Ian Dury

I just saw this on the Blockheads web site.

"Official campaign to get Spasticus Autisticus to UK Number 1!
We urge you to join the facebook campaign to get Spasticus Autisticus to Number One in the UK to help celebrate Ian's life.
In the week of 14th March (14th - 20th), we will post the link and make you aware of where to buy Spasticus Autisticus from (iTunes and/or Amazon). The version we ask that you download is the Ian Dury and The Blockheads version from the live album "Warts And Audience". This should coincide with the 10th anniversary of his untimely passing. Even if you are not on Facebook you can still take part...
Reasons Spasticus should be Number 1... 1,2,3!
1. We need a song that radio stations will have a problem with due to censorship thus making the cause more controversial.
2. In 1981 the song was banned by the BBC because of the use of the word spastic and they didn't even try to see what point Ian were trying to get across. it's about time this genius of a song gets the recognition it deserves.
3. The 27th March will be the 10th anniversary of Ian Dury's death, and what better to celebrate his life than getting his most personal song up for all the world to hear.
So you know...we have gone with the live version because, well, it features The Blockheads and the studio version didn't (Chaz Jankel plus Sly and Robbie).
The Blockheads are also out on tour the week that this event will be taking place and members of the band will be in a great position to discuss and steal headlines away from whatever Simon Cowell has cooking that week and whatever sexist crap the charts are playing that week...
Here is a history lesson!"

A worthwhile effort I think.

Yes I think it's time we listened to the sentiment of a song rather than one awkward lyric. Dury was a very gifted songwriter, very spikey and streetwise and yet quite deep at the same time, pretty unique.

Absolutely agree, worthwhile effort.

But why not wait for the Christmas number one?

Let it be known well in advance that it's happening and see what Slimyman Cowell does.

The UK's greatest contemporary poet, I think.

Rage Against The Machine got to number one on the back of an anti-X Factor wave, so Xmas would be a better time to release it.

Quote: chipolata @ March 11 2010, 9:10 AM GMT

Rage Against The Machine got to number one on the back of an anti-X Factor wave, so Xmas would be a better time to release it.

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There are specific reasons to do it now though. I wish I knew how do download!

Quote: Alfred J Kipper @ March 10 2010, 11:31 PM GMT

Yes I think it's time we listened to the sentiment of a song rather than one awkward lyric. Dury was a very gifted songwriter, very spikey and streetwise and yet quite deep at the same time, pretty unique.

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You've hit the nail on the head there Alfred, I seriously doubt that anything with the word 'spas' will get any air-time. It's quite sad considering the irony of it all, but that one word will prevent any resurrection of one of our greatest poets work.

Quote: chipolata @ March 11 2010, 9:10 AM GMT

Rage Against The Machine got to number one on the back of an anti-X Factor wave, so Xmas would be a better time to release it.

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Would be pleasing to see the late legendary Ian Dury ruin this year's X-Factor piffle. Especially as the idea of a phenomonally talented 35 year old crippled poet with a funk band becoming one of this biggest stars must is as anti-Simon Cowell as I can think of.

Quote: AngieBaby @ March 11 2010, 11:12 PM GMT

You've hit the nail on the head there Alfred, I seriously doubt that anything with the word 'spas' will get any air-time.

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What's rude about spas? Except for the facials?

Happy (what would've been) 70th birthday to Ian Dury.

He wasn't a household name here in the States, but I always thought Ian Dury was a stage name because it sounded like "injury" and he was obviously crippled.

Quote: DaButt @ May 12 2012, 4:28 PM BST

He wasn't a household name here in the States, but I always thought Ian Dury was a stage name because it sounded like "injury" and he was obviously crippled.

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This has honestly never occurred to me before.

Have always liked Ian and the Blockheads a lot.

There was a glorious moment when Wilko Johnson joined the band for a bit - thus combining two of my favourite bands.
Saw then live at Dingwalls in this format - lovely.

If you haven't seen Sex & drugs & rock & roll yet I'd heartily recommend it. Great film about Ian Dury