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Wilko Johnson Died: Dr Feelgood Guitarist & Punk Forebear Dies Aged 75
Wilko Johnson Died: Wilko Johnson, the musician, has passed away at 75. A statement was made on social media.
The guitarist and songwriter was part of Dr Feelgood’s 1970s rock band. He later joined Ian Dury and The Blockheads in 1980 and had a successful career as a solo artist with The Wilko Johnson band.
Following his diagnosis with terminal cancer in 2013, he worked with Roger Daltrey of The Who to create Going Back Home. It reached number three on the UK charts in 2013.
He said that he believed it would be the “last” thing he did.
Game Of Thrones fans may also recognize him as Ser Ilyn Payne, the mute Lannister executioner in the hit series.
How did Wilko Johnson Die?
He was buried at his home on Monday.
On social media, a statement was shared that stated: “This is an announcement we didn’t want to make. And we do so on behalf Wilko’s family, and the band, but with a heavy heart: Wilko has died. He died at home on Monday, 21 November 2022.
“Thanks for being respectful of Wilko’s family’s privacy during this very sad time. And thank you to all who have been such an incredible support throughout Wilko’s extraordinary life. RIP Wilko Johnson.”
This is the announcement we never wanted to make, & we do so with a very heavy heart: Wilko Johnson has died. He passed away at home on Monday 21st November. Thank you for respecting the family's privacy at this very sad time. RIP Wilko Johnson.
(Image: Leif Laaksonen) pic.twitter.com/1cRqyi9b9X— Wilko Johnson (@wilkojohnson) November 23, 2022
Johnson was previously diagnosed with pancreatic carcinoma. However, Johnson stated in a 2019 interview with The Northern Echo that Johnson is now in good health. Johnson said that besides the fact that he has a missing pancreas, he feels very healthy.
He had recorded an interview for the Blues In the Night podcast, which was released just days prior to his death. The podcast was still playing live until October.
Born in Canvey Island, Essex, in 1947, the musician graduated at Newcastle University and then traveled around India before returning to Essex to teach English. He formed Dr Feelgood, the pub-rock pioneers and a major influence on punk, not long afterwards.
After being diagnosed with cancer in 2012, he published his autobiography Looking Back at Me in 2012. In 2016, he released Don’t You Let Me Here in another memoir. He also wrote about how he “accepted his imminent death” through touring.
Tribute To Wilko Johnson
Wilko Johnson Died: Musicians pay tribute to ‘a presence we’d never seen before’
After Johnson’s death was announced, Billy Bragg, a musician, described him as “a precursor to punk” and stated: “His guitar playing and his presence – twitchy and confrontational, out-of-control – was something that we’d never seen before in UK pop.” His edgy demeanour taught Weller, Strummer, and Rotten a lot. It’s a great way to go, RIP.”
Alex Kapranos (lead singer of Franz Ferdinand) was also among those who paid tribute. He said: “Very saddened to hear Wilko has died. His distinctive, wired playing and stage presence inspired many guitarists, including myself.
Blur’s Graham Coxon referred to him as “one my all-time tele heroes”, while Tim Burgess of The Charlatans simply wrote: “Godspeed Wilko.”
Bob Harris, a broadcaster, shared a photo of them together and said that he was sad to hear about the death of Wilko Johnson. Dr Feelgood and I saw them at the Hope & Anchor in 1974. They did their first radio session on my @BBCR1 show a few weeks later.
“Wilko was truly unique. His energy and spirit were extraordinary.”
Throwback Wednesday: For obvious sad reasons, a day early this week. Following today’s awful news of the passing of the legendary RnB guitar hero Wilko Johnson, here he is with his old friend & flatmate JJ a few years ago. Fly straight Wilko, fond adieu RIP x pic.twitter.com/bKmbxNhmuM
— The Stranglers (Official) (@StranglersSite) November 23, 2022
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