On This Day 23/05/1978 Ian Dury

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On this day, 23 May 1978, English rocker, actor, poet, Ian Dury played Cardiff Top Rank with his band The Blockheads.

Under the management of Andrew King and Peter Jenner, the original managers of Pink Floyd, Ian Dury and the Blockheads quickly gained a reputation as one of the top live acts of new wave music.

Dury's lyrics are a combination of lyrical poetry, word play, observation of British everyday life, character sketches, and sexual humour: "This is what we find ... Home improvement expert Harold Hill of Harold Hill, Of do-it-yourself dexterity and double-glazing skill, Came home to find another gentleman's kippers in the grill, So he sanded off his winkle with his Black & Decker drill".

The song "Billericay Dickie" rhymes "I had a love affair with Nina, In the back of my Cortina" with "A seasoned-up hyena Could not have been more obscener".

The band was formed after Dury began writing songs with pianist and guitarist Chaz Jankel (the brother of music video, TV, commercial and film director Annabel Jankel). Jankel took Dury's lyrics, fashioned a number of songs, and they began recording with members of Radio Caroline's Loving Awareness Band – drummer Charley Charles (born Hugh Glenn Mortimer Charles, Guyana 1945), bassist Norman Watt-Roy, keyboard player Mick Gallagher, guitarist John Turnbull and former Kilburns saxophonist Davey Payne.

An album was completed, but major record labels passed on the band. Next door to Dury's manager's office was the newly formed Stiff Records, a perfect home for Dury's maverick style.

On this day 26 October 1977 "Stiffs Greatest Stiffs Live Tour"

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On this day, 26 October 1977, "Stiffs Greatest Stiffs Live Tour," a package showcasing the best of Stiff Records played Cardiff’s Top Rank.

Describe in the NME Pre-tour, “a Stiff Records package tour, plays two dozen major dates around the country starting early next month. It's going out under the banner of "Stiffs Greatest Stiffs Live Tour," and the full line-up at all gigs is:

Elvis Costello, who will be appearing with the Attractions.

Ian Dury, on stage for the first time since leaving the Kilburns and performing with his new band which comprises Davey Payne (sax), Norman Watt-Roy (bass), Charley Charles (drums) and Chaz Jankel (guitar).

Nick Lowe, on the road for the first time as a soloist after finishing work as producer of the Feelgoods' new album Be Seeing You. He expects to be using a seven-piece backing band, including two drummers.

Wreckless Eric, who will be supported by Denise Roudette (bass), Ian Dury, (drums) and Davey Payne (sax).

Larry Wallis, ex-Pink Fairies and Motorhead, who is currently working on a solo album with the Hot Rods' rhythm section — though they won't be accompanying him on the tour.

The five acts will each play a 20-minute set in rotating order. The opening night at High Wycombe is been recorded and, thanks to a rush operation, the resulting live album will be available at all gigs from Bath onwards (October 7), priced £1.99.

On This Day 23/5/1978 Ian Dury and The Blockheads

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On this day, 23 May 1978, rock legend Ian Dury and the Blockheads played Cardiff’s Top Rank.

The Blockheads' sound drew from its members' diverse musical influences, which included jazz, rock and roll, funk, and reggae, and Dury's love of music hall. The band was formed after Dury began writing songs with pianist and guitarist Chaz Jankel.

Dury's first hit, "What a Waste / Wake Up and Make Love with Me" was released in April 1978 just before the start of his headlining tour, entering the Top 75 on 29 April and spent 12 weeks there. It peaked at number 9 in the UK Singles Chart,becoming Stiff Records' biggest selling single to date.