IT appears to be all the rage at the moment. But while groups like Spandau Ballet have been making a big noise about their reformings, the Blow Monkeys have been much quieter.

Starting out as a new wave-oriented act in the Eighties, before moving into the mainstream, the four-piece had a number of hits.

Fronted by lead singer, songwriter, guitarist and piano player Dr Robert, the group formed in 1981 to include Mick Anker on bass guitar, Neville Henry on saxophone and Tony Kiley on drums.

In 1984 they released their debut album, Limping for a Generation, but their first hit came two years later with Digging Your Scene, from their second album, Animal Magic.

In January 1987 the band’s third album was released, She Was Only a Grocer’s Daughter, which included the band’s biggest hit, It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way, which reached number five in the UK charts.

The band called it quits in late 1990, shortly after the release of their fifth album, Springtime for the World. Now, after a long solo career, Dr Robert decided it was time to get back with his old band mates.

He said: “I suppose I fancied being in a band again. It wasn’t as if we had split up acrimoniously, there were no court cases or anything like that.

“The main reason was to record a new album, but there was also the desire to get back on stage with the band.”

The new album, Devil’s Tavern, got rave reviews from the music press and resulted in a successful tour of the country.

Now they are back on the road promoting a special recording of their performance at the 100 Club, in London.

Dr Robert added: “We are going back into the studio in February and I’ve got a solo compilation coming out, so there’s lots to promote.”

The Blow Monkeys play Colchester Arts Centre on Friday. Tickets are £11, available from 01206 500900, or online at www.colchesterartscentre.com