Dr Robert will be bringing his own treatment of the 80s to St Albans this month when The Blow Monkeys play The Horn.

Lead singer, songwriter, guitarist, bassist and piano player, Robert Howard - aka Dr Robert – has a voice just as masterful and distinctive as it was back in the day.

And he is set to blast out unforgettable tunes such as Digging Your Scene and Wait (featuring Kym Mazelle) when he performs on Thursday, 21st July.

The Blow Monkeys’ biggest hit It Doesn’t have to be This Way reached number five in the UK charts, as well as featuring in the movie, Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol.

However, Robert said that he hasn’t actually got around to watching the film yet – despite his children’s best efforts.

Speaking after his recent gig at The Corn Exchange, Hertford, Robert said: “My kids told me it’s in Police Academy 4 but I’ve never seen it – I never got around to 1 or 2 or 3, but I must watch it one day.”

Another of The Blow Monkeys’ songs – You Don’t Own Me appeared in the blockbusting 80s film Dirty Dancing, but as this was a cover version of Lesley Gore’s 1963 single, the band were not entitled to royalties.

The Blow Monkey's St Alban's gig is just one stop on a long tour around the country, which continues until October.

For Robert, playing the hits to an appreciate audience is a real buzz but he also loves the challenge of writing new material.

“We play them because at the end of the day, it’s still the same thing; you are playing to people who want to hear your music,” he said. “But I think we’re probably the only band that go on and say that we’re playing new songs - we’ve put four new albums out in the past six years since we reformed.

“There has to be something new as well. I never stop writing, so I’ve got a solo career and one with the band, and it’s the new stuff that keeps me going and playing new songs to people.”

One of the Blow Monkey's more recent offerings is Ok! Have it Your Way from The Blow Monkeys’ latest LP – If Not Now, When?’- an instantly catchy tune, with a foot-tapping rock and roll beat and zesty saxophone played by the brilliant Neville Henry.

Speaking of his musical inspirations, Robert, who has worked with both Paul Weller and Curtis Mayfield said: “Both of them inspired me. However, when I was a kid, I think Marc Bolan was my first love.

“He was brilliant and as a guitar player, although he wasn’t technically brilliant, he just had a great feel.

“I listened an awful lot to Burt Bacharach and Hal David songs, stuff by Dusty Springfield, Sandy Shaw and Lulu – all those kinds of singers. Somewhere this is all inside me.”

Asked if there had been a 60s/mod influence on The Blow Monkeys, Robert said: “Yes I think it did influence us, as far as the mod culture really clocked American black music. However, I love Elvis too and you’re not allowed to like Elvis as a mod. Paul Weller told me that!”

Robert contributed to Weller’s solo albums, Wild Wood and Stanley Road and has written 10 successful albums for The Blow Monkeys, as well as performing with many other artists such as Curtis Mayfield, Beth Orton and DC Lee.

Details: thehorn.co.uk/tickets/