Wilko Johnson

Posted by: Arfur Oddsocks on 09 January 2013

I'm shocked at this news:-

C&P

WILKO JOHNSON – IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

I am very sad to announce that Wilko has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas. He has chosen not to receive any chemotherapy.

He is 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.

He has just set off on a trip to Japan; on his return we plan to complete a new CD, make a short tour of France, then give a series of farewell gigs in the UK. There is also a live DVD in the pipeline, filmed on the last UK tour.

Wilko wishes to offer his sincere thanks for all the support he has had over his long career, from those who have worked with him to, above all, those devoted fans and admirers who have attended
his live gigs, bought his recordings and generally made his life such an extraordinarily full and eventful experience.

Thank you.

Robert Hoy
(Manager)

Saw his band several times in recent years including a wonderful gig last easter, tremendous R and B man, and great guitar player.

Dreadful news.

Posted on: 09 January 2013 by GraemeH

Very sad news. A pioneer. G

Posted on: 09 January 2013 by warwick

Sad news. Wish I'd gone to see Dr Feelgood last year when they played at a pub 5 minutes walk from my house.

Posted on: 15 January 2013 by osprey

Sad news indeed. I unfortunately never did see Dr Feelgood at their prime with Wilko (managed to catch only some of the later incarnations). I do have several records on which he plays though - one of my all time favourite guitarist no doubt.

Below a short clip where he talk about his early days and sharing the experience of the purchase of his first Telecaster.

Posted on: 24 January 2013 by Kevin-W

Wilko is being interviewed on "Front Row" on BBC Radio 4 tonight.

Posted on: 25 January 2013 by chimp

I only managed to see Wilko once supporting the Stranglers. I have seen the Stranglers many times over the years so I know what to expect but Wilko absolutely brought the house down, I was totally blown away.

I have always been a fan, I loved him in Dr Feelgood but sadly never saw them play, he is just such an exciting performer, I hope I will be able to see him on this tour.

Such sad news.

Posted on: 25 January 2013 by GraemeH

Great piece on the 'Today Programme' R4 this morning which should be on iplayer. Talking with great humility and humour about his diagnosis.....'Singing 'My Way' for the next five years'....v funny! G

Posted on: 25 January 2013 by Jolyon

I heard that piece on R4 this morning.

It was a snippet of a longer interview which will be aired on front Row as per Kevin-W's post above.

Tune in to R4 at 7.15 pm.tonight

He sounds like a great guy and seems at ease with his short life expectancy.

Such a shame about his diagnosis - but lets enjoy him while we can.

Posted on: 25 January 2013 by George Fredrik

I heard the portion in "Today" this morning before work, and listened to the whole interview in "Front Row" after the "Archers" at 19:15 hours, GMT. [Radio Four, BBC].

I remember Dr Feelgood from my childhood days. I don't remember them being as enjoyable as these review extracts actually are!

This is bound to available on the BBC iPlayer for the next week, and even though it is a long way outside my main listening, it proved far more than just interesting. And Wilko has a very well thought through approach to life and death in my view as well as a refreshing view of music making being organic and ensemble based, rather than separated and individual. For him ensemble music making is a matter of playing off each other, and the inevitable power and swing that comes from that, rather than the synthetic, and essentially boring way of separation that is the bane of modern pop music, and even the music recordings of such as - for me horrendous - Miles Davis for another example. Perhaps it might seem strange for a lover of the music of JS Bach, Haydn and Beethoven to elevate Wilko above Miles Davis, but I do and by a huge margin. It is interesting, involving and infectious.

ATB from George

Posted on: 27 January 2013 by mrclick

I saw Wilko with his trio many, many times in the 80s and early 90s. It certainly isn't cerebral music but he is such an uplifting and humorous performer.

You could argue he only does one thing with the guitar. But he does it better than anyone (even Mick Green I reckon), and its infectious and mesmerising.

If you can get along on this last tour, do. It will be a fun evening.

And if you want to hear more from him in interview, get a DVD called Oil City Confidential. A documentary on Dr Feelgood by Julian Temple, and a fascinating insight, and real glimpse of Wilko the man too.

With some great clips to remind us how top that band was in their heyday.

Posted on: 28 January 2013 by J.N.

Yes; sad news indeed. Wilko comes across as a delightfully unpretentious and lovely ordinary bloke. His playing style is ostensibly simple, but it thoroughly engages me, whereas some very technically proficient players do not.

His wild-eyed manic stage strut is a visual delight too.

Ain't music a strange cove?

John.

Posted on: 28 January 2013 by james n

Originally Posted by GraemeH:

Caught up with the interview over the weekend. Well worth a listen whether you are a fan or not.

Posted on: 01 May 2014 by Arfur Oddsocks

Looks like Wilko's decided to fight on:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-27225857

Posted on: 01 May 2014 by Steve J

That's great news for him. I wish him a speedy recovery from the major surgery he's just undergone.

Lucky man. He'll sure appreciate life after this experience.

Posted on: 01 May 2014 by FangfossFlyer

Yes, a speedy recovery and all the best to someone who has been an inspiration under such circumstances.

Richard

Posted on: 02 May 2014 by BigH47