Ian Dury and Chas Jankel formed the band the Blockheads after they had collaborated as songwriters and worked together as members of Radio Caroline’s Loving Awareness Band.
They had initially put an album out with other members of this band but it wasn’t until they joined Stiff Records that they saw success. They debuted with “Sex, Drugs & Rock and Roll” which later has been credited with introducing the phrase and followed it with the platinum album New Boots and Panties!
Only after this success did they call themselves Ian Dury and the Blockheads and toured with artists such as Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello in the “Live Stiffs Tour”. The name “The Blockheads” was chosen from a name Ian Dury had given to certain unpleasant youths from London.
The single that brought them success was “Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick” which became a major hit throughout Europe, reaching No. 1 on the UK charts. They did not release the singles on their albums of that time and they just appeared on various Best of Ian Dury and the Blockheads later releases.
They disbanded in 1981 after Ian Dury had decided to work with a young group of musicians and change the record label. They re-united and have recorded further albums and perform live and continue to perform after Ian Dury’s death as The Blockheads. Their album New Boots and Panties was remade as a tribute to Ian Dury with the original tracks sung by artists including Robbie Williams, Madness and Sir Paul McCartney.
Members
Ian Dury (vocals)
Chaz Jankel (guitar)
Charlie Charles (drums)
Norman Watt-Roy (bass)
Mickey Gallagher (keyboards)
John Turnbull (guitar)
Davey Payne (saxophone)
Wilko Johnson (guitar)
Gilad Atzmon (saxophone)
Dave Lewis (saxophone)
Derek the Draw (vocals)
Lee Harris (guitar)
Dylan Howe (drums)
Mark Snowling (bass)
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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