Ian Dury’s “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll”: A Hit That Wasn’t

The iconic song “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll” by Ian Dury is often mistakenly considered a major hit, but in reality, it barely made a mark on the UK charts upon its release in 1977. While it achieved some success on independent charts, it never reached the UK Top 75, selling only 19,000 copies. Chaz Jankel, who co-wrote the song and played guitar on it, explained that the title led to limited airplay, as the BBC largely refused to broadcast it. Although Annie Nightingale played it during evening hours, daytime airplay was scarce.

Dury’s record label, Stiff Records, also contributed to the song’s limited commercial impact by quickly pulling the single from circulation. “The company’s policy was to aim for fast sales and then delete singles,” Jankel noted, indicating that they did not allow the song enough time to gain traction on the main charts.

The inspiration for the song had been with Dury for some time before Jankel eventually agreed to write music for it. Jankel admitted he initially hesitated to tackle the lyrics. “I just didn’t see how I could come up with anything that worked with it,” he said. However, everything changed when Dury hummed a melody during a visit to his flat in South London.

What followed was a musical partnership that showcased their creative synergy. Jankel later identified that the riff Dury had developed was reminiscent of a bass line from Ornette Coleman‘s 1960 album, Change Of The Century. Dury even reached out to bassist Charlie Haden to acknowledge this borrowing, highlighting the interconnected nature of musical inspiration.

Despite its underwhelming chart performance, “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll” became an anthem during live performances. The song gained momentum during a Stiff Records package tour in 1977, where it often served as the encore. “That’s when we understood this seemed to have taken on a life of its own,” Jankel recalled, noting the engagement of crowds who chanted along.

Interestingly, the song was not included on Dury’s debut album, New Boots And Panties!, as he believed listeners should not have to pay for a track they had already purchased as a single. This decision contributed to a unique situation where a French version of the album, which included the song, outsold the UK edition.

Dury believed that he and Jankel’s collaborative writing was comparable to the work of renowned duos like Lennon & McCartney. Jankel reflected on this ambitious claim, acknowledging that their partnership allowed them to create music that resonated deeply with audiences.

Despite its enduring legacy, there have been few covers of “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll.” Some hip hop artists have sampled the track, but Jankel indicated that the complexity of the title may deter other artists from attempting their own versions. He expressed a fondness for the original, stating, “The original is just definitive.”

As the song continues to be celebrated, it serves as a testament to Dury’s talent for crafting memorable titles that resonate with listeners. “Ian was brilliant at coming up with titles which could be slogans,” Jankel observed, noting how phrases like “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll” transcended the song itself.

The legacy of “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll” reflects both the creative partnership of Dury and Jankel and the cultural climate of the time. While it may not have achieved traditional success on the charts, its impact on live performances and popular culture remains significant.