FIRST TIME HEARING Ian Dury and The Blockheads - Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick REACTION

[@bibakroll8999]

Ian Dury was an interesting man - it's worth looking into his life. He contracted polio at an early age and died too young of cancer. I'd definitely recommend travelling down this particular rabbit hole.

[@garrold1849]

Ian Dury tore it up. I remember this on release and it was unique. Baxter (his son) also is a unique talent.

[@powerplant.]

The film "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" is a pretty flawed film, but Andy Serkis did a good job of playing the man himself.

[@abbafan1972]

I like “reasons to be cheerful pt3”

[@michaelasay8587]

@@powerplant. I don't think it was.

[@michaelasay8587]

Did he have many songs?

[@TheClairem75]

RIP Ian Dury, there’ll never be another like him. What a writer he was, check out Sex & Drugs & Rock ‘n Roll, What A Waste, Reasons To Be Cheerful & Sweet Gene Vincent (it’s a tribute to one of Ian’s idols, Gene Vincent).

[@mariapurnell1666]

What a waste was a cracking tune!

[@Rimzaka]

And 'I Want to Be Straight' and '(Spasticus Autisticus)'.

[@RB747domme]

And 'Clever Trevor '.

[@jeffsmith8339]

blackmail man

[@mab06]

My Old Man - one of the most poignant songs ever written. kzbin.info/www/bejne/paCzh6h9bb-VhKc .

[@biddylisduff]

His album "New Boots and Panties" is one of the best - the band has some amazing musicians! A genius who captured Art, Poetry, Music in 70's/80's/90's UK. Spoke up for Disabled people too, as a child victim of Polio. Fascinating mix of pathos, comedy, rebellion and grit.

[@JohnLovesSpain]

Bass player is Norman Watt Roy, one of the best bass players to ever walk this planet. Part of a brilliant band of musicians who still tour in the UK to this day, 40 odd years on. Saw Norman in the Wilko Johnson band a few years ago, stood just a few yards from him as he played. He was coveting his bass as if he would never play it again, a wonderful experience. I shook his hand and said hello outside the venue. Lovely man. He and Wilko were superb. RIP Ian Dury, poet genius.

[@stshnie]

I just heard about him yesterday - apparently he contributed the famous bass riff to Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Of course, all the Blockheads were brilliant!

[@shaynesparkes8740]

My Uncle is John Sparks ( Sparko ) of Dr. Feelgood game same as Wilko …. Very good band indeed 😉

[@Bettys_Eldest]

I was lucky enough to see the band a half dozen times in the 70's, and more recently Norman Watt-Roy the bass player a few times in the Wilko Johnson band (the only tickets I could get to the Farewell tour in 2013 involved a trip to France, well worth it). Is there a better bass line on any song?

[@tbone2471]

@@shaynesparkes8740 Your uncle. He always brings a smile to my face for some reason, I don't know why. Probably his handle bar moustache and the way he moved. Happy days.

[@RB747domme]

I managed to speak to him on the platform at Euston train station, a few years back. Norman was carrying his bass guitar in its case, and a big bag, as he was heading up North to a gig. I recognised him straight away, and walked up to him and offered to shake his hand, and he was so respectful, and glad that I recognised him, and was happy to chat for a couple of minutes. I told him that he was one of my bass idols, and he was really happy and smiled. He gave me an autograph on the back of one of his cards. It takes pride of place in my scrapbook of autographs from musicians.

[@arshadmahmood9625]

the bass sound is brilliant, you don't hear that nowadays, Ian Dury will remain a legend forever.

[@leevanqueef2658]

I remember being transfixed by this song when it appeared on Top of the Pops in England. That freaking bass line needs to be sent off into space so it'll be heard by the entire universe to let them know how bloody good it is to be human...

[@1889jonny]

Loved Ian Dury, what a wordsmith! "Sweet Gene Vincent" and "There ain't half been some clever bastards" are absolute classics, one of a kind, sadly missed, but never forgotten.

[@davesabra4320]

Ian Dury. A reason to be cheerful. From my town.

[@NormAppleton]

Maybe 1,2,3 which town is it?

[@thisiszaphod]

More Ian Dury, please. He was a national treasure.

[@garrold1849]

Do you know what is great? You never noticed or gave a shit about Ian’s physical disability. Class act right there.

[@surlechapeau]

J, you'll love his "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" and "Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3" !!

[@malcolmcog]

this is 43 years ago, he still hits me with his Rhythm Stick ! RIP the Lord of Kilburn !

[@matthewhopkins666]

You know rhythm stick is rhyming slang for d**k right? The entire song is him singing about how women everywhere beg to be hit with the rhythm stick.

[@danielswood]

I absolutely adored Mr Dury - what a gent! And survivor, poet, musician. (And so ahead of any socially correct movement. Two fat persons refers to the socially played game of BINGO (Lotto) where the common name for calling out 88 is 2 fat ladies.) He also sang about mental and physical health stigma and taboo well ahead of others. Plus, you have to appreciate the musicians he accumulated - my fav version of rhythm stick is probably this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXOsg51pf7xmnpI - so much going on, (2 saxes at once, anyone?) but just keep your ears on Norman Joseph Watt-Roy on bass. Absolute class. The Blockheads music was really well produced in its release era as well.

[@johnmorgan7968]

Hey thanks for the link. That live version was off the fuckin chain.

[@grabtharshammer]

and I always thought the line was "two fat Parsons"

[@flea1683]

We all loved Ian, he seemed like a nice man who shrugged off his health problems to bring us all joy and a bloody good time.

[@NormAppleton]

You mean his polio? His whole left side was fucked, Withered leg and arm.

[@sharonsnail2954]

Good reaction, JayVee. Your enthusiasm matches the upbeat nature of the song 👍👍👍 You'll have lots of suggestions of more Ian Dury and The Blockheads tracks to react to. All will have lyrics with wit, charm and mischief 😏 Ian D was very British (English even) BTW. The "two fat persons" in lyrics is a play on the Bingo caller's "two fat ladies" for the number 88 - just more PC 😛

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

Next Ian song MUST BE Sex n drugs n rock n roll. Classic. His band were amazing.

[@taniaPBear]

He was one of those people who just saw things a different way, the music was not for everyone but you could never say it was boring. Great reaction.

[@bugsby4663]

A brilliant poet fronting a skilled jazz band. The bass on this song is complex and amazing. I believe it was written about his walking stick. Also, 2 sax at the same time.

[@SpikeMatthews]

er... not his walking stick... lol...

[@sd3457]

The bassist, Norman Watt-Roy is still gigging with Wilko Johnson (ex Dr Feelgood) and is still f...reaking awesome.

[@GordonTredgold]

@@SpikeMatthews nope definitely not

[@shaynesparkes8740]

Ian Dury, a total genius and his band were mad proficient in musicianship ( he probably had the best band musically wise just had the lot ) and as beautiful collective. Very underrated band, as mentioned IAN Had polio and passed away of cancer - new boots and Panties is a masterpiece of an album ( my favourite ) … wake up and make love with me, my old man, clever Trevor, PP Not exactly KZbin friendly ( loads of swearing 🤬 ) … and the last track off the album the immortal- Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll

[@marcovignologargini6242]

What a joy! Ian Dury a real myth, his "Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n Roll" is an anthem. Chaz Jankel on the piano, another genius. Thanks for this video!

[@TheCornishCockney]

…..very good indeed…….

[@sarablack2547]

He was singing in french and German once in the same sentence.he got polio at 7 left him with a shriveled hand and leg.he died of cancer age 57 in 2000.2010 there was a bio pic named after his song sex and drugs and rock n roll.andy serkis who was golem in lord of the rings,ceasr in planet of the apes played him.

[@clarewilson7331]

I saw that film when it was released - so good! He had such a difficult childhood because he was disabled but his talent & personality won

[@kathrynjarlov5166]

Ian Drury was institutionalized as a child "disabled" with polio. there was alot of physical abuse......

[@susannehouse3857]

As a 16 year old when this came out I was fascinated by it……..music’s so tame now. Lol…😂😂😂

[@angeladavies898]

Me too, I was also 16 when this came out, I never liked Punk music much but this is great!

