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