BLOCK PARTY

The Blockheads, Album by Album Interview by Daryl Easlea

The phrase “national treasure” gets wheeled out these days for everything from Dale Winton to The Groundhogs. Its overuse undervalues the select band of entertainers to whom the title should rightfully be bestowed. The Blockheads – the core of which is Chaz Jankel, Mick Gallagher, Johnny Turnbull, Norman Watt-Roy – are a prime example. They have a remarkable history, and are much more than a bunch of hard-working London-based maestros. They have now worked together for over 30 years.

By the time the various strands of the band came together to work with Ian Dury in 1977, members had worked with groups as diverse as The Greatest Show On Earth, Frampton’s Camel and The Animals. Always looking a little too seasoned to be proper punks, they supported Dury on and off for 20 years and were billed with him on his greatest commercial successes – the triumvirate of much-loved singles What A Waste, Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick and Reasons To Be Cheerful, Part Three.

So where does a band with such collective experience go after losing one of the most charismatic frontmen of all time? After being urged to be a tribute band with guest vocalists – most notably Phill Jupitus – and to consider concentrating on their day jobs, the group released Where’s The Party in …

by Daryl Easlea
<< Back to Issue 363

You must be a subscriber to view the full article, subscribe now for full access to all online content.

Already a Magazine Subscriber? Register now for online access.

Login Here

Free Newsletter


Subscribe to
our email newsletter by emailing:

anna.bowen@
metropolis.co.uk