Library Rock's Backpages

Ian Dury & the Blockheads: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Mick Brown, The Guardian, 8 August 1979

ONE OF IAN Dury's most endearing mannerisms on stage is to extend the length of his microphone stand two feet above his head, accentuating his own slightness of build. Gazing up lopsided at the mike with an expression of undisguised devilment on his face, Dury resembles nothing so much as a mischievous schoolboy about to deflate the dignity of some respectable citizen with a sharp kick in the leg. The moment is pure vaudeville, an uncommonly assured theatrical touch for a rock and roller, although by the end of his performance Dury and his band, the Blockheads, have wrought an exhilarating and memorable musical experience to remind you that, first and foremost, a rock and roller is what he is.

Total word count of piece: 431

Subscribe

Becoming a member is easy. Membership gives you access to all the thousands of articles in the library.

Click here to go to Subscribe page.

Click here for academic and other group subscriptions.