It was as though the spirit of Ian Dury was back in the room when The Blockheads came to the Norwich Arts Centre, in St Benedicts.

Eastern Daily Press: The Blockheads performing at The Norwich Arts Centre. Picture: Marc BettsThe Blockheads performing at The Norwich Arts Centre. Picture: Marc Betts (Image: Archant)

The seven-piece rock band, now fronted by Derek Hussey after Dury's death in 2000, had the centre jiving and dancing to the bands own style of punk rock.

Fresh off the release of their latest album, Beyond the Call of Dury, the performance mixed classic Ian Dury and The Blockheads hits, opening with Wake Up and Make Love With Me, and new material.

Having recently celebrated their 40th anniversary it was clear that their spirit and energy has not left these outstanding musicians.

I have never seen a group perform such a masterclass. With Norman Watt-Roy laying incredible bass lines, and master of the guitar Chas Jankel's amazing solos, true brilliance.

Derek Hussey, wearing one of Ian Dury's scarfs, took the audience back to the hay days of the late 70s and as the band reminded Norwich, although they are now taking drugs to keep them alive rather than for recreation, they will keep on going into 2018.