The Blockheads at The Gulbenkian
‘Hit me with your Rhythm Stick!’ - Music legends The Blockheads come to Gulbenkian Arts Centre, Saturday 23rd October 2021
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.
As Ian Dury & The Blockheads they went back out on tour, and in 1978 released What a Waste a single that reached #5 in the U.K. charts. They were then joined by saxophonist Davey Payne and toured the U.S.A supporting Lou Reed across the U.S.A
1979’s #1 single Hit me with your Rhythm Stick was followed by Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3 (#3 in the UK charts) and the classic Do It Yourself LP.
In 1982, Ian Dury & The Blockheads disbanded until the early 1990’s when they reformed to perform at the ‘Madstock’ festival in Finsbury Park headlined by Madness.
