Ian Dury Speaks About Spasticus Autisticus (inc. The Bus Drivers Prayer)

[@simonphelps3680]

I was crippled as a teenager and ended up very angry in a wheelchair in 1975. This was the first song I heard that I really identified with. A great fuck you to all the walkie talkies... Still love it today

[@davidmoore9153]

Brill song

[@dmg7111]

SCREAM it Simon !!!!!!!!!!

[@reetpeet]

The difference between then and now...the interviewer let him speak and make his point!

[@teamcrumb]

yes!

[@sexobscura]

I get your meaning, but they still do

[@marguerita555]

@@teamcrumb Deffo!

[@wesmatron]

People were treated like, and behaved like, adults and journalists back then

[@DATAN420]

It's somehow gotten even worse 10 years later

[@TomBlackthorne]

I saw him sing this live in London in the early eighties and there was a bunch of guys in wheelchairs at the front screaming the chorus at the top of their lungs. Sometimes you've got to forget your knee-jerk reaction and understand when a message is coming from the heart.

[@nigelriza4814]

Yes

[@davemustabstain7093]

Agreed

[@sharondianneb]

💞

[@nigeljohnson4880]

Isn't it those broadcast institutions that he spoke about, who object and knee-jerked so instantly with an embarrassment of their own insecurities and inability to deal with a subject matter that they viewed as somewhat taboo or awkward to their views. Anything that raises awareness is conjoined with acceptance. You adjust your own perceptions according to what you see every day. Don't we all suffer some disability to one degree or another? Something that holds us back, maybe prevents us from moving on to where we want to be. Well it's no different for someone with a physical disability, apart from the fact that they are hindered by the way we have built our society for and by the able. The Bus driver's Pray: forgive us our Westminster's as we forgive those who Westminster against us. I love that guy, so clever.

[@TaxingIsThieving]

Liberals see the worst in everybody

[@scattysafari7742]

What a gentle, lovely man. He is missed.

[@RJDCR]

yes , and yes

[@gumdeo]

A true artist.

[@sh4m4npi7ot9]

Nah he wernt all that gentle. But an amazing creative talent just the same

[@tinmachine693]

He was actually quite a difficult man who could be a right royal pain in the arse. Not to deter from his contribution to popular music at the time which was significant

[@HermanGauche]

@@tinmachine693 deter? makes it more like!

[@CockneyRebel1979]

I've got Asperger's, so I'm legit Spasticus Autisticus, and I ain't even remotely offended by the song. I bloody love it!

[@richardevans560]

No one is now, thanks to the likes of Ian.

[@richardcrompton6009]

You spastic 😘

[@rachelschaufeld392]

I've got bipolar disorder and I love this song. Bring it on!

[@Cruzy1892]

I have autism and I am not offended by this song either. It’s great. 🙂

[@Fishie_Flop_Oog]

I am a boring normie and this brings me to tears, you are all better people then I am

[@matthobbs2740]

The guy was ahead of his time. He challenged the unwritten rule that disabled should be seen and not heard. For goodness sake they should never actively protest and make the “normal” uncomfortable. Love ya man

[@vitorinobarcelona6990]

Ian Dury, will never fade for me, a true true person unto himself, with all the good bits, and all the bad bits thrown in, unadulterated talent in its rawest form , fantasticus musicus

[@valuetraveler2026]

the only way to be really but few achieve it

[@topsyfulwell]

I am 55 with lifelong epilepsy and when I heard this for the first time last month, I felt fucking great! Added to my playlist. Nobody gets to tell me what songs I can and can't listen to. Discovering the back story makes the listen even more incredible.

[@ColetteHedges-wt1oe]

Yesssss i have cp its very mild and ian dury a mazing writing this f great😊

[@ROCKINGMAN]

Love the bus driver's prayer at the end, brilliant! Never a dull moment with the great Ian Dury. Bloody shame he died so young.

[@baddaboomb]

Ian you were a true legend. If only we had more like you.

[@GrilloTheFlightless]

Ian said this about the song: “I’d written this in the Year Of The Disabled”. I as going to start a band called Spastic & The Autistics, because the word ‘spastic’ is a swear word. There was that girl group Bananarama who used to talk about “Spazz Dancing”. Their ignorance is their own affair. I wanted to do something for the Year Of The Disabled so I wrote ‘Spasticus Autisticus’ knowing it would be unacceptable to the BBC. They banned it as they did ‘Wake Up And Make Love To Me’ and ‘ Sex And Drugs And Rock And Roll’. They actually don’t BAN it. They just don’t play it. Apparently you could only play it after dark, with written permission. I did about 140 interviews related to the song that year. It was a war cry for my brothers and sisters who are disabled. Only a spastic could understand that. It’s not describing a condition. It’s just being spirited”

[@TheGerrr]

From one Polio Spaz to another RESPECT IAN!!!! You make me smile from ear to ear.

[@jw2327]

Ian is a very natural honest speaker. This is an excellent interview!

