A DOUBLEdose of Blockheads is on offer this Christmas.

One of the nation’s most impressive backing groups is back, once again, at the Colchester Arts Centre for what is now an annual pre-festive treat.

As in previous years, the gig is a sell-out, but so as not to disappoint all their Colchester fans, the group have put on another extra gig, which will take place on January 3.

The original Blockheads were formed in 1977 to promote Ian Dury’s album, New Boots and Panties, on the first Stiff Records tour of the UK.

They included Chaz Jankel, Norman Watt-Roy, Charlie Charles, John Turnbull and Mick Gallagher, who became known as the Blockheads, after a song on Ian’s album.

As Ian Dury and the Blockheads, they went back out on tour, this time without Chaz Jankel, and in 1978 released What a Waste, a single that reached number five in the UK charts.

They were then joined by saxophonist Davey Payne and toured the USA, supporting Lou Reed across North America and ending with their own dates in California.

In late 1978, Chaz returned to the fold and composed Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick with Ian, which the following year gained them their debut number one hit.

Other hits, such as Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3, followed, but by the early 1980s, the band had disbanded. They re-formed temporarily for three shows in Japan in 1987 and then again in 1990 to do two benefit gigs following the death of Charlie Charles.

It wasn’t until four years later that they got together again, this time for a series of gigs after a very successful set at that year’s Madstock Festival in Finsbury Park, London.

Since Ian’s death in 2000, the band have kept his musical spirit alive with a number of shows all over the world fronted by, among others, Suggs from Madness and comedian Phill Jupitus.

As always, the star name filling in for the irreplaceable Ian Dury in Colchester will be a surprise on the night itself.

l The Blockheads play Colchester Arts Centre tonight and then again on January 3.

Tickets for January 3 are available from the box office on 01206 500900 or online at colchesterartscentre.com