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The Blockheads

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Formed in 1977 to promote Ian Durys' album 'New Boots and Panties' on the first Stiff Records tour of the U.K. Chaz Jankel, Norman Watt-Roy, Charlie Charles, John Turnbull and Mick Gallagher became known as 'The Blockheads'.

In 1978 released 'What a Waste' that reached number five in the U.K. charts. They were then joined by saxophonist Davey Payne and toured the U.S.A supporting Lou Reed across North America ending with their own dates in California.

 

In 1978 Chaz composed 'Hit me with your Rhythm Stick' with Ian, and in 1979 had a number one hit record with it in the U.K. They went on to record the 'Do it Yourself' album and toured Europe and the U.K. recording 'Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3' in Rome. Released as a single in late 1979 it reached number three in the U.K. charts.

 

In 1980 Wilko Johnson joined to record and release a third album called 'Laughter' and released 'I Want to be Straight' and 'Supermans Big Sister' as singles. They toured throughout 1981 in the U.K and Europe, ending the year with a tour of Australia.

 

In 1982 Ian Dury & The Blockheads disbanded and were not to play together again until 1987 when they went out to Japan to play three shows, disbanding again until 1990 when the death of Charlie Charles in September of that year re-united them to play two Benefit gigs at The Forum, Camden Town in aid of Charlies' family. The band recorded a live album 'Warts & Audience' at the Brixton Academy in December 1990.

 

In 1994 the band were invited to play the Madstock Festival in Finsbury Park which led to a series of hit and run gigs in Europe, Ireland, the U.K.and Japan throughout the rest of 1994 and 1995. In March 1996 Ian was diagnosed with cancer and, after recovering from an operation, was determined to write another album.

 

To this end The Blockheads went into rehearsal in August 1996 and began recording. The album 'Mr. Lovepants' was released in 1998 and in May, Ian & The Blockheads hit the road again.

 

The band now including Dylan Howe and Gilard Atzmon continued to play gigs throughout 1999. The last performance by Ian Dury & The Blockheads was February 6th 2000 at The London Palladium. Ian died at 9am on 27th March 2000.

 

At this point the band had to make a decision to either stop or continue. The choice was made and the band have continued making albums and touring the world. Now almost two decades since Ian passed away The Blockheads still perform to packed out venues around the world.

 

A new fan base has continued to build on the on the foundations already laid. Now after over thirty years The Blockheads are still building their wall of sound and it just gets bigger and better.

CURRENT TOUR DATES INCLUDE

2024

AUGUST 2024

Monday 26th    The Booking Hall, Elizabeth St, Dover

SEPTEMBER 2024

Friday 20th    Acapela, Pentrych, Cardiff  

Saturday 21st    Acapela, Pentrych, Cardiff 

Thursday 26th    The Boileroom, Stoke Fields, Guildford  

Friday 27th    The Forum, Fonthill, Tunbridge Wells 

OCTOBER 2024

NOVEMBER 2024

Thursday 7th    White Rock Theatre, Hastings  

Thursday 21st    Riverside, Neptune House, Newcastle

DECEMBER 2024

Saturday 14th    The Powerhaus, Camden, London

2025

JANUARY 2025

Saturday 11th    The Met, Market St, Bury 

Friday 31st    Papillon, Commercial Rd, Southampton  

FEBRUARY 2025​

Friday 7th    The Waterfront, King St, Norwich 

Saturday 15th    Astor Community Theatre, Deal, Kent   

MARCH 2025

Friday 7th    Hertford Corn Exchange, Fore St, Hertford 

Friday 14th    The Picture Dome, Market Walk, Holmfirth 

Thursday 27th    MAC Arts, Bridge St, Galashiels 

Friday 28th    La Belle Angele , Edinburgh  

Saturday 29th    St Luke's, Glasgow  

Sunday 30th    The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen 

APRIL 2025

Friday 4th    Albert's Shed, Castle St, Shrewsbury

 

May 2025

Saturday 3rd    Acapella, Cardiff

JUNE 2025

Saturday 21st    Sign of the Times, Little Hadham, Herts 

 

JULY 2025

Friday 4th    Eyes Meadow Festival, Duffield, Derby

Sunday 6th    Alfold Rock and Blues Festival, Surrey 

AUGUST 2025

Saturday 2nd    Doune the Rabbit Hole, Port of Menteith, Stirling 

Sunday 3rd    Northern Kin Festival, Thornley Farm, Durham 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 2025

Friday 26th    The Factory Live, Worthing 

​Saturday 27th    The Factory Live, Ivy Arch Road, Worthing 

NOVEMBER 2025​

Friday 7th    Acapela, Pentrych, Cardiff 

MORE DATES TO FOLLOW...

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT COLIN BLACK  07846 427 810

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