THE Blockheads are softening their edges for a family-friendly show at Blackheath Halls this Saturday.

The band, known for songs like Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll, have a newfound appeal with much younger folk, chirpy manager Lee Harris told News Shopper.

He said: “The majority of people that come along to shows are in their 50s but a lot of them are grandparents who bring their kids and then the kids bring kids.”

Music fans of all ages will be welcome on Saturday. Lee said: “We played Blackheath in October 2001 and we really enjoyed it.

“I think it’s the only place we’ve ever played where children can come along.”

It seems the band has mellowed a bit and Lee promises that new singer Derek won’t even swear; “or at least, not on the microphone”. Lee added: “We’re not Metallica.

“Everything is happy, upbeat and funky: we’re a party band.”

The group certainly deserve some happiness having been through the deaths of two band members, that of drummer Charley Charles in 1990 and, of course, songwriter and front-man Ian Dury in 2000.

Lee said: “Derek can never replace Ian but he has quite a, er, London accent.

“He used to be Ian’s minder and was like his best friend.

“Ian used to write about characters and Derek is like a character from one of his songs come to life, and in fact he’s turned out to be an amazing lyricist.”

The band have a brand-new album out in October but on Saturday they’ll mostly be sticking to classics like Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick, What A Waste, Clever Trevor and – of course – Sex and Drugs and Rock n Roll.

Will the younger generation like it? Lee said: “I don’t see why not.

“There are only two types of music: good or bad.”

The Blockheads are playing Blackheath Halls on Saturday, April 13 from 8pm.

Tickets are £20 in advance and £22 on the night.

Visit trinitylaban.ac.uk/blackheath-halls