Eighties pop stars Blow Monkeys back Hartlepool cancer charity

A top name in the music business has given its backing to a Hartlepool charity that raises funds for vital cancer detection equipment.
The Blow Monkeys.The Blow Monkeys.
The Blow Monkeys.

The 1980’s pop sensations, The Blow Monkeys, have become official ambassadors for the Music v Cancer charity following on from the support of rhythm and blues legend Jools Holland.

The four piece pop band – who had success with numerous hit singles in the 80’s including ‘Digging Your Scene’ and ‘It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way’ – are working in partnership with the charity to help raise its profile on a national scale.

Tony LarkinTony Larkin
Tony Larkin
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Tony Larkin, founder of Music v Cancer said: “The Blow Monkeys have performed at our event in previous years, and after two appearances they said they would love to become ambassadors for the charity. They absolutely loved the concept of our live music events, the strong local feel they had, and the fact that all the money raised was going back in to the local community.”

The Blow Monkeys, consisting of front man Dr.Robert, bassist Mick Anker, saxophonist Neville Henry and drummer Tony Kiley, reformed in 2008 after nearly two decades apart, and have visited Hartlepool to play in the Music v Cancer live gigs twice.

“Having The Blow Monkeys as ambassadors for the charity is really exciting and it gives us an amazing opportunity to push the name of the charity out there and raise awareness of the work we do. Hopefully their involvement in the charity will also encourage other bands to get involved with up and coming gigs and encourage fans from further afield to come see what we’re up to here in Hartlepool.”

Music v Cancer was founded by Tony back in 2010, after he received the all-clear from Bowel Cancer. The not-for-profit charity has held 23 live music events to date and has raised £203,000 for cancer detection equipment in the North East.

Tony LarkinTony Larkin
Tony Larkin
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Live acts have included Jack Savoretti, The Temperence Movement, Turin Brakes, The Magic Numbers, the late Colin Vearncombe aka Black, JJ Rosa, Nizlopi and many more.

The Blow Monkey’s front man, Dr.Robert said: “We are delighted and honoured to become MvC ambassadors. Over the years we have got to know Tony Larkin really well and are full of admiration for his positivity and energy.

“The gigs we played in Hartlepool were real highlights - great nights and full of meaning. Cancer has affected most people’s lives one way or another. I lost my father to it when I was a teenager. The very least we can do as musicians is put something back.”

The charity is currently gearing up for its first live sessions of 2017, with headline acts from across the country secured for both the 31st March and the 1st April. The gig is set to showcase a range of set styles, some of which are acoustic, some not, with names such as Skinny Living, Z-Star Delta, Leo Napier, Joe Dunwell, Robbie Cavanagh and Paul Liddell playing across the weekend.

A limited number of tickets are left for the March gig which are available to buy from the Best Western Grand Hotel in Hartlepool on (01429) 266345.