Still rocking around block after 30 years

RESPECTED rockers The Blockheads blew the roof off Grimsby's Yardbirds Club during a powerful set.

Original members of Ian Dury's band took to the stage with a number of established musicians and Derek Hussey, who has taken the helm.

Fans of the 1970s band packed the venue on Church Street and were not disappointed with what they saw.

Beginning with the legendary track Sex And Drugs And Rock And Roll, Hussey, a close friend of the late Dury, shouted the lyrics in the same Cockney accent, flicking his vintage scarves and long hair.

The audience were in awe of talented saxophone player Dave Lewis, as the band made their way through classic hits such as Clever Trevor and Sweet Gene Vincent, along with various tracks from their new album, Staring Down The Barrel.

They even wooed the audience with a few to "cuddle up to", as Hussey put it. There were plenty of comments about Grimsby thrown in and the raw enthusiasm of Norman Watt-Roy, who provided the original bass line for the Frankie Goes To Hollywood single

Relax, was enjoyed by all.Swapping from keys to guitar, Chaz Jankel, who co-wrote a lot of the band's original material, seemed to be having a ball.

And as the set came to an end, the crowd screamed in unison as Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick blasted out from the speakers.

The audience wanted more, as expected, and the band came back with Reasons To Be Cheerful.

The legendary performers, 30-odd years down the line, definitely know how to put on a show, and as Hussey said, they only get better with age.

I can confirm for all those that enjoyed the performance, The Blockheads said in the dressing room, they would love to come back to Grimsby.