RGG February 2017 - p.36
Formed in 1977 to promote Ian Dury's album
New Boots and Panties on the first Stiff
Records tour of the UK, The Blockheads will be
performing a large selection of their classic
songs spanning over 5 decades
The Blockheads are now fronted by one of
Ian's best friends Derek 'The Draw', the band's
vocalist and wordsmith. Chaz Jankel, Norman
Watt-Roy, John Turnbull and Mick Gallagher
still remain from the original band and the
current line-up is augmented by John Roberts
on drums and a rolling line up of saxophonists
including Gilad Atzmon, Terry Edwards or Dave
Lewis.
In 1978 Chaz composed 'Hit me with your
Rhythm Stick' with Ian and in 1979 had a
number one hit record. In 1982 Ian Dury & The
Blockheads disbanded and were not to play
together again until 1987 when they went out
to Japan to play three shows, disbanding again
until 1990 when the death of Charlie Charles in
September of that year re-united them to play
two Benefit gigs at The Forum, Camden Town
in aid of Charlie's family. The last performance
by Ian Dury & The Blockheads was February
6th 2000 at The London Palladium.
Ian died at 9am on 27th March 2000. At this
point the band had to make a decision to either
stop or continue. The choice was made and the
band has continued making albums and touring
FEB
24
the world. Now after almost 15 years since Ian
passed away, The Blockheads still perform to
packed out venues around the world.
THE ROZ BRUCE INFUSION
After forming in 2012, The Roz Bruce Infusion
have consisted of Roz Bruce on Lead Guitar
and Vocals, Gaf Evans on Bass Guitar and
occasional backing vocals and are currently on
their fourth drummer: Lee Shaw. The Infusion
play gigs all around the UK and have enjoyed
support slots with Arthur Brown, Evil Blizzard,
Gong, Knifeworld, Space Ritual, Pretty
Things... and have played many festivals in-
cluding Festival 8, Kozfest, Blind Cat Festival,
Onboard The Craft, Tannerfest and more.
"One of the most technically gifted guitarists I
have ever seen, channeling Hendrix, Satriani
and Vai in equal measure in her guitar and PJ
Harvey, Suzanne Vega and Bonnie Rait
through her vocals. Roz nearly knocked me off
my chair with her dark, twisted and beautiful
songs."
-
Off Beat Magazine
RGG have a pair of tickets to give
away for this gig at The Robin,
Bilston on 24th February. Just send an email to
the address below with ‘Blockhead’ in the
subject title to be in with a chance of winning.
r
gg
21
YEARS
1995-2016
The Best Of THE BLOCKHEADS '40th Anniversary Tour'
+
The Roz Bruce Infusion
