Tonefiend Forum

I'm sorry to say that I just found out that Dr. Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Wilko's unique playing style (frailing right hand, choppy bass figures with stabbing treble accents) left a big impression on players such as Joe Strummer (the Clash) and Andy Gill (Gang of Four) and many others. Wilko's legendary stage presence also contibuted to him becoming a UK punk icon.
Wilko has decided to eschew chemotherapy and he has plans to play out the last of his days; tours of France and England are planned, as well as the release of a video of a recent tour.
Fans of Wilko, or those just interested in this under-appreciated player (particularly on this side of the pond) should make sure to check out Julian Temple's fine documentary on Dr. Feelgood entitled "Oil City Confidential". Wilko is central to the film, leading the film crew around Canvey Island, the industrially blighted beach playground of London's east-enders. There is much excellent live footage of the legendary pub-rockers/r'n'bers which should be essential viewing for anyone interested in rock'n'roll.
All the best Wilko! My thoughts will be with you. And I hope I have a chance to see you live before we lose you. God bless.

https://www.gigwise.com/news/79099/Wilko-Johnson-says-terminal-cancer-diagnosis-made-him-feel-alive

Dr Feelgood guitarist and Game Of Thrones actor Wilko Johnson has spoken openly of his cancer diagnosis for the first time.

In an interview with Radio 4's The Today Programme today (25 January, 2013) the guitarist revealed that his illness has allowed him to reassess life and gave him a sense of 'elation' after being given nine to ten months to live.

"We walked out of [the clinic] and I felt an elation of spirit," Johnson told Radio 4. You're walking along and suddenly you're vividly alive. You're looking at the trees and the sky and everything and it's just 'whoah'.

"We can't always be threatened with imminent death, but sometimes it takes that to knock some sense into our heads. Right now, it's just fantastic. It makes you feel alive."

"Worrying about the future or regretting the past is just a foolish waste of time."

Johnson also revealed that after years of suffering with depression, he now felt 'absolutely fine'.

hear it here...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21191936

sad to hear...