IAN DURY AND THE BLOCKHEADS, JOHN PEEL SESSION 1977

The Blockheads are an English rock band formed in London in 1977. Originally fronted by lead singer Ian Dury as Ian Dury and the Blockheads or Ian and the Blockheads, the band has continued to perform since Dury's death in 2000. As of March 2023 members included Chaz Jankel (guitar and keyboards), Nathan King (bass), Mick Gallagher (keyboards and piano), John Turnbull (vocals and guitar), John Roberts (drums), and Mike Bennett (lead vocals). There is a rolling line-up of saxophonists that includes Gilad Atzmon, Terry Edwards, Dave Lewis, and from time to time, the original sax player, Davey Payne. Between 2000 and 2022, the band's lead vocalist and main lyricist was Derek Hussey.

The Blockheads
Left to right: Norman Watt-Roy (bass), Charley Charles (drums), Ian Dury (vocals) and Davey Payne (saxophone)
Left to right: Norman Watt-Roy (bass), Charley Charles (drums), Ian Dury (vocals) and Davey Payne (saxophone)
Background information
Also known as
Ian Dury and the Blockheads
Origin
London, England, United Kingdom
Genres
New wavepost-punkfunkdisco
Years active
1977–present
Labels
StiffStatikDemonRonnie HarrisBloxEMI
Members
Chaz Jankel
Nathan King
John Turnbull
Mick Gallagher
John Roberts
Mike Bennett
Occasional
Davey Payne
Dave Lewis
Terry Edwards
Past members
Norman Watt-Roy
Ian Dury
Gilad Atzmon
Charley Charles
Stephen Monti
Derek Hussey
Merlin Rhys-Jones
Will Parnell
Dylan Howe
Wilko Johnson
Lee Harris
Website
theblockheads.com
The band may be best known for their hit singles, recorded with Dury, "What a Waste", "Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick", "Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3", and "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll".