One of the unexpected perks of running around the live music scene is that every now and then you make connections that lead to some memorable nights.
A friend of mine knows Chaz Jankel of The Blockheads, the man who co-wrote many of Ian Dury and The Blockheads’ greatest songs. Through that connection, Emma and I have been fortunate enough to find ourselves on the guest list for their concerts on several occasions.
This was the third time we’d seen them.
And I honestly think they keep getting better.
Of course, The Blockheads have had to evolve over the years. Ian Dury’s death in 2000 left an enormous hole that could never truly be filled, but rather than treating the band as a museum piece, the remaining members have continued to move forward while staying true to the spirit of the music.
Their current frontman, Mike Bennett, does a tremendous job.
I already knew Mike through his Edinburgh Fringe show, in which I made a brief appearance back in 2023, so it was nice to see him once again leading one of Britain’s most distinctive bands. Rather than trying to imitate Ian Dury, he wisely brings his own personality to the role while respecting the material.
Before the main event, the audience were treated to a set from The Rulers of the Root.
Support bands can often be overlooked when people are eagerly awaiting the headline act, but they certainly held their own. Their set provided an energetic and enjoyable start to the evening, warming up the crowd nicely before the veterans took to the stage.
Then it was time for The Blockheads.
What immediately strikes you when watching them is just how accomplished they are as musicians. This isn’t simply a nostalgia act rolling out old favourites. The Blockheads remain one of the tightest and most versatile live bands around, effortlessly moving between funk, rock, reggae, jazz and whatever else takes their fancy.
The songs, of course, remain timeless.
Tracks that were written decades ago still sound fresh, funny and full of life. Ian Dury’s lyrics captured something uniquely British, and hearing them performed by musicians who helped create the originals gives the songs an authenticity that few legacy acts can match.
What impressed me most was the sheer joy coming from the stage.
The band looked like they were having a great time, and that enthusiasm spread throughout the audience. By the end of the evening, the room felt less like a concert and more like a celebration.
As always, Emma and I documented the occasion.
The full concert footage below demonstrates exactly why I keep saying The Blockheads are one of the best live bands around. If you’ve never seen them before, I’d encourage you to watch it and judge for yourself.
I also managed to grab a quick interview with Mick Gallagher.
Mick has been part of The Blockheads story for decades and remains one of the band’s key figures. During our chat we discussed Liberty, their then-new single, for which he wrote the lyrics. It’s always fascinating to hear directly from the people who continue to keep the band moving forward while honouring its rich history.
Looking back, this was another fantastic evening with a group that refuse to rest on their reputation.
Many bands survive after losing an iconic frontman.
Very few continue to thrive.
The Blockheads are one of those rare exceptions.
The videos below include support act The Rulers of the Root, the full Blockheads performance and my interview with Mick Gallagher. If you’ve only ever known them through the records, do yourself a favour and see them live if you get the chance.
Three gigs in, and I still think they’re getting better.
I managed to get a quick interview with Mick Gallagher who wrote the lyrics to their new single, Liberty.
The Photos
Cheers!
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