Monday 28 September 2009

Ouch! Omar whacks Ian - can you name the artist?


Le Caprice, 1985: 'All the films you've made since Lawrence of Arabia are rubbish,' Ian told the actor Omar Sharif, following a refreshing dinner at an exclusive London eatery. Diners looked up in disbelief as Sharif jumped from the table, throwing the first (and last) punch. There were no photographers around, but can you name the artist behind this picture? And the publication it appeared in? It's in the style of Guy Peelaert (of 'Rock Dreams' fame) and was kindly sent to me by Mick Gallagher of the Blockheads (thanks Mick), but its origin remains a mystery.






Saturday 5 September 2009

Ian winds up, Ian winds down, Bristol 1974


This great photograph was taken by Alain Le Kim, minutes after a sweat-soaked Ian Dury came off stage at Bristol Granary Club in 1974 where he appeared with Kilburn and The High Roads. In the audience was Ian's art college tutor and mentor Peter Blake, who spent most of the set in front of the stage, mesmerised by Ian's performance. 'Ian would wind people up,' recalls Blake. 'At one point he tried to get the other Kilburns to throw the man who ran the Granary Club off the balcony!'
Photo copyright Alain Le Kim