For ‘Dicko’ its all about the name

The US reviews for Next Great American Band have been mixed since its premiere last Friday. Most of the comments about Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson kept returning to his name….

“If there’s a bigger indignity than being judged by a grown man named “Dicko,” by the way, it’s hard to think of off hand,” said Variety. It added, “Ian “Dicko” Dickson (a transplant from Australian Idol) doing his best impersonation of Simon by snarling at the performers and occasionally articulating an interesting thought.”

Some of the other comments on his role focussed on Dicko’s music background.

“The main thing Ian Dickson brings that’s unique from other judges is the reminder that the winner has to be a recording artist, not just a bar band.” – MSNBC

“Here they are Goo Goo Doll John Rzeznik; percussionist and erstwhile Prince protégée Sheila E; and Briton Ian “Dicko” Dickson, who was in press and promotions at a number of labels and can drop names like the Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine and Oasis for cred-by-association. (He is more lately famous from “Australian Idol,” where he is reportedly known as “the bawdy judge.”)” – LA Times

But some reviewers found the show more interesting than Idol itself, giving Dicko an upbeat review.

“The show has a mean judge, a nurturing judge and an in-between judge. The mean judge, Ian “Dicko” Dickson, plays a similar role on the Australian version of Idol. He told one group it was “as classy as a rat with a gold tooth.” He called another band “middle-aged, loser time-wasters playing dress-up.” At least you can see how he acquired his nickname.” – Hollywood Reporter