Ian Dury and The Blockheads had several hit singles, including What a Waste, Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick (which was a UK number one at the beginning of 1979, selling just short of a million copies), Reasons To Be Cheerful, Part 3 (number three in the UK in 1979), and the rock’n’roll anthem Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, often credited with introducing the phrase to the world.
The name “The Blockheads” came about when drummer Charley Charles was listening to the lyrics of the song Blockheads, in particular the line – “shoes like dead pigs noses,” and realised it described his own shoes. From that moment on, it was decided that the band were Blockheads themselves.
By October 1977, Dury and his band re-branded themselves Ian Dury & The Blockheads and signed up for the Stiff Live Stiffs Tour alongside Elvis Costello And The Attractions, Nick Lowe, Wreckless Eric, and Larry Wallis.
Following Dury’s diagnosis with colorectal cancer in 1996, Ian Dury & The Blockheads returned to the studio to record the critically acclaimed 1998 comeback album Mr. Love Pants which was supported by a number of live dates. Dylan Howe replaced Steve Monti on drums, and saxophonist Davey Payne (having left the band for personal reasons) was replaced by Gilad Atzmon.
Ian Dury & The Blockheads’ last performance was a charity concert in aid of Cancer Bacup on 6th February 2000 at The London Palladium, supported by Kirsty MacColl and Phill Jupitus.
Dury died of metastatic liver cancer on 27 March 2000. The Guardian newspaper’s obituary read: “One of few true originals of the English music scene.” He was described by Suggs, the singer with Madness, as “possibly the finest lyricist we’ve seen.”
The Blockheads, along with Robbie Williams, Madness, Neneh Cherry, Phill Jupitus, Mark Lamaar, Keith Allen, and others, played a special “Tribute to Ian” gig on June 16, 2000, at the Brixton Academy. Some participants of this show along with Paul McCartney , Sinead O’ Connor and Shane Macgowan joined The Blockheads in the studio for the tribute album Brand New Boots and Panties.
Following an emotional and successful show by the band at Dingwalls in Camden The Blockheads decided to carry on and Derek The Draw (who had been in the extended Blockhead family for years prior to Ian’s death) took to the stage with them. Johnny Turnbull (guitar) was the lead singer of The Blockheads from 2001 – 2004 and Derek started to share the position with him. Since 2002 the band have rarely been off the road, playing literally hundreds of dates (memorably stealing the show at The Big Chill in 2006). The band embarked on a successful 30th anniversary tour in 2007 featuring Phill Jupitus as a very special guest vocalist. The New Boots And Panties!! album was played in its entirety as a special part of the show.
A live album (available as Part 1 and Part 2), entitled 30 – Live At The Electric Ballroom, April 17 2008, is only available digitally from iTunes, Amazon, etc., was released in 2008 to celebrate the band’s 30th anniversary and featured Davey Payne who is now, happily, a sporadic live member of the line-up.
In 2008 The Blockheads returned to Glastonbury and were hailed by Michael Eavis as one of his four musical highlights of the festival.
The Blockheads released a brand new studio album via EMI entitled Staring Down The Barrel in April 2009 and after a busy summer 2 appearances at Glastonbury, Festivals abroad, Beautiful Days and Madstock.
Here is the brand new video Greed – with cameos from Martin Freeman, Toby Jones and Rowland Rivron, Directed and photographed by Stuart Harris.The current line-up includes Chaz Jankel (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Norman Watt-Roy (bass), Mickey Gallagher (Hammond Organ, piano, synths), John Turnbull (guitar, vocals), Dylan Howe (drums), Gilad Atzmon (sax), and Derek The Draw (aka Derek Hussey; vocals). Derek was Dury’s oldest friend and minder, and co-wrote all the songs with Jankel on the forthcoming album.
The Blockheads
Nantwich Civic Hall – Friday 2nd April 2010
The fabulous Blockheads playing all their old favourites.
Support by Big Blue House
Tickets £18.00 + £1.50 bkg fee.
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