The Blockheads

Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter, EX4 3LS

Tel: 01392 667080

The Blockheads

About

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’ (a reference to a song on Ian’s album). As ‘Ian Dury & The Blockheads’ they went back out on tour, this time without Chaz Jankel, and in 1978 released ‘What a Waste’ a single that reached number five in the U.K. charts. They were then joined by saxophonist Davey Payne and toured the U.S.A supporting Lou Reed across North America ending with their own dates in California (with backline roadie Pete Rush)

In late 1978 Chaz returned to the fold and composed ‘Hit me with your Rhythm Stick’ with Ian. The band recorded it in The Workhouse Studios, Old Kent Road, London and in 1979 had a number one hit record with it in the U.K. Ian Dury & The Blockheads went on to record the ‘Do it Yourself’ album and toured Europe and the U.K. recording ‘Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3’ in Rome. Released as a single in late 1979 it reached number three in the U.K. charts.

In 1980 Chaz, once again, left the band to pursue solo projects in California and Wilko Johnson joined Ian, Norman, Johnny, Charlie, Mickey and Davey to record and release a third album for Stiff Records called ‘Laughter’ and released ‘I Want to be Straight’ and ‘Supermans Big Sister’ as singles. They toured throughout 1981 in the U.K and Europe, sometimes augmented by Don Cherry on trumpet, ending the year with a tour of Australia.

In 1982 Ian Dury & The Blockheads disbanded and were not to play together again until 1987 when they went out to Japan in June to play three shows in four days, disbanding again until 1990 when the death of Charlie Charles in September of that year re-united them to play two Benefit gigs in aid of Charlies’ family. Chaz returned from America and Steven Monti picked up the drumsticks for the hottest ticket in town. The band, now augmented by Merlin Rhys-Jones on guitar and Will Parnell on percussion, recorded a live album ‘Warts & Audience’ in December 1990.

Chaz returned to California and the band toured Spain in January 1991. Once again the band stopped working until August 1994 when, with the return to England of Chaz, the band were invited to play the Madstock Festival in Finsbury Park in August which led to a series of hit and run gigs in Europe, Ireland, the U.K.and Japan throughout the rest of 1994 and 1995. In March 1996 Ian was diagnosed with cancer and, after recovering from an operation, was determined to write another album.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Standard£27.00

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

TripAdvisor

Directions

Opening Times

The Blockheads (6 Dec 2025)
DayTimes
Saturday19:30

Follow us

What's Nearby

  1. Clarke Andrews Tempest

    "Marooned on the island once inhabited by Prospero, washed up silent film star Clarke…

    0 miles away
  2. Brickfilm: Lego Animation 2 Days

    In this two day hands-on workshop you will use stop motion animation techniques to…

    0 miles away
  3. The Smyths

    Accurate Smiths soundalike outfit.

    0 miles away
  1. Tom Hickox

    Tom Hickox is a singer, songwriter and composer specialising in the art of storytelling…

    0 miles away
  2. Raw Writing Workshop - Introduction to Memoir

    Memoir is no longer the preserve of the rich and famous. We can all write about our lives…

    0 miles away
  3. Star in Your Own Superhero Movie 2 Days 2025

    This two day workshop will give an introduction into digital composites, green screen and…

    0 miles away
  4. Introduction To Digital Photography 5 Weeks

    WEBSITE COPY This weekly photography course will build your confidence in photography…

    0 miles away
  5. Summer Film School

    "The legends are true. Exeter Phoenix’s fabled Summer Film School, created with film,…

    0 miles away
  6. Walter Trout and Dan Patlansky

    Musical double-bill featuring blues rock musicians Walter Trout and Dan Patlansky.

    0 miles away
  7. Butler, Blake, & Grant

    Bernard Butler, Norman Blake and James Grant are three established and respected…

    0 miles away
  8. Ping Pong

    Documentary about participants in the Over-80s’ World Table Tennis Championships. A…

    0 miles away
  9. Tom Robinson

    Thomas Giles Robinson is a British singer, bassist, radio presenter and long-time LGBT…

    0 miles away
  10. Midsummer Still Life Class 1/2 Day

    Join us for our Midsummer Still Life Class, where you'll explore the vibrant colours and…

    0 miles away
  11. Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys

    Jake Vaadeland is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Saskatchewan,…

    0 miles away
  12. An Evening With Martin Barre & Friends

    An Intimate Evening of Music and Anecdotes with Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre and…

    0 miles away
  13. Freefall Youth Arts Group

    Freefall is a youth arts group for young people aged between 13-16 years run by Exeter…

    0 miles away
Previous Next

Search for What's Nearby

Product Type
Proximity
Within miles

Related

Exeter Phoenix - front of buildingExeter Phoenix, Exeter

Events Powered By

Data Thistle