He was an drummer born Hugh Glenn Mortimer Charles in Guyana, who became a member of Ian Dury’s Band, Kilburn and the High Roads.
In 1977 they became Ian Dury & The Blockheads and found success with hits including “Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick” and “Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3 “. They toured Europe and the UK in 1981 and then finished with a further tour of Australia. They disbanded in 1982 and didn’t play together until 1987 when they went to Japan for three shows.
He appeared as a session musician for other artists including Rachel Sweet, Nick Lowe and The Planets.
Recordings he performed on include Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick by Ian Dury & The Blockheads as well as The Chrysalis Compendium – Taking Further Steps and Stiffs Like Stiffs by various artists.
He died of cancer in September 1990 and the band re-united to play two benefit concerts for his family.
Ian Dury and the Blockheads Recordings
Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3 (Ian Dury/Davey Payne/Chaz Jankel )
Common as Muck (“All credit given to Arnold Chickenshorts”)
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