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Ian Robins DuryBritish author and rock performer
Date of Birth: 12.05.1942
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Ian Robin Dury was born on May 12, 1942, in Harrow-Weald, although he preferred to claim that he was born in a different town - Amminster. His father, William, was a former boxer and worked as a bus driver, while his mother, Margaret, also known as Peggy, was a nurse. Her father was a well-known doctor, and her grandfather owned land in Ireland. After Ian's birth, William attended advanced driving courses at the Rolls Royce factory. Peggy and young Ian moved to Cornwall to live with their relatives after World War II. However, in 1946, William brought the family back to England, as he had started working as a driver for a millionaire in Switzerland and could only visit them occasionally.
Struggle with Polio and Education
In 1949, Dury contracted polio, which left him disabled for life. It is believed that he contracted the disease at a swimming pool in Southend-on-Sea. After a year and a half, Ian was able to attend school, but only at a hospital school for disabled children. In 1954, at his mother's insistence, Dury enrolled in the Royal Grammar School. From a young age, Ian had a passion for art, so after completing school, he attended the Royal College of Art, where he was taught by artist Peter Blake. In 1967, he began teaching at colleges in southern England. When asked why he didn't pursue a career as an artist, Dury replied, "I realistically assessed my abilities and realized that I wouldn't become a great artist." Despite this self-critical statement, his works were exhibited several times.
Musical Career
After the death of his idol, Gene Vincent, in 1970, Ian Dury seriously considered pursuing a musical career. Alongside pianist Russell Hardy, Dury formed the band Kilburn & The High Roads. The group initially consisted of students from Canterbury College of Art, where Dury worked. Later, a permanent lineup was formed, including Dury, Hardy, guitarist Keith Lucas, and bassist Humphrey Ocean. Kilburn & The High Roads primarily performed in local pubs during the early 70s pub rock scene. In 1975, their debut album, "Handsome," was released on the Pye/Dawn Records label, but it did not gain popularity due to the decline of pub rock at the time. The band eventually disbanded in the same year.
However, Dury continued his creative partnership with Chez Jankel, the pianist and guitarist of Kilburn & The High Roads. Together, they formed a new band called Ian Dury & The Blockheads. In 1977, with the support of managers Andrew King and Pete Jenner, the group released their debut album, "New Boots and Panties!!," on the Stiff Records label. Their debut single, "Sex and Drugs and Rock & Roll," became a worldwide hit, and the album achieved platinum status. In 1979, Jankel formed a new lineup for The Blockheads, including guitarist John Turnbull, pianist Mickey Gallagher, bassist Norman Watt-Roy, and drummer Charlie Charles. The Blockheads introduced a new musical style, blending rough rock and roll with elements of jazz, funk, and reggae.
Later Years and Legacy
Ian Dury toured Europe with The Blockheads, although their music was not well received in America, except for the widely known song "Sex and Drugs and Rock & Roll." In 1979, their album "Do It Yourself" was released, but Jankel left the band after the supporting tour. He was replaced by Wilko Johnson, the former guitarist of Dr. Feelgood. In 1980, the band released the album "Laughter," which received mixed reviews from critics but was highly acclaimed by fans.
In 1981, Ian Dury took a break from music and traveled to the Bahamas, where he recorded a poorly received album with Jankel called "Lord Upminster." However, the album's track "Spasticus Autisticus," dedicated to the UN's International Year of Disabled Persons, caused controversy. In the mid-1980s, Dury made his debut in film, appearing in Peter Greenaway's "The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover" and Roman Polanski's "Pirates."
In 1996, Dury was diagnosed with incurable rectal cancer and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. However, the cancer spread throughout his body. In 2000, Ian Dury & The Blockheads performed for the last time at a charity concert. Dury's health deteriorated, and he was unable to leave the stage without assistance. A few months later, he passed away.
Ian Dury left a lasting impact on the music industry, known for his distinctive voice, witty and often provocative lyrics, and his contribution to the punk and new wave movements. His music continues to be celebrated and appreciated by fans worldwide.
