Williams leads Dury tribute

Ian Dury died of cancer in March

Robbie Williams led a rousing chorus of Ian Dury's classic Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll to round off an emotional tribute to the late pop legend.

London's Brixton Academy hosted Friday night's sell-out charity concert to Dury, who died of cancer in March, aged 57.

Robbie Williams has taken over Dury's role for Unicef

Williams took the stage to perform two of Dury's hits, starting with Sweet Jean Vincent, following it with a chant of "Ian Ian", before launching into his rendition of Sex And Drugs And Rock 'n Roll.

He was accompanied by 80s pop band Madness, comedians Mark Lamarr and Phill Jupitus, and fellow singers including Tom Robinson and Kirsty MacColl.

In his last years Dury had devoted his time to working for Cancer Bacup - the beneficiary of the concert - while continuing as an ambassador for children's charity Unicef.

Williams has now taken over his role for Unicef.

Earlier in the show a string of acts performed covers of some of Dury's most enduring songs with his former band, The Blockheads.

Madness members Chaz Smash and Suggs sang What A Waste and My Old Man respectively, while former Clash front man Mick Jones gave his rendition of I'm Partial To Your Abracadabra.

Punk tribute

Actress Kathy Burke sang Billericay Dickie, while Saffron from Republica performed Mash It Up Harry.

Dury had been working for a cancer charity

Lamarr, who at one point launched himself into the crowd, sang the band's anthem Blockheads, while his colleague from TV's Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Jupitus, performed Reasons To Be Cheerful (Part 3).

In the first half of the concert, the audience was given a taste of nostalgia by acts including Robinson, Jones, ex Sex Pistol Glen Matlock and Madness.

Punk survivor Reckless Eric opened his performance with a brief tribute to Dury, saying: "Last time I saw Ian he wasn't being nostalgic, he was still looking forward to a healthy life.

"Unfortunately, he only lived for another few days."

The first half also included a well-received performance by duo Chaz 'n' Dave.