In 1981 the Song was Banned by the BBC ... Demonstrating Their Sheer Lack of Understanding!

“ So what's changed since? In short a whole lot of nothing! Ian Dury's song Spasticus Autisticus still remains a forbidden tune at the BBC 29 years on - frightening to think such narrow mindedism still prevails at Broadcasting House! ”

Ian Dury 12 May 1942 – 27 March 2000

Share on            

Email Friend     Contact Author

(eMusicWire.Org) – 27th March 2010 will be the 10th anniversary of Ian Dury's death. Championing the cause to get Spasticus Autisticus to number 1 that same week is Maxim Thompson. Max felt it would be a very fitting way to celebrate Ian's life, and rightly so. The Facebook campaign was launched and the group is growing steadily day by day. Arguably, not with the same viral impact that Jon Morter's Rage Against The Machine for Christmas number 1 enjoyed. Needless, perhaps, to say Jon's was anti Simon Cowell campaign rather than pro Rage Against The Machine show of hands!

Back in the day... 1981 the lyric was deliberately provocative as the word Spastic, a name for people who have cerebral palsy, was becoming taboo in Britain. Spastic was being used as a derogatory term. Ian was himself disabled from polio, despite this BBC deemed it offensive and denied it airplay before 6pm. What a ludicrous attempt at dumbing down the nation by the BBC whilst clearly not understanding the validity of Ian's uncompromising lyrics!

Can people power bring about change? Yes, for sure... just ask Simon Cowell!

Come on people get off the fence, join Max's Facebook group 'Spasticus Autisticus for Number 1 in the week of 27th March 2010' invite all your friends and Max will give you the nod when it's time to buy. With the support of The Blockheads, Ian's band, it's Spasticus Autisticus from their live album "Warts And Audience" recorded at Brixton Academy on 22nd December 1990 that is up for the people's vote. Show you support for the grandad of punk... Ian Dury what a geezer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVNvzpm0-nI

Here's something for you to think about if you think the song is against the disabled cause or the use of the word spastic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaNQT7G2R_I