[@oc8176]

Be the best of yourself, this song is such a noble gesture. Ian really did give everything of himself. Pity we don't have anything so 'imperfect' today.

[@janeparfitt65]

I'm not autistic but i've adored Ian Dury since I was 12 yrs old & now 54.I was always attracted to him.What a wonderful smart Master of Cockney rhyming slang.What a handsome young man he was & his songs were smart,funny.Sometimes thought provoking ;) but altogether an absolute genius.Love & miss you XXX

[@Bootrosgali]

Genius..and i quite enjoyed the comprehensively unhysterical flannelled balanced presenter.

[@tatty73]

What a spot on, great guy.

[@pjmbidge632000]

Music is Art, and Art should never be censured, if a man who has lived through an age where disabled people were openly abused, has the bravery to challenge preconceptions, then the problem lies with the one's who are offended, not with the message.

[@robertmitchell9415]

The truth of the matter is: Ian Dury was ahead of the curve, it wouldn't be a problem in 2020. Rip bud.

[@brucehunter8235]

I'm autistic and I love it! And the song LOL

[@scottburton9741]

same here mate!

[@thebones]

Ryan Curnow zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@guidoahsam8043]

I hav Austistic Son, and he is pian in asssole!

[@RJDCR]

yes

[@ROOKTABULA]

IF your feels can't handle it, run and hide.

[@Asjemenou-d3j]

what a treat to hear Ian say "the bus drivers prayer"

[@securityrobot]

Good that it was performed at the Olympic ceremony hosted by the UK, if only Ian lived to have seen that.

[@michaelharris4651]

Reasons to be cheerful, miss you ian r.I.p .

[@RJDCR]

such a great great song....Always loved it...Ian is the best

[@tornadoalimary]

A sad loss when Ian Dury died.

[@andrewdown6234]

A lot of Anger in this song...you don't have to suffer to appreciate it!!! Anything can hold any body back..and I can see this song is a way of clearing the Air....with positive Anger...and why not???

[@markallen6543]

A true hero. I have my copy of the single. The poem on the sleeve sums up disability perfectly.

[@nigellambert6701]

If anyone had a right to sing about disabilities, it was Ian Dury.

[@ripdbtpoo1441]

Yes, Sir. Roundhouse,1978. Me, security on stage - not needed.I .D. coming back on stage for his 2nd encore, up the steps, refusing help after 3 hours+ standing up, crying with pain...

[@mcfctid2]

Bob Greaves was one of the greatest TV presenters ever, and thank heavens he was allowed to interview the genius Ian.

[@phillace]

still miss this geezer , a true talent !!

[@mangothing1604]

Wow! What an intelligent, compassionate and talented man!

[@Harrylechat01]

When he mentioned his dad I immediately thought of My Old Man, one of my favourite Ian Dury songs

[@davemustabstain7093]

Ian Dury man, what an absolute legend.

[@roswithadams4787]

Ian Dury war seiner Zeit weit voraus. Ich liebe seine Musik und seine Menschlichkeit. Ian, ich vermisse dich ❤

[@tombeasley4769]

I was diagnosed as autistic as a small kid . I think there should be more awairenes.

[@talbotlederer808]

What a great bloke, how can you be offended by the song, Noticed it was even at Para Olympics in 2012!

[@iucidium1982]

Talbot Lederer this interview was in the 1980s chill.

[@talbotlederer808]

iucidium1982 I'm chilled, where does it look like I'm over excited, it's just a comment

[@iucidium1982]

Talbot Lederer because you exclaimed (!)

[@talbotlederer808]

Wow i really need to calm down don't i?

[@iucidium1982]

Talbot Lederer​ hehehe, we all need to take a chill pill every now and then /s have an awesome day

[@johnsimms8285]

And in full circle it was sung by disabled people at the Paralympic Games opening ceremony in 2012. A fitting tribute to his brilliance.

[@markkelly940]

Cool. Well ahead of his time. Well done ID!

[@Xenonclouds]

I'm a total spasmo and I love this song!

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

I am a father of two boys, and my younger son has autism. As Ian said, it was very frightening when my wife and I discovered it but we learned to live with it. I believe that, among other things, it made me a better person. To all Spasticus Autisticus out there, I love you all and wish you all the happiness in the world. ❤

[@teamcrumb]

love love love love love you till my dying day, Ian xxxx

[@gemmaharris9693]

How many people have said they love it I’m disabled mentally and physically it’s a prefect song I can’t even think of a song that stands up for us

[@493HZ]

Pure genius. Reasons to be cheerful part three.

[@posniknelb6114]

The best poet who ever lived.It's as simple as that.

[@annielingray111]

Saw Ian and the Blockheads at Town & Country Club in London in the 80s. Definitely best live music gig I went to - great crowd and atmosphere. When they performed this song, everyone sang along and it was clear : this was a protest against being patronised, insulted or ignored. Consider the 80s - "spastic" was commonly used as an insult and autism wasn't known about in "normal land". Ian repeats the title many times for a reason. Heard, seen, included.

[@indio77777]

He was the best, very clever, the very best. God rest his soul.

