Ian Dury

Ian Dury (12 May 1942 – 27 March 2000) was an English singer, songwriter, and bandleader who rose to fame during the late 1970s punk and new wave era. He is best known as the frontman of Ian Dury and the Blockheads.

Dury was born in Harrow, Middlesex, England. He contracted polio at the age of seven, which left him with a permanent physical disability. He attended the Royal College of Art, where he initially studied painting.

Dury's musical career began in the early 1970s with the band Kilburn and the High-Roads. They gained a cult following but achieved limited commercial success. In 1977, he formed Ian Dury and the Blockheads, who achieved widespread recognition with hits such as "Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick," "What a Waste," "Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3," and "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll."

Dury's lyrics were characterized by wit, wordplay, and observations of everyday life, often focusing on working-class experiences and characters. He incorporated diverse musical influences, including music hall, rock and roll, funk, and reggae. His distinctive vocal delivery, coupled with the Blockheads' tight musicianship, made them a popular live act.

Beyond his musical career, Dury also pursued acting, appearing in several films and television shows. He was a strong advocate for disability rights and challenged societal perceptions of disabled people.

Ian Dury died of colorectal cancer in 2000 at the age of 57. His music continues to be celebrated for its originality, humor, and social commentary. A biopic about his life, titled "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll," was released in 2010.