Here is the first complete no-holds-barred biography of the late, great self-made Essex lad himself!

The abrasive Dury always met life head on, in his relationships and in his music, and this acclaimed biography does not shrink from chronicling some of his darker moments, as well as his triumphs. Author Richard Balls talked to more than 50 of his friends, as well as to Dury himself shortly before his death.

This fully updated edition charts the continuing success of The Blockheads and tells the inside story of the biopic sex&drugs&rock&roll. Actors Andy Serkis, who played Dury, and Martin Freeman, are among the contributors, along with Dury's former minder and confidant Derek Hussey.

There are vivid insights into harsh post-war schools for disabled children, the Fifties art school scene and the ramshackle pub rock circuit, plus a mixed bag of celebrities from Peter Blake to Omar Sharif.

Dury's extraordinary life was always a battle. As rocker, lyricist, artist and actor he was unsentimental and uncompromising. As a man he was harder to fathom - until now. In this classic rock biography, the self-styled "diamond geezer" stands revealed as a real diamond after all.

Illustrated with many photographs from private collections.

"Very thoroughly researched... indispensible." Time Out

"Grips right from the start." The Times

"A perfect tribute and an essential read for fans." Classic Rock