[@TS50ER]

God Bless Ya Ian !

[@GreenDani18]

Way ahead of his times, I get it!! Rest in Peace Ian.

[@holybear]

Very sympathetic host, I enjoyed that.

[@PaPPaCtv]

This was a hit song on WMSE in Milwaukee when we first rec'd the album, but then we were told to take it off the air and pull it from our library.

[@CharlotteWeb100]

I always thought the line “You can read my body but you'll never read my books” in itself explained more or less everything being that the average normal Norman will never be anywhere near as smart as the average Spasticus. I'd reckon most of those that took real offence to this either did so on the back of the title alone or must have been the average normal Normal to whom Spasticus speaks.

[@jojojojo4332]

"hello to you out there in normal land" let's be clear. This is the best line. Cause what truly means it to be normal. It means to be boring to the point of being hospitalised.

[@johnboardman7291]

You were brilliant Ian Dury! 😎🌹🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@Xt-tt6mc]

Clever man Ian Dury, fans should check out his son Baxters music.. it's very good.

[@teamcrumb]

baxter rhymes with mediocre

[@teamcrumb]

nah Baxter's no way close to his dad as a lyricist. one hit wonder that lad.

[@stevenmitchell5319]

Wish I had been able to see him live. Love all his tunes.

[@95thFoot]

The man was thirty years ahead of his time. Today his song would be celebrated as "liberating".

[@josefk5659]

Check back 8 years later, they would have crucified him!

[@endtimechef2182]

A great song!! Gave me a lot of joy as a kid

[@andrewroberthook3310]

Love you matey May you be sailing on the great ship in the sky

[@dannyinaus]

The irony (or maybe not) is this song united disabled people across the world. Whenever they got together they would belt it out and sing at 140Db

[@darenwright1071]

Love Ian Dury, a definite one off.

[@jw2327]

I love this song!

[@CS-mo7xp]

that busdrivers' prayer is great!

[@kantaton]

Thansk for sharing this; great memory.

[@pappy9473]

One of the most loveable people ever.

[@geraldmorgan2539]

A master with lyrics and rhythm and diamond geezer

[@txtmachine3]

legendary ... what a talent

[@OlafProt]

I think its always the non-disabled people that complain about stuff like this, as they tend to think that people with disabilities dont ever laugh about themselves or think in this way. Which is nonsense.

[@2ndEndingVintage]

I first heard this on an alternative radio station in Pittsburgh, PA when I was driving in the rain in the winter... I thought it twisted and brilliant. Thanks for posting the interview...he talks about this tune and its conception and fallout in quite a few interviews. Wish he was still with us....

[@elsnons]

Uno de mis cantantes favoritos es Ian Dury y también Niina Hagen.

[@TerryTanktop]

Good song.

[@jeancadden9474]

I think he was an amazing man very intelligent probably too intelligent for the average complainer

[@jaywalker3087]

I’m a “Blockhead ‘ for life ! I’m 61 and login’ it . Still miss ya mate .........

[@janskeet1382]

Crouch End! Oh gosh darling. You were awesome.

[@dambrooks7578]

How the offence of then was then embraced for the Paralympic Games in London.

[@lordclassic3026]

Ahh! You gotta love him!

[@daveberry9922]

ian was a great artist

[@judefire1966]

Legend sadly missed xxx

[@rayhanahmed9454]

Google ; ian dury is my childhood legend.

[@Cruzy1892]

I’m autistic and I love this song.

[@Mahuruglo]

Just watched the biographical film, "Sex, Drugs and Rock N Roll" and was intrigued enough to search out real footage of him. A rhyming genius and great entertainer.

[@NicholasWarnertheFirst]

I agree. I saw him at a concert for Stiff Records when the majority of the audience left after Elvis Costello set....it was one of the best performances I have been to of any type or genre.

[@nema1218]

RIP man!

[@andy66miller]

Good work H. As always .... Thx.

[@jimhood1202]

Oh man, did he ever wield a mighty pen.

[@stevebell6094]

Man was a legend

[@cheesychipsandtits]

"Today I shall mostly be wearing grey"

[@justmadeit2]

Imagine in today's PC world if someone wrote a song like this!

[@PBL187]

LMAO at the prayer he did have a sense of humour

[@nick260682]

PBL187 he’s got the best sense of humour.

[@Boon1333]

smart man

[@deskamanhere]

a legend

[@paolozak3014]

Great Great Ian

[@geraldfrankel538]

Miss you.....

[@edward5643]

very underrated was Ian and the blockheads. should of been bigger

[@gck82s]

I miss this man

[@vanmann8347]

This song rocks!

[@thehegarty87]

legend

[@skriptico]

ian was our king :')

[@Max404s]

He was a cool geezer.

[@OneRedFlare]

So far ahead of his time.

[@andysmith8890]

Beautiful 👍

[@gushutchinson8758]

Top bloke

[@Kevin-ro1fo]

Most outrageous and crazy song ever written😫 😜

[@jonathanwelchfizz]

This man was a god