The Blockheads Pen New Song for Punk Musical REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL at Belgrade Theatre

A new song has been written by members of Ian Dury's band The Blockheads and performer John Kelly exclusively for the musical Reasons to be Cheerful, which opens its UK tour at the Belgrade Theatre this September.

Following a hugely successful tour in 2012 which was seen by almost 12,000 people and a series of concert performances last year, this joyful and defiant production will embark on a UK tour, kicking off at the Belgrade on Fri 8 Sept.

Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Ian Dury and the Blockheads' seminal album 'New Boots and Panties!!', the musical features a catalogue of the band's hits, including the newly penned song 'If It Can't Be Right Then It Must Be Wrong.'

The song is a rallying cry against the current government cuts; specifically the austerity and cuts directed at the d/Deaf and disabled community in the UK and the systematic disintegration of the NHS and the welfare state. The lyrics of 'If It Can't Be Right Then It Must Be Wrong' reflect back to the era Reasons to be Cheerful is set, when Ian Dury and The Blockheads were dominating the charts. Full lyrics can be seen here.

Chaz Jankel said, "This is one of the most timely and relevant songs I've ever been involved in. The funding cuts are atrocious. The lyrics Derek Hussey has written-with additional input from John Kelly frame the current crisis perfectly. It goes beyond being a pleasure to be part of this project, it's VITAL!"

Derek Hussey said, "These issues should be at the top of the agenda in any fair minded democratic society. Allowing individuals to achieve and maintain independence, an element of self-esteem and dignity without suffering the ignominy of having to resort to a humiliating begging bowl mentality. 'If It Can't Be Right Then It Must Be Wrong' highlights some of those points and, I hope, reminds us all that with the right kind of assistance anything is possible."

Co-writer of the song and performer in Reasons to be Cheerful John Kelly said, "'If It Can't Be Right Then It Must Be Wrong' is the fight back towards a society that respects equality, difference, human rights and that celebrates that we actually want to support each other through life. I hope that people come along to the show and join in the fun, anarchy and energy of it all, so we can have a right old sing-along every night during the tour."

'If It Can't Be Right Then It Must Be Wrong' will be available as a free download to everyone who buys a ticket for the Reasons to be Cheerful tour and will be performed exclusively at each show on the tour by the cast and band.

It has also been announced that Tony Heaton OBE has been commissioned to create artwork for the new song 'If It Can't Be Right Then It Must Be Wrong'. A long-term Ian Dury and the Blockhead's fan and close friend of producer Graeae Theatre Company, Tony will take inspiration from his landmark sculpture 'Great Britain from a Wheelchair'. Working in his much-celebrated signature style he will work to reflect the song's defiant protest message.

Tickets for Reasons to be Cheerful are available now priced from £19.25 by calling the Belgrade Box Office team on 024 7655 3055 or book online at www.belgrade.co.uk for even cheaper tickets.

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