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> Login to your account > RegisterSex & Drugs & Rock ‘N’ Roll: The Life Of
From page 73 of Classic Rock Magazine December 2010
Cover of December 2010 issue.
Ian Dury
Richard Balls OMNIBUS PRESS
The life and times of Blockhead-in-chief.
The film that this book spawned, starring Andy Serkis as Dury, was rightly heaped with praise for its loveable portrayal of the old rogue, but this biography deserves the credit for telling the definitive version of the poet, singer and raconteur’s history in a way that brings him back to life in a quite magical way.
Sticking to the facts rather than the myths, Balls uncovers a privileged early life at odds with Dury’s Essex geezer music hall persona, and he mercifully refuses to sentimentalise the hard times (the bout of polio that left him crippled) or his less attractive character traits (he wasn’t the most chivalrous of husbands). But, with tireless research and moving input from the family and friends who knew him best, Balls paints a wonderfully vivacious picture of Dury so complete you can almost hear his instantly recognisable gravelly voice gleefully laughing at his own story. A perfect tribute, and an essential read for fans.
Emma Johnston
