Photo by Leif Laaksonen
Wilko Johnson, better known as Dr Feelgood’s guitarist, has died aged 75. The cause of death has not yet been given.
A post on Johnson’s social media accounts confirmed the news, saying: “This is the announcement we never intended to make, and we do it with very heavy hearts: Wilko Johnson has passed away. He is Passed away at home on Monday November 21. Thank you for respecting the privacy of the family at this very sad time. RIP Wilko Johnson.”
Widely acclaimed as one of the most innovative and distinctive guitarists of his generation. He and Dr Feelgood are often cited as one of the main influences on the British punk movement of the late 1970s.
Born in Canvey Island, Essex, Johnson formed Dr. Feelgood in 1971 alongside vocalist Lee Brilleaux and bassist John B. ‘Sparko’ Sparks. Drummer John ‘The Big Figure’ Martin joined soon after.
Becoming one of the most popular bands on the London pub rock circuit, Johnson recorded three studio albums with the band, as well as the chart-topping 1976 live album. Stupidity.
Johnson then formed the Wilko Johnson Band and also joined Ian Dury’s band The Blockheads. He also made his acting debut in 2011, appearing as Ser Ilyn Payne in game of thrones.
In January 2013, he was diagnosed with advanced stage pancreatic cancer. At that time he said First rank that he had nine or ten months left to live. Describing the diagnosis as making him feel “vividly alive”, he embarked on a farewell tour and recorded an album with Roger Daltrey titled Go home which came out the following year.
In 2014, while receiving the ‘Icon Award’ at the Q Awards, he revealed that after an eleven hour operation he was now cancer free.
This is a developing story and will be updated shortly