[@nigelralphmurphy2852]

Can you react to Ian Drury's "Billericay Dickie"? One of my favourite Ian Drury tunes, along with all the others.

[@thereunionparty]

I vote for "What A Waste" for your next foray into Ian Dury and the Blockheads.

[@aluskn]

I've always liked "i want to be straight" :)

[@berlaloup1675]

Omg, I remember this one! Haven't heard it in a long time. Thanx for reminding me of so many good old tunes and the fun I was having back when this was on the radio😁🎶💙🎧

[@vanburger]

Totally unique loved Ian Dury....like others said 🙏 RIP . Suffered with polio most of his life, but great human being and fantastic music. 79 was the year I left school. This is in my own personal songbook of life.....

[@cgmat7804]

I miss the 70's 80's bands where you had proper musicians

[@fligler]

Love this album! "Clever Trevor" and "Wake up and make love" also great tracks. Best lyrics and a true cockney

[@GordonTredgold]

its no fun when you're sleeping, wide awake is best

[@leighstreet8298]

Knock me down, with a feather...

[@TheShanshuprophecy]

Oh Clever Trevor was a fantastic fusion of. British ‘Are you bring served’ humour and punk .. damn he was good

[@leighstreet8298]

Soon I was rolling, through the morning fog, with me long haired children and me one eyed dog.

[@PWMoze]

Bingo callers used to say 'two fat ladies' when 88 came out the hat, 'clickety click' when it was 66. Ian's referring to that. He was a lyrical genius with a particular fondness for how Londoners ('cockneys') used to speak. If you like his lyrics check out the song 'Blockheads'. Makes me laugh everytime I hear it.

[@Jillyconjem]

High school times for me. “Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3” is my favorite. I recently watched the movie about his life. Interesting guy. 💜💜💜

[@nigelralphmurphy2852]

Just for you all's interest "two fat ladies (not persons) clik clik clik" is a British Bingo call meaning "88." Two fat ladies because 88 looks a bit like two fat ladies standing next to each other. What do you think "two little ducks" means? Well done! You're absolutely correct, it means "22" Drury comes from East London.

[@kevanwillis4571]

Clickerty click number 66.

[@nigelralphmurphy2852]

@@kevanwillis4571 PC = 49. Refers to the BBC Radio series "The Adventures of PC 49". The usual response is "Evening all." The English working class are true poets and leaders in the Theatre of the Absurd, especially the London working class. Cockney rhyming slang is pure genius. "I went down the frog to the old rub-a-dub and got a bit Brahms and let out a raspberry me old China started to Darby and Joan I said leave it out chum shut yer north n south know what I mean. I'm too pissed to drive the old jam jar I'll have to get a minicab. Me dog's are barking too, can I use your dog n bone? Either way I'll be in Barney with the trouble n strife. 'Use your loaf mate' me mate said. 'A dickey in your shell-like. Come round my gaff and have a coupla cups of Rosie and sober up.' 'I can't Adam and Eve it' sez I. 'You're a genius. If I have anutha barney with her indoors I'll be fucking brown bread!'

[@neilt8863]

It does seem abrupt but yes, that IS how the song ends. So glad you like it! Next song of histo do is Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3.

[@maryellenazack4466]

Yes yes, REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL PT.3 🧨

[@EzraSprouts]

Such a bop!

[@sally-notsosilent]

Yes please!

[@bobdavis4848]

You seem think this is the only version of this song. I bought it also on a 45 which is much longer and ends on a fade, not abruptly. I love this song, "Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3" and other songs of Ian Dury.

[@kimmarievan-ever6599]

Most everyone has given you the run down on Ian..yes he always wore a glove on his left hand because of the damage polio did and wore a leg caliper too..being on stage really took it out of him but he gave everything as you can see..taken from us way too young..others to review..Billericky Dickie..Reasons to be cheerfull part 3..Sex Drugs and rock n roll..enjoy..🇬🇧💞✝️🙏

[@turokforever007]

He said some people came up to him after shows saying he put it on but others said he hid it well

[@markhoward2811]

There was a biography movie made about the life of lead singer Ian Dury in 2010 called 'Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll' starring Gollum actor, Andy Serkis as Ian Dury. It is a fantastic movie and well recommended to watch.

