"I think at last there's an equality of aim going around. Art can be exciting 'cos it's real. Again. Maybe it's never been that before...I think now is the age that needs art. Now is the first time that art has ever been necessary...because the only way to break out is to break out with pride...and break out and feel that you're on a journey of some sort. And rock'n'roll is a massive part of that...it's easy and that makes it good, and it's attractive... But yeah there are new currencies and there are so many secret societies in this world brought about through reasons of potential and through reasons of excitement too. If there is to be a shared knowledge then it's gonna happen anyway, there is no need for a messiah. And to be a rock'n'roller is to become immediately aware of the possibilities that someone...wants to climb through your window. Nothing more. Either with a kiss or with a shooter...or with a message from somebody or whatever... and er I don't want...I'd rather be nervous in that respect...I just want to be an entertainer."

- Ian Dury, three spliffs to the wind, Ludwigshafen. West Germany, June 1979 

(interviewed by Paul Morley for the New Musical  Express)