Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll: The History of Ian Dury's Iconic Track
While the phrase "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" has become a universal shorthand for hedonism and rebellion, its popularization in music is inextricably linked to the work of Ian Dury. Written during a pivotal moment in British music history, the song is more than just a provocative title; it is a complex piece of songwriting born from a unique creative partnership and a series of musical coincidences.
The Creative Process at "Catshit Mansions"
The song was composed by Ian Dury and Chaz Jankel in Dury's flat in Oval Mansions, London—a place Dury affectionately nicknamed "Catshit Mansions" due to its view of The Oval cricket ground. The songwriting process was a persistent tug-of-war: Dury would provide hand-typed lyric sheets, and Jankel would repeatedly reject the song. This cycle continued until Dury finally sang the guitar riff and the title in time with Jankel's own riff, finally locking the composition into place.
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The Mystery of the Bass Riff
The song's driving bass line has a storied origin. Jankel later noticed that the riff was identical to one played by Charlie Haden on the 1959 Ornette Coleman tune "Ramblin'" from the album Change of the Century. This led to two different accounts of how the "lift" was handled:
- One account suggests Dury apologized to Coleman, who responded that he or Haden had originally taken the riff from a Kentucky folk tune called "Old Joe Clark."
- An alternative version, shared by Dury on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, claims he apologized to Haden at Ronnie Scott's Club, only for Haden to explain that the riff was actually derived from an old Cajun tune.
Commercial Struggle and Critical Success
Despite its eventual status as a classic, the single was not an immediate commercial hit. Released in 1977, it sold approximately 19,000 copies and failed to chart. This was partly due to the policy of Stiff Records, which deleted singles from their catalog after only two months to prioritize fast sales, preventing the track from climbing the charts.
Because it arrived during the peak of punk rock, the song was frequently misinterpreted as a celebration of excess. Even the BBC banned the single. However, influential Radio 1 DJs like John Peel and Annie Nightingale continued to promote the record and its B-side. Dury himself insisted the song was not a punk anthem, but rather a suggestion that life offered more than a standard 9-to-5 existence.
Key Facts
- Writers: Ian Dury and Chaz Jankel.
- Initial Sales: Approximately 19,000 copies in 1977.
- BBC Status: Banned, though supported by DJs John Peel and Annie Nightingale.
- Musical Influence: Bass riff linked to Ornette Coleman, Charlie Haden, and traditional folk/Cajun music.
- Core Message: A critique of the "ordinary" life rather than a celebration of excess.
Re-releases and Availability
For years, the song was difficult to find. Following Dury's policy of not including singles on studio albums, it was omitted from his debut, New Boots and Panties!!. Rare versions appeared in late 1977, including a French 12-inch release and a limited run of 1,000 copies given away at the NME's Christmas party. It wasn't until the 1981 collection Juke Box Dury that the song became widely available, and it has since appeared on every Ian Dury compilation.
| Version/Release | Year | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Original Single | 1977 | Deleted after two months; banned by BBC. |
| NME Christmas Giveaway | 1977 | Limited to 1,000 copies; featured live tracks. |
| Live Stiffs Live | 1978 | Credited to Ian Dury and Stiff Stars; featured 4 drummers and 4 keyboardists. |
| Juke Box Dury | 1981 | First major singles collection featuring the track. |
| Straight from the Desk | 2001 | Live version featuring band introductions and solos. |
Different Versions of the Track
The song became a highlight of the Stiff Records joint tour featuring Nick Lowe, Wreckless Eric, Larry Wallis, and Elvis Costello. While Costello was expected to be the main draw, Ian Dury and the Blockheads became the stars, with "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" serving as the nightly encore. This era produced the "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll & Chaos" version on the Live Stiffs Live LP, a sprawling 5-minute and 22-second performance.
Later re-releases of New Boots and Panties!! included the track on a bonus disc, featuring contributions from Blockheads members Norman Watt-Roy and Charley Charles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the song intended to be a punk anthem?
No. Ian Dury maintained that the song was not a punk anthem, but rather a commentary suggesting that there is more to life than a mundane 9-to-5 existence.
Why did the original single fail to chart?
While it received critical acclaim, it sold only 19,000 copies and was deleted from the Stiff Records catalog after two months, which prevented it from gaining the momentum needed to climb the charts.
Where did the bass riff come from?
The riff is identical to one played by Charlie Haden on Ornette Coleman's "Ramblin'." However, it is believed the riff was originally lifted from either a Kentucky folk tune called "Old Joe Clark" or an old Cajun tune.
Why was the song banned by the BBC?
The BBC banned the single likely due to its provocative title and chorus, which were misinterpreted as promoting excess and hedonism.
Which musicians played on the "Live Stiffs Live" version?
That version featured a massive ensemble including four drummers, four keyboard players, and vocals by Ian Dury, Larry Wallis, Wreckless Eric, Nick Lowe, and Edmunds.