The band that survived its frontman and a century of style

Cultures · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: From the gritty streets of London to chart-topping hits, The Blockheads are a masterclass in musical endurance. They survived the death of their original leader, navigated complex internal dynamics, and evolved through decades of shifting genres—all while maintaining a lineage of sound that dates back to the 1960s.

The band's origins are rooted in the mid-1970s UK music scene. In 1974, musicians John Turnbull and Mick Gallagher were part of the Loving Awareness Band. By 1977, they joined forces with Ian Dury and Chaz Jankel to form Ian Dury and the Blockheads. The name was inspired by a song depicting a drunken Essex stereotype. This era saw the birth of their signature sound: a sophisticated blend of jazz, rock and roll, funk, reggae, and Dury's personal love for music hall traditions.

The group's trajectory was marked by significant friction and artistic shifts. Chaz Jankel, who fashioned Dury's lyrics into music, left the band twice—once after the release of "What a Waste" and again in 1980 due to personality clashes. During his absence, the band worked with Wilko Johnson, while Dury struggled with heavy drinking. Despite these hurdles, the group achieved massive success, including the 1979 UK number one "Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick," which sold nearly a million copies.

The Blockheads are notable for their longevity. Following Dury's death in 2000, the band continued with Derek Hussey as the primary lyricist and storyteller. They have remained active for over four decades, releasing albums like "Same Horse Different Jockey" in 2013. Their history is also one of controversy and resilience, including a 2018 venue ban involving saxophonist Gilad Atzmon and a documentary project, "Beyond the Call of Dury," which has faced years of production delays due to copyright and pandemic issues.

Even their most famous tropes have been scrutinized. While often associated with the phrase "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll," evidence suggests the phrase was already in common use, appearing in a 1972 album by the Australian band Daddy Cool. The Blockheads' legacy remains a testament to a collective identity that transcends any single member.

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