Managed by Andrew King and Pete Jenner, Ian Dury and the Blockheads had several hit singles, including What a Waste, Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick (which was a UK number one at the beginning of 1979, selling just short of a million copies), Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3 (number three in the UK in 1979), and the rock and roll anthem Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, often credited with introducing the phrase to the language. Dury's lyrics are a unique combination of lyrical poetry, word play, observation of British everyday (working-class) life, acute character sketches, and vivid, earthy humour.
