Fronted by lead singer and songwriter Dr. Robert (born Bruce Robert Howard, 2 May 1961, in Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland), the group formed in 1981 upon Howard's return to the UK after spending his teen years in Australia. The group gets its unusual name from an offensive term used in Australia, referring to Aboriginals playing the didgeridoo.

In 1984, they released their debut album, Limping for a Generation, but their first hit was in 1986 with "Digging Your Scene" from their second album Animal Magic. The single attracted attention for its smooth pop-soul stylings and succinct topical lyrics (dealing with the AIDS-fuelled backlash against gays). It peaked at number 14 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart listing, and number 7 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. In addition it reached a high of number 12 in the UK Singles Chart and number 25 in Germany.

In January of 1987 She Was Only A Grocer's Daughter, the band's third album was released. The album's biggest hit, "It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way", reached the Top Ten in the UK, although it never charted in the U.S.. However, it did feature in the film, Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol.

Another noteworthy track, "You Don't Own Me" was used on the platinum selling "Dirty Dancing" soundtrack.

Outside of the group, a successful single release by Robert Howard was "Wait", that featured early Chicago House diva, Kym Mazelle. The record was an early British recording in the subgenre dubbed "UK garage". The track reached number 7 in the UK chart. It would later appear on the Blow Monkey's greatest hits compilation.

The band called it quits in late 1990. After briefly recording with Dee C. Lee as Slam Slam, Dr. Robert went solo and still records music. He contributed to Lee's husband (Paul Weller)'s solo debut album, and co-wrote material with both Weller and Lee.