[@wiseguy100]

His son, Baxter Dury, is also a singer. Has released some really interesting songs and music videos worth reacting to.

[@Mickeypeach]

Yeah have a listen to Miami by Baxter Duty.

[@RB747domme]

The apple didn't roll far from the tree.

[@Mickeypeach]

He also reminds me of Serge Gainsbourg

[@TheoZoffrok]

Big shout for What A Waste, on which you'll hear him singing - not always quite in tune, but it doesn't matter, as it's such a characterful voice. Brilliant song too.

[@lubilou64]

Aaah Ian Dury, what an absolute legend he was 😍 thanks for reacting to him Jay. “What A Waste” is my favourite song of theirs from 1978, it’s got a great mellow groove to it. Cheers!

[@MrDaiseymay]

Thanks for reminding me.

[@Brian-lz5if]

It was incredible being able to grow up with this stuff !

[@spruce381]

Truth.

[@welshlad6427]

Absolute Tune this. Takes me back. Ian Dury Legend.

[@irishfergal]

Grace Jones tells us that we are slaves to the rhythm. Ian Jury tells us that we ARE that rhythm. RIP Ian Jury, over the hills and far away.

[@davidlittle7182]

Reasons To Be Cheerful is my next fave Blockheads song but hardly anyone has done a reaction to it

[@plasticflowerz]

I listen to that song a lot when commuting to work, puts me in a good mood!

[@ayseclark-carter8744]

R.I.P Ian.. so glad you did this one love your reaction 😊😊

[@simonround2439]

Ian Dury was an absolute legend - a one off. Try listening to Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll, Sweet Gene Vincent and What a Waste

[@brooktu4249]

"Two fat persons" is a term from the game Bingo meaning the Number 88.

[@louiseedgcumbe4819]

One of the Blockheads plays in a band that I see in my local in North Cornwall you can definitely hear the blockhead sound when they play !!

[@feewebb]

My hero!!! One of the best bass lines ever. I was 12 when I got New Boots & Panties. My dad heard me playing it and promptly confiscated it.

[@nataliebriant3947]

I remember my stepdad bought NBAP and for the 1st listen played it really loud. It was great, right up until Plaistow Patricia, mum hit the roof ha ha ha I think the whole street heard it!

[@barbararyan4084]

Still one of my favourite songs EVER!! First heard this in 1979 when I was 13 and it definitely hit me with their rhythm stick. Loved your reaction to the end of the song. Could see that coming 😂

[@stuhazle]

So nice to see a young dude get as much enjoyment out of a song that us oldies can remember from when they were released. I saw Ian Dury and the Blockheads at the Birmingham Odeon (in England) in 1981, still remember it with a huge smile today 😊

[@SpikeMatthews]

"Two fat persons, click, click, click" is a reference to the bingo callers. Two fat persons (should be women) = 88, and clickety-click = 66.

[@RevsIT]

Unique is absolutely the right word for Ian Dury

[@tonyzed6831]

The energy, it's all about the energy its band had. And it also was a collection of talents.

[@antonyware9887]

A product of British genre Pub Rock which eventually merged /morphed into Punk Rock, in around 1975, that pre-punk period was probably my favourite of all time, Kokomo, Alberto y los trios paranoios, Spitz Oil, Kilburn and the High Roads ( Ian Drury), Ducks Delux, Bebop Deluxe, Dr Feelgood, Kursaal Flyers. A superb time.

[@tea4two332]

Reasons to be cheerful part 3 please, also Terry Hall, the Colourfields, Funboy 3 and Ghost Town

[@Robskit6]

I love this. Its so low down dirty, steamy, old school basement club in the late hour fantastic. Ian Dury and the Blockheads are red hot and made a moment in music that scorches to this day and makes you play it again and again - hit meeee!

[@DavidMartin-ws9es]

One of the greatest live bands I've seen.

[@bobblowhard8823]

I grew up listening to Ian Dury! Everything I learned about geography was from this song!

