Born in 1942, Ian Dury was stricken with polio in childhood. An art school rebel whose early pub-rock experiences as front man of Kilburn & the High Roads, led to one frustrating move after another, he found success with the Blockheads. Their first single 'Sex and Drugs and Rock'n'Roll' became an instant national catch-phrase, and they had a British No. 1 with the song 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick'. His story takes place against the background of the music business in the late 70s, and the London punk rock scene.
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Though a charismatic stage performer, he could be brutal when hiring and firing musicians, and a difficult person to be with at the height of his success when drunk and abusing everyone in sight.
Although his chart career was over by the early 80s, he worked on screen, in the theatre, and for various charities.
The review of this Book prepared by John Van der Kiste
