Ian Drury, Spasticus Autisticus | Controversial Songs

In the 4th edition of Controversial Songs (2024), we explore the controversy behind the “Spasticus Autisticus” by Ian Drury.

Bring on the controversy! Controversial Songs is a column that provides background information and insight into songs that raised eyebrows, stirred the pot, or were banned. The more censorship censor$hit, the better! The records that grace Controversial Songs are old and new alike, with all genres of music welcome.  In the 4^th edition of Controversial Songs (2024), we explore the controversy behind the “Spasticus Autisticus” by Ian Drury.

“I’m spasticus, I’m spasticus / I’m spasticus austicus.” It doesn’t take long to realize that “Spasticus Autisticus” by the late English singer/songwriter Ian Drury is controversial.  The title is the first indication that this song is unapologetic.  Spasticus is a form of spaz, which is considered an ableist, offensive term.  Why would Drury perform and pen such a song? He had a disability himself, contracting polio when he was seven, which affected his legs and left arm. According to UK Disability History Month, 1981’s “Spasticus Autisticus” was a protest song “written to show his disdain for that year’s International Year of the Disabled.” Beginning December 3, 1992, International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed. Drury wasn’t a fan of the International Year of the Disabled, hence why “Spasticus Autisticus” was penned.  Chaz Jankel co-wrote the polarizing single from Drury’s 1981 album, Lord Upminster.  Lord Upminster, notably, is ‘hard to come by,’ and unavailable digitally.

“I wibble when I piddle / Cos my middle is a riddle.” Oh, boy… Ian Drury 😬. The lyrics are ‘memorable’ from start to finish.  “Hello to you out there in Normal Land / You may not comprehend my tale or understand,” Drury asserts, addressing the nondisabled.  He adds, “You can read my body, but you’ll never read my books.” Thought-provoking, honestly.  Truthfully, when we see someone ‘different,’ we don’t properly address or treat them ‘normally.’ We might stare, or intentionally or unintentionally say something that belittles or diminishes their worth.  He had a point… More controversial are the lyrics, “So, place your hard-earned peanuts in my tin / And thank the Creator you’re not in the state I’m in.” Ooh-wee! How controversial those lyrics ‘truly’ are depends on how you read them.  Is it unhealthy self-deprecation from Drury’s perspective or pure satire? Is a disabled person miserable? Food for thought.  “Spasticus Autisticus” was censored – it was, unsurprisingly, denied airplay by the BBC.  But, the question is, is the provocative “Spasticus Autisticus”  a prime example of a misunderstood song that deserves more credit? Perhaps.  A live version of this infamous song, from Ian Drury & The Blockheads, is available on the 2020 greatest hits compilation, Hit Me! The Best of Ian Drury.

Ian Drury // Hit Me! The Best of Ian Drury // BMG Rights Management (UK) Ltd. // 2020

Ian Drury, Spasticus Autisticus: Controversial Songs No. 4 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; BMG Rights Management (UK) Ltd.; Tazz Vaughn via Pexels; Elena Arboleda Salas, nikolaytaman90, Tumisu from Pixabay; christian buehner on Unsplash]