Ian Dury

Ian Dury Artistfacts

  • May 12, 1942 - March 27, 2000
  • Dury was one of the original members of the UK punk record label Stiff Records.
  • Before turning to music, Dury taught painting at the Canterbury Art College in Britain. This was after studying at the Royal College of Art.
  • At age 7, he was stricken with polio.
  • Dury first made a name for himself in Kilburn and the High Roads, playing Fifties rock n' roll.
  • Dury's album New Boots and Panties!! was released in 1977 and stayed on the British charts for two years.
  • He died March 27, 2000 from liver cancer.
  • Dury composed the theme song to the British TV show The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4.
  • He also acted in many movies including The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover and The Crow: City of Angels.
  • On August 26, 1998, Bob Geldof announced on a radio show that Dury had died of cancer. Dury, who would live another two years, was amused by the report.
  • Andrew Lloyd Webber asked Ian Dury to write the lyrics for Cats, but he turned him down because "I can't stand the music."

Comments: 1

  • Bill from San Gabriel, CaI saw Ian & The Blockheads at the Roxy Theatre in Hollywood in the 1978-79 period. A great show! It was one of the best I have seen! He was quite the entertainer. We miss you Ian!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.