In The Studio… The Blow Monkeys
80’s popstars The Blow Monkeys visited us here at Monnow Valley at the start of November after a hugely successful pledge campaign to help fund the recording and release of their new album.
The Blow Monkeys originally formed in 1981 consisting of members; Dr. Robert, Mick Anker, Neville Henry and Tony Kiley releasing hits such as ‘Digging Your Scene’ which reached number 12 in the Uk singles chart. They had 4 albums and 11 singles in the UK charts in the 80s. The group disbanded in 1990 but thrilled fans in 2008 by reforming and releasing a brand new album.
In 2014, The Blow Monkeys were set to record their fourth album since their reform. They set about a pledge campaign to help fund this project. Fans of the band could bid on a number of different items and experiences to help raise the funds needed. Items such as copies of the new album, new merchandise and even suits that members of the band wore on Top of The Pops! Experiences available included studio listen of the new album in progress, lunch plus concert, studio visit plus meals, accommodation and golf/drum and bass clinic and even an Executive Producer bundle!
The band recorded 10 tracks in total completing the highly anticipated forthcoming album. Pledgers descended on the studio to listen to what they had helped fund and to also meet and mingle with their idols. The band are such a lovely bunch of people and made all their fans feel so at ease and did all that they could to make sure they had an unforgettable experience.. a thank you for their dedication over the years. Golf was played, a drum and bass clinic was set up and the flowing of wine was plentiful!
At the end of their stay here, The Blow Monkeys put on an up close and personal gig for their fans in our live room. The pledgers got to decide what they wanted to hear the band play, from the classics to the newer material. The gig was recorded live so each fan could take home a CD of the gig and the last song played is to feature on the new album as a bonus live track.
Overall a thoroughly enjoyable time here at Monnow Valley Studio with The Blow Monkeys, sax solos galore! Can’t wait to have the guys back! A quote from the lovely Tony Kiley: ‘Your legendary drum room was better than I was expecting, this is the last of the great studios left, the whole experience has been a pleasure and I will definitely be returning!’ Thanks Tony!
Their pledge campaign is still continuing, so grab yourself some one off memorabilia and be a part of this amazing project here:
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/theblowmonkeys
Can’t wait to hear the finished product! Keep an eye and ear out for the release of the new album, it’s one not to be missed!
http://www.theblowmonkeys.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheBlowMonkeysOfficial/timeline