Blockheads Mark `Rhythm Stick` With New Album

The Blockheads have already recorded tracks for the film soundtrack.

The Blockheads, who alongside late singer Ian Dury fused 1970s punk, funk and disco, release a new album in April to coincide with the 30th anniversary of their single: "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick."

The release of "Staring Down The Barrel" through EMI Records on April 6 will coincide with a tour of Britain, France and Monaco.

It will be the second studio album released by the group since Dury died from cancer in 2000.

"Rhythm Stick" reached No.1 in the UK singles chart in 1979, selling over 1 million copies.

The band confirmed on their website on Tuesday that a biopic about Dury entitled "Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll," due for release in 2010, will cast "Lord of the Rings" star Andy Serkis in a leading role.

The Blockheads have already recorded tracks for the film soundtrack.

Incapacitated by polio, Dury fought hard against his illness, turning to drawing, painting and the wild rock sounds of Gene Vincent And The Bluecaps.

Jeff Merrifield's acclaimed play about his life closes after a run in London's West End this week.

The band's current line-up includes four of the original members: Chaz Jankel on piano and guitar; Mick Gallagher on keyboards; Norman Watt-Roy on bass and John Turnbull on guitar.

They are joined by Dylan Howe on drums and Gilad Atzmon on saxophone.

Jankel -- behind the music for the hit singles "Sex and Drugs," and "Rhythm Stick" -- wrote the music for the new album.

The lyrics are by new vocalist Derek Hussey -- Dury's personal minder from 1990 to 2000.