[@kayvancooten4657]

I luuuurve your reaction.. i love it when a person feels music the way i do. ❤️🎶

[@paulbillerey1594]

I saw Ian Dury and the Blockhead Several Times in the Late 1970 and the 80S. The Best Times were at the Crystal Palace Park Bowl London July 1981 and the Brixton Academy London 1990. Nice One from South London.

[@lynneroberts3628]

Brilliant on so many levels, RIP Ian

[@adtvreactskellyclarksonsn1]

Can you please react to the song Jilted John by Jilted John

[@ArchieFatcackie]

One of the most extraordinary songs ever. It had it all great vocals from a charismatic performer and the musicianship and slickness is off the scale.

[@paznewis107]

The masochist says, hit me! The sadist says.... No..

[@GreenGibbon]

Great reaction, JV! You got it! Ian Dury & the Blockheads, what a band! (It's frightening to think this was 1979 - so long ago...)

[@chriscox8547]

There ain't half been some clever bastards

[@swisstoni2913]

Pure class. Drury a polio survivor... what a man.

[@CBGB_1977]

Who said punk rock couldn’t be funky? :)

[@GordonTredgold]

their attitude was all punk

[@clasicradiolover]

English, French, and German

[@miss_adventure2846]

I've just found your channel and now a subscriber. Love your enthusiasm and thoughtful comments. Your song choices are brilliantly varied!

[@kevinwaters5872]

“The truth about bleedin’ blockheads is we’re all blockheads too” I loved Ian then , I love him still. What a wordsmith !

[@briankelly8152]

Brilliant song,Sex and drugs and Rock and Roll is also an awesome song.👍

[@onlyme219]

Can't believe you did this one, kudos from a nobody 55-year-Old from the UK :) I'm glad you liked it Jayvee we have so much more from the UK music at the time for you to listen to

[@MUSIC4TRUTH....]

The Sex Pistols,Madness,The Clash every great band around the mid/late 70's would go and see Ian Dury long before he became popular he influenced many of them. I was lucky enough to see Ian and the band live and when he enters the stage you know it!

[@TheShanshuprophecy]

I’m intrigued by Madness in that list lol .. they were fun, but a long time after Sid killed Nancy and (IMO) were never, ever great .. but we shall probably just need to agree to disagree 🙃

[@GordonTredgold]

@@TheShanshuprophecy nope not reqlly they pretty much followed on from them maybe a year 2 tops before they hit the top

[@robbrockie-donald5487]

@@TheShanshuprophecy Ian Dury did vocals for a Madness song ( Drip Fed Fred ) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXvUknqcob98gpI

[@LATBEGHUD]

Next one should be - sex and drugs and rock n roll

[@urbangardenangel]

The track wasn't cut off, that's how the it ends. I love that you liked it. It's a badass track. You didn't realise it was gonna be quite that funky, did you? This tune came out at a time when punk & funk were bumping along side by side in the UK. Ian Dury was a unique and very talented performer, sadly no longer with us. His band The Blockheads are still going strong. You reacted in all the places I expected. Funky as hell, eh? Listen to What a Waste by them. A little more low key than this but still out there as something so different. x

[@Lynnimod]

Or reasons to be cheerful 😁

[@bobdavis4848]

Great comment and I agree but you seem think this is the only version of this song. I bought it also on a 45 which is much longer and ends on a fade, not abruptly. I love this song, "Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3" and other songs of Ian Dury.

[@musekimsmith]

Always loved Ian Dury and bought all his albums including his last 'Mr Love Pants' which came out after they had split and reunited. My favourite track from this which always makes me giggle, is 'Geraldine' with Ian's usual suggestive lyrics. His style has been described as something between vaudeville and rock'n'roll. Dury has a truly lyrical poeticism, that showcases his gritty sense of humour. I was lucky enough to see him at the Shepherd's Bush Empire just before he died aged 53 and surprised myself by remembering all the words to the songs. His drummer Charley was paralysed from the waist down and died 10 years before Ian did. RIP Ian and Charley ❤

[@seandoyle2983]

Norman Watt Roy. Thank you.

[@janstan8407]

I remember when it came out and I saw this on TV. We just went "YEAH, RIGHT ON!!". I really miss the late 70's early 80's.

[@pamchilton8129]

Javaughn I have been waiting ages for you to react to this song. Best way to listen to this is while driving with the volume up all the way!! All the best 80s parties had this on the playlist.

[@fredshred5194]

Reasons to be cheerful is a must.

[@ladykaycey]

I've been longing for a reaction to this. I've always loved it so much. Thank you 😊

[@leejames8595]

Norman Watt-Roy playing one of the best ever baselines…Quality!

[@M2Mil7er]

listen to Jaco Pastorius' 'Come On, Come Over' especially the chorus and turnaround. That's where Watt-Roy got the inspiration for this line from.

[@deanbeckworth1053]

16th notes on the bass? Wow 🤩

[@PWMoze]

@@M2Mil7er Never realised it at the time, worked it out years later. Nothing but respect Norman Watt-Roy.

[@M2Mil7er]

@@PWMoze yeah he's an incredible player.

[@jublaim]

I call him "E-Normous Watt-Roll"... It's like every song he plays on with Blockheads the bass is perfectly right. He plays any type of music!

[@Bashimillar]

All these years later still know every word, beat and bump ... 12 years old blasting the 7 inch vinyl out of my small back bedroom and drowning out my older sister's ABBA 👍

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

He was playing TWO sax at once ( a tenor and an alto ) that's how he made them sound like that lol

[@davepb5798]

'Sweet Gene Vincent' is another Dury classic!

[@redstar7292]

They were brilliant. He could be considered one of the forerunners to rap music..

[@tropenkindje1]

Back to my highschool years. Next ,reasons to be cheerfull part 3

[@joshs4594]

The sax player probably blew his brains out holding that high note. 😆

[@stuhazle]

Norman Watt-Roy on the bass - a thing of beauty.

[@daibonehead]

i was 5 with this came out and recall hearing this and immediately understanding that this was not the usual music that was out there. this was something special. Lennon pretended to be a working class hero. Drury was himself and didn’t need to pretend about anything.

[@iainweller452]

Wow definitely sums up Ian Dury, check out “Reasons to be Cheerful Part 3” or pretty much anything he does

[@djalice]

I remember my Mother telling me off for playing the B-Side to this, ‘There Ain’t Half Been Some Clever Bastards’ because of the swearing. Any song which starts with the line ‘’Noël Coward was a charmer’’ is OK in my book. Ian Dury did a little acting as well and is in one of my favourite movies of all time ‘The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover’. Also, my girlfriend once bought a flat off one of The Blockheads 😎🤩

[@geoffn54]

One of the great sax solo's in a terrific number.

[@Nyquest]

You've just been looking at one of the best British bands ever.

[@TheShanshuprophecy]

I saw him live for my 14th birthday. When they finished & left the stage, the crowd was cheering for an encore, lights were still down so we were expecting another song. But Ian Dury came back out, sat on the end of the stage, dangling legs & signalled for the lights to be turned on - picked up his mic, and told the whole venue to f*ck off home lol.. I met him backstage also & he was a filthy old man (no surprise haha) .. RIP

[@TheAgalmic]

Two fat parsons, click, click, click (Parson = member of the clergy)

[@belindajustice4113]

remember hearing this for the first time with my dad in the car. It had a profound effect on my dad he was a changed man from that moment on. He changed his hairstyle clothing and taste in music. dad later on to meet up with Ian on many occasions enjoying his poetry round the pubs. Many happy memories.

[@wendykelly8551]

Have you looked at Adam lambert doing Queens songs at Queens jubilee at weekend ... reminded me a bit of when Freddie did liveaid.. ...... Ian Dury... did well .... had polio .. why he needed a stick/cane .. x

[@phonebone81]

The cover of the vinyl record shows a wallpaper and there were 34 different wallpaper covers for the same record. I found it so bizarre that I bought the LP several times and today I have 12 of them hanging on the wall. Great Music and a little journey for me back to my youth. Greets @ all from hamburg (germany)

[@nigelralphmurphy2852]

I never knew that. The English eh. Die Englischen lustigen leute!

[@snoopdoggdoggystyle604]

He said "I love you, and This is good." (In German) 😂

[@Manup2day]

No denying the underlying funky undertone.