the album "Limping For A Generation" which went somewhat unnoticed. But the breakthrough came two years later with "Animal Magic" (1986), its melodic lushness, funky vibe, intoxicating female choirs, and early hits such as "Digging Your Scene", "Wicked Ways" or "Sweet Murder". Behind a persistent dance veneer, the good doctor always delivers a prescription of a social (or sociological) nature for his most faithful patients. In the background, "Digging Your Scene" is indeed moved by the unenviable fate reserved for homosexuals at a time when AIDS often proved fatal. Two years later, very angry with Margaret Thatcher known as the "Iron Lady" (Prime Minister of the UK at the time), he reminded her not to forget her modest origins by naming the group's second album "She Was Only A Grocer’s Daughter". "It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way" which appears on the original soundtrack of "Police Academy IV" became the Blow Monkeys' greatest success. It's obviously difficult to maintain the same position when you have reached the peaks so quickly. Without diminishing, the next two albums further delve into the dance groove. By partnering with Kym Mazelle from Chicago for "Wait" (1989), Dr. Robert was one of the first to import the American garage sound into Albion. But by 1990, the time for a pause, which would stretch over nearly 18 years, had come.

The Blow Monkeys went into hibernation and Dr. Robert continued a prolific solo career, peppered with collaborations including Paul Weller (ex-The Jam and Style Council) and Beth Orton (Portishead) for his album "Central Reservation" (1999).

Before reforming the Blow Monkeys in 2007 around the original members, Dr. Robert released three more soothing albums under his own name, including the excellent "Birds Gotta Fly" (2001).

Having seen them live just a few years ago, I can tell you that he has lost none of his unique vocal qualities. More than four decades after their arrival, the Blow Monkeys still hold the same interest. To be convinced, listening to the album "Together/Alone" (2024) or the very recent single "Birdsong" (2025) is highly recommended.

(MH with Stéphane Soupart - Photo: © Etienne Tordoir)

Photo: Bruce Howard aka Dr. Robert with The Blow Monkeys on the set of the TV show "Bingo" in Brussels (Belgium) on 9th March 1987