Wilko Johnson, whose machine-gun guitar style and manic stage presence was a major influence on punk, has died. The musician found fame with the 1970s pub-rock band Dr Feelgood, and later played with Ian Dury before embarking on a four-decade solo career. He also starred in two series of Game Of Thrones as the mute executioner Ser Ilyn Payne. Ten years ago he survived what was initially diagnosed as a terminal case of pancreatic cancer. The musician refused chemotherapy to embark on a farewell tour. "The decision was quite easy - chemotherapy could do no more than extend my life for a relatively short period and I thought I'd just rather enjoy the health that was left to me," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. However, later tests discovered that the guitarist's pancreatic cancer was in fact a rare and less aggressive neuroendocrine tumour. He underwent a radical, 11-hour operation that removed his pancreas, spleen and parts of his stomach and intestines, and was declared cancer-free in 2014. The musician continued to play live until last month, hosting his final gig at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire on 18 October. Johnson's death was confirmed to the BBC by his representatives. In a statement posted on social media, they added: "This is the announcement we never wanted to make, and we do so, on behalf of Wilko's family and the band, with a very heavy heart. "Wilko Johnson has died. He passed away at home on Monday evening, 21 November 2022. "Thank you for respecting Wilko's family's privacy at this very sad time, and thank you all for having been such a tremendous support throughout Wilko's incredible life."
I remember going to see Dr Feelgood at Hull City Hall many years ago now when they used to have seating on the main floor....after a couple of numbers with the crowd being repeatedly told to sit down...Lee and Wilko came to the front of the stage...and said...there are four security men and a few more of you...just get up and dance....enough said!
Saw Wilco Johnson at the short lived Dingwalls in Hull in the early eighties. Absolutely unique guitar style and a massive part of Dr Feelgood, the greatest band of the pub rock scene. In this video he demonstrates his style and makes it look so easy. RIP Wilco. Godspeed or at least, Speed.
She Does It Right is classic Wilko, he didn't actually play on Milk and Alcohol, it was recorded a couple of years after he left.
Attended a guitar seminar held by Wilko in Salisbury in 1979 or there abouts, absolutely amazing guitarist, and nice guy. His technique looked deceptively simple, until you tried to do it. RIP Wilko
Gutted - saw him play a few times with both Feelgood & his own, self named, band; always entertaining and always great value for money. RIP Wilko ...
My favourite Wilko song. Originally written for Dr Feelgood's 4th album Sneaking Suspicion and subsequently played by Wilko's Solid Senders.
Former Everton, Liverpool and England striker David Johnson, 71. Proper moustache. RIP Edit - missed the earlier post.
I just looked at a few images and yeah he did! I would have had him down as a Patrick man all day long.
Wilko Johnson. RIP A good old mate of mine, put me onto Dr. Feelgood. Tremendous band. As one of the Old Grey Whistle Test presenters once said. "Wilko, Lee et al, are like a group of ex-Army mates who formed a band."
i saw the feelgoods about five times, but wilko had left already. i got his solid senders album in 81 or 82. i was thinking the other night that i never went in for the "guitar hero" thing and was trying to think who it might have been if i had. i saw the pirates play the university in the late 70s and mick green was the only candidate i could think of, apart from a few that also sang (dave edmunds, george harrison...). watching a few youtube videos it was clear that he'd been an influence on wilko (wilko played at a mick green memorial event). i noted that the few guitarists i could think of all played for mccartney. saw various other groups that played in the r'n'b genre around the early 80s, including nine below zero.
