On April 6th The Blockheads; one of the punk and new wave era’s best loved bands, are set to return to the forefront of the British music scene with a brand new studio album “Staring Down The Barrel” via EMI Records, and will also embark on a Nationwide UK Tour.
Originally known as Ian Dury & The Blockheads, the current line-up, consisting of four of the original members; Chaz Jankel (piano, guitar), Mick Gallagher (keyboards), Norman Watt-Roy (bass) and John Turnbull (guitar), are joined by Dylan Howe (drums) and Gilad Atzmon (sax). “Barrel” is the second studio album the Blockheads have released since their original lead singer, Ian Dury, passed away from cancer in 2000.
Comprised of new music written by Jankel (who wrote the music for the hit singles Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, and Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick), the lyrics are penned by new Blockheads vocalist Derek Hussey (aka Derek The Draw), Dury’s personal minder from 1990-2000.
With the front CD inlay artwork illustrated by Sir Peter Blake; the album dovetails the Blockhead’s UK and French tour dates, which includes a special show at the historic London punk venue, the Electric Ballroom on 30th April featuring original Blockheads’ saxophonist Davey Payne. The new album coincides with the 30th Anniversary of ‘Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick’ that originally reached No.1 in the UK singles chart in 1979, selling in excess of 1 million copies.
It has just been officially confirmed that an unconventional film biopic about the iconic musician Ian Dury entitled ‘Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll’, will star Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings) in the title role. Produced by Damian Jones (Kidulthood, Adulthood), the film will be released in 2010. Jankel has been appointed as musical supervisor, while The Blockheads have already recorded tracks for the film soundtrack
