A PUNK band that formed in the late 1990s but "became silenced by the axis of evil that is employment, domestic responsibility and laziness" is to set to rock its hometown's music scene again this weekend.

Monkeys' Punk mix classic songs by the likes of The Clash, The Sex Pistols and The Ramones with "a steadfast policy to take nothing seriously" and the band is playing at The Boars Head Taphouse in Kidderminster on Sunday.

Guitarist, Dale Minaker, who goes by the name of Dale Monkey, said he had recently rejoined the band after a break of about five years which saw him concentrate on other ventures, including singing with Crowded House tribute band, Crooked House.

"Having come back to the band I've realised how much I missed it," said the 30-year-old Kidderminster resident, adding it had been the first time he had picked up his drum sticks in four years.

He added the musicians were looking forward to "monkeying around" on stage.

"This gig is on our home turf," he added, "It's where we can pull off all the special effects and silly stuff that I don't think people would really understand what we were trying to do if we did it anywhere else."

Singer, Kev Barker, aka Kev Monkey, said: "We haven't played for a couple of years because work, marriage, kids, gardening and other un-rock 'n' roll stuff got in the way but we are all really up for it again now. Practices are going brilliantly and we have some of our notorious theatrics back for the amusement of the audience."

"This gig's on a bank holiday weekend so it should be a really good night," he said. It's a really good time for music and we want to be part of it again."

He added: "We love this music and want to be out there flying the flag for classic punk bands, not to mention having a laugh and drinking free beer - one of the main reasons we got in the band in the first place."

The band's repertoire includes God Save the Queen, Pretty Vacant, Turning Japanese and Teenage Kicks. More information can be obtained from Mike Fox on 07799 275217.