Wilko Johnson news turns a day upside down
Hello everyone and welcome back to the blog, hope this finds you in good form. I was having a really good day earlier on, I got a fair amount of work done and went cycling in perfect weather – it seemed good and fine. I then got home and read the very sad news about the health of former Dr. Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson.
If you haven’t read the story it’s been reported via his Facebook page and official site that the brilliant guitarist has terminal cancer of the pancreas. The official statement from his manager reads in part as follows:
“…currently in good spirits, is not yet suffering any physical effects and can expect to enjoy at least another few months of reasonable health and activity.”
I must confess I was far too young to have seen Dr. Feelgood live and never took the opportunity to see Wilko Johnson perform during my years in the UK. However the impact he had on the burgeoning punk scene in London cannot be underestimated, his unique choppy guitar style spawned dozens of imitators and those inspired. I also know that as a man both within the industry and from fans Wilko is held in great reverence by so many. It’s a sad day although those four words barely capture how many must be feeling.
Wilko has decided to not undergo chemotherapy treatment so that he can fulfill his commitment to a tour of France, complete a new CD and plan a farewell tour of the UK. I encourage or perhaps even insist that those of you who are in a position to see him during that tour do everything possible to do so.
You can read far more information in this article in the Guardian today, or also on the Louder Than War website.
I know many of you have had closer ties over the years to Wilko than myself and I hope you will join me in supporting him however you are able.
Last year, I lost an uncle to pancreatic cancer. My thoughts are with Wilko and everyone else.
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sad news indeed, hope he beats it, thoughts go out to him and all his loved ones
yeah, a huge dislike… brilliant guy
watch this :BBC Four – Oil City Confidential: Dr Feelgood
http://www.bbc.co.uk
Director Julien Temple celebrates the early Seventies Essex rhythm and blues band..
watch this :BBC Four – Oil City Confidential: Dr Feelgood
http://www.bbc.co.uk
Director Julien Temple celebrates the early Seventies Essex rhythm and blues band..
love this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMlhWvIh7U4
love this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMlhWvIh7U4
Thoughts are with him, sad news.
unique playing style and funny guy to boot. No chemo for Wilko , brave man
Indeed but wonders can be achieved with a positive attitude and not lying down to it,best of luck Wilco
Sad news indeed, but looks like he's going out doing what he loves (and what we love). I wasn't too young to see him live (with Dr. Feelgood and Solid Senders) and he was not only a great guitarist, but a great stage presence too. May he be at Peace.
I did a two-month tour with Ian Dury & The Blockheads in Nov/Dec '80. Wilco was playing with them back then. Throughout the tour he was a complete gentleman and great fun to be around. Not one temper-tantrum the whole time and a top man all-round. My heart goes out to him and his family and close friends. The Baker.
dislike
sad news indeed, hope he beats it, thoughts go out to him and all his loved ones
sad news indeed, hope he beats it, thoughts go out to him and all his loved ones
yeah, a huge dislike… brilliant guy
yeah, a huge dislike… brilliant guy
Thoughts are with him, sad news.
Thoughts are with him, sad news.
Tragic news. The blokes a Genius
When I first saw him in a BBC documentary, I said so THAT'S where all this stuff came from! His stage presence makes Pete Townsend look like a